We promised a music stand light review in our last post on music stand accessories, and today’s the day. A stand light is one of those things where you don’t really think about it until you need it, but when you need it, you really need it. Many musicians have at least one story about this, maybe something along the lines of enjoying a beautiful sunset at an outdoor gig only to realize that soon you will not be able to see your music at all. Even if you’re not playing outdoor gigs, you may just need some extra illumination at home in your practice area, or a light to bring to orchestra rehearsal. It is a special type of frustration to not be able to see your music, so being prepared for that possibility can really make playing more enjoyable.
We think of stand lights in two categories: incandescent bulbs and LEDs. Let’s take a look at both types.
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Incandescent Bulb/Electric
These are the old classic stand lights that you would see in an orchestra pit. One advantage of these is they’re electric so you don’t have to worry about running out of battery. They also tend to be pretty sturdy when attached properly. And if you care about aesthetics, they look more refined and classic than some of the LED types. They also throw out a warmer light. However, you need a power source, which in some circumstances is not an option. The cords are not usually long, so you may require an extension cord. The bulb can get quite hot and burn out or just be generally temperamental, so you’d want to have a spare bulb on hand. Some people find them too dim. Most people these days would probably choose one from the LED category, but if you feel loyal to this type, here are a couple to look at:
Manhasset Stand Light – Manhasset is a well-known brand that we’ve reviewed here before. This light is maybe the best looking and because of the shield, it does a good job of containing the light. Not adjustable. Other than that, it shares the same pros and cons listed above as with other electric lights. Click Here for Pricing and More Information.
Grover/Trophy Stand Light – This one is adjustable, which is helpful to the player, but sometimes that means the light is less discreet. (As in, adjust it to where you want it and you might blind the person opposite you). Click Here for Pricing and More Information.
LED Light/Electric and Battery-Powered
The more recent development in stand lights is from LED lights. Our guess is LED stand lights will probably be the only music stand lights at some point in the near future. On the positive side (battery joke), these lights are typically compact, lightweight, easy to adjust, and you can find them in both battery and electric options. If you use a battery-operated light, you will of course have to be prepared with extra batteries just in case.
Aria Brand – This brand is a pricier option for LED stand lights, but they are well-liked and for a reason. We have not chosen just one light from the Aria line because there are several good options. With all however, the design is similar to the old classic electric lights — they have a shield that contains the light. They also cast a warmer light, rather than the blueish tint that some LEDs have. The D1 Diva would be worth looking into. It is solely electric so you’ll need somewhere to plug in. The Brio R1 is more expensive, but with the jump in cost, you’re getting the choice to use it plugged in or on the rechargeable battery. The battery will last about 3 hours. Click here for D1 Diva and here for Brio R1. Some feel the Aria lights are too bright, but you can buy a dimmer to go along with your light (just be sure your light doesn’t already have a dimmer switch).
Mighty Bright Duet2 – This is a good option for a more affordable LED stand light. There are two separate ‘goosenecks’ (flexible arms) that are completely adjustable so you can move and angle them however you need. Each gooseneck has two LED bulbs, so two settings to choose from on each head. We certainly find these to be bright enough in any situation. These lights clip onto the stand and as long as you have the clip in the right spot, it feels pretty sturdy to us. They are powered by 3 AAA batteries, but you also have the option of using an AC adaptor. If you’re on the lower setting, the batteries will last longer. One drawback to these lights is you cannot use the AC adaptor while the batteries are in. The Mighty Bright also has a Duet model, which is two goosenecks still, but each one has only one LED light (so only one setting) and no AC adaptor. Click Here for Pricing and More Information.
To us, LEDs seem like the better choice, and our top pick would be the Aria Brio, but there are many wonderful options out there. Surely whatever you choose will be the (b)right choice!