Unusual, melodious, interesting – a collection of unusual instruments
Whether electric guitar, trumpet or cello – at König & Meyer, we offer perfectly fitting stands, holders and other accessories for almost all well-known and widely used musical instruments. But what about instruments that you hardly ever see on stage or in music shops? Those that are so unusual that they often don’t need a stand – because they lie on your lap, float in the air or are even homemade?
Today, on “Unusual Musical Instruments Day”, we present six extraordinary instruments and check what equipment we can offer to support them.
Acoustic and extraordinary
1. Hang drum
It looks like a UFO and sounds like a mixture of a harp and a steel drum: the hang drum is played with the hands and is usually held on the lap or on a cushion. Anyone who practises meditation or yoga will certainly be familiar with this instrument. It is ideal for meditative sound journeys and relaxation. The hang drum is also often found among street musicians: it is practical because it is played while seated and requires pure intuition.
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2. Glass harmonica
An instrument like something from another world: rotating glass discs are made to sing with moistened fingers. Made famous by Mozart and Benjamin Franklin, it remains a rare gem – usually permanently installed, not intended for use on stage.
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Ethnic & World Music
3. Didgeridoo
The oldest wind instrument in the world comes from Australia and requires one thing above all else: lung capacity. The instrument is played while seated, with the 1 to 2.5 metre long didgeridoo held “simply” on the floor or between the legs. No extras – just an unmistakably deep, pulsating sound. The instrument can be stored in an oboe stand such as the 18020.
4. Kora
The West African harp lute with 21 strings is a marvel made of calabash, leather and wood. Traditionally, the player sits cross-legged with the kora on the floor leaning against their body. Elegant and minimalistic – just like its sound. The plucked instrument can be stored in a guitar stand, for example, the »Heli 2«.
Experimental & modern
5. Waterphone
It sounds like something out of a horror film – and that’s exactly what it’s used for: the Waterphone produces ghostly sounds by rubbing and striking metal rods over a water-filled resonance chamber. Goosebumps guaranteed, no stand required. If desired, a laptop stand (seen below in the slider) can be used as a shelf.
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6. Theremin
A classic of the avant-garde: the theremin is played without being touched – hands control pitch and volume via two antennas. The box, which is usually rectangular, can be placed on a table, or you can actually use a keyboard or laptop stand. Some models have a 3/8 inch connection for a microphone stand.
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Conclusion: Music knows no boundaries
The world of music is huge, colourful and sometimes pretty weird – in the best possible way! The instruments presented here demonstrate how versatile and creative sound can be. Most of them manage without much technology or equipment. However, in some cases, our products may still be helpful.
Have you ever heard or even played one of these instruments? Or do you know of any other unusual sound wonders?
👉 Write to us in the comments or on social media – we look forward to hearing about your discoveries!
König & Meyer presents: Our new products 2020
The Corona Crisis continues to determine our lives. Normally we would have been at the Prolight & Sound in Frankfurt beginning of April, showing off all our new products, catching up with business partners and with you, our customers. In the normal course of things that is. What we all want most of all these days is to have our sense of normalcy restored, to get back just a little of our everyday routines. After all, the catalogues are produced, the brochures for our new products have been printed, and the first production runs are finished and ready to go. The perfect time for a virtual exhibition.
The whole team of König & Meyer wishes you a lot of fun while browsing and later a lot of fun with the new products.
14087 Piano bench
Although at the moment we have to wait and see, we are already looking forward to the concerts and festivals in summer. Still, the first product we would like to introduce, prepares us for the next concert season. With our new bench there is one less thing to worry about: a lack of space in the tour bus. After the launch of our foldable Omega Pro table-style keyboard stand last year, we have now designed a foldable piano bench to go with it. The folding mechanism makes set up and break down a breeze, and takes up comparatively little space, making it an excellent travel companion.
