Reddit mentions: The best sheet music stands

Most people aren't willing to part with so much money right away, that's fantastic that you're okay with it. It's a great idea. You'll get a far better instrument from Givens than Shar.

As for stand, case, and rosin I'll give you a couple of my favorites:

Solid stand (does not collapse) - Manhasset

Collapsible stand - K & M heavy duty

BAM Cases are awesome This one is a newer version of the case I've had for 10 years. It looks like this case has some improvements over the one I have (my locks rusted, but still work, and I don't have wheels, I've also needed to re-glue the inner padding once) but this case has an excellent "bang for your buck" value. I once fell on ice and landed squarely over my cello case (I'm about 200 pounds...so yeah, OUCH) and my cello was perfectly protected inside. No damage at all. There are stronger, less flexible, lighter cases out there but they'll cost over $1000 easily.

Rosin - If you're in a cold, dry area (especially in the winter) you may want to get a dark rosin, they're a bit stickier than light rosin. Generally speaking, light rosin is all-purpose. There's little or no difference between violin/viola rosin and cello rosin (stay away from Bass rosin, it's like glue on your bow and you won't be able to play well). I've used most of these and have never had a complaint. I currently have Jade rosin, but I'm finding it a little slippery and dusty for my playing style. I found Pirastro Goldflex to be a good starting point for me and I still buy a cake every now and again. You'll need a new cake every 6 months to a year because it'll dry out and crack, so you'll get plenty of opportunities to try different brands.


You also might want to think about a humidifier to put in your case in the winter, and some peg compound to help smooth sticky tuning pegs.

Hope this helps!

Not sure what your price range is or what your bf has but here are some ideas (I'll try to go from cheapest to most expensive) :

A nice dark rosin. http://www.amazon.com/Original-Hill-Dark-Rosin-Violin/dp/B000F3FQP6


Chair strap. http://www.amazon.com/Xeros-Anchor-Endpin-Rest-Cello/dp/B000FCJUV8/ (This is the kind I have. There is no substitute, if he doesn't have a strap like this then he really needs one. If you are buying one note that you get one with a circular holder for the end pin and not a V-shaped one. The V-shaped ones are for basses and don't work nearly as well)


Sheet music. I am a fan of the Music Minus One (MMO) series. However a nice anniversary gift might be duet music. I can help think of some good duet music if you want but would like to know a little more about your playing level.


Bow rack. I bought my rack at Home Depot and it looks like this. (actual pic, sorry no link) http://i.imgur.com/Ytww0.jpg They're just hooks, but I really like mine


Cello CDs. There's a lot of good recordings out there but that's for you to find, I can give some suggestions if you want.


Music stand. http://www.amazon.com/Manhasset-Model-Sheet-Music-Stand/dp/B0002FOBJY/ If all your bf has is a wire stand then this is a great gift. There's also stuff like pencil holders, lights, and other stuff that would make good gifts as well.


Cello stand. There are lots of stands out there, I highly recommend a stand that supports the neck of the cello like this. http://www.amazon.com/Stagg-Foldable-Stand-for-Cello/dp/B003ZUEQLG/ref=sr_1_6?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1343515413&sr=1-6&keywords=cello+stand




There are some other cool stuff you could get, but may come off as offensive.


A practice mute. I would suggest an ebony comb style mute kind.http://www.amazon.com/JSI-Ebony-Cello-Mute/dp/B000F3HK5U/ over a "tourte style"

A tuner and or metronome. I use http://www.amazon.com/Matrix-MR500-Metronome/dp/B0002F6ZJI/

A wolf tone eliminator. http://www.amazon.com/Generic-Cello-Wolftone-Eliminatr-Brass/dp/B003KWGW9I

I've wanted a Juno 106 ever since I tried one out a few years ago. It was faulty, but still fun, this one is perfect, so even more fun! After purchasing it I realised that I would no longer have space for my Boog and my Minilogue, so I looked everywhere for stands. I tried the Adam Hall laptop stands and the Pyle PLPTS25, but they didn't fit below the Juno. Then, I found the RockJam laptop stands, and they're just perfect. You can assemble them in so many ways to match your needs: with or without table clamps, with or without width extenders (two increments), supports facing inward or outward (changes width), different heights, etc. And they're really cheap as well, so I can safely recommend them. The only downside is that you need to buy some protectors between the stand and the synth if you really want to avoid scratching (not a huge issue for me).

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Edit: added links to the stands mentioned

I looked in my gig bag for inspiration - it turns out that I just have way too much shit in there, most of which is under £15. Cheaper DIY options offered where applicable:

• The snark SN2 clip-on tuner. Absolute must-have.
  
