Gear article

Hercules GS405B Shoksafe Guitar Stand

The Hercules GS405B is a professional-grade floor stand designed for electric and acoustic guitars, featuring specialized impact protection. It is distinguished by its Shoksafe tilting post and Secure Retention System, which provide enhanced stability against accidental knocks.

See live prices

Overview

The Hercules GS405B Shoksafe Guitar Stand is a specialized storage and stage solution for stringed instruments. It is designed to mitigate the risk of damage caused by physical impacts or unstable positioning. The stand utilizes a tripod-based architecture combined with proprietary shock-absorption technology to cater to both professional stage environments and home use.

Key Features and Mechanism

The stand incorporates several mechanical features to ensure instrument security:

  • Shoksafe Tilting Post: A shock-absorbing vertical post designed to flex under pressure, reducing the impact energy transferred to the guitar if the stand is bumped.
  • Secure Retention System: Located on the upper yoke, this system cradles the neck to prevent the instrument from sliding out forward.
  • Locking Bottom Yoke: The lower support arm locks into a fixed position, providing a stable foundation that resists folding or shifting during use.
  • Specially Formulated Foam (SFF): All contact points are covered in a non-marring rubber foam designed to protect the instrument's finish from scratches.

Design and Utility

The GS405B features a sleek, minimalist aesthetic typical of the Hercules brand. Its folding design allows for easier transport, while the weight distribution is optimized for both thin-bodied electric guitars and deep-bodied acoustic guitars. The combination of the locking yoke and the tilting post ensures that the center of gravity remains stable even when the stand is subjected to minor knocks.

Compatibility and Alternatives

While the GS405B is a robust choice for standard guitars, users requiring different specialized supports might consider other products in the Hercules range, such as the DS504B Piccolo Stand Peg. For non-guitar needs, brands like K&M offer various solutions like the 19797 Tablet Stand, while Gibraltar Hardware provides heavy-duty keyboard supports like the GKS-KT75. The GS405B sits in a mid-to-high price bracket, reflecting its specialized protective features compared to basic tubular stands.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the Shoksafe tilting post?
The Shoksafe tilting post is a shock-absorbing mechanism designed to absorb physical impacts. If the stand is accidentally knocked, the post flexes to prevent the force from being directly transferred to the guitar, reducing the risk of the instrument falling or being damaged.
How does the Secure Retention System work on the GS405B?
The Secure Retention System is located on the upper yoke of the stand. It acts as a safety barrier that holds the guitar neck in place, ensuring the instrument cannot easily slide forward or out of the stand if bumped.
Will the rubber foam on the stand damage my guitar's finish?
Hercules uses Specially Formulated Foam (SFF) at all contact points where the stand touches the instrument. This material is designed to be gentle on finishes and prevent scratches during placement or removal.
Is the bottom yoke of the GS405B adjustable?
The bottom yoke is a folding design that locks into position once deployed. This locking mechanism ensures that the base remains rigid and secure while supporting the weight of the guitar.
Can the Hercules GS405B be used for both acoustic and electric guitars?
Yes, the design of the yokes and the stability of the tilting post make it suitable for a wide variety of instrument depths, including both solid-body electric guitars and hollow-body acoustic guitars.
Is the GS405B stand portable for touring?
The stand features a folding design, including a folding bottom yoke, which makes it more compact for transport. While it is built for stability, these folding components allow it to fit into gear bags for travel.
What is the typical price for the Hercules GS405B?
The stand typically retails for approximately £43.00 in the UK market. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock availability.
Does the GS405B come with any accessories like cables or microphones?
No, the GS405B is a standalone guitar stand. Related items like the Shure SM58 microphone or various K&M stands are separate products and are not included with this model.
How does this stand compare to a standard tripod stand?
Unlike basic stands, the GS405B includes the Shoksafe shock absorption system and a locking bottom yoke. These features provide a higher level of protection against accidental knocks compared to non-locking, rigid stands.
Is assembly required for the Hercules GS405B?
The stand generally comes mostly assembled, requiring the user to unfold the legs and lock the yokes into their functional positions before placing an instrument on it.
Does the stand include the guitar shown in some marketing photos?
No, the guitar is not included with the purchase of the stand. The product listing is specifically for the Hercules GS405B hardware only.
What finish does the GS405B have?
The stand features a sleek and stylish design, typically finished in a professional black coating with the signature Hercules yellow accents on the adjustment points and yokes.