What is the maximum weight capacity of the K&M 18990?

The stand is rated to support a maximum weight of 50kg. This makes it suitable for most modern synthesizers, digital pianos, and music workstations.

Is the K&M 18990 easy to transport?

Yes, the frame is designed to flat-pack into a compact shape. This makes it ideal for musicians who need to move their gear between venues frequently.

What material is used in the construction of this stand?

The K&M 18990 is constructed from steel. This ensures durability and long-term stability under professional use.

How does the double X-frame benefit the user?

The double X-frame design provides significantly more stability than a single-braced stand. It reduces wobble and flex, which is essential for heavy keyboards or aggressive playing styles.

Can the height and width of the stand be adjusted?

Yes, the stand can be adjusted to various widths and heights. This flexibility allows it to accommodate keyboards of different sizes while maintaining stability.

What prevents the keyboard from sliding off the stand?

The stand is equipped with rubber feet and rubber contact pads on the support arms. These provide friction to keep both the stand and the keyboard fixed in position.

In what colour is the K&M 18990 available?

This specific model, the 18990, is finished in a standard professional black. This allows it to blend in with most stage setups and other hardware.

Is this stand suitable for heavy workstations?

Yes, given its 50kg load capacity and double-braced steel frame, it is specifically designed to handle larger workstations and synthesisers.

Does the stand require complex assembly?

The K&M 18990 is designed for convenience and typically features a folding mechanism that allows for quick setup and teardown without the need for extensive assembly.

How does the 18990 compare to the Gibraltar GKS-KT75?

The K&M 18990 uses a traditional folding X-frame design for maximum portability and quick adjustment. The Gibraltar GKS-KT75 offers a different aesthetic and structural footprint, though both are aimed at supporting professional keyboards.

What is the typical price for this keyboard stand?

The typical price range for the K&M 18990 is approximately GBP 67. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

Who is the primary target audience for the K&M 18990?

It is primarily aimed at live musicians who require a balance of high stability for their keyboards and ease of portability for touring and gigging.

Gear article

K&M 18990 X-Frame Keyboard Stand

The K&M 18990 is a professional-grade, double-braced X-frame keyboard stand designed for stability and portability in live performance environments. Constructed from steel and finished in black, it supports a variety of instruments including workstations and synthesisers weighing up to 50kg.

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Design and Build

The K&M 18990 is engineered with a double X-frame architecture, providing enhanced structural integrity compared to single-braced alternatives. The use of high-grade steel ensures that the stand can withstand the rigours of frequent transport while maintaining a weight-bearing capacity of 50kg.

To ensure the instrument remains secure during play, the stand features rubber contact points on the upper arms and feet. These rubber elements serve a dual purpose: they protect the finish of the keyboard and prevent the stand from shifting on stage surfaces during 'enthusiastic' or high-energy performances.

Portability and Adjustment

A primary feature of the 18990 is its ability to flat-pack. The entire frame collapses into a slim, linear shape, making it highly portable for touring musicians and convenient for storage in tight spaces.

The adjustable mechanism allows the user to modify the width and height of the stand. By altering the angle of the X-frame, the stand can accommodate different keyboard lengths, ranging from compact synthesisers to full-sized workstations, without compromising its centre of gravity.

Performance Character

While keyboard stands do not produce sound, the 18990 is designed to facilitate a reliable playing experience. The stability provided by the double-braced legs reduces horizontal wobble, which is a common issue with lightweight stands. This rigid character allows players to focus on their technique, particularly when using weighted-action workstations that require a solid foundation.

Comparative Analysis

Within the K&M product range and the wider market, the 18990 sits as a mid-to-high tier utility stand. Compared to the Gibraltar Single Tier Keyboard Stand (GKS-KT75), the K&M 18990 focuses on the classic X-frame portability rather than a T-style or perimeter frame. While it is more robust than entry-level single-X stands, it remains lighter and more portable than heavy-duty Z-frames, striking a balance between strength and ease of transport.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum weight capacity of the K&M 18990?: The stand is rated to support a maximum weight of 50kg. This makes it suitable for most modern synthesizers, digital pianos, and music workstations.
Is the K&M 18990 easy to transport?: Yes, the frame is designed to flat-pack into a compact shape. This makes it ideal for musicians who need to move their gear between venues frequently.
What material is used in the construction of this stand?: The K&M 18990 is constructed from steel. This ensures durability and long-term stability under professional use.
How does the double X-frame benefit the user?: The double X-frame design provides significantly more stability than a single-braced stand. It reduces wobble and flex, which is essential for heavy keyboards or aggressive playing styles.
Can the height and width of the stand be adjusted?: Yes, the stand can be adjusted to various widths and heights. This flexibility allows it to accommodate keyboards of different sizes while maintaining stability.
What prevents the keyboard from sliding off the stand?: The stand is equipped with rubber feet and rubber contact pads on the support arms. These provide friction to keep both the stand and the keyboard fixed in position.
In what colour is the K&M 18990 available?: This specific model, the 18990, is finished in a standard professional black. This allows it to blend in with most stage setups and other hardware.
Is this stand suitable for heavy workstations?: Yes, given its 50kg load capacity and double-braced steel frame, it is specifically designed to handle larger workstations and synthesisers.
Does the stand require complex assembly?: The K&M 18990 is designed for convenience and typically features a folding mechanism that allows for quick setup and teardown without the need for extensive assembly.
How does the 18990 compare to the Gibraltar GKS-KT75?: The K&M 18990 uses a traditional folding X-frame design for maximum portability and quick adjustment. The Gibraltar GKS-KT75 offers a different aesthetic and structural footprint, though both are aimed at supporting professional keyboards.
What is the typical price for this keyboard stand?: The typical price range for the K&M 18990 is approximately GBP 67. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
Who is the primary target audience for the K&M 18990?: It is primarily aimed at live musicians who require a balance of high stability for their keyboards and ease of portability for touring and gigging.