• A decent multi-tool
  
• Allan Key Set if the multi-tool doesn't have the right sizes (metric is normal unless you play something made across the pond, but in case you need imperial, and have lots of space in your gig bag)
  
• Dunlop strap locks are a solid addition to any bassist's set-up
  
• Some fret-fast (I'm too lazy and disorganised to get new strings very often - you could just sub a rag and white mineral oil, but this is a convenient little package)
  
• A couple of spare 9V batteries for your bass, or your (more likely your guitarist's) pedals
  
• A fold-away bass stand that you can take to practices, comes in just over budget, but is a good addition and folds up to about the size of a tube of Pringles
  
• Some cheap bric-a-brac like electrical tape, gaffer tape, write-on-anything pens - all good additions
  
• A decent set of ear-plugs to protect your hearing
  
• Foldaway music stand if you ever play with sheet music; alternatively, if you have a car or are near public transport then this guy might be more bang for your buck; light in case you have one and play in dark venues sometimes and bag in case, like me, you're always leaving the house on gig-day carrying too much
  
• Patch cables if you use several stomp-boxes or rack units
  
• Cable ties to stop your cables getting mangled (can always use zip-ties instead - less neat but much cheaper)
  
• A cheap soldering iron is not essential, but it will be good to have one for that odd occasion where you need it - I've actually been in situations where I've saved some poor soul's night (occasionally mine) by having one of these on my person
  
• Owning a padded guitar strap has saved me much back pain over the years.
  
• A decent torch for last-minute backstage repairs and adjustments, lighting your pedalboard, etc
  
  Conspicuous consumerism at its finest, ladies and gents.

1. Cake or birthday related (It is my cake day after all) (Get it? Jaffa CAKES?)
   
2. Simon Pegg (SHAUN OF THE DEAD!)
   
3. A book you are eager to read (Dark Tower)
   
4. Eating Utensils (Chopsticks!)
   
5. Animal (Beanie Baby leopard!)
   
6. Purple (Socks!)
   
7. A game (Old Zelda game)
   
8. A guilty pleasure (Broadway musicals!)
   
9. A Tool (LOL)
   
10. Something from your childhood (Robin Hood!)
    
11. An organizational item (It organizes the music sheets)
    
12. Hobby (Quilting!)
    
13. Nerdy/ Geeky (NINJA TURTLES!)
    
14. Something Natural (Naturals, get it?)
    
15. Green (Apple pops!)
    
16. Something you wear (A hoodie!)
    
17. Funny (So funny)
    
18. Beads, Bees or Beans (Bracelet!)
    
19. Gardening (Purple lights!)
    
20. Your absolute favorite item on your wish list no matter the price.
    
    And happy happy cake day!
    
    Bonus: I prefer complete surprises.

No. It will wobble on the smaller peg and fall within the hour. I have and recommend this stand for portability:

https://www.amazon.com/15290B-Soprano-Sax-Stand/dp/B0002F7JGG

OR if you need an alto/soprano doubling stand, I also have and recommend the Hercules Alto/Sop stand: https://www.amazon.com/Hercules-DS533BB-Alto-Tenor-Sax/dp/B0019ABOO6

The latter is a good stand, but certain weights can unbalance it for short times. I'd recommend buying some small bag weights or something like that to keep on the legs to ensure that moving the instrument on and off doesn't make it tip. Really I'd recommend that with any instrument stand.

http://www.amazon.com/Hercules-BS100B-WIRE-Music-Stand/dp/B000BGX5TG

I have this one, and I love it! Very heavy duty for a portable stand and feels very stable. Also, it adusts taller than most stands so, for me at least (I'm very tall) it's much more comfortable to read from if I'm standing but is still adjusts to a great height when sitting.

Other than clarinet stuff, for a practice room you'd want at bare minimum a chair (one with a back, but no arms and doesn't move, swivel, or rock) and music stand. Some kind of mirror is helpful too.

Really any space will work for practicing; if you have a dedicated room for listening to music, then that will be perfect.

As for clarinet stuff, if she majored in music she should know what equipment she wants. I would either ask her specifically what she's looking for or take her to a local music store and let her pick out what she wants.

To give you an idea on price, reeds are usually $20-30 for a box of ten (that will last a month or two depending), mass-produced mouthpieces are around $100, handmade mouthpieces are $300, and clarinets themselves cost around $3-4k bought new.

Attach a board from chains and hang it from the ceiling.

Sell it.

Get a QuikLok laptop stand and it will fit perfectly (https://www.amazon.com/Quik-LPH-001-Laptop-Holder-Black/dp/B0084CRYOG/)

Build a shelf.

The freezer?

Since I don't know what your room looks like I can't really tell you how to save space. Some of the above may not be useful.

I have a couple of personal solutions to this.

I have a Ribba picture ledge from IKEA.. I have the 45" one, though it looks like it might be discontinued. These are great for lots of things, (nail polish racks, spice racks), but also great for music. I use wide, short strips of poster board to push single sheets up flat on the shelf. I can also keep several books up there and off to the side as needed.

The big benefit to this is that it's not connected to the keyboard in any way so it doesn't shake, which would be my fear with your set up.

I also use a Manhasset Fourscore folder on gigs and stuff which gives my stand at least 3 wide including an extra lip and is very portable.

Probably that if you're a good person and follow all of the rules, you'll be successful. I've found that those things plus being beatiful and charismatic, coupled with willingness to bend if not break the rules are the true keys to success... Damn. I believe in Snow.

