How to Make a DIY Music Stand: A 7-Step Guide

By Monica | Gear

Oct 11
DIY music stand

Music can become an expensive hobby or pursuit. The instruments alone can cost hefty, especially if you are going to choose those high-end units. Other than that, there are still accessories that you have to invest in. For example, a pianist does not only need a grand piano or a digital keyboard. At some point, he/ she will have to get a music stand. For composers and music arrangers, such amenity is necessary.

Fortunately, if you are crafty enough, you can make your own music stand. Your garage or basement might have some spare parts that you can use for a DIY music stand construction. If there are not, then you can just purchase the necessary tools and components , or just buy a modern music stand.

I will show you a step-by-step guide on how to do this. Just pay attention so that you can’t miss any important details. Let's start now!

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How to Make a DIY Music Stand

Step 1: Gathering the Parts

Of course, you cannot proceed with this simple project if you don't have the right tools and parts. Don't worry, none of these components are hard to get. You can buy them at your local stores and hardware.

gathering the parts

via instructables.com

Components:

  • PVC pipe (32 inches long; 1-inch diameter)
  • PVC pipe (32 inches long; 1/2 inch diameter)
  • PVC T-connector (1/2 inch)
  • Two-Hole Strap (2 pieces; 1/2 inch)
  • 10-32 Wingnut (4 pieces)
  • 10-32 Bolt (4 Pieces)
  • 5/16 Wingnut (1 piece)
  • 5/16 Carriage bolt (1 piece)
  • Molding (1 small piece)
  • Thin plywood (1 piece; 2x2)
  • Craft board (1 piece)

Tools:

  • Drill bits
  • Clamp
  • Wood glue
  • Tape measure
  • Power drill
  • Marker or pencil
  • Miter saw
  • Spray paint
  • Safety glasses
  • Bore bit (1 1/4 inch)
  • Hobby foam

Step 2: Working With The PVC

Take the PVC with a larger diameter. Cut it until you can make a 32-inch segment. Afterwards, use a drill to make a hole to the segments that you made. This is a necessary procedure as the holes in the pipe are for the placement of carriage bolts. They are the one that will help you to adjust the height of the music stand.

Do the same to the PVC pipe with a smaller diameter. Make sure to use the similar drill bit that you have used with the larger PVC.

Step 3: Creating the Paper Holder

Work with the 2x2 plywood this time. Cut it until you can make a 20-inch x 12.5-inch sheet. The latter will serve as the actual part that holds the music sheet or whatever document you place on it. Don't throw the excess plywood. There is still a use for it.

Optionally, you can sand the surface of the plywood. Use a fine grit sander to do the sanding. But if you are not too meticulous about the smoothness of the surface, you don't have to spend too much time on this process.

Next, create the holes where you can insert the brackets. Place them around 5 inches from the short edge. Make sure that you can center the holes. Place a clear marking for precise drilling.

Once done, work with the molding and craft board. Cut them to around 18 inches long. Apply the wood glue to one of the sides of the molding. Place it against the bottom part of the craft board. You can clamp these pieces together for a snug connection. Let the wood glue dry.

Step 4: Cutting the Last PVC

This time, you are going to use the PVC connector. Take the PVC with a small diameter and create equal measurements to it. Cut afterward and attach the pieces to the connector.

Step 5: Painting

Start painting the components. Ideally, you should paint them black so that they can have a professional and sleek look. Take the T-connector and attach the small pieces of PVC you made. Paint them, too.

Step 6: Making the Base

Creating the base is pretty straightforward. Just use the extra sheet of plywood and some 2x4 wood. Cut the plywood into a square (any dimensions will do). Do the same for the 2x4 wood, too.

Make a circular marking to the middle of the 2x4 block. Once done, take your drill and use 1/4-inch bore bit to it. Drill the huge hole to the entire body of the block. You might want to wobble the drill a bit while it is perforating so that you can create a larger hole that can fit the large pipe.

You can insert the PVC pipe to see if it fits. If it can go through snugly, then you did a good job. Make sure that the pipe is standing erect. Afterwards, connect the block to the plywood through the use of wood glue. Also, glue the region in where the block and pipe meet. Let the glue dry.

Once dry, you can already paint the base with the same paint color that you used with the PVC.

Step 7: Connecting the Parts

Use the T-shaped PVC that you made and wrap the hobby foam on its bottom. Glue the foam so that it can stick well. Doing this will ensure a better interaction of the pipe.

Connect the T-shaped PVC and sheet holder next. Screw the document holder with the proper size that can fit the hole that you made. Next, affix the two-hole straps to the T-shaped PVC. Connect the wingnuts afterward.

The last thing that you are going to do is to place the small PVC inside the large PVC. Secure your desired height with the use of a large wing nut and carriage bolt.

Conclusion

There are a lot of benefits that you can reap from making stuff by yourself. Of course, the biggest perk here is practicality. You don't have to spend a hefty amount of cash so that you can get a desired equipment of necessity. You may not be able to construct your favorite musical instrument, but for items like a music stand, you always have the option to build them.

Did you learn from this tutorial? You can learn other useful resources that can help you in your musical journey by subscribing to this site. Also, don't forget to hit the like and share buttons, too!

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About the Author

Hi everyone! Im Monica and I am an avid lover of guitars and everything in-between. My current profession is not really music-related. It is quite discouraging but I just don't want to drop my zeal--especially not to guitars! I created GuitarTrance.Com so that I can keep up with my hobby. Of course, I want to engage with the community as well! Hope we can all get along!