Is the HERCULES GS414B PLUS Guitar Stand Universal? Testing Various Guitars!

Is the standard guitar stand, HERCULES GS414B PLUS, usable with any guitar? I tested it by hanging three types of guitars: an electric guitar, an acoustic guitar, and a classical guitar.

■ Stand and Guitars Used for Verification

● Guitar Stand
HERCULES GS414B PLUS

● Electric Guitar
Fender Player Stratocaster HSS

● Acoustic Guitar
YAMAHA FG730S

● Classical Guitar
RYOJI MATSUOKA NO.20

First, verifying with the heaviest one, the "Electric Guitar"

The model used this time is Fender's entry-level machine, the Player Stratocaster HSS. It weighs approximately 3.9 kg, making it a slightly heavy electric guitar. The weight of the Hercules guitar stand is 1.9 kg, and the supported guitar weight is up to 15 kg. Numerically, there is no issue, but I verified it by hanging the guitar on it.

The nut width of the electric guitar is 42 mm, allowing it to be hung on the Hercules AGS (Auto Grab System) with room to spare. Thanks to the weight of the electric guitar, the AGS movement is smooth, and the arms firmly hold the neck.

*AGS is a mechanism that descends under the weight of the guitar, simultaneously raising the arms to hold the neck.

I tried shaking it after hanging, but thanks to its sturdy legs, it seemed difficult to tip over. However, since it could be tipped forward with less force than to the sides or back, there seems to be a high possibility of it falling if someone bumps into the stand from behind.

The key point when hanging is to place the lower part of the guitar so it rests firmly against the two front legs. If hung carelessly, the guitar may rest on only one leg, resulting in an unstable state. However, since it is held by the AGS, the guitar is unlikely to fall off the stand.

As a test, I tried holding it in a state where it was hanging solely by the AGS, and there was no sign of the guitar falling.

Even with uniquely shaped electric guitars, it seems possible to hang them as long as you adjust the position of the lower body to rest against the two front legs.

Next, verifying with a light "Acoustic Guitar" with a narrow neck

Next, I will verify with an acoustic guitar. The acoustic guitar (YAMAHA FG730S) had a measured weight of 2.2 kg and a nut width of 43 mm. Since it is about half the weight of the electric guitar, it is predicted that the stability of the Hercules guitar stand will increase even further. I verified this by actually hanging it.

I attached a tuner, a capo, two picks, and a strap to the acoustic guitar before hanging it on the stand, and I was able to hang it without any particular issue. When I shook it after hanging, it felt more stable than the electric guitar, and it seemed harder to feel the weight of the acoustic guitar. Even when I held it in a state where it was hanging solely by the AGS, the acoustic guitar did not fall.

The key point when hanging is, just like with the electric guitar, hanging it so the acoustic guitar’s body touches the two front legs. Especially since acoustic guitars are light, they maintain a fair amount of stability even when resting on only one leg, so you need to be careful as you might not notice it isn't touching both legs.

The AGS, of course, operates smoothly. In the case of the electric guitar, because it is heavy, I was careful when hanging it so as not to put too much load on the AGS, but with the acoustic guitar, it seemed fine even if it’s hung somewhat roughly.

Finally, testing with a Classical Guitar with a thick neck

The last one is the classical guitar, which has the thickest neck among the three types of guitars. Weighing 1.5 kg, it is the lightest, so it will likely have the most stability when hung. The nut width is 53 mm, which is about 1 cm wider than the electric or acoustic guitars, so I was worried about whether it could be hung. I verified this by actually hanging it.

Since the classical guitar is light, I was able to hang it on the Hercules guitar stand's AGS without having to be delicate. In reality, I don't think it would break even if it’s hung somewhat roughly, but since I’m a bit of a coward, I hung it gently.

The most concerning part, the neck width, was indeed at its limit. With a nut width of 53 mm, there is a gap of about 0.5 mm on both sides of the AGS, so the neck does not get stuck, but if the nut were to reach 54 mm, it would likely catch on the AGS. Hercules officially states that it supports nuts up to 52 mm, so there seems to be a little bit of extra room.

[Conclusion] The Hercules Guitar Stand Can Be Used With Various Guitars!

It turns out that the Hercules guitar stand (HERCULES GS414B PLUS) can be used for many different guitars. It’s compatible with various weights and nut widths. By using the NINA (Narrow Instrument Neck Adjustment) adapter, it can be used for nut widths starting from 28 mm. It seems capable of supporting instruments with narrow nut widths, such as ukuleles.

However, since the nut width for classical guitars is at its limit, I recommend measuring your nut width just in case before purchasing the stand. Also, please note that it is not compatible with the lacquer finishes used on high-end guitars. Since a dedicated guitar stand "bra" (cover) is not provided, if you have a lacquer-finished guitar, you will need to take measures such as wrapping it with a guitar cleaning cloth.

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