<![CDATA[<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/rgIR1cvwU_M" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/rgIR1cvwU_M</a>]]> I don't know about you, but I don't like these stands at all. It's nice that the stand can fold up and "hide" easily for quick transport ... and that the drum can vibrate more since it is not clamped down tight ... but I see a lot more negatives than positives.
Cons1. The stand has a huge footprint and takes up a lot of valuable space on stage.
2. It initially takes too long to mount the Djembe on the stand, especially if you are not using a Pearl Djembe.
3. The benefit off collapsing the stand with the Djembe still on it doesn't help if you want to protect the drum by putting it in a case. So leaving the drum mounted and collapsing the stand means you have to lay the Djembe on it's side somewhere for storage and/or transportation.
4. The stand is confusing, which is why they had to make this video to show you how to put it together!
One of my Djembes is a
Pearl Elite Djembe and have used the PHD-1000 stand before. I like the idea of the PHD-1000 allowing me to play the Djembe in a more traditional playing position. But if I were to use the PHD-1000, I would not leave the Djembe on the stand. The "hide away" feature would be great for getting on and off stage quickly, but that's about it. Of course collapsing the stand for storage would be nice, but not with leaving the Djembe mounted to the stand. I've had to use the PHD-1000 in churches (with very little room on stage) as well as pit orchestras with even less space. The stand is just not practical in these instances. It's too hard to try get the right position AND make room for the wide spread of the legs.
I'm glad Pearl made the video however. I've seen many people struggle with the stand, especially those who had to use the stand without ever seeing how the Djembe is supposed to be mounted to it (like me!). Very, very frustrating. Perhaps if I owned one of these stands and got everything adjusted the way I needed it for the one
So thanks Pearl (and Glen) for the video. The stand may be the perfect solution for some, but I suggest thinking it through before purchasing this stand. Consider the space it takes up on stage, how quickly you need to set-up, and whether you need to pack your Djembe in a case or leave it on the stand.