Large, rubber feet won’t mar your wooden floor at home and keep this bench firmly anchored. Height adjustable via spring-loaded clamping knobs and an engraved height scale.
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18828 Basic support »Omega« table stand
A place for everything – and everything is in its place. The next product also helps here: Maybe you are in the midst of writing or recording a song and the perfect melody is running through your head as you rush to the keyboard. It is so frustrating to forget it before you get there. Wouldn’t it be great to have a small midi keyboard or synthesizer right there when and where you need it, and still have space on your lap for a guitar?
Use the Basic support 18828 to transform your Omega stacker into a stable and space-saving table stand. The width of this table stand can be adjusted from 526 to 770 mm to accommodate almost any model. Take this versatile stand into the studio as well, where it will prove its worth. It adds a second level to hold mixers, controllers and other equipment, and you can even go up one more and add a third level.
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18807 Universal holder
This next product is for keyboarders who want to reach for the stars while keeping both feet firmly planted on the ground. If you use stackers with your keyboard stand, you are aware of the advantages. It keeps all your instruments at your fingertips and eliminates the need for separate keyboard stands, a real plus on crowded stages or in the studio. Until now though, this meant you had to do without other useful add-ons, like a tablet holder or screw-on microphone stand. Not anymore.
With the Universal holder, which attaches to the base of the 18810 and 18820 keyboard stands and onto the 18950 and 18953 foldable table-style stands in the blink of an eye, you can now use all those convenient extensions. Any boom arm, music stand or tablet holder fits onto the 3/8” thread.
A little insider tip while we are all on lockdown: use the 21920 Thread adapter or the 19695 Universal joint to mount a GoPro or mobile recorder to keep friends, fans and followers on your social media channels happily entertained with music.
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18807 Universal holder
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18807 in combination with 18820
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18807 in combination with 18805
26706 Base plate
Who does not know the following problem: Indoor gigs in places like pubs, small event spaces and bars, are usually a pretty tight squeeze. Three-legged speaker stands are a tripping hazard and take up too much valuable space. Our new base plate saves space, won’t trip you or your bandmates up, and lets you take optimal advantage of the space you have. The three options for positioning distance rods mean you can tuck a speaker more tightly into a tight corner. The base plate can be used with all distance rods with a M20 thread.
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26709 Additional weights for base plates
Can it be a little more? Our new additional weight plate tip the scales at 5 kg and gives your speaker stand extra stability in holding up heavy speakers. And if that is not enough, several weight plates can be stacked on top of each other. That provides a secure hold of the speaker.
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26709 Additional weight
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26709 in combination with 26706
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26709 in combination with a speaker stand
Orchestra music stands 11910 – 11915
Along with these new products, this year we are also premiering a new series of orchestra music stands that are very easy to use with the »Friction Lock System«. The series comes with three different foot constructions and you can also choose between steel and plastic music desks.
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Drummer’s Throne 14035/ 14036/ 14038/ 14039
Our range of drummer’s thrones has also expanded this year. Choose between velvet or leather upholstery, whatever suits your taste, and select either pneumatic spring or spindle height adjustment. The elegant König & Meyer logo on the back emphasizes their exceptional quality and value.
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Check out our brochure to pursue the full range of our new products. It is available here to page through or download.
Do you have any questions about the new products from König & Meyer? Feel free to contact us via e-mail at service@k-m.de or via our social media channels.
Stay healthy and optimistic.
The K&M Stadium for your Super Bowl Party!
The hype about the Super Bowl of the National Football League (NFL) is big in Germany. Maybe bigger than ever before. Let’s take a look at what König & Meyer has in common with this major sporting event and how you can impress your friends with your Do It Yourself stadium made of K&M products.
K&M on the biggest stage in the world
Have you ever wondered what inanimate objects would say if they could suddenly speak? Animism is the technical term for the projection of human abilities and characteristics onto objects. Our products would tell of countless performances, of stages large and small, of cramped darkness in the Tourvan and of great artists. A performance would not be forgotten, because it is anything but commonplace to perform in front of 120 million US spectators. Worldwide, the number of spectators of the Super Bowl and the half time show is approaching the billions.
