Karaoke Forums

Saw some pole-mount speaker tripods with a hand crank... seems like a good idea, don't have to lift the speaker as high to mount it, then crank it up.

What are the Downsides to this method???  

Randy J,

  I think the main concern would be what the gears were made of....plastic ( stay away) or steel/hard metal (good ones), also the same for the handle on the crank. (same for both) .

                                   Donny "B"    8)

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None that I know of. I have the On-Stage crank ups, and they are just fine for me. I don't gig out that much, so they are used 1-2 times a month at most. But they have held up for 8 months now...they accept a power drill to avoid having to crank it up, but that seems the ultimate in ridiculousness for a karaoke host who has only two to crank up.

The Cadillac of those I think is the Telelock -- they are very nice. They actually don't use a crank -- they have a one-way hydraulic-feel lock that allows you to push the speaker up easily. They cost $200.00 for the pair, though -- I got mine for $110.00 the pair, though I see them lots of places for the same $99.00 apiece as the Telelock.

We have 3 sets of pole mounts - and we do have the crank up ones that we set the Bag Ends on. Others aren't really heavy enough to warrant, though the Mackie 450s we have now would probably qualify as 'crankable' if it was just one of us setting up/tearing down. (The crank-ups we have do have a load limit of 85 pounds, I believe.) On my wish list are the hydraulic ones but not anywhere near the top of the list.

k

Randy I have the telescopic one way lock system...I can now set up and pack down alone with no fear of straining my back. with each speaker being a tad over 74 lbs it was necessary to find a way of getting them up solo without relying upon anyone else...I normally lie them down to put them onto the stand then walk them up...the same to take them off.

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"Be who you are and say what you feel... Because those that matter... Don't mind...And those that mind... Don't matter."

Morgan, I work with a gal that perfected that method, saves your back for sure.  74 pounds is a pretty heavy load for anyone.

Here is a link to the best speaker stands I have ever found and use.

http://www.frankenstand.com/index.html

They are totally worth the price of $320 a pair. They are also gaurenteed for life.

I've just never seen the use for crank stands. Of course I use passive speakers, so they are lighter. I suppose if I had to lift 50lbs it would be a different story. I think it would depend on durability of the crank. I'd hate to see you spend a lot of money on something that would break after a few months.

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[updown]~*~ MONKEY BUSINESS KARAOKE~*~ [/shadow][/updown][/glow]

IMO, the only downside of the crank or Telelock type of stands is the price.

Having used both "lift and pin", pain-in-the-back type of stand and the crank type with the JBL EON 15 G2 speakers, I know for sure I will overlook that downside and pay the extra.  My back is worth it!

more so now I have totally detached the anterior cruciate ligament and torn the cartilage in my left knee and torn the cartilage in my right knee
I guess my lugging heavy equipment is almost over

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"Be who you are and say what you feel... Because those that matter... Don't mind...And those that mind... Don't matter."

wow they are even better than mine!! does the tongue come with it?

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"Be who you are and say what you feel... Because those that matter... Don't mind...And those that mind... Don't matter."

I may look into a pair of these.  Having recently broken my jaw - I'm VERY wary about lifting heavy things near my head...

Re: pole mount - crank it up?

Try Viagra......  Oh sorry

Thanks for the info and suggestions!

So what you're saying is:
- stay away from the plastic ones
- electric ones not really necessary
- hydraulic ones are easier than hand jobs
- certain medications can help the situation but...
- call your doctor if your gig is longer than 4 hours

Got it. Thanks!  :)