Product FAQs
Find answers to common questions about choosing, using and caring for your Manhasset music stand.
Choosing Your Stand
Which Manhasset music stand should I choose?
ExpandFor most musicians, the Model 48 Symphony is a great place to start. It offers a full-size desk, a stable base and smooth adjustment for home practice, lessons, rehearsals and performances.
Choose the Voyager if you frequently transport your stand, the Harmony if compact storage is important, or a specialty model if you need a different height, more room for music or additional storage.
What makes a Manhasset different from a folding wire stand?
ExpandA classic Manhasset stand provides a solid surface for your music, a sturdy floor base and height adjustment without tightening knobs.
A folding wire stand is designed primarily to pack into a small space. A Manhasset concert-style stand emphasizes support, convenient adjustment and durability during regular use. For musicians who need easier transport, the Voyager combines a full-size solid desk with a portable design.
Is a Manhasset a good stand for home practice?
ExpandYes. The Model 48 Symphony is an excellent choice for home practice, providing a stable surface for sheet music, folders and music books.
Its smooth height adjustment and easy-tilt desk help you position your music comfortably, so you can concentrate on playing.
Are Manhasset stands only for schools and orchestras?
ExpandNo. The same qualities that make Manhasset stands useful in busy music programs also suit individual musicians, private teachers, churches, recording studios and community ensembles.
You don’t need to play in an orchestra to appreciate a stand that is stable, easy to adjust and built for regular use.
What is the difference between the Symphony and Voyager?
ExpandThe Model 48 Symphony is our classic concert-style stand with a fixed, three-foot base.
The Model 52 Voyager is designed for musicians who transport their stand regularly. Its desk detaches using a twist-lock connector, and its base closes for carrying. The Voyager retains a full-size solid desk rather than folding down like a wire stand.
Does the Model 48 Symphony fold up?
ExpandThe Symphony’s desk tilts and its height adjusts, but its base does not fold.
If compact transport is a priority, consider the Voyager. Its desk detaches and its base closes for easier carrying between lessons, rehearsals and performances.
What is the difference between the Symphony and Harmony?
ExpandThe main difference is the base. The Symphony uses the familiar three-foot base, while the Harmony has a base designed to let multiple stands nest closely together.
The Harmony is especially useful in music rooms and venues where storage space is limited.
What is the difference between the Symphony and Orchestral stand?
ExpandThe Orchestral adds a second ledge below the main music ledge. This provides a separate place for small accessories such as pencils, rosin and reeds, leaving more room for music.
Which stand should I choose for a lower seated position?
ExpandConsider a Concertino model if a standard stand does not lower enough for comfortable reading.
Concertino stands use a shorter shaft while retaining a full-size desk. They can be useful for cellists, guitarists, younger musicians and other seated players.
Is there a taller stand for standing musicians?
ExpandYes. The Tall Symphony provides a higher adjustment range for musicians who need their music above the standard Symphony’s range.
When comparing models, check the measurement from the floor to the music ledge. That is more useful for choosing a reading height than the stand’s overall height.
Which Manhasset stand is best for large scores or several pages of music?
ExpandThe Fourscore provides an extra-wide desk for musicians who want more pages visible at once.
The Director adds storage behind its desk. The Regal combines an extra-wide desk with additional storage and two support posts, making it useful for conducting positions.
Compare the desk dimensions and storage features in the Store to find the best fit for your music.
Adjustment & Everyday Use
How does a Manhasset stand adjust without knobs?
ExpandThe Magic Finger Clutch inside the shaft lets you raise or lower the desk with a simple push or pull, then holds it in position.
The desk angle uses a friction-tilt mechanism, so you can also change the angle without repeatedly loosening and tightening a knob.
What does “desk” mean on a music stand?
ExpandThe desk is the broad surface that supports your sheet music, books or folders. The ledge is the shelf along its bottom edge.
When comparing stands, desk size tells you how much room you have for music, while ledge height tells you how high that music sits above the floor.
What are the dimensions of the Model 48 Symphony?
ExpandThe standard Model 48 Symphony has a desk measuring 20 inches wide by 12½ inches high, with a 2¼-inch ledge.
The ledge adjusts from 26 to 48 inches above the floor. Concertino and Tall versions have different height ranges.
Does the Voyager have a full-size desk?
ExpandYes. The Model 52 Voyager has the same desk dimensions as the standard Symphony: 20 inches wide by 12½ inches high, with a 2¼-inch ledge.
Its desk stays in one piece when removed for transport. A Voyager tote bag is available separately.
Can a Manhasset hold music books, binders or a tablet?
ExpandYes. A solid desk can support more than loose sheet music, including books, binders, rehearsal notes and tablets.
Keep the total load within your model’s capacity and make sure everything rests securely on the ledge. If you want a tablet held in place rather than resting on the desk, explore the tablet-holder options in the Store.
