Guitar Wall Hangers Vs. Floor Stands

Unlike a wall hanger, a floor stand provides portability.

Most guitar players would probably prefer to never set their axe down, but at some point you may have to take a break from that riff you're working on. So, for those times when you have to be separated from your guitar, you need to decide whether to secure it on a floor stand or a wall hanger. There are several things to consider before deciding on one or the other.

Space

The biggest difference between guitar wall hangers and floor stands is the space that each requires. A wall hanger won't occupy any floor space. If you are living in a 400-square-foot apartment, you may not be able to spare the floor space for a floor stand, so a wall hanger would be a better option.

Cost

According to the online music equipment retailer Musician's Friend, guitar floor stands start at $7.99 while wall hangers start at $8.49, as of June 2010. The difference is not too significant if you are looking at these least expensive options. You should research the prices at your local music store to help with the decision. Cost could play a more prominent role if you need multiple guitar stands.

Portability

Floor stands easily fold up and can be carried from room to room or taken to other locations. Wall hangers need to be secured to a wall, so clearly they are not an option if you need a guitar stand that can travel where your guitar does.

Stability

Both guitar floor stands and wall hangers provide secure options for storing your guitar. If you choose a wall hanger, you will need to ensure proper installation before hanging your guitar, especially heavy-bodied electric guitars. Test it with something less fragile, like a board or brick, before hanging your favorite axe in it. With either option, accidents can happen and things can fall down. The benefit to a floor stand is that your guitar won't have as far to fall, limiting the damage should an accident occur.

Accessibility

Another thing to consider is how often you need to access your guitar. A floor stand provides slightly more accessibility in that it keeps your guitar within arms reach. If you choose a wall hanger, attach it waist high if you need constant access to your instrument.

Décor

Finally, consider your own personal style and room décor. If you want to save all of your wall space for the gold records you will soon have, you should probably go with a floor stand. On the other hand, you may despise a cluttered floor, in which case a wall hanger would best suit you. A wall hanger is also a good idea if you are looking to showcase your guitars as artwork.

References

• Musician's Friend: Guitar Stands
• Start-playing-guitar.com: Guitar Stand Buyer's Guide