My Versatile Extension Pole - With Pics

[tgakidis]

I have had this pole for awhile and used it with a super clamp for stage lip at the Stone Church in Newmarket, NH where there truly is a lip you can clamp.  The problem was that the super clamp is a scissor type clamp and the pole would always tilt forward a bit.  With theatre balcony season approaching I wanted to pick up a larger clamp to ensure I can clamp onto larger diameter balcony rails. After seeing Andyjah's quick release clamp, I knew that was the clamp I needed.  It also is a level/square clamp and won't tilt when clamped onto stage lip.  Playing around I realized that the pole would also fit onto my kick drum mic stand that has a 5/8" diameter pole.  The only problem with the pole itself is that the base/pole connection is two pieces and a little flaky.  I fixed this by sealing the seam with super glue and a couple layers of gaff tape.  This has ensured a strong & sturdy connection. I tested the pole & quick release clamp on a pole in my basement and it is solid and won't slip with the weight of my akg 414's.  I now have a versatile pole that can be used for on stage placement, stage lip placement, stage lip clamping, theater arm rest clamping & balcony rail clamping.

Matthews Extendable Baby Stand Extension
Length: 16" to 50"
Weight: 1.25lbs
Top Connection: 5/8" Stud (Male)
Bottom Connection: 5/8" Stud (Female)
Price: $28.50 / $5.95 shipping (B&H, the best price I could find on-line)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/33185-REG/Matthews_429499_Telescopic_Baby_Stand_Extension.html

I added a Rapid Adapter 5/8" stud to 3/8" thread & a 3/8" female thread to 5/8" male thread adapter to cover all the bases.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546490-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_014_38_014_38_Rapid_Adapter_.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/232829-REG/K_M_21700_000_01_21700N_Threaded_Adapter.html

[johnw]

Very nice! I've been looking for an alternative to the Bogen pole which is too long to get into carry-on bags.

[johnw]

Just wanted to post an update to this. The stand has worked well up until last night when the top collar cracked as I was tightening the screw. I was not overtightening or anything, just routine use. I contacted them and they are supposed to replace it under warranty, but I figured it might be worth mentioning. If I had to do it over again, I might go with an APIC custom of a similar size.

[flipp]

I have an APIC custom extension and use it with a Manfrotto quick release clamp. Unless I'm outside and using my regular mic stand, the APIC/QRC is almost the only thing I use. The great thing about getting an APIC custom is you can specify almost everything about it; top and bottom fittings, number of sections, extended length, closed length and probably several others I'm not aware of. The only two downsides to the APIC is the initial cost - about 2.5-3x the cost of the Mathews and the difficulty finding their webite - http://www.x-tendtechnologies.com .

[midside]

Flipp:
Can you tell us more about your custom stand?
- max height
- min height
- weight
- how many sections

I tried to order a custom stand from them about a year ago and everything started off just fine.  They were friendly and said they would get back to me with a quote for my request.  After a month or so I called back, someone said they would call me back.  Then, I tried again about a month later and only got a message, so I left a voice mail...my call was never returned.  At that point I called about every 2 weeks to 1 month for another half year...nothing ever happened.  I wasn't too happy...

[flipp]

Flipp:
Can you tell us more about your custom stand?
- max height
- min height
- weight
- how many sections

110", max I'm comfortable using - 100" as I like to keep a couple inches of each section in the lower section for a little more stability
22.5"
~ a pound, no scales but the extension weighs less than the Manfrotto QRC it stays attached to
6 sections - ~19" each
5/8-27 fittings on each end

I tried to order a custom stand from them about a year ago and everything started off just fine.  They were friendly and said they would get back to me with a quote for my request.  After a month or so I called back, someone said they would call me back.  Then, I tried again about a month later and only got a message, so I left a voice mail...my call was never returned.  At that point I called about every 2 weeks to 1 month for another half year...nothing ever happened.  I wasn't too happy...

Sorry to read their customer service has declined so much. While I didn't order this new*, I have gotten a few spare locking screws for it. Quick response when I called, less than a week to have them in my hand. I couldn't be happier with mine and have even clamped it to my outdoor stand a couple of times for additional height.  Sandbags or a well anchored stand a must when using both stand and extension.

* picked it up in the yard, it's the one just below the tape measure
@ http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,33200.msg423955.html#msg423955 -

[edtyre]

Nice pic Ted

I have the same exact setup. I started using this to clamp to armrests in theaters
where stands just get in the way. A bonus is it all fits in a small backpack.

[Neilyboy]

I just bought mine!! Thanks so much for the heads up it is exactly what I have been looking for!!

Neil

[dactylus]

**marking for reference**

[tgakidis]

Another good use for this set up when I needed to extend the mics infront of a soundboard that was centered on a balcony.

[Brian Emerick]

marked

[EarlyMorningRain]

The only two downsides to the APIC is the initial cost - about 2.5-3x the cost of the Mathews and the difficulty finding their webite - http://www.x-tendtechnologies.com .

more direct link for the APIC?

TIA

[flipp]

The only two downsides to the APIC is the initial cost - about 2.5-3x the cost of the Mathews and the difficulty finding their webite - http://www.x-tendtechnologies.com .

more direct link for the APIC?

TIA

for a website? no, at least I've never been able to find one; however if you want to look at non-custom extensions then click "shop online" and select the booms or go to http://estore.conceptheaven.com/clients/apic/estore/scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=28 once there click the individual pics for the specs but it looks like there are no lower fittings in any of the booms I checked

quicker, try calling them - (800) 600 1147

[mattmiller]

I think that extension pole and clamp will work nicely for some table clamping (I've recently discovered some prospective venues that aren't sure about me bringing a stand).  But will that clamp not in any way damage a table?  Has anybody ever had a venue prohibit this use because of potential dents/scratches/anything that might be left behind?

[flipp]

I've had a couple places express concern over indentations. The first place wound up letting me clamp to a table after I asked to use a couple of coasters to place between the tabletop and the clamp. The second place I was prepared for. I now keep a few small squares of bulk cork gasket material in my bag so I won't leave any indentations. The gasket material is available in several thicknesses at most auto parts stores. A 12"x30" roll should cost between $5 and $10 depending on thickness. Or grab a few coasters next time you're in your favorite bar and keep them in your bag. Alternatively check your favorite arts&crafts supply store for some self-adhesive felt (a little thin for my liking) or rubber backing material (a better choice) and attach that to your clamp. You can also get creative, while in a local hobby store looking for RC batteries for my FR2LE, I noticed some track liner for model railroads. It resembled the gasket material I have but was about 3/16" thick and thinking back it would make a great pad for the clamp jaws.