What is the minimum height of the Manhasset 50CA?

The minimum height from the lip of the desk to the floor is 406 mm. This makes it significantly lower than standard orchestral stands.

What is the maximum height the stand can reach?

The maximum height from the floor to the edge of the desk is 711 mm, with a maximum overall height of 1029 mm. This range is specifically designed for seated musicians.

How much weight can the desk support?

The solid aluminium desk is designed to support up to 4kg of weight. This is sufficient for heavy anthologies, thick music books, and various accessories.

Does this stand require knobs to adjust the height?

No, the stand uses Manhasset's knob-free shaft clutch system. You can simply pull the desk up or push it down to change the height.

What is the purpose of the extra desk lip?

The additional lip provides a storage area for small essentials. Musicians use it to keep items like pencils, rosin, valve oil, and reeds within easy reach.

What materials are used in the construction of the 50CA?

The stand features a solid aluminium desk for lightness and durability, paired with a heavy-gauge welded steel base for stability. This combination ensures it remains steady during use.

Is the base of the stand stable?

Yes, the stand uses a heavy-gauge welded steel base. It is designed to provide a low centre of gravity to keep the stand steady even when loaded with 4kg of music.

How do you adjust the tilt of the desk?

The tilt adjustment is controlled by friction. You can adjust the angle of the desk by simply tilting it to your preferred position without loosening any screws.

Where is this stand typically used?

It is commonly used in orchestra pits, school music rooms, and private practice studios. It is ideal for any setting where a standard stand would be too tall for a seated player.

Can this stand be used for standing performances?

Generally, no, as its maximum height of 711 mm (to the lip) is designed for seated players. A standard-height stand would be better suited for standing musicians.

Is the desk solid or vented?

The 50CA features a solid aluminium desk. This provides a flat, continuous surface for writing and prevents smaller items or thin sheet music from slipping through.

What is the typical price for the Manhasset Concertino?

In the UK market, the stand typically retails for approximately GBP 79. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.

Gear article

Manhasset 50CA Concertino Orchestral Stand

The Manhasset 50CA Concertino is a professional-grade music stand specifically designed for seated musicians requiring a lower vertical profile. It features a heavy-duty aluminium desk with an integrated storage lip and Manhasset's signature knob-free adjustment system.

See live prices

Overview

The Manhasset 50CA Concertino Orchestral Stand is a specialised variant of the classic orchestral stand, engineered for environments where height clearance is limited. It is particularly effective for seated players in orchestra pits, school halls, and private practice rooms. The design prioritises stability and ease of use, employing a heavy-gauge welded steel base to prevent tipping during extended sessions.

Design and Key Features

The standout feature of the 50CA model is the integrated desk lip. This secondary shelf provides a dedicated space for musicians to store essential accessories such as pencils, rosin, reeds, or valve oil without interfering with the sheet music.

Construction details include: - A solid aluminium desk capable of supporting up to 4kg of weight. - A height-adjustment range specifically tailored for seated positions (406 mm to 711 mm). - A maximum total height of 1029 mm. - The 'Magic Finger Clutch' system for smooth, one-handed height adjustments without the need for manual screws or knobs.

Operational Mechanics

Utilising Manhasset’s proprietary friction technology, the stand allows for instant adjustment of both height and tilt. The shaft clutch mechanism provides constant tension, meaning the desk remains at the set height regardless of the load, up to its 4kg limit. The tilt mechanism operates on a similar friction principle, allowing the musician to change the viewing angle simply by pushing or pulling the desk.

Suitability and Applications

This stand is primarily suited for orchestral musicians who perform while seated, such as cellists, double bassists (in certain configurations), and woodwind or brass players in cramped pit environments. Because it sits lower than a standard music stand, it allows for better sightlines to a conductor in tiered seating or tight orchestra pits. It is also an ideal choice for educational environments where younger, shorter students require professional-grade equipment.

Comparison to Standard Stands

While standard orchestral stands typically cater to standing musicians or those on high stools, the Concertino is purpose-built for low-profile applications. While it shares the same heavy-duty build quality as other premium hardware—such as Gibraltar keyboard stands or K&M tablet mounts—its unique selling point is the combination of the lowered height range and the storage lip, a feature absent on many standard-height professional stands.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum height of the Manhasset 50CA?: The minimum height from the lip of the desk to the floor is 406 mm. This makes it significantly lower than standard orchestral stands.
What is the maximum height the stand can reach?: The maximum height from the floor to the edge of the desk is 711 mm, with a maximum overall height of 1029 mm. This range is specifically designed for seated musicians.
How much weight can the desk support?: The solid aluminium desk is designed to support up to 4kg of weight. This is sufficient for heavy anthologies, thick music books, and various accessories.
Does this stand require knobs to adjust the height?: No, the stand uses Manhasset's knob-free shaft clutch system. You can simply pull the desk up or push it down to change the height.
What is the purpose of the extra desk lip?: The additional lip provides a storage area for small essentials. Musicians use it to keep items like pencils, rosin, valve oil, and reeds within easy reach.
What materials are used in the construction of the 50CA?: The stand features a solid aluminium desk for lightness and durability, paired with a heavy-gauge welded steel base for stability. This combination ensures it remains steady during use.
Is the base of the stand stable?: Yes, the stand uses a heavy-gauge welded steel base. It is designed to provide a low centre of gravity to keep the stand steady even when loaded with 4kg of music.
How do you adjust the tilt of the desk?: The tilt adjustment is controlled by friction. You can adjust the angle of the desk by simply tilting it to your preferred position without loosening any screws.
Where is this stand typically used?: It is commonly used in orchestra pits, school music rooms, and private practice studios. It is ideal for any setting where a standard stand would be too tall for a seated player.
Can this stand be used for standing performances?: Generally, no, as its maximum height of 711 mm (to the lip) is designed for seated players. A standard-height stand would be better suited for standing musicians.
Is the desk solid or vented?: The 50CA features a solid aluminium desk. This provides a flat, continuous surface for writing and prevents smaller items or thin sheet music from slipping through.
What is the typical price for the Manhasset Concertino?: In the UK market, the stand typically retails for approximately GBP 79. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.