Who's got the tallest stand?

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Albatross

Albatross

DJ Extraordinaire
ODJT Supporter
Sep 7, 2016
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Hey guys,

I currently offer just uplighting to my couples. But I was asked if I could provide a simple dance floor wash for a wedding. I'm willing to entertain that as long as it's done well and tastefully. But one of my pet peeves is when wash lights are so low that they are in guests' eyes when they are dancing.

So, to do downlighting, I'd like to have a stand get as high as I possibly can off the ground so that it truly is DOWN, not just AT the dance floor.

Is there one manufacturer that makes a lighting stand that is particularly tall? I'm hoping for at least the ability to get to 10' high, if not further.
 
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I use the Ulltimate LT-99BL with Telelock .. the package comes with an extender that gets it up to 11 feet if needed .. Ultimate Support LT-99BL

You can get them for $154 .. ($145 without the leveling leg)
 
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steve149 said:
I use the Ulltimate LT-99BL with Telelock .. the package comes with an extender that gets it up to 11 feet if needed .. Ultimate Support LT-99BL

You can get them for $154 .. ($145 without the leveling leg)
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That looks good. I've got an old Ultimate speaker stand I'm not using, so maybe I can just order the extra-tall pole and add some height to current stuff I own.

If you were just mounting one or two par cans (I'm looking at the Chauvet H6), would you go with a T-bar, or try to mount them vertically just to the pole?
 
Look at what lighting production companies often do. Pipe and Base. Just make the base is big enough to support the stand, and if possible, weight it down with sandbags or specially-made weights for pipe and base. There are adjustable uprights that can go to 12, 16, even 20 feet.

Otherwise, you will have to shell out for beefier and much heavier stands that typically carry truss. The problem with those, apart from their weight and transport, is that they use a lot of floor space.

Thus, the pipe and base is probably your best option. For weddings, you may consider to dress the pole with fabric-- secured by zip ties.
 
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JamminDownJD said:
Look at what lighting production companies often do. Pipe and Base. Just make the base is big enough to support the stand, and if possible, weight it down with sandbags or specially-made weights for pipe and base. There are adjustable uprights that can go to 12, 16, even 20 feet.

Otherwise, you will have to shell out for beefier and much heavier stands that typically carry truss. The problem with those, apart from their weight and transport, is that they use a lot of floor space.

Thus, the pipe and base is probably your best option. For weddings, you may consider to dress the pole with fabric-- secured by zip ties.
Click to expand...

I think ideally this is what I'd like to do if I continue down this path, but maybe not the first step.

I just ordered the Ultimate stands extension, and a single Chauvet H6 Slimpar so I can test this look at a couple events. Only about a $300 investment, so if I don't get much traction, not a big loss.
 
Albatross said:
That looks good. I've got an old Ultimate speaker stand I'm not using, so maybe I can just order the extra-tall pole and add some height to current stuff I own.

If you were just mounting one or two par cans (I'm looking at the Chauvet H6), would you go with a T-bar, or try to mount them vertically just to the pole?
Click to expand...
Not sure .. it may look strange with just a vertical pole and 2 lights .. I've never tried it.
 
I don't think more then 10 feet is necessary. Just aim the fixtures down to avoid people's eyes. I got a cheap stand at cheaplights.com years ago that gets up to 11' or more. Knowing what I know now, I wouldn't buy it again! Also, these flat par fixtures available now days are very light in weight. A heavy duty stand isn't needed.
 
steve149 said:
Not sure .. it may look strange with just a vertical pole and 2 lights .. I've never tried it.
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This isn't my photo, it's from a professional lighting company in my area. The look they're getting from the four pink cans on the poles in the background is sort of what I'm thinking: John Farr Lighting Design - Timeline | Facebook

I'm not intending to do rigs as large as that, but to emulate that sort of effect for my down lighting instead of the more traditional stuff that is just above eye level.
 
I have a pair of older onstage stands that were part of an Ibeam truss system, they will easily go 13 feet
 
IceBurghDJ said:
12'
And you can put the lights on top.
some venues won't have ceilings high enough.

My solution has been to aim the lights more at the walls and ceiling than at the dancers on the floor.
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Agreed its doesn't really ad much effect to wash the actual dance floor, washing the ceiling if possible is a much better visual
 
tunes4046 said:
Agreed its doesn't really ad much effect to wash the actual dance floor, washing the ceiling if possible is a much better visual
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Funny you mention this. This past weekend, our DJ had a 9' stand with 4, Chauvet slimpar56s. Instead of hitting the floor, he shot them up at the ceiling. The only other light he had was cheap, LED (colored lights) unit, which he also shot at the ceiling. I thought it was very effective and I may start copying his setup.
 
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I have a fourplay and find pointing it at teh walls is more colorful overall..depends on the venue of course. Everyone can see the lights.
I have a mini kinta I generall point at the dance floor..
My pars (i have 2) I often put on the wall behind me (on floor). Or under scrims on light stands (I ask if the brides want it).

Maybe I'll point them at the ceiling...good idea!

What I'm stuck with is a lazer..micro galaxian. Not realy for weddings, but parties, schools...I don't get much spread on the ceiling and don't want in their eyes..

Any idea?
 
IceBurghDJ said:
I have a fourplay and find pointing it at teh walls is more colorful overall..depends on the venue of course. Everyone can see the lights.
I have a mini kinta I generall point at the dance floor..
My pars (i have 2) I often put on the wall behind me (on floor). Or under scrims on light stands (I ask if the brides want it).

Maybe I'll point them at the ceiling...good idea!

What I'm stuck with is a lazer..micro galaxian. Not realy for weddings, but parties, schools...I don't get much spread on the ceiling and don't want in their eyes..

Any idea?
Click to expand...
Yea .. chuck it .. that's my plan for mine. :)
 
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