FOLDING GUITAR STAND

This is a simple stand suitable for both acoustic and electric guitars. The bonus is that it folds for easy transport but is also a very sturdy permanent stand. Since it relies on friction to hold the guitar in place it allows a full display of the guitar without any obstructions.

For each stand you will need a 2 foot piece of pine 1 X !0, (or any other wood), Some paracord , some elongated felt stick on furniture floor protector pads, and a small hinge 2" long, or less. You will also need certain tools and finishing materials which I will mention in each step.

The beauty of a template is that you can use it to make multiple stands with the same results. You will need thin material - cardboard or clear plastic works well. Start with a perfectly square piece, 7.5 in X 18 inches. Measure 3 inches in from the top left corner and 2 inches up from the bottom right corner. Lay a carpenter's square , indented 2 inches at the top left 3 inch mark. Lay the other (long) end against the bottom right 2 inch mark. Scribe these lines. This will give the all important 90 degree angle and proper slope to support your guitar. Cut out the template.

Trace the template onto your 2 foot piece of wood. Using a 3/4 inch Forstner bit, drill at the vertex of each 90 degree angle. This will make cutting easier. Also, measure 5 inches from the bottom and two inches from the back on each piece and drill at this mark with a 15/64 inch bit. This is for the paracord retainer. In each case put scrap wood underneath to avoid tear out.

Separate the two halves using a power jig saw. Then use a panel saw to cut on the lines. When you hit the 3/4 inch hole you may have to finish the cuts with a small hand saw to prevent cutting into the opposite edge. Sand with various grades of sandpaper. A power orbital sander will make it easier but do the final sanding by hand to attain a smooth finish, especially on softwoods like pine.

To make finishing easier, I attached each piece to a scrap of wood by screwing into the bottom edge of each. I applied 3 coats of Minwax Bombay Mahogany, lightly sanding after the first and second coat.

Line each half up with no gap at the top- 2 inch edge. Lay the hinge on top with the barrel on the gap. Pre drill with a bit smaller than the screws- (Don't go right through) then attach screws.

Attach the stick on pads to the top and bottom of the long angle and to the 2 inch shelf edge as shown. Feed the paracord through the holes and tie a stop knot at one end. Spread the sides apart till you have a 9,1/2 inch gap between the bottom edges then tie a stop knot at the other end. You may have to adjust this until you get the proper distance. Use a lighter to burn the ends of the paracord so it doesn't unravel. If you don't know how to tie a stop knot there are many tutorials on line. Try Pinterest. Just pull one end of the paracord to fold your stand. Hint: If you use this for an electric guitar you may want to apply the top felt protectors slightly lower as they have a smaller body than an acoustic.