Category Ideas

This was actually my first guitar amp stand design. I’ve updated it a bit recently, and created some visualisations. Again, when I get the time, I’ll make a prototype, but in the meantime, if this something you might be interested in – just reach out. mike@homestudiorack.co.uk

Most of us with home studios have a guitar (or erm, a few) hanging around. I already have a couple of metal stands, but I wanted to try making one out of birch plywood.

I’m thinking there’s a brass hinge at the top, and the two sides are connected by some webbing, that’s fixed to each leg. Obviously it’s a good idea to include some foam protection too, so that the guitar will not be scratched.

The next step is to make a prototype using scraps I have in my workshop.

Clearly there would need to be several sizes to accomodate acoustic, electric, bass etc guitars. But once I have the design finalised, I can create variations.

Let me know what you think of my guitar stand design 🙂

Mike

Using angled stands for your bookshelf speakers can be a great idea—depending on your setup and listening preferences. Here’s a few thoughts:

Purpose of Angled Speaker Stands

The primary goal of angled stands is to align the speaker drivers (especially the tweeters) with your ears when you’re in your main listening position. This is known as achieving the “listening axis” alignment, which can significantly improve:

• Clarity of highs
• Imaging
• Overall frequency balance

When You Should Use Angled Stands

Use angled stands if:

• Your speakers are placed above or below ear level (e.g., on a low/high shelf or desk).
• You sit relatively close to them (near-field listening).
• The tweeters are not aimed at your ears without tilting.
• You want to tighten the stereo image and maximize detail in the upper frequencies.

When Angled Stands May NOT Be Necessary

Avoid or reconsider if:

• Your speakers are already at ear level, either on regular stands or a high shelf.
• Your speakers are rear-ported, and the tilt back causes port noise to reflect poorly off a wall.
• You’re using them in a larger room setup with varied listening positions.

Other Tips

• Use stands with foam isolation or rubber feet to reduce vibration and resonance.
• Consider the manufacturer’s recommended orientation—some speakers are designed to be flat or aimed in a specific direction.
• Experiment! Even a few degrees of tilt can change the sound a lot.

Final Advice

If your current setup places the tweeters significantly below your ear level, then angled stands can be a simple and effective upgrade. If the alignment is already good, the change may be minimal or unnecessary.

Just a concept a this stage, but I’m thinking of creating a budget range that are flatpacked and self-assembly.

So I’d need to find the right fixings, and probably limit it to 3U maximum. Obviously it would require some self-assembly (fixing the rack strips and assembling the carcass) , but I’m curious to know if this might work? & would anyone be interested?

I’m looking at a new design idea – a cable tidy system for your home studio.

If you’re like me, you end up with drawers full of cables that get tangled, it’s not great. So how about a wall mounted home studio cable hanging system helps you get more organised?

This is still at the design stage at the moment, but the key features will be:

• Modular design based on a “french cleat” system, so that various “hangers” can be added and can be moved about to suit your needs
• Birch plywood
• Wall mounted
• Optional “Eurorack” patch cable hanger
• Optional shelf on the top
• Optional “pen pot” hanger
• Optional lengths

I created a more detailed “design brief” below, which I’ll take into account in my final design. In the meantime, let me know what you think! mike@homestudiorack.co.uk

You can see the current idea in 3d here:

Here is my design “brief” for the home studio cable tidy:

1. Functionality

• Cable Management: The design should effectively organize and separate multiple cables, minimizing tangling and allowing easy access.
• Capacity: It should accommodate a range of cable types and quantities, from slim audio cables to thicker power cables.
• Ease of Use: Quick and straightforward insertion and removal of cables should be possible, and it should be simple to label different cables if needed.

2. Material Considerations

• Plywood Quality: Use high-quality plywood, preferably with a smooth, sanded surface to avoid splinters, as it will need to handle flexible cables without damaging them.
• Thickness: Choose a plywood thickness that offers structural integrity, typically between 10-12 mm, to ensure durability while maintaining an elegant appearance.
• Finish: The plywood should be finished with non-toxic wood stains or varnishes to prevent wear and enhance the aesthetic.

3. Aesthetic Design

• Studio Setting Compatibility: The design should have a modern, minimalist style that blends well with studio environments. Natural wood finishes often work well for both professional and home studio aesthetics.
• Customization: Consider options for personalization or branding, such as engravings or color stains, to suit the customer’s taste or match studio equipment.

4. Modularity and Adaptability

• Scalable Design: The cable tidy should be modular so that it can be expanded or reconfigured based on the user’s needs, making it useful for both smaller home setups and larger professional studios.
• Mounting Options: Offer options for wall mounting, desk mounting, or free-standing versions to adapt to different studio setups.
• Flexibility: Slots, holes, or grooves should be designed to hold different cable diameters securely while allowing flexibility for various configurations.

5. Safety

• Rounded Edges: Ensure that edges are rounded to reduce the risk of damage to cables or injury to users.
• Cable Strain Relief: Incorporate features to prevent cable strain, such as loops or grips, to minimize wear on connectors and reduce the risk of disconnection.

6. Acoustic Considerations

• Non-Reflective Finish: The finish should not contribute to sound reflections or create unwanted noise within the studio environment. A matte finish is preferable to reduce the possibility of glare and sound reflection.

7. Stability and Durability

• Weight Distribution: The design should ensure that the cable tidy remains stable, even when accommodating heavier cables.
• Joinery: Use strong joinery methods, like finger joints or dowels, to ensure longevity and durability under frequent use.
• Load Bearing: Ensure the structure can bear the weight of multiple heavy cables without bending or breaking.

8. Environmental Considerations

• Sustainable Sourcing: Use FSC-certified plywood and non-toxic finishes to make the product more environmentally friendly.
• Waste Minimization: Consider utilizing offcuts and scrap plywood in the design, aligning with sustainable practices.