Want proof? With our knurled screw, we are not exactly masters of disguise. But it does make it easier for us to prove that we were allowed to be part of Coldplay’s stage performance (at least) in 2016.
The Super Bowl – more than just a sporting event
American football is a polarizing sport. Whether ridiculed as boring, or praised as unpredictably exciting, the final – seemingly regardless of the discussion – sets new viewer records every year. In addition to passionate football fans, “Actually, I only want to watch the half time show” fans also join the illustrious crowd in front of the television. The lures of suspense and surprise seem to pick up even those who aren’t interested in sports: Who will have the honor of singing the national anthem before the game? Which artists will provide musical accompaniment at half time? And thus the number of spectators amounts to the billions already mentioned. Companies and brands are all jumping onto the hype train, which has long since passed the station of the pure sporting event, and is well on its way towards the mega event. The organizer is also well paid for the huge advertising space. A thirty-second advertising spot will easily run into the millions.
Pssst, spoiler alert: This year, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira will be performing at half time at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Stadium feeling under your own roof
Passengers who bought their tickets for the hype train at the season’s kick-off in September will have spent countless hours in front of the television by the end of the season. Especially trendy are stadium replicas, built from snacks, which also distinguish the games – sometimes lasting for up to three hours – from other TV services in culinary terms. For those who want to stick to their diets even during the Super Bowl, we also serve a low-calorie stadium. Simply swipe through the products to see what you need for a König & Meyer stadium.
Our suggestion
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What is “American football” anyway?
In American football, two teams of about 45 men face each other, with only eleven players per team on the field at any one time. The attacking team tries to pass the ball into the end zone to a receiver or to run into the end zone with it. This is usually not achieved in one move, but only by gradually moving forwards. The attacking team has four attempts (downs) to gain at least ten yards (9 meters). In this way, the attacking team gets closer and closer to the end zone. If the offense does not manage to do this, possession of the ball changes teams (turnover). The offense becomes the defense and vice versa. As a rule, points are scored by a touchdown (6 points) and a subsequent extra point (1 point) or, more rarely, a subsequent two-point conversion (2 points). If the offense reaches at least over the 50-yard line in the opponent’s half and has already made three attempts, the team can decide on a field goal (3 points) in the fourth attempt. The winner is the team that scores more points at the end of the 4 x 15 minutes net playing time.
The field is about 5350 m2 with both end zones and hardly differs in size from a soccer pitch. By way of comparison, our dispatch center has a total area of 7500 m2.
Discover the world of the keyboard stand »Spider Pro«
The »SPIDER PRO« keyboard stand is one of our most popular products. This article contains an overview all the key information on the »SPIDER PRO« and the »BABY SPIDER PRO« and the extra accessories available.
Starting with the »SPIDER PRO« available in anodized aluminum (18860-000-30), black anodized 18860-000-35) and red (18860-000-36).
The »SPIDER PRO« is equipped with two pairs of freely extendable support arms (the upper pair is tilted at 15°).
It can be outfitted with a third pair of support arms (article 18866 (#6) or 18865 (#7)) for a third keyboard. The »SPIDER PRO« also has a 3/8″ or 5/8″ threaded connection on the upper end of the column for attaching a microphone boom or laptop rest. The column of the »SPIDER PRO« is tilted at a significant angle for easier playing and a better view of the lower keyboard. The collapsible construction of the feet offers plenty of space for pedals and optimal leg freedom.
The »SPIDER PRO« folds easily and compactly. The optional carrying case (article 18851) protects the stand and makes it easier to transport.
