What instruments is the K&M 17650 Carlos designed for?

The stand is designed to be universal for stringed instruments, specifically accommodating both acoustic and electric guitars.

What material is the 17650 Carlos made from?

It is made from a lightweight, high-quality plastic. This construction ensures it is easy to carry while remaining stable.

Does the stand protect the guitar's finish?

Yes, the stand features soft felt pads on the contact points. These pads prevent the instrument from coming into direct contact with the plastic frame, avoiding scratches.

Is the K&M Carlos portable?

Yes, it features a one-piece design that is easily folded. This makes it highly portable and simple to set up for travelling musicians.

How does the neck lock work?

The stand includes a functional neck lock at the top of the A-frame. This provides a secure hold, preventing the guitar from falling forward out of the stand.

How stable is the A-frame design?

The tall A-frame design is specifically engineered for ultimate stability. Its wide base and height ensure that guitars of various sizes are held securely.

Is there any assembly required?

No, the stand is a one-piece construction. It arrives ready to use and simply needs to be unfolded.

What colour is the K&M 17650 Carlos?

This specific model is finished in black. This gives it a professional appearance suitable for stage or studio use.

What is the typical price for this guitar stand?

The K&M 17650 Carlos typically retails for approximately £70. This reflects its premium construction and brand reputation.

Can it hold an electric guitar with a thin body?

Yes, the design is versatile enough to support the narrower bodies of electric guitars as effectively as thicker acoustic models.

Is this stand suitable for heavy touring?

The combination of lightweight plastic and a folding mechanism makes it ideal for musicians on the move. Its durability and secure neck lock are specifically mentioned as benefits for travel.

Who is the manufacturer of the Carlos stand?

The stand is manufactured by K&M (König & Meyer), a company well-known for high-quality music equipment stands and accessories.

Gear article

K&M 17650 Guitar Stand Carlos

The K&M 17650 Carlos is a specialised guitar stand designed for both acoustic and electric instruments, featuring a distinctively tall A-frame silhouette. Constructed from lightweight plastic, it combines high stability with a one-piece folding mechanism for portability.

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Overview and Construction

The K&M 17650, commonly referred to as the 'Carlos', is a premium instrument support solution from the German manufacturer König & Meyer. It is distinguished by its one-piece plastic construction, which departs from the traditional tubular steel designs common in the industry. This choice of material allows the stand to remain lightweight while maintaining the structural integrity required to support heavy instruments.

The stand employs a tall A-frame geometry. This elongated profile ensures that the centre of gravity for the instrument remains low and secure, reducing the risk of tipping. For protection, the contact points are lined with soft felt pads, ensuring that the guitar's finish is shielded from scratches or mechanical wear.

Functional Features

A primary feature of the 17650 Carlos is its functional neck lock. Unlike basic A-frame stands that only support the body of the guitar, the Carlos includes an integrated locking mechanism that secures the neck in place. This provides an additional layer of safety against accidental knocks.

For the travelling musician, the stand is designed to fold down into a compact form. Because it is a one-piece construction, there are no loose components or screws to lose during transit, making it a reliable choice for touring environments.

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Versatility and Use

The design of the 17650 is versatile enough to accommodate various body depths. It is equally suitable for:

Acoustic Guitars: Providing the necessary width for deep-bodied dreadnoughts or folk guitars.
Electric Guitars: Offering a secure rest for thinner solid-body instruments.

Its black finish and minimalist plastic aesthetic allow it to blend into professional stage environments or home studios without being visually intrusive.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other stands in the K&M catalogue, such as the 19797 Tablet PC Table Stand or the 214/6 Speaker Stand, the 17650 Carlos shares the same emphasis on stability and German engineering but focuses specifically on instrument ergonomics.

Unlike traditional metal stands like those from Hercules (e.g., the DS504B Piccolo Stand Peg) or Gibraltar's keyboard supports, the Carlos uses plastic to achieve a different weight-to-strength ratio. While professional mic stands like the Trojan Pro Telescopic Boom or Shure's SM58 stand packages are essential for vocalists, the Carlos is an essential secondary piece of infrastructure for the guitarist who requires quick access to their instrument during a performance.

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Frequently asked questions

What instruments is the K&M 17650 Carlos designed for?: The stand is designed to be universal for stringed instruments, specifically accommodating both acoustic and electric guitars.
What material is the 17650 Carlos made from?: It is made from a lightweight, high-quality plastic. This construction ensures it is easy to carry while remaining stable.
Does the stand protect the guitar's finish?: Yes, the stand features soft felt pads on the contact points. These pads prevent the instrument from coming into direct contact with the plastic frame, avoiding scratches.
Is the K&M Carlos portable?: Yes, it features a one-piece design that is easily folded. This makes it highly portable and simple to set up for travelling musicians.
How does the neck lock work?: The stand includes a functional neck lock at the top of the A-frame. This provides a secure hold, preventing the guitar from falling forward out of the stand.
How stable is the A-frame design?: The tall A-frame design is specifically engineered for ultimate stability. Its wide base and height ensure that guitars of various sizes are held securely.
Is there any assembly required?: No, the stand is a one-piece construction. It arrives ready to use and simply needs to be unfolded.
What colour is the K&M 17650 Carlos?: This specific model is finished in black. This gives it a professional appearance suitable for stage or studio use.
What is the typical price for this guitar stand?: The K&M 17650 Carlos typically retails for approximately £70. This reflects its premium construction and brand reputation.
Can it hold an electric guitar with a thin body?: Yes, the design is versatile enough to support the narrower bodies of electric guitars as effectively as thicker acoustic models.
Is this stand suitable for heavy touring?: The combination of lightweight plastic and a folding mechanism makes it ideal for musicians on the move. Its durability and secure neck lock are specifically mentioned as benefits for travel.
Who is the manufacturer of the Carlos stand?: The stand is manufactured by K&M (König & Meyer), a company well-known for high-quality music equipment stands and accessories.