While dedicated synthesizer stands are ideal for full-sized keyboards, laptop stands have emerged as surprisingly effective and versatile solutions for smaller synths, drum machines, and grooveboxes in desktop studio setups. Their primary benefit lies in their ability to elevate these compact devices, bringing them closer to eye level and improving ergonomics. This simple elevation can significantly reduce neck and back strain, which is a common issue when hunching over flat desktop gear during long creative sessions. Many laptop stands also offer adjustable angles, allowing users to tilt their instruments for more comfortable viewing and knob-twiddling.
Beyond ergonomics, using laptop stands for small synths and grooveboxes offers practical advantages for space management. By lifting the devices, they free up valuable desk real estate underneath, which can then be used for external keyboards, mice, audio interfaces, or even just a clear workspace. Some stands are designed with open structures, promoting better airflow around the electronic gear and helping to prevent overheating. The lightweight and foldable design also makes them highly portable, perfect for travelling or making changes to the setup. I have a bunch of these stands and find them very versatile. There are plenty of different types to choose from on amazon
Another option to bring DAWless gear vertical is with custom stands that are usually designed for a particular bit of gear. On sites like ebay and Etsy you can find MDF or 3D printed parts to easily stack up gear, like these for my Behringer devices.
Although I dont have a Grind to fill the bottom slot and once again I am using a laptop stand to raise up the TD-3 to fit in with the others.
Homemade
There is a 3rd way or should I say 3D way. If you have access to a 3D printer, you can also print your own. Search around on printables or makerworld for synth stands and you will find plenty of options for printing your own stands. I printed up these alternative stands that I found the design for, for my Crave or Edge, which in raw materials probably cost less than a dollar.
If you get more serious with your 3D printing you can also design your own from scratch or remix, resize and adapt existing designs to suit your needs. There are fantastic beginners 3D printers available such as those Bambulab or Elegoo. The cost of these beginner printers has come down so much in the past few years, it would not take many desktop synth stands to make your money back! Although then you would have another time consuming hobby competing with your synths and drum machines.
STRICH Desktop Stand on Amazon
2-Tier XTS Desktop Stand on Amazon
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