The »BABY SPIDER PRO« has one pair of extendable support arms, a 3/8” or 5/8” threaded connector for attaching microphone booms and a cable clamp for cable management. It also comes in aluminum anodized (article 18840-000-30) and in black anodized (article 18840-000-35). The »BABY SPIDER PRO« can be outfitted with an additional pair of support arms for a second keyboard. Carrying case 18846 is available separately for easy transport.
Accessories
#1: Microphone boom
Can be used with all models with 3/8” threaded connection such as the 211/1, a classic tow-piece telescopic boom arm that can be silently adjusted and tilted.
#2: Laptop rest for »Spider Pro« and »Baby Spider Pro« (model number: 18863)
The robust attachment holds your laptop securely. The laptop rest is mounted on the upper end of the keyboard stand by means of a wing nut and retaining plate. The aluminum shelf can be adjusted horizontally or inclined in three positions. Individually adjustable stop pins with rubber caps enable the use of all common laptop models, mixers, etc.
#3: Universal holder for »Spider Pro« (model number: 18873)
Thanks to the unique bracket with the quick clamp system the universal holder can be easily attached to the Spider column. The holder height adjustment is variable. The 3/8″ threaded bolt connection significantly expands the range of Spider Pro and Baby Spider Pro uses. The holder connects other accessories, such as boom arm, gooseneck, iPad holder, Tablet PC (#4) holder etc.
#5: Sheet music and concept holder (model number: 18873 + 18805)
New since April 2018: Just use the universal holder 18873 and connect the sheet 18805 to get the perfect sheet music and concept holder for »Spider Pro«.
#6: Support arm set B (model number: 18866)
Additional extendable 15° tilted support arms for the »SPIDER PRO« and »BABY SPIDER PRO« keyboard stands available in black or silver with a fastening clamp.
#7: Support arm set A (model number: 18865)
Additional extendable support arms for the »SPIDER PRO« and »BABY SPIDER PRO« keyboard stands available in black or silver with a fastening clamp.
Even more new uses for the Spider Pro:
#8 Controller keyboard tray (model number: 18876)
By placing the tray (1kg) on the upper support arms of the Spider Pro now even smaller synthesizers, controllers, drum machines etc. can be used. The integrated handle can also be used for cable management. The equipment stop with an integrated edge protective strip and the anti-slip rubber end caps provide extra hold.
Controller Keyboard Tray XL (model number: 18879)
The sturdy aluminium plate enables new applications for the »Spider Pro« keyboard stand. By placing the tray on the upper tilted support arms, synthesizers and other devices up to a depth of 400 mm can now be used.
Mounting accessories
A: Extension rod (model number: 18872)
Used with threaded bolt set 18864 to mount microphone booms to the »SPIDER PRO« and »BABY SPIDER PRO« when laptop rest 18868 is mounted. Basically an extension of the microphone boom to take it up over an open laptop.
B: Threaded bolt set (model number: 18864)
A set of two threaded bolts for mounting microphone booms to the »SPIDER PRO«” and »BABY SPIDER PRO« with (longer bolts) and without (shorter bolts) a laptop rest.
Adapter for »Spider Pro« (model number: 18853)
More options for your Spider Pro or Baby Spider Pro: The metal adapter plate is simply mounted under the plastic cover. The 3/8″ threaded bolt connection expands the range of Spider Pro uses. You can also securely attach heavy booms and sheet music holders.
When mounting accessories, the following information on possible combinations is important:
If two additional pairs of support arms are attached to the »SPIDER PRO« for a total of four tiers, neither the sheet music holder nor the iPad holder can be mounted as well. The sheet music or iPad holder can be mounted in addition to the usual two tiers and, depending on how the keyboards are to be played, also with three support tiers. The laptop rest and microphone boom can be mounted individually and at the same time.
Transport accessories
Carrying case for »SPIDER PRO« (model number: 18851)
For storing and transporting the »SPIDER PRO« keyboard stand. Made of sturdy, waterproof nylon. Features wrap-around zipper and 2 nylon handles.
