Percussion stands are available for almost every percussion instrument. Because percussion instruments produce sound striking a surface, the surface must be able to vibrate freely, so the instrument is suspended on a stand. The three-legged stand is the most common percussion stand because it can support a wide range of percussion instruments. For large or unusually shaped instruments, there are also built-in and attached stands.
A built-in stand is included with some percussion instruments, such as mallet or keyboard percussion. Percussion stands are found on the marimba, xylophone, vibraphone, and chimes. To support the instrument, it usually has legs like a table or a similar structure. The timpani also has a built-in stand that is attached to the instrument’s bowl.
Before they can be played, other instruments must be mounted on percussion stands. Temple blocks are one example. A clamp is used to secure these to a three-legged stand. It has an adjustable pole and usually folds up into a small package that can be easily stored. The snare drum, certain types of cymbals, crotales, and bongo drums, among other instruments, are commonly attached to three-legged percussion stands.
Because of their unusual shape or size, some instruments require a very specific type of stand. The bass drum’s percussion stand is usually a large hoop structure supported a wheeled stand. The bass drum is suspended from the hoop.
The congo drum is supported a stand with three legs and a padded metal circle. The congo drum is placed in the center of the circle. A squared bar mounted on a base with wheels is also used gongs. The gong, which hangs inside the square, is completely encircled the bar. Smaller gongs can be hung from a similar-shaped stand, but they’re more commonly used on tables.
Many percussion instruments can be played without the use of percussion stands. Auxiliary percussion is frequently included in this category. During performance, the slapstick, jingle bells, finger cymbals, rattle, claves, and a variety of other instruments are held. Auxiliary percussion is typically laid out on a velvet lined table at waist height in an orchestra setting so that the percussionist can easily reach the instruments.
Percussionists on drum sets use a mix of specialty stands and three-legged stands. Three-legged stands are commonly used for cymbals, snare drums, and hi hats. The tom tom drums are held in place a stand that is attached to the bass drum via two extension rods. The bass drum is usually set on its side, with two legs on either side supporting it.