What is the primary benefit of the double-braced legs?

Double-braced legs provide increased structural integrity and a lower centre of gravity. This ensures the stand remains stable even when supporting heavy cymbals or during aggressive playing styles.

How does the offset tilter help during transport?

The offset tilter is designed to fold down parallel to the main pipe. This streamlined profile makes it easier to fit into hardware bags and reduces the risk of the tilter snagging or breaking.

What material is used for the tilter sleeve?

The stand utilizes a polycarbonate tilter sleeve. This material is chosen for its durability and its ability to protect the cymbal's centre hole from metal-on-metal contact.

Why are nylon bushings used in the pipe joints?

Yamaha uses specially designed nylon bushings to ensure a firm hold on the height-adjustment pipes. This allows the user to secure the stand's height effectively without having to over-tighten the wing bolts.

Is the wing nut on the tilter a standard size?

The CS660A features a small-profile wing nut design. This is intentional to ensure that the hardware does not obstruct the drummer’s stick path during play.

Is this a straight stand or a boom stand?

The Yamaha CS660A is a straight cymbal stand. It does not feature a boom arm, meaning the cymbal sits directly above the vertical support pipes.

What is the typical price range for this model?

The Yamaha CS660A typically retails for approximately £86. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.

Can this stand handle large ride cymbals?

Yes, the double-braced design and secure nylon bushings make it a solid choice for larger, heavier cymbals. It provides the necessary stability to prevent the stand from tipping.

How does the CS660A compare to the HS740A?

The CS660A is a straight cymbal stand, whereas the HS740A is a hi-hat stand. While they share similar build quality and double-bracing, they serve entirely different functional roles in a drum kit.

Does this stand include felt washers?

Yes, standard models include the necessary felt washers to cushion the cymbal between the tilter base and the wing nut. This protects the cymbal's surface and allows for natural resonance.

Is the height adjustable on the CS660A?

Yes, the stand features a telescoping design with adjustable sections. The nylon bushings allow for smooth height transitions and secure locking at the desired level.

What finish is used on the hardware?

The stand features a high-quality chrome finish. This provides a professional aesthetic and offers resistance against corrosion and wear over time.

Gear article

Yamaha CS660A Double Braced Straight Cymbal Stand

The Yamaha CS660A is a professional-grade, double-braced straight cymbal stand designed for stability and portability. It features a unique offset tilter and high-grip nylon bushings to provide reliable performance for touring drummers.

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Overview

The Yamaha CS660A stands as a mid-tier hardware solution within the Yamaha drum accessory catalogue. It is engineered specifically for drummers who require a balance between heavy-duty stability and the portability needed for frequent gigging. As a straight stand, it offers a direct vertical support path for cymbals, making it an ideal choice for crash or ride cymbals where a boom arm is not required.

Design and Key Features

The CS660A incorporates several proprietary Yamaha design elements focused on durability and ease of use:

Offset Tilter: A standout feature where the tilter aligns parallel to the pipe when folded. This reduces the footprint of the stand during transit and protects the tilter mechanism from impact damage.
Nylon Bushings: The stand uses specially designed internal nylon bushings. These are engineered to provide a secure grip on the telescoping pipes with minimal tightening force, preventing 'slippage' during heavy play.
Polycarbonate Sleeve: The cymbal tilter includes a polycarbonate sleeve and a compact wing nut, ensuring the cymbal remains seated without the hardware interfering with drumstick strokes.

Stability and Performance

Stability is managed through a double-braced tripod base. This design prevents the stand from wobbling or 'walking' across the stage during high-energy performances. Despite its heavy-duty bracing, the stand remains lightweight enough for single-trip load-ins. The hardware's chrome finish and robust build quality are intended to withstand the rigours of the road and varying environmental conditions in different performance venues.

Target Audience and Comparison

This stand is primarily suited for working drummers and students who need reliable hardware that will not fail during a performance. While it lacks the reach of boom stands like those found in the 700 or 800 series, its simplicity makes it faster to set up. Compared to lighter single-braced alternatives, the CS660A offers significantly more resistance to tipping, especially when using larger ride cymbals.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the double-braced legs?: Double-braced legs provide increased structural integrity and a lower centre of gravity. This ensures the stand remains stable even when supporting heavy cymbals or during aggressive playing styles.
How does the offset tilter help during transport?: The offset tilter is designed to fold down parallel to the main pipe. This streamlined profile makes it easier to fit into hardware bags and reduces the risk of the tilter snagging or breaking.
What material is used for the tilter sleeve?: The stand utilizes a polycarbonate tilter sleeve. This material is chosen for its durability and its ability to protect the cymbal's centre hole from metal-on-metal contact.
Why are nylon bushings used in the pipe joints?: Yamaha uses specially designed nylon bushings to ensure a firm hold on the height-adjustment pipes. This allows the user to secure the stand's height effectively without having to over-tighten the wing bolts.
Is the wing nut on the tilter a standard size?: The CS660A features a small-profile wing nut design. This is intentional to ensure that the hardware does not obstruct the drummer’s stick path during play.
Is this a straight stand or a boom stand?: The Yamaha CS660A is a straight cymbal stand. It does not feature a boom arm, meaning the cymbal sits directly above the vertical support pipes.
What is the typical price range for this model?: The Yamaha CS660A typically retails for approximately £86. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.
Can this stand handle large ride cymbals?: Yes, the double-braced design and secure nylon bushings make it a solid choice for larger, heavier cymbals. It provides the necessary stability to prevent the stand from tipping.
How does the CS660A compare to the HS740A?: The CS660A is a straight cymbal stand, whereas the HS740A is a hi-hat stand. While they share similar build quality and double-bracing, they serve entirely different functional roles in a drum kit.
Does this stand include felt washers?: Yes, standard models include the necessary felt washers to cushion the cymbal between the tilter base and the wing nut. This protects the cymbal's surface and allows for natural resonance.
Is the height adjustable on the CS660A?: Yes, the stand features a telescoping design with adjustable sections. The nylon bushings allow for smooth height transitions and secure locking at the desired level.
What finish is used on the hardware?: The stand features a high-quality chrome finish. This provides a professional aesthetic and offers resistance against corrosion and wear over time.