Deck Stand

[OllieJames]

Hey Guys :)

Now that i've got my lighting more or less sorted, i need to invest in a) a new smoke machine and b) a new deckstand w/ starcloth or black fabric...

Smoke machine wise, i was thinking about the Martin Magnum 550, as i've tried one out, and it seems like a good little machine, any other ideas?

Next, i need a new deck stand. I've been using a keyboard stand and some MDF with a tatty black cloth, and it just doesn't cut it anymore.

I've been looking at the ultimax & giraffe deck stands (without the lighting bar) and they seem just what i need. I was looking around the terralec site and found this; (not too sure whether i'm allowed to post links to other sites, if not, please tell me!) CLICK HERE (http://www.terralec.co.uk/keyboard_and_dj_stands/dj_workbase/19977_p.html). What do you think? I know it's cheaper than the ultimax, and i know the ultimax is better quality, however i need a quick fix that i can then replace with a better quality stand, when i have a decent cashflow.

Thanks for your help once again,

Ollie

[UltraBeat Entertainment]

I really wouldn't bother with the smoke machines as about 80-90% of venues don't allow them so sort of a waste of £££.

For the deck stand i would say go for the Ultimax i know it's more expensive but it will last alot longer than the cheaper ones and the build quality is much better. It will save you money in the future as you won't need to folk out for a new one every few years. Better to get it right first time if you ask me:)

[OllieJames]

I really wouldn't bother with the smoke machines as about 80-90% of venues don't allow them so sort of a waste of £££.

For the deck stand i would say go for the Ultimax i know it's more expensive but it will last alot longer than the cheaper ones and the build quality is much better. It will save you money in the future as you won't need to folk out for a new one every few years. Better to get it right first time if you ask me:)

Hey

Thanks for your comment!

Would a hazer be a better purchase?

I'll have a look around for the ultimax stand!

Thanks :)

[Ajaysdisco]

Another plus point to the Ultimax is they are modular, once you have brought the basic stand you can add bits on and take bits off.
I currently use a 1.2m deck stand and have the Ultimax curtain on the front, for small gigs I add on the over head bar and for large gigs I change the middle section of the deck stand to 1.7m and use a separate lighting bar to give me more space.
Once you have the basic stand the middle pieces are only about £30, it gives you great flexibility.

Regarding the haze machine I believe it’s the same problem with venues not allowing the use of them.
One possible cheap and basic solution is to buy a can of fog from Maplin it’s about £5 per can and will last a couple of hours.
I have a fog machine but it will be luckily to see more than one use a year. :(

[OllieJames]

The majority of my gigs will be schools and villiage halls/rugby clubs etc

So would smoke not be allowed out these venues?

[nigelwright7557]

Hey Guys :)

Now that i've got my lighting more or less sorted, i need to invest in a) a new smoke machine and b) a new deckstand w/ starcloth or black fabric...

Smoke machine wise, i was thinking about the Martin Magnum 550, as i've tried one out, and it seems like a good little machine, any other ideas?

Next, i need a new deck stand. I've been using a keyboard stand and some MDF with a tatty black cloth, and it just doesn't cut it anymore.

I've been looking at the ultimax & giraffe deck stands (without the lighting bar) and they seem just what i need. I was looking around the terralec site and found this; (not too sure whether i'm allowed to post links to other sites, if not, please tell me!) CLICK HERE (http://www.terralec.co.uk/keyboard_and_dj_stands/dj_workbase/19977_p.html). What do you think? I know it's cheaper than the ultimax, and i know the ultimax is better quality, however i need a quick fix that i can then replace with a better quality stand, when i have a decent cashflow.

Thanks for your help once again,

Ollie

I just knocked up a simple deck stand in plywood with soft wood bracing.
The 3 sections are bolted together and so unbolt to fold flat and take up very little room. The front board can have the disco name painted on it by a graphic artist.

[UltraBeat Entertainment]

Sadly a lot of venues use the same rules for smoke and haze. Most venues these days have a ban on them due to sensitive smoke alarms and problems regarding asthma they just don't want the hassle.

