Topic: UK source for mic stands?

[yousef]

I know there are a couple of other UK tapers here... I was wondering if anyone could recommend a mic stand for me that was easily available here in dear old Blighty?

I've seen quite a few lighting stands going relatively cheaply on Ebay but most of them don't seem to go much above 6' - and I'd been under the impression that going slightly higher than that was the way to go.

Anyway, any words of advice for this (thus far) confirmed stealth taper would be much appreciated.

[Humbug]

Can't find the exact model I have on ebay, but there are a few that'll do the job.

Go for air cushioned.

This one looks OK:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Pro-Line-Air-Cushioned-Light-Stand_W0QQitemZ260146054474QQihZ016QQcategoryZ3860QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

or this one:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Professional-Heavy-Duty-Studio-Light-Stand-3m-SM1_W0QQitemZ260145466711QQihZ016QQcategoryZ3860QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

You'll probably need some sort of adaptor from mic supply too (from the US).

Hope that helps?

[yousef]

Cheers!

I've bid on a couple of the Pro-line ones in the past but was scared to go the whole hog in case they turned out to be unsuitable. That black 3m one looks very tempting too.

Is the adaptor you mention the $17 3/8>5/8 one on: www.micsupply.com/standaccessories.htm ?

If so, it looks like a good price but it's annoying to have to deal with trans-Atlantic postage (and customs!) costs for such a cheap component...

Thanks again for the pointers.

[Humbug]

Cheers!

Is the adaptor you mention the $17 3/8>5/8 one on: www.micsupply.com/standaccessories.htm ?

Actually, I use the "3/8>5/8 adapter with stop", $10, but be careful the mic stand you buy has a 3/8" thread at the top, otherwise you'll need a "Stand fitting w/ 3/8>5/8 adapter" instead at $17.

That's if you want to fit a T-bar - I also bought a T-bar from them, which I've never used (so far) as I don't have a set of full size mics/mounts.

However, the adaptor is perfect for keeping a plastic ruler in place to clip the mini mics to.

In our favour is the weak dollar..plus it's (probably) too small a value to have customs slapped on it.

[yousef]

Actually, I use the "3/8>5/8 adapter with stop", $10, but be careful the mic stand you buy has a 3/8" thread at the top, otherwise you'll need a "Stand fitting w/ 3/8>5/8 adapter" instead at $17.

I can't seem to find that one... I can see the "3/8>5/8" at $5 and the "1/4-20 to 5/8 Adapter with stop" at $10 - is the second of these what I'm after?

Apologies for what must be very simple questions - I'm new to stands 

[DaveG73]

You might want to give Maplins a try for an adaptor. They have surprised me in the past with some of the stuff they have in stock.

http://www.maplin.co.uk

and +T for getting a question answered that I was just about to ask. 

Dave.

[yousef]

I never thought about Maplin, good idea.

I'll also brave my local PA/lighting place - cue much standing at the counter being ignored, deliberate misunderstanding of questions and (probably) walking out empty-handed. 

[Humbug]

I can't seem to find that one... I can see the "3/8>5/8" at $5 and the "1/4-20 to 5/8 Adapter with stop" at $10 - is the second of these what I'm after?

Apologies for what must be very simple questions - I'm new to stands 

No, it's not as simple as it looks, and I can't remember exactly what I ordered!.

My advice is to buy a mic stand you like, take delivery of it, then measure the thread at the top of the stand (or take a photo of it with a scale, and send to micsupply, which is what I did), or just simply go along to Maplin with the stand.

Depends which option you want to use:

T-bar for big mics (definitely recommend mic supply)

Something to hold a piece of scrap plastic / a ruler with hole drilled in it, for mini mics: Maplin or anyone with a nut with the correct thread.

Hope that helps, in the muddled mood that I'm in right now..

Humbug

[yousef]

Thanks again, Humbug.

I am intending to use a T-bar so I'll do as you suggest and measure up properly once I actually get a stand.

[John Willett]

I use the K&M Stands.

THIS links to the K&M tall stands page.

I use the 20811 with 21231 boom - this will go up to about 6-metres.

For transport I use a ski bag

These are very sturdy professional stands.

The alternative is the Manfrotto stands.  These can go up to about 5-metres (15') and are very light and pretty cheap.

I hope this helps.

[yousef]

My stand arrived today:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Professional-Heavy-Duty-Studio-Light-Stand-3m-SM1_W0QQitemZ260145466711QQihZ016QQcategoryZ3860QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

-that's the SM1 black 3m one from Ebay seller "smicktrading" when that link dies.

It's brilliant: sturdy, compact when folded up and somewhere up in the clouds when fully extended. Best of all, it came with interchangeable threads/spiggots, one of which mated with my t-bar threads exactly!

Thanks again for the pointers, Humbug. Now, if only I had a gig to go to...