What is the Auto Grip System (AGS)?

The AGS is a weight-activated mechanism in the yoke of the stand. When you place your guitar in the yoke, the arms automatically rotate to close and secure the instrument.

Can the GS414BPLUS hold a banjo?

Yes, it is designed to hold banjos. It includes narrow instrument neck adjusters that allow it to grip necks as thin as 28mm.

Is the height of the stand adjustable?

Yes, it features a Height Adjustment Clutch. This system includes a locking pin to ensure the stand stays at the set height securely.

Does this stand work for mandolins?

Yes, the GS414BPLUS is compatible with mandolins. The included adapters accommodate the thinner necks typical of these instruments.

How does the GS414BPLUS differ from the standard GS414B?

The PLUS version features the upgraded AGS system and includes adapters for narrow-necked instruments. It also features the improved height adjustment clutch.

What is the minimum neck width supported?

The stand can accommodate instrument necks down to a width of 28mm (1.10 inches). This is achieved using the included neck adjusters.

Is the stand suitable for studio use?

Yes, its elegant design and secure locking mechanism make it ideal for both studio and stage environments. It provides a stable way to keep instruments accessible during recording sessions.

How many instruments can the GS414BPLUS hold?

The GS414BPLUS is a single guitar stand. It is designed to hold one instrument at a time.

Does the stand require assembly?

The stand generally comes mostly assembled. Users may need to insert the narrow neck adjusters if they are using the stand for smaller instruments like mandolins.

What is the typical price for this stand?

In the UK market, the Hercules GS414BPLUS typically retails for approximately £43.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

What prevents the stand from sliding down?

The stand utilizes a locking pin within the height adjustment clutch. This physical pin prevents the upper shaft from sliding under the weight of the instrument.

Is the yoke safe for guitar finishes?

Hercules stands are designed with specially formulated foam padding on all contact points. This is intended to protect the instrument's finish at the neck and body contact areas.

Gear article

Hercules GS414BPLUS Guitar Stand

The Hercules GS414BPLUS is a professional-grade single guitar stand featuring the proprietary Auto Grip System (AGS). Designed for use in both stage and studio environments, it accommodates a wide variety of stringed instruments, including those with narrow necks such as banjos and mandolins.

See live prices

Overview

The Hercules GS414BPLUS is a floor-standing instrument support designed to provide high levels of security and accessibility. It is distinguished by its 'hanging' design, where the instrument is suspended by its headstock rather than resting on a bottom cradle. This design is intended to provide a more stable centre of gravity and reduce the risk of the instrument being knocked over.

Key Features and Mechanisms

The stand incorporates two primary proprietary technologies:

Upgraded Auto Grip System (AGS): When the neck of the instrument is placed into the yoke, the weight of the guitar triggers two arms to rotate upwards, locking the instrument in place.
Height Adjustment Clutch: The stand uses a clutch mechanism equipped with a locking pin. This allow users to adjust the vertical height of the stand quickly while ensuring it remains fixed in the desired position without slipping.

Instrument Compatibility

A significant update in the 'PLUS' iteration of this stand is its versatility regarding neck widths. While standard guitar stands often struggle with smaller instruments, the GS414BPLUS includes Narrow Instrument Neck Adjusters (NINA). These allow the stand to securely hold instruments with necks as thin as 28mm (1.10"), making it suitable for:

Electric and Acoustic Guitars
Classical Guitars
Banjos
Mandolins
Ukuleles

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to traditional A-frame stands, the GS414BPLUS offers superior security through its locking yoke mechanism. While brands like K&M produce highly regarded stands such as the 19797 Tablet stand or various speaker supports, Hercules focuses heavily on the automated locking mechanism. For users with multiple instruments, Hercules also produces specialized units like the DS504B Piccolo Stand Peg, though the GS414BPLUS remains their flagship solution for standard necked instruments.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the Auto Grip System (AGS)?: The AGS is a weight-activated mechanism in the yoke of the stand. When you place your guitar in the yoke, the arms automatically rotate to close and secure the instrument.
Can the GS414BPLUS hold a banjo?: Yes, it is designed to hold banjos. It includes narrow instrument neck adjusters that allow it to grip necks as thin as 28mm.
Is the height of the stand adjustable?: Yes, it features a Height Adjustment Clutch. This system includes a locking pin to ensure the stand stays at the set height securely.
Does this stand work for mandolins?: Yes, the GS414BPLUS is compatible with mandolins. The included adapters accommodate the thinner necks typical of these instruments.
How does the GS414BPLUS differ from the standard GS414B?: The PLUS version features the upgraded AGS system and includes adapters for narrow-necked instruments. It also features the improved height adjustment clutch.
What is the minimum neck width supported?: The stand can accommodate instrument necks down to a width of 28mm (1.10 inches). This is achieved using the included neck adjusters.
Is the stand suitable for studio use?: Yes, its elegant design and secure locking mechanism make it ideal for both studio and stage environments. It provides a stable way to keep instruments accessible during recording sessions.
How many instruments can the GS414BPLUS hold?: The GS414BPLUS is a single guitar stand. It is designed to hold one instrument at a time.
Does the stand require assembly?: The stand generally comes mostly assembled. Users may need to insert the narrow neck adjusters if they are using the stand for smaller instruments like mandolins.
What is the typical price for this stand?: In the UK market, the Hercules GS414BPLUS typically retails for approximately £43.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
What prevents the stand from sliding down?: The stand utilizes a locking pin within the height adjustment clutch. This physical pin prevents the upper shaft from sliding under the weight of the instrument.
Is the yoke safe for guitar finishes?: Hercules stands are designed with specially formulated foam padding on all contact points. This is intended to protect the instrument's finish at the neck and body contact areas.