Lighting stands

[Ricesnaps]

Next part of my show upgrade is i think going to happen out of need rather than desire!

Currently using a skytec (or similar) winch stand set with a tri truss to form a goalpost. These have in fairness been a good workhorse for the last two years, but sadly I am not sure the stands will last the wedding season for me.

Interested in advice on what to replace with. I like the completely seperate goal post arrangement I have, but following the replies on some of my "next level" thread, there were suggestions that it was maybe not quite the right "look" for the wedding market - would certainly be keen to get ideas on what is the right look (or considered to be the right look).

I must say that I am not all that keen on the deck stand, goalpost combination, although I haven't actually seen one, just the pictures.

I am guessing from previous conversations that Ultimax would be a good choice and I have had a little look on there web site. Also quite liked the TrussLite stuff from them, but can't seem to find it on there web site - there was a "cube" set up reviewed in Pro-Mobile about a year ago and I like the look of that, but can't see it anywhere!

To give you and idea, I generally play to roons of about 150 - 200 guests, but would like to be able to do both bigger and smaller, you should know the lighting by now - 4 x I-Show 6b & 3 x Datamoon. Quite like the idea of a completely truss set up - no stands, just upright truss etc... but not sure if this is even more the wrong direction for weddings...

Thanks in advance guys

[spin mobile disco]

I think the goalpost system is best suited for weddings and the like because of the frontage it adds. I dont use tri truss my self but the standard twin bar truss. Although now I have a bigger vehicle I am considering some tri.

[Ricesnaps]

I think the goalpost system is best suited for weddings and the like because of the frontage it adds. I dont use tri truss my self but the standard twin bar truss. Although now I have a bigger vehicle I am considering some tri.
So that's a vote for seperate winch stands and truss style goalpost over deck stand version?

[Danno13]

I think truss is much better than a deckstand.. mainly because you can get the lights higher, most importantley, above peoples heads. That said, often there's no room for stands.. so good to have a deckstand as well for these situations.

[Vectis]

Well I use the prolight (boo hiss I hear you cry but they're actually pretty good) deck stand/goalpost arrangement. I have the 4' and the 6' crossbars and goalposts and use the base frame 'sides' and uprights which are common to both.

In addition I have a couple of freestanding giraffe light stands with crossbars and the 'single light' attachments.

Everything fits in the prolight 6' carry bag and sits nicely on the roofrack.

All my audio gear (including at a push a single laptop), lighting controllers etc. are in a 16U wheeled flightcase with mixer slant in the lid.

So... for very small/cheap/kids discos I'll use the flightcase, two giraffes loaded with assorted effects, spots and hazer on the floor under the giraffe or speaker stands.

For small-ish function requirements I'll use the 4' prolight loaded with lights, spots and hazer on the floor underneath and maybe one giraffe with single-light attachment for a high-powered effect to light up the roofspace or whatever.

Larger functions, or those requiring video screens, and I'll use the 6' prolight to gain the extra real estate (with/without giraffe as before)

And for the very largest it's the 6' prolight PLUS the two giraffes.

Never fancied trussing.

For the 4' and 6' stands I have a printed banner for the frontage and I'm probably going down the starcloth route for 'nicer' functions.

[Ricesnaps]

Well I use the prolight (boo hiss I hear you cry but they're actually pretty good) deck stand/goalpost arrangement. I have the 4' and the 6' crossbars and goalposts and use the base frame 'sides' and uprights which are common to both.

In addition I have a couple of freestanding giraffe light stands with crossbars and the 'single light' attachments.

Everything fits in the prolight 6' carry bag and sits nicely on the roofrack.

All my audio gear (including at a push a single laptop), lighting controllers etc. are in a 16U wheeled flightcase with mixer slant in the lid.

So... for very small/cheap/kids discos I'll use the flightcase, two giraffes loaded with assorted effects, spots and hazer on the floor under the giraffe or speaker stands.

For small-ish function requirements I'll use the 4' prolight loaded with lights, spots and hazer on the floor underneath and maybe one giraffe with single-light attachment for a high-powered effect to light up the roofspace or whatever.

Larger functions, or those requiring video screens, and I'll use the 6' prolight to gain the extra real estate (with/without giraffe as before)

And for the very largest it's the 6' prolight PLUS the two giraffes.

Never fancied trussing.

For the 4' and 6' stands I have a printed banner for the frontage and I'm probably going down the starcloth route for 'nicer' functions.

don't suppose you have any pictures to demonstrate what you mean?

[spin mobile disco]

Personally i think 6 ft of truss seems a bit small when you compare to 3 metres of it on a goalpost. But that is just my own opinion. You can also shrink most truss down to half (1.5 metres in my case) if you need to fit in a small space.

[Danno13]

But its the extra floor space that the stands take up thats the problem most of the time rather than just the width.

[Silver]

Errr sorry to be Mr Thicko but can somebody show me the difference between goalposts and trusses. Goalposts are the ones you have two supporting 'legs' either side and the 'crossbar' runs overhead and a truss.............. http://planetsmilies.net/confused-smiley-17564.gif
The only truss I know about is the one my doctor prescribes.... http://planetsmilies.net/ill-violated-dead-smiley-5387.gif

[Danno13]

Truss usually means tri-truss, whereas goalpost usually refers to the skytec/prolight style ladder truss...

[CRAZY K]

Well I use the prolight (boo hiss I hear you cry but they're actually pretty good) deck stand/goalpost arrangement. I have the 4' and the 6' crossbars and goalposts and use the base frame 'sides' and uprights which are common to both.

In addition I have a couple of freestanding giraffe light stands with crossbars and the 'single light' attachments.