Carrying case for »BABY SPIDER PRO« (model number: 18846)
For storing and transporting the »BABY SPIDER PRO« keyboard stand. Made of sturdy, waterproof nylon. Features wrap-around zipper and 2 nylon handles.
Trolley for Keyboard Stands (model number: 18806)
The unique trolley keeps your keyboard stand on the move. The trolley provides extra mobility on stage, in rehearsal rooms or at home. Both trolleys are adjustable in length. Thanks to the locking casters the keyboard stand can remain on the trolley while in use.
FAQ
What is the maximum load capacity of the support arms?
Load capacity per support arm: 35 kg. Total load capacity of base: 105 kg.
Can I place a laptop on the top tier?
Yes, since the launch of the 18876 tray for controller keyboard in 2015, it is possible. By placing the tray on the upper support arms of the »Spider Pro« now even smaller synthesizers, controllers, drum machines etc. can be used.
How big the “Spider Pro” is when folded?
The total volume is 1215 mm. The carrying case is: 1280 x 180 x 185 mm.
How does cable management work?
The cables run along the side of the column and can be fixed with the cable clamps that come with the stand.
Can the “Baby Spider Pro” also be played when standing?
The maximum height of the “Baby Spider Pro” is 1 meter so it can also be played comfortably when standing. If an additional pair of support arms is mounted though, these cannot be attached at the top. So a person’s height determines whether he or she can play standing up.
Last update: June 2023
Jennifer Rostock about social media & co.
Jennifer Rostock is a German indie rock band formed in 2007. In April of this year, they released their third album. At this time, they became an endorsement partner of König & Meyer and were also our star attraction at the Musikmesse Frankfurt.
The next article in our “Endorsers & Social Media” series contains an interview with Jennifer Rostock about this virtual world.
Which social media platforms do you use?
Primarily Facebook. There is no other platform currently out there that offers so many opportunities to interact and communicate with fans. As well as haters. We don’t discriminate!
How long have you been “online” and how did it develop?
We started out – like most people – using MySpace. Shortly after we founded the band, we were using this social media tool to test the waters with the “Internet crowd” – because ultimately this is a very important “peer group.” Enough of the network media buzz words! For now! 🙂
Which platform do you use the most now and/or which one is the most important for you and why?
As we said, we are focusing on Facebook. We don’t want to be just casual users of other channels such as Twitter for example. Because we take care of the content ourselves, we simply don’t have the time to deal with every potential social network gimmick out there. Our fans know that they can reach us via Facebook. There is hardly any other rival social media site available that offers this kind of action/reaction relationship. However, we also stuff our YouTube channel like crazy.
What role does your website play in all of this?
We try to keep a balance between the website and social media. There is a lot of exclusive website content that is also advertised via the other channels and vice versa.
Who takes care of your online presence?
We do it ourselves! Along with our somewhat limited Web 2.0 activity. We try to set priorities.
How much time does it take to maintain your various channels?
Hard to say, depends on the type of information. But we are on it every day.
What is especially important to you about social media, what are your preferences and what opportunities do you see?
The direct contact with fans, communicating and interacting is a lot of fun and we can provide a platform for fans in which we can exchange information as a community. There is no better gauge of public opinion than the number of “likes”! 🙂
We can publish info and news quickly and easily so that fans are always up-to-date. Social media is also great for promoting videos, new albums, merchandising material as well as tours. In addition, your own channels also help to maintain your image and have a positive effect on name recognition.
Is there anything else Jennifer Rostock uses Facebook & co. for:
- We like to do small stuff like raffles, surveys or lotteries.
- Input and comments from fans are very important to us.
- The whole band knows the shared content.
- We always try to implement general or frequently requested ideas/comments or suggestions.
THANK YOU for the great interview. We have posted a link to the Jennifer Rostock band site on the König & Meyer website:www.k-m.de/brand/en/endorser/jennifer-rostock/
