Amazon Basics Folding Guitar Stand Review: 9.5/10 Verdict
The surprising part about the Amazon Basics Adjustable Folding Guitar Stand isn’t just that it’s the #1 best seller in single guitar stands—it’s how consistently users rate it at 4.8/5 across tens of thousands of reviews. Digging into community feedback reveals a product that delivers far beyond its budget price point, earning a solid 9.5/10 verdict for reliability, portability, and protection.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Yes — ideal for most guitarists, but not for unusual body shapes or oversized bass models.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sturdy metal frame with soft foam protection | Not height-adjustable |
| Fits acoustic, electric, and several other instruments | Foam arms may wear over time |
| No assembly required, folds flat for storage | Limited color options |
| Non-slip rubber feet prevent sliding | Can struggle with jazz bass or unusual shapes |
| Highly portable and lightweight | Not “ultra-compact” when folded |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing promises a “universal A-frame design” with “three adjustable width settings” and “soft foam arms to protect guitar surfaces.” On paper, this sounds like a one-size-fits-all solution. In practice, users largely confirm these claims—though with caveats for certain instruments.
The adjustable width is a standout, especially for multi-instrument owners. Reddit user feedback shows that musicians have used it for not just guitars, but “cellos, longboards, and even cymbal storage.” A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “Holds my acoustic guitar very well… folds easily, quite portable, so basic it couldn’t break.”
The “soft foam arms” deliver on their promise of surface protection. Quora contributor Ruth Cox explained: “The soft foam arms cradle my Fender Strat like a gentle hug—zero worries about finish scratches even after months of use.” However, some users mentioned the foam could wear with heavy, long-term use, wishing for replaceable pads.
Non-slip rubber feet are another claim that holds up in reality. One Trustpilot reviewer said: “No more ‘slow guitar creep’ across my hardwood floors mid-practice.” But for certain heavier or oddly shaped instruments like jazz basses, stability wasn’t perfect, with one Amazon user warning: “If the guitar is even a little off center… it can fall off the stand.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Reddit, and Trustpilot, the stand’s portability and no-assembly design are repeatedly celebrated. “Just unfold and boom, ready to rock,” wrote a Trustpilot reviewer. This instant readiness appeals to gigging musicians who need quick setup.
Sturdiness is another universal win. Multiple users describe it as “more compact and sturdier than those clunky non-folding guitar stands,” with one Amazon buyer adding: “This would be a great buy at twice the price.” For home setups, its small footprint fits tight spaces without dominating the room—a feature praised by those in apartments or crowded studios.
The versatility of the adjustable width settings is a boon for owners of multiple instruments. A Reddit user shared: “Works flawlessly for my Pint X and my Inmotion V8… keeps the board upright and stable,” showing its adaptability beyond guitars.
Common Complaints
The most frequent gripe comes from players with unusual body shapes—jazz basses, certain hollow bodies, or offset guitars. One bassist noted: “Maybe this isn’t the one depending on what type of bass you have… my jazz bass fender has a weird shape that affects stability.”
The foam padding, while protective, is non-replaceable, leading to concerns about longevity under heavy use. A few buyers also wished the stand folded into a truly “ultra-compact” form for travel, though most still found it easy to stow under a couch or in a gig bag.
Divisive Features
The minimalist A-frame design splits opinion. Some love its unobtrusiveness—“Shows more of the guitar and less of the stand,” one Amazon reviewer said—while others miss neck support or prefer taller tripod designs for perceived stability.
Price perception is another divider. While most agree it’s “best stand for the money,” a minority compared it to premium models like Hercules, noting those offer extra locking mechanisms. Yet, even these users often keep an Amazon Basics stand as a secondary or travel option.
Trust & Reliability
Long-term users report high durability, even with weekly gigging. Ruth Cox mentioned six months of heavy use with “zero regrets,” while an Amazon buyer said: “Had it for a couple of months now and I haven’t had any problems.” The metal frame earns praise for feeling “substantial—not flimsy like cheap plastic competitors.”
Trustpilot patterns show no signs of scam concerns; negative mentions are almost entirely about specific fit issues rather than product authenticity. Multiple musicians confirmed they’d “buy two sooner” if they had known its value.
Alternatives
Among mentioned competitors, the More Yes Folding A-Frame offers a hardwood aesthetic but lacks neck support, making it less stable for some. The Snig Jat Wood Stand adds style and adjustable cradle arms, but weighs less and may wobble with heavier instruments. Compared to these, Amazon Basics wins on portability and all-around compatibility.
Premium options like Hercules GS415BPlus add locking grips but cost significantly more—often over double the Amazon Basics price.
Price & Value
Prices vary between $14–$22 USD new, with eBay listings around $21.55 plus shipping. Community buying tips include watching Amazon sales, where it can drop under $16. Resale value is modest, but durability means many owners keep theirs as backups even after upgrading.
FAQ
Q: Can it hold bass guitars securely?
A: Yes for most, but jazz basses or unusual shapes may have stability issues. Several bassists recommend checking fit before relying on it for gigs.
Q: Does it work for instruments other than guitars?
A: Yes—users report success with cellos, ukuleles, banjos, and even skateboards. Adjustable width makes cross-use possible.
Q: How portable is it?
A: Extremely. It folds flat, fits in gig bags, and weighs just 3.53 lbs. Some wish it folded even smaller, but most find it travel-friendly.
Q: Is assembly required?
A: No. It arrives fully assembled—just unfold and set width.
Q: Will the foam wear out?
A: Over time, heavy use may compress the foam. It’s not replaceable, so some users recommend gentle handling.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a guitarist or multi-instrumentalist needing a reliable, portable stand for standard shapes. Avoid if you require height adjustment or have unusual body styles like jazz bass. Pro tip from the community: keep one at home and one in your gig bag—you’ll use it more than you expect.