So Ollie chances are this will include your venues (especially schools and village halls. I know smoke/haze machines produce an amazing effect but these days its just not worth the money for once or twice a year (and because of this it's becoming less and less for traditional lasers too).

As Ajaysdisco has said the Ultimax stand is completely interchangeable which is great. Say you lose a bolt, pole or something you can pick them up cheaply without having to purchase the whole stand again and if you want change your setup in a few years or so you can just add extra parts to the stand.


I just knocked up a simple deck stand in plywood with soft wood bracing.
The 3 sections are bolted together and so unbolt to fold flat and take up very little room. The front board can have the disco name painted on it by a graphic artist.

And how strong is that if it's made from wood? can it really withstand all the weight of an entire rig? sounds dangerous to me.

[OllieJames]

Sadly a lot of venues use the same rules for smoke and haze. Most venues these days have a ban on them due to sensitive smoke alarms and problems regarding asthma they just don't want the hassle.

So Ollie chances are this will include your venues (especially schools and village halls. I know smoke/haze machines produce an amazing effect but these days its just not worth the money for once or twice a year (and because of this it's becoming less and less for traditional lasers too).

As Ajaysdisco has said the Ultimax stand is completely interchangeable which is great. Say you lose a bolt, pole or something you can pick them up cheaply without having to purchase the whole stand again and if you want change your setup in a few years or so you can just add extra parts to the stand.

Thanks for the reply!

I think i'll leave the smoke machine then! I don't have a laser as it is, so i won't buy one if i can't use smoke.

I've found an ultimax deck stand for £89.99 and i've found the black curtain thing for £49.99. So a bit of saving to do :o

Thanks for your help!

[Nile]

oh the joys of having built yer own dj case!
I was looking at these - but the gap between is 1.2m.
My case?
1.25m
DOH!
suppose I'll also be building me own stand...........
Now wheres me mig welder. ;-)

Nile

[Excalibur]

Ollie, if the picture of the one in your link was accurate, I'd say it was a Prolight, which is lower quality than a Giraffe. Until a fortnight or so ago, I'd have said buy a Giraffe, and save a few quid. That was before I bought an Ultimax, the build quality increase is way more than the price difference. Also as has been said, you can customise the Ultimax to your own tastes, as all parts and acessories are available separately.

[yourdj]

I would go for the magnum smoke machine. I often use mine in all forms of venues at low venues and never had a problem. dont get anything cheaper as it will pack in quickly.

Go for a second hand stand if money is a problem. I would assume an add paper, ebay of boot fair your best bet. i use two (6ft with bar, and 4ft) girraffs as they are very easy to transport and only cost me about £20.

Also if money is tight dont bother about starcloth, just get a good bit of cotton or satin blackout. Your lights will do ok on thier own.

[OllieJames]

I would go for the magnum smoke machine. I often use mine in all forms of venues at low venues and never had a problem. dont get anything cheaper as it will pack in quickly.

Go for a second hand stand if money is a problem. I would assume an add paper, ebay of boot fair your best bet. i use two (6ft with bar, and 4ft) girraffs as they are very easy to transport and only cost me about £20.

Also if money is tight dont bother about starcloth, just get a good bit of cotton or satin blackout. Your lights will do ok on thier own.

Hey,

I may still buy the smoke machine, and just see how many venues i can use it at... worth a try suppose!

In regards to the deck stand, i'll have a look around for second hand stands, and i'm thinking of getting black cloth instead of a starcloth anyway :)

[Nile]

Hi all
thought I'd posted up already - god knows probaly pressed the wrong button!
Anyhow I found a prolight stand - 6' ( as my bloomin case is more than 4' !) complete with lighting bar for £90.
I can't find an ultimax 6' one without lighting bar for this little money.
so with the danger of stealing the thread ( as I didnt ask! ) are the prolight ones really so poor?
as for the smoke?
as I have one, and use it in about 30% of my singing gigs I guess. But I have only a few lights and it does make things look better.....
Amazing how many people moan about it and then go outside and light up a fag! DOH!
;-)
Nile

[Excalibur]

