Hercules DS730B Auto Grip Alto/Tenor Sax Stand

I started using a tall stand for my alto sax when I was playing a lot of guitar. This allowed me to take a solo quickly without switching instruments. I originally started using the OnStage Stands version, as the Hercules version wasn't yet available. I used that stand very effectively for several years. More recently, I added tenor sax to my repertoire. As a fan and owner of other Hercules stands, I decided to give their tall sax stand a try.I was immediately pleased with this stand for several reasons. One, it is very sturdy and well-made. The OnStage Stand was, too, but the Hercules seems a cut above in quality. The hardware is all solidly constructed. The knobs work smoothly and easily. The mechanical gripper that holds the bell is surprisingly sturdy and works very well. I tested it and analyzed it closely to make sure it was safe for my very expensive instruments. I have come to really trust the mechanism, much more so than my previous OnStage Stand. I have had my alto sax fall off my old stand (not fun). I don't feel I have to worry about that with the Hercules at all. It really works.The only real weakness, for me, is that the angle of the instrument on the stand is less suitable for playing. The OnStage stand has a slight forward tilt to it, which makes it very good for leaning over to take a solo. The Hercules stand holds the sax upright. While this is actually not a bad thing, it takes a little getting used to. With the height set perfectly, it's playable. I recently did a concert with a very fast switch from tenor to alto sax. I wore the alto and did the tenor solo on the stand. It worked fine, but the angle didn't feel quite as natural.The only other thing I've noticed, is that although the sax is held very securely, the base has the potential to be slightly less stable since the sax sits slightly off-center. As long as you are careful to align one of the three legs on the side of the sax, it's stable. If you have the "open" side facing the sax, however, it wouldn't take much force to tip the stand over towards you. This is something to take into account if you don't have much floor space, or must set up near the dance floor (if you've worked in clubs, you know what I mean). This is probably more of an issue with a heavy tenor than with an alto. But either way, with proper care, it shouldn't be a problem.Because I like this stand so much, and I feel it's much more secure than my old OnStage stand, I will be purchasing a second Hercules for my alto. Even with the minor nitpicks, I think it's a better stand. The gripping mechanism is the major selling point for me. It makes switching instruments faster and less stressful. The whole stand also folds up very nicely, making it easier to transport. It works great for either tenor or alto, with just one easy adjustment. All in all, this is the best sax stand I've owned and I'm very happy with it.EDIT: I purchased a second Hercules stand for my alto. It is every bit as good as the first. I must retract my comment about the "tilt" issue. For an alto sax, the angle is just fine for playing with the instrument resting on the stand. I don't think the angle is significantly different from the OnStage version, I simply wasn't used to playing a tenor in that way. The alto is easier, but the tenor is perfectly workable. I've performed this way many times and have grown more accustomed to it.I will never go back to my old stands.

Lightweight, sturdy, great height.

The Hercules tall saxophone stand is made with good quality, it is very sturdy. It holds my tenor sax with no problem. I do suggest to adjust the stand so your sax sits over top of one of the bottom legs. It seems more stable since the stand gets top heavy when you hang a tenor sax on it. The self adjustable bell holder works great, no problems holding my Big Bell Cannon Ball tenor. I even practice my scales without taking it off the stand and, having to strap the horn on my neck. You can adjust the height to reach your mouthpiece. I got this stand because I have neck and back problems and was tired of bending way over to pick up my horn. Well worth the money! Hope this review helps you!

Easy to assemble and quality parts very sturdy and at a great price.

I use this to hold my C-melody sax and alto up at standing height so I can switch back and forth between guitar and sax without having to pick it up. It works great: extremely stable and adjustable. I actually keep my C-mel on this stand all the time so it's handy for practice. It's very gently on the finish, made with top quality materials. Clever machanism locks the bell in securely, yet readily releases it when you need to remove it.

Love love love love this stand-- it's an absolute game changer. I'm playing in a few shows where I switch from guitar to sax in the same song, so having a sax on a stand is the best. It is beyond sturdy, and built with precision and care, and breaks/folks down easily.In a perfect world, an adjustable front/back tilt would be a nice feature to add, but short of some kind of serious locking mechanism there's probably no way to do that safely, especially for tenors and baris. I personally am fine without it.

I have three ruptured discs in my spine from an auto accident a year ago. I haven't been able to play my saxophone due to the huge amount of pain I suffer when using the neck strap. It is a tenor sax so too heavy to hold without some form of additional support. This stand allows me to enjoy playing once more as it holds the weight of the instrument without interfering with my ability to perform. I wish I had found this item sooner. Just wonderful!

I have been a sax player for many years and have used many kinds of stands. This Hercules stand is my favorite. It works great with tenor or alto and it truly does enable me to easily play the horn while it is on the stand! This is a huge plus for me as a multi-instrumentalist. I am very pleased with my purchase.

This Sax stand is ideal for me... if you look at the pic you'll see the stand between myself and our Trombone player. It stands just above waist height and feels super sturdy.