This

I use a laptop stand for a drum machine.

This one to be exact: https://www.amazon.com/Quik-LPH-001-Laptop-Holder-Black/dp/B0084CRYOG

You may have to find your own source for that if you're interested.
You should post the price of that one since it's too expensive so people can help better.

Peak Music Stands Music Stand (SMS-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KBD47CS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mcYTDbZS3EHNF

I've had one and used it since 8th grade, great study stand, I trust it to hold my laptop, phone and tablet, and it all folds up to about the size of a trumpet (slightly longer)

Then getting a good stand will feel absolutely amazing... the classic Manhasset or if you still want foldable/portable, this one is a joy to own.

Just to throw this out there too, you can get a portable music stand and rig something up for super cheap if you want to get crafty. The top of the stand usually comes off leaving a somewhat flat and angled piece at the top that you could attached to.

Haha glad you asked, I actually just used this music stand! -> https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KMF11BA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I set the height so that the papers would be directly over the bottom papers. If you look closely, you can see the main pole of the stand directly beneath my right-most sheet on the bottom.

Okay, so I don't know your budget, but I purchased this cart from QVC a while back for my houseplant station. It's 3 ft high and on locking wheels. It folds easily and pretty flat for storage, but it's heavier than a tv tray. It's a lot bigger than you're looking for, but something that high probably needs a wider base to keep from being tippy.

Anyway it is very high quality, butcher block top and welded steel. Also kinda pricey but it would also work as cart if you haul your equipment around.

https://www.qvc.com/qvc.product.V35837.html

Edit: Here's a sheet music stand that may work for you: https://www.amazon.com/Audio2000S-S4382B-Portable-Carrying-Bag-Black/dp/B07KY6FH2N/ref=asc_df_B07KY6FH2N/

http://www.amazon.com/Manhasset-Model-Sheet-Music-Stand/dp/B0002FOBJY

You can still buy them new. I would consider a Vintage as something not in production.

Still a good price for something that can be extremely useful.

These are possibly the greatest portable stands ever invented. I have one and I love it compared to a crappy wire one.

https://www.amazon.com/Peak-Music-Stands-SMS-20-Collapsible/dp/B00KBD47CS/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_267_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=PNDRMNZ1137FN8D4VM42

I have my ADAM A7X's standing on a set of these with MoPads on top of the platform, they're more than sturdy and weighty enough.

I also have the ADAM's inverted ( upside down ) as the stands are just slightly too high with the pads on and I like the tweeters at ear level and not over my head when I'm sitting.

They sound great like this FTR.

Also on Amazon, but more expensive.

Another alternative would be a nice, portable, fold-up music stand. Something like one of these

Really random suggestion but...

Get a music stand!

My neck used to hurt from long hours looking down at a table or desk, but I then moved on to using a music stand for my books. It's adjustable, can take lots of weight, can be at any angle, and I can move it all over the house. Also it's portable if you need to take it to a study room, or work somewhere that flexibility is useful. Saved me some pain during STEP studying.

Here's the one I got: http://www.amazon.com/On-Stage-SM7211-Professional-Folding-Orchestral/dp/B0002F7IN0

I use a sheet music stand from amazon, £20 including delivery. Adjustable height and angle, I can move it around and there's enough room for my macbook & phone.

Added bonus of it folds away when not in use. Or I can use it for trombone practice. (I don't use it for trombone practice)

I concur with /u/TheZatchMan! I’ve used this holder for a couple years now, both in church and another one in a cover band I was in. It’s a very sturdy holder, and the price is fantastic.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QT1E3K2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_12z0DbADJ49M8

I use one of these, it works well. http://www.amazon.com/PYLE-PRO-PLPTS25-Laptop-Computer-Stand/dp/B004HJ1ZB8/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1457195389&sr=8-9&keywords=laptop+stand

If you need to come all the way up from the ground a regular music stand works well too. http://www.amazon.com/Musicians-Gear-Deluxe-Conductor-Music/dp/B0027842S4/ref=sr_1_12?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1457195457&sr=1-12&keywords=music+stand

I just solved this same issue.

i bought this
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QT1E3K2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

i put my scripts on google drive and just pull them from my tablet that's setup in there.

Quik-Lok Laptop or Mixer TriPod Stand, LPH-001 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0084CRYOG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_A7l1BbND18PC0

I use this guy.

Quick Lok Music Stand (LPH001) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0084CRYOG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fOzzCb4MR5BVN

under $50? manhasset is the way to go

https://www.amazon.com/Manhasset-Model-Sheet-Music-Stand/dp/B0002FOBJY/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=music+stand+manhasset&qid=1556472369&s=gateway&sr=8-3&utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app

Get a laptop stand, like this. It'd take some effort to knock a drink onto it if its above the drink.

2 of these

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003BV2IS2/

with 2 of these underneath
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00GMM74T0/

Use a laptop stand for a keyboard as it goes, this one

Manhasset for home use - it's the standard for a reason.

For portable, I keep a K&M heavy duty in my car at all times. It's very sturdy but not insanely heavy like some other models.