I think I maybe posted about this in the "streamlining" thread, but anyway, I ordered a stand to hold my phone for making piano recordings, so I thought I'd give a report.

I was hoping I could get overhead shots, or at least something that shows both of my hands pretty clearly. I also didn't want it to look ugly and bulky, and I wanted something I could leave set up so I can make recordings more regularly.

Here's what I got:
www.amazon.com/dp/B08K8LVWZZ

What I like: it looks nice, the base is very heavy to support the phone, and it’s easy to get the phone in and out of the holder. What I don’t like: the adjustment portions don’t have regular knobs, instead you have to use a hexagon wrench (which is not attached of course). I dislike this for two reasons: 1) it's a little hard to turn, something that's more like knob that you see on a camera tripod would be easier. 2) since it's not attached to the actual stand, you have to keep track of it. Not a big deal, and definitely not a dealbreaker, but also not practical and it would have been an easy fix.
I'm going to share some photos.
BTW this comes with two clips, one for cell phones and the other for tables. In the photos, I had the tablet clip on but I have since changed to the cellphone clip.

That’s a very nice looking phone/tablet stand! Although there are alternatives, such as desktop mic stands (boom type or spring loaded type, with heavy base or clamp) that can attach phone clip with some adapter, I have yet to find one that looks as simple and elegant as yours.

    iternabe thank you!! Someone recommended it on FB.

      • Sam

      • Post #4

      Does it allow you to get overhead shots?

      So it has to sit on a table, I guess? Horizontal surfaces are at a premium in my space - I can't spare any.

        Sam Does it allow you to get overhead shots?

        Yes but it depends on where you put it. Here's a screengrab from my first practice recording, in this photo the stand is on the shelf to the left, where you can see it in the photos in my first post, so it's not perfectly overhead, but it gives a good view of both hands. And I literally popped the phone into the holder and took the video, without experimenting with different angles. Anyway here's the photo:

        (edited to upload a smaller photo)

        The stand isn't tall enough to be placed on the floor, but if you could get one with this design, with the heavy base, then I would imagine you could place it on the floor behind the bench.

        I might also try putting it on the folded back flylid, but that would mean you definitely can't record with the lid up. Still, that might work well. I think the base has felt on the bottom, so it shouldn't scratch the flylid, but I might put out something thin like a hankerchief or pillowcase and then put it on that. I'll report back if I try.

        Oh, I meant to say - it will not fit on the side of the music desk (on a grand), partly because the base is too large, but moreso because it's just too heavy and I wouldn't want that weight on my music desk.

          BTW @Sam the above photo shows a vertical orientation video (obviously). And to the topic of the streamlining thread, it's super easy to do that way, so I will probably do this format the most.

          But ultimately, I want to figure out the right placement and angle to get a horizontal video with the keyboard horizontal...

          maybe the flylid placement will be best for that...

          The amazon page says it weighs 5 pounds. Add the iPhone weight to that. Do you think that's too heavy to put on the flylid?

          • Sam replied to this.

            • Sam

            • Post #7

            ShiroKuro The amazon page says it weighs 5 pounds. Add the iPhone weight to that. Do you think that's too heavy to put on the flylid?

            Should be fine. The Yamaha lids are pretty heavy anyway. If the lid seats solidly you won't be stressing the hinge.

            Sam

              Thanks! I would imagine it will be ok in the flylid, given how solid (and heavy) it is! But I’ll check it out.

              And report back 😊