Hi all
thought I'd posted up already - god knows probaly pressed the wrong button!
Anyhow I found a prolight stand - 6' ( as my bloomin case is more than 4' !) complete with lighting bar for £90.
I can't find an ultimax 6' one without lighting bar for this little money.
so with the danger of stealing the thread ( as I didnt ask! ) are the prolight ones really so poor?
as for the smoke?
as I have one, and use it in about 30% of my singing gigs I guess. But I have only a few lights and it does make things look better.....
Amazing how many people moan about it and then go outside and light up a fag! DOH!
;-)
Nile

As has been said on here more than once, in order of quality it's Prolight, Giraffe, and Ultimax. I have Giraffe and Ultimax, and the quality difference is huge. As far as I know, Prolight is fine but probably limited lifespan. The main issue in my opinion is the diameter of the uprights, the Ultimax is a lot bigger and stronger. If you don't intend to use overhead bars, then the differences will be less striking, but should you wish to add this later, then only Ultimax will allow you to buy them separately. Good luck.

[Vectis]

only Ultimax will allow you to buy them separately.


Not true. I bought a 6' prolight and then got the 4' crossmembers seperately.

BUT take your point absolutely about the strength of the uprights - this is the Prolight's absolute weakness... HOWEVER in this day and age of LED lights this might not be such a problem any more...

My Prolights managed about 2 years before I felt it was time to change them. They now get used occasionally for house parties/kids parties when I need the 4' frame but my 6' Ultimax goes out to the majority of gigs.

[Excalibur]

Not true. I bought a 6' prolight and then got the 4' crossmembers seperately.
BUT take your point absolutely about the strength of the uprights - this is the Prolight's absolute weakness... HOWEVER in this day and age of LED lights this might not be such a problem any more...

My Prolights managed about 2 years before I felt it was time to change them. They now get used occasionally for house parties/kids parties when I need the 4' frame but my 6' Ultimax goes out to the majority of gigs.

But not actually what I said.

If you don't intend to use overhead bars, then the differences will be less striking, but should you wish to add this later, then only Ultimax will allow you to buy them separately. Good luck.

:p :D :D

[Vectis]

OK Mr Nitpicky :p

What I'm saying is that Prolight "spares" are available - albeit nowhere near as readily as Ultimax - you have to contact Prolight direct and hassle them to sell you stuff, but it is do-able.
:)

[Nile]

whoa boys - handbags at dawn?
;-)
get the point.
As long as the click together fairly easily and dont need an ology to put up it'll probably do fer me!
ta.
Nile

[OllieJames]

I think i've made my decision!



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...


I'll buy the ultimax 4ft stand, then i'll buy the add-on black curtain thing. That way, as excalibur has said, i can add things to it etc!

Just need the £140 now!

[UltraBeat Entertainment]

I'll buy the ultimax 4ft stand, then i'll buy the add-on black curtain thing. That way, as excalibur has said, i can add things to it etc!

Just need the £140 now!

Think thats a good idea. and starting with the black cloth is a very good idea as you will have that pro look even before you can spend alot on your frontage.

Now time to find that cash:D

[OllieJames]

Think thats a good idea. and starting with the black cloth is a very good idea as you will have that pro look even before you can spend alot on your frontage.

Now time to find that cash:D

Great :)

I've got some more old DJ gear to put on ebay, and a couple of drum related things, so that'll help to get the cash.

I would do some discos for the cash HOWEVER, i'm not happy with the appearance of my rig with the current 'deck stand', so i'll have to get the cash from ebay, or washing the cars! :p

[djsteve10]

If you want to make some cash then why not roadie for some djs ;)

[OllieJames]

If you want to make some cash then why not roadie for some djs ;)

Are you offering? :p

I know there's a couple of members on here from Northampton, so there may be a chance of that happening, we'll see!

:D

[flatliners]

you were on about smoke i would get one because it is always handy to have if someone asks you if you have one

[nigelwright7557]

you were on about smoke i would get one because it is always handy to have if someone asks you if you have one

I found the smoke machine goes down really well with kids.
And the smoke really improves a light show.

[OllieJames]

I do have a smoke machine, but it's rubbish, so i need something with a bit more power and output! So the Martin Magnum 550 is perfect :) A new deck stand is priority though!