What if I need to support a heavier load?
ExpandCheck the specifications for your stand and accessories before adding weight. The Manhasset Shaft-Lock is an optional accessory for compatible shafts when additional holding capacity is needed.
Contact us if you are unsure whether your stand and accessory combination is appropriate for what you plan to use.
Do Manhasset stands require assembly?
ExpandMany floor stands require initial assembly of the base, shaft and desk. The exact steps and tools depend on the model.
Use the instructions supplied with your stand, or visit our online instruction library for assembly guides and videos.
Are Manhasset stands available in different colors?
ExpandYes. Selected models are available in a range of colors. Check the specific model and finish with your music retailer or in our Store.
For a custom-color request, start with your music retailer. They can work with their Manhasset distributor or contact us about available options.
Care, Repairs & Replacement Parts
How should I clean my Manhasset stand?
ExpandUse a soft, slightly damp cloth to wipe the desk, shaft and base, then dry them.
Avoid abrasive cleaners, harsh solvents and excess moisture. Keep cleaning products out of the adjustment mechanism.
Should I oil or lubricate the height-adjustment shaft?
ExpandNo. Do not apply oil or lubricant to the height-adjustment shaft. It can reduce the holding power of the friction-grip clutch.
If the shaft is difficult to move, follow the troubleshooting guidance for your model or contact us for assistance.
Can a Manhasset stand be repaired?
ExpandMany Manhasset stands can be repaired using replacement components. Depending on the model, replacement desks, shafts, bases and smaller parts may be available.
Damage to one component does not necessarily mean you need to replace the entire stand.
How do I find the correct replacement part?
ExpandStart with the model number, if you know it. Photos of the complete stand and the component you need can also help us identify the right part.
Include the stand’s approximate age and a short description of the problem when you contact us. Check compatibility before ordering, especially for older or specialty models.
What should I do if the base will not tighten securely?
ExpandAn internal component may have shifted during shipping or handling. Our instruction library includes guidance for a shaft and base that will not tighten.
Follow the troubleshooting instructions before using the stand. If the base still cannot be secured, contact us for help.
What should I do if the height-adjustment shaft is stuck or slips down?
ExpandFirst, check that the stand is assembled correctly and that the load is appropriate for the model.
Do not add lubricant. If the shaft will not extend or will not hold its position, contact us with the model information and a description of the issue so we can help identify the appropriate next step.
Can an older Manhasset stand be refurbished?
ExpandOften, yes. Replacing damaged components can keep an older stand in service.
The appropriate approach depends on the stand’s condition and finish. Contact us before refinishing or modifying working components so we can help you assess the options.
What should I do if parts are missing from the box?
ExpandCheck the packing materials carefully for small components and compare the contents with the parts list.
If something is missing, contact us with the model and details of the missing part so we can help.
Storage & Accessories
How can I store and move several Manhasset stands?
ExpandA compatible Manhasset storage cart helps organize a group of stands and move them between rehearsal and performance spaces.
Choose the cart to match both the stand model and the number of stands. Harmony stands use a different storage arrangement from classic concert-style models, so check compatibility before ordering.
Are accessories available for Manhasset stands?
ExpandYes. The range includes items such as music stand lights, accessory storage, tablet holders and replacement components.
Compatibility varies by product. Check the accessory description against your stand model, or contact us if you need help choosing.
Warranty & U.S. Support
Do Manhasset music stands have a lifetime warranty?
ExpandMusic stands purchased in 2012 or later have a limited warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship for the lifetime of the original purchaser, while that purchaser owns the product.
Different terms apply to older stands, carts and accessories. See our full warranty statement for details.
Does the warranty cover normal wear or accidental damage?
ExpandThe warranty does not cover normal wear, shipping damage, neglect, misuse, abuse, unauthorized alterations or consumable components such as bulbs and batteries.
Replacement parts may still provide a repair option for damage outside warranty coverage.
How do I request warranty service in the United States?
ExpandCall 1-800-795-0965 and ask for Customer Service. Describe the issue and have your model and purchase information available.
Please contact us before returning a product. If a return is necessary, we will provide return authorization and instructions.
Where are Manhasset music stands made?
ExpandManhasset music stands are manufactured in Yakima, Washington. Founded in 1935, Manhasset is an employee-owned company with more than 90 years of music stand manufacturing experience.
Where can I buy a Manhasset stand in the United States?
ExpandManhasset stands are available through music retailers, local music stores and online retailers throughout the United States.
Use our Store to compare models and specifications, then ask your preferred music retailer about the model you want.
Who can help me choose a stand or identify a part?
ExpandOur U.S. team can help with product selection, model questions and replacement-part identification.
Still have a question?
Our team can help you choose a stand, identify a replacement part or find the right product information.