Everything fits in the prolight 6' carry bag and sits nicely on the roofrack.

All my audio gear (including at a push a single laptop), lighting controllers etc. are in a 16U wheeled flightcase with mixer slant in the lid.

So... for very small/cheap/kids discos I'll use the flightcase, two giraffes loaded with assorted effects, spots and hazer on the floor under the giraffe or speaker stands.

For small-ish function requirements I'll use the 4' prolight loaded with lights, spots and hazer on the floor underneath and maybe one giraffe with single-light attachment for a high-powered effect to light up the roofspace or whatever.

Larger functions, or those requiring video screens, and I'll use the 6' prolight to gain the extra real estate (with/without giraffe as before)

And for the very largest it's the 6' prolight PLUS the two giraffes.

Never fancied trussing.

For the 4' and 6' stands I have a printed banner for the frontage and I'm probably going down the starcloth route for 'nicer' functions.

For Weddings and more important events I use a DJ stand with goalposts attaching.

Because I dont have a big van I have to assemble and take down the DJ stand which is a pain.

I dont carry as much lighting as some but it certainly works well, just a lot of time on assembly, I dont have a roadie unless the wife fancies a night out!

Is there a problem with the mobile flightcase if theres an awkward step or even the dreaded stairs which I seem to come across sometimes in Halls which dont seem to be conforming to the disabled access rules :eek:

CRAZY K

[Silver]

Truss usually means tri-truss, whereas goalpost usually refers to the skytec/prolight style ladder truss...

Sorry but that doesn't help at all! tri truss, skytec, prolight??? means absolutely zilch to me. http://planetsmilies.net/not-tagged-smiley-10090.gif

[Danno13]

Here's some proper trussing -

http://www.thomann.de/gb/stairville_traversen_set_pro.htm

When people talk about "goalposts" they usually mean either of these -

http://www.djsuperstore.co.uk/asb/386642/item/dj-stands-accessories/382717-giraffe-goalpost-deck-stand-6ft-double-braced-g109-%C2%A3169.00

http://www.djstore.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.pl?&item=protrus01

[Vectis]

Is there a problem with the mobile flightcase if theres an awkward step or even the dreaded stairs which I seem to come across sometimes in Halls which dont seem to be conforming to the disabled access rules :eek:


I never get caught out. Sure the cabinet is heavy but is easily lifted by two people, even up the odd flight of stairs. That's why I keep a database of venues, and any that I've not played before get a visit beforehand (so I can take the optimal amount (and type) of kit). On the odd occasion I don't have a roadie with me, and the venue is difficult, I don't take the booking unless I can get help from the organiser/barstaff etc. with the big case.

The VAST majority of venues I can manouvre the thing on my own.

I always have the option of using my backup equipment if all else fails, which is flightcased in two luggable 6U racks and will sit nicely on the deckstands.

[Ricesnaps]

right then. As this was my post, here's my definition:

Deck stand lighting:
http://www.discostudio.co.uk/item.php?upn=1442 (or similar)

Goal Post stand:
http://www.discostudio.co.uk/item.php?upn=1452

This is almost the same as I already have - This type of "goalpost stand" could also be one that has proper opti tri-truss and two stands, could be 3, 4 5 or more meters in width - get the idea?

Trussing:
http://www.prolyte.com/multipurposetruss/multipurpose.htm

Ok a bit OTT, but hopefully you get the idea - goalpost style arrangement made entirely from this type of kit.

So, what do I go for?

Looks like a goalpost (as per my definition) is top choice so far - or is it?

What manufacturers and kit would you suggest?

[CRAZY K]

right then. As this was my post, here's my definition:

Deck stand lighting:
http://www.discostudio.co.uk/item.php?upn=1442 (or similar)

Goal Post stand:
http://www.discostudio.co.uk/item.php?upn=1452

This is almost the same as I already have - This type of "goalpost stand" could also be one that has proper opti tri-truss and two stands, could be 3, 4 5 or more meters in width - get the idea?

Trussing:
http://www.prolyte.com/multipurposetruss/multipurpose.htm

Ok a bit OTT, but hopefully you get the idea - goalpost style arrangement made entirely from this type of kit.

So, what do I go for?

Looks like a goalpost (as per my definition) is top choice so far - or is it?

What manufacturers and kit would you suggest?

Matt not sure about your definition but as you say the one you are choosing is the same as you had when I saw your kit last.

Presume you ARE going for a winched model?

Hanging heavy lighting at a height of 8 feet or more aint a lot of fun--or bringing it down afterwards:eek:

I dont do enough "Discos" to bother with one.

Im sure the other guys will recommend a make,

regards

CRAZY K

[Ricesnaps]

Matt not sure about your definition but as you say the one you are choosing is the same as you had when I saw your kit last.

Presume you ARE going for a winched model?

Hanging heavy lighting at a height of 8 feet or more aint a lot of fun--or bringing it down afterwards:eek:

I dont do enough "Discos" to bother with one.

Im sure the other guys will recommend a make,

regards

CRAZY K
Ah yes, but it's my definition!

I actually really like the idea of the truss option, but am getting the feeling that most are suggesting the "goalpost" one!

So what's the best and worst makes and models? Buy a complete kit or winch stands and then tri-lite or something similar?

[sleah]

The term goalpost is used often to describe a rouge style of rig - especially when talking to a customer.
I describe my setup as a 'goalpost style support', which consists of two supports and a cross piece.
I think the term originated to simply differentiate between T bars, suspended support and what I just described. The supports can be either stands or 'legs' (like an upside down T or with diaganol outriggers).
Basically everone's ideas are right!