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I'm looking for a well-made portable music stand.

(the search function isn't helpful . . . there are too many non-relevant posts with the words music and stand)

Must have a solid desk (it can fold, but it can't be wire or struts). Up to 55 inches height. Ability to receive side extensions a plus.

Weight is not an important issue (although it must fold down to a practical carrying size). Willing to pay for a more expensive stand if it is solid and versatile.

Any recommendations?

Hup

I love the peak music stands. The SMS-30 is steal base and up to 59”. The SMS-50 is aluminum and up to 59”. They both have full size 5 panel foldable desks.

https://www.peakmusicstands.com/peak-music-stands" target="_blank

Manhasset Voyager gets my vote. Sturdy desk with friction lock for desk height. Manhasset ‘standouts’ will fit the desk too.

https://bit.ly/2Egsgtk
Link above chosen due to better pics, but better price elsewhere.

I've used the Portastand Troubador since they were pretty new (well over a decade ago).

Desk is metal with a removable nylon cover. The cover also has straps for holding pencils and the tripod, and the newest version has pockets in the back. There's also a removable shoulder strap for carrying.

My favorite part (for outdoor gigs) is their "wind resistors" (basically elastic straps that hook to the sides) which keep the music in place.

The tripod extends to 58" according to the site, and it can also double as a tabletop stand.

Rick F wrote:Manhasset Voyager gets my vote.

I've been using one for years. Good compromise between light and indestructible. And made not only in the US, but apparently in my very own state. Based in Yakima, over in the dry orchard and ranch country on the east side of the state.

I've used a Hamilton Traveler II for some years now, and it has performed brilliantly. It's never been a distraction or an annoyance during a rehearsal or gig--it just works, always.

The Brute Squad wrote: My favorite part (for outdoor gigs) is their "wind resistors" (basically elastic straps that hook to the sides) which keep the music in place.

I've been using something called "file bands," long rubber bands that go around the stand. They work well on two page charts, not so easy with more than that.

Some people are using magnets and I may try that.

I don't like the plastic sheet overlays, I get glare at just the wrong moment.

I have a peak and find it fussy to set up and take down. It works fine once up, but frankly I switched back to my regular manhasset. It is definitely less portable but since I'm usually carrying a tuba, no big deal as far as as size. Carrying from car with smaller instrument, you might prefer a foldable one.
For out door gigs with possible wind, I definitely like the regular Manhasset because in wind I can put my foot (feet) on the bottom legs and hold it down. With legs that don't sit right on the floor I can't do that and wind is much more of a problem. So if I got another portable, being able to hold it down with my feet would be a definite consideration.

For a long time now I've been using a Peak SMS-50, but I pair that with an iPad Pro in a Griffin Survivor case and use a bluetooth foot pedal for page turns. Everything I've played in the past 2 years has been saved on my iPad using the ForScore app - if time permits I'll make a PDF and scan it. It takes me about 10 minutes to capture an entire concert's worth a of music for a concert band with 7-10 pieces.

The Peak is a bit bulky so I'm probably going to convert to a goSTAND Portable Mic and Tablet Stand and Manos Universal Tablet Holder, with a Gator Standard tray. My biggest concern with the iPad is having it knocked over and broken - the Griffin case covers that. I don't need a stand light because the screen is backlit. I don't need wind clips (although I have had to weigh down the stand itself from tipping in the wind).

Rick F wrote:Manhasset Voyager gets my vote. Sturdy desk with friction lock for desk height. Manhasset ‘standouts’ will fit the desk too.

My favorite. The desk and shaft are the same as regular Manhasset stands, so all of the normally accessories also work with the Voyager.

https://www.sharmusic.com/Accessories/M ... d-Only.axd" target="_blank

You said price was not an issue. This stand is wonderful to use. It sets up so easily, locks in place. My requirement when looking to replace my worn-out Desca stand was a shelf underneath for pencils, clip, lip stuff, glasses, etc. and this one checks all the boxes. It was around $100. when I bought it 4-5 years ago and it is still in pristine condition with daily use. It weighs about 3 lbs and fits into my gear bag along with my BBC stand. This is beautifully engineered and should last for quite a long time, unlike cheap ones. I also own the Peak SMS-20, which is also a nice stand, and a lot cheaper than the Nilson Magic. As Maryanne pointed out, it is a bit more effort to set it up, but is pretty good. It does lack the shelf I want, though.

I've been very happy with this one, especially for the price ($35.49 including shipping), both indoors and outdoors. I believe extensions can be added. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0027 ... UTF8&psc=1
It says 24"-45" Adjustable height, but mine will raise to 56" (top of desk). It collapses to 35" length (less if you remove the desk), and at 7 lbs. it is quite portable, yet stout enough for a windy outdoor venue.