Patent Publication Number: US-2023154444-A1

Title: Musical instrument support apparatus

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/280,816, filed Nov. 18, 2021, entitled “MUSICAL INSTRUMENT SUPPORT APPARATUS,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/389,224, filed Jul. 14, 2022, entitled “MUSICAL INSTRUMENT SUPPORT APPARATUS,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to musical instrument support apparatuses and some examples relate more particularly to apparatuses to support a musical instrument while playing the instrument or performing. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     It&#39;s common knowledge that sitting down for extended periods of time is detrimental to a person&#39;s health. These health risks include low energy expenditure, slower metabolism, compromised posture, back and spine injuries, and can even raise the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Ergonomics in playing a musical instrument is applied through developing a posture that is optimized to enhance physical wellness and better overall system performance. While more research is needed in this field for musicians, playing an instrument in a sitting position can be detrimental to the health of the musician. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       So that the manner in which the features of the present embodiments can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the embodiments, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. 
         FIG.  1 A  illustrates a front view of an example of a musical instrument support apparatus. 
         FIG.  1 B  illustrates a back view of an example of a musical instrument support apparatus. 
         FIG.  1 C  illustrates a top-down view of an example of a musical instrument support apparatus. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates the back side of an example of a musical instrument support apparatus. 
         FIG.  3 A  illustrates a front view of an example of a musical instrument support apparatus supporting a guitar. 
         FIG.  3 B  illustrates a back view of an example of a musical instrument support apparatus supporting a guitar. 
         FIG.  4 A  illustrates a front view of an example of a musical instrument support apparatus. 
         FIG.  4 B  illustrates a back view of an example of a musical instrument support apparatus. 
         FIGS.  5 A- 5 F  illustrate examples of different support elements. 
         FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  illustrate examples of adapters to couple with a stand. 
         FIGS.  7 A- 7 F  illustrate examples of different types of stands with which a musical instrument support apparatus may be used. 
         FIGS.  8 A- 8 E  illustrate an example of a board onto which a stand with a musical instrument support apparatus can be mounted. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Musical instrument support apparatuses are described herein. 
     Musicians are faced with several challenges while choosing a method of playing an instrument, be it sitting down or standing upright. For example, if a guitar player chooses to sit, they have to either use a stool to support the leg that the guitar rests on, or to use a support device that rests on the leg and attaches to the guitar with a clamp or suction cup. Some players negate both of these methods and balance the guitar between their leg, torso, and elbow to create enough pressure with their body on the instrument to keep it elevated and in place. Either way, the seated position leaves the player without the strength, balance, circulatory and respiratory support that a person typically gets with their legs while in an upright position. 
     Most conventional guitar supports currently require the guitarist to go to the guitar and mold their body around the instrument as a way of holding the guitar. The seated position when used with a footstool upsets the balance in the hips and spinal column and can cause damage to the disks and nerves in the lower back. Any seated position causes excessive stress and tension on the lower back and hips which are not intended for holding the torso upright for extended periods of time. Tension in the lower back makes it more difficult to relax the abdomen, which is typically used for breathing by expanding and therefore making space for the diaphragm to fill with oxygen. Additionally, when the lower back endures excessive tension, the upper back also tightens in order to keep the torso upright. A tense upper back creates tense arms, which then encourages ailments such as tendonitis. A natural breathing motion is made more difficult by playing in the sitting position because the player is typically hunching, or more specifically raising their shoulders and leaning forward, over the instrument. Other support devices that reduce the imbalance in the hips and spinal column are designed to be used while a player is in the sitting position. 
     In workplace settings, it is commonly known that a person is best able to work when on their feet. The standing position poses another challenge to musicians. For example, standing with a guitar, it is typically required that the performer use a strap to hang the instrument around the upper back, shoulders, and neck of the performer. The weight of an instrument hanging across the upper back, shoulders, and neck adds an excessive amount of stress to these areas, restricts relaxation, and increases tension to the extent that the upper lungs, which extend into the upper back and shoulders, are unable to relax or intake oxygen in the same way were they to be released from the tension of compressed shoulders and upper back. Additionally, the weight of the guitar can cause severe pain from exhausting the muscles in the upper back, shoulders, and neck. The upper back, shoulder, and neck muscles need to take a break in order to let the lungs breathe effectively. Lack of oxygen is a key component to muscle tension. With restricted oxygen intake, it&#39;s more difficult to achieve optimal relaxation as muscles require oxygen in order to relax. 
     Additionally, some conventional devices to support a guitar in an upright position use clamps that dampen vibrations of the guitar. Conventional clamp-based devices are not ideal for acoustic guitars which rely on the body of the instrument to vibrate in order to project the sound. 
     In contrast, the musical instrument support device described herein can enable the performer to play an instrument in the standing position without supporting the instrument with a strap and without dampening vibrations from the instrument. Unlike conventional instrument support devices, the musical instrument support described herein is designed to bring the guitar to the musician so that they can maintain their most efficient and ergonomic playing position. By keeping the instrument elevated, the player does not have to sit down and can access the strength and support from their legs, which lets the upper back and torso do what it does best, which is to breathe and support the activities of the arms. This upright position is ideal for keeping the shoulders relaxed, which in turn plays a role in letting the lungs fully expand into the upper back/shoulder area for optimal oxygen intake. In one example, the support device includes suction cups or another mechanism to keep the musical instrument on the device, which lets the instrument fully resonate. 
     According to one example, the support device is mounted or otherwise connected to a stand to elevate the support apparatus. In one such example, the apparatus and/or stand can be adjusted to the player&#39;s height and preferred angle for approaching the instrument. In one such example, the support apparatus and/or stand can be adjusted for use in a seated position. 
     In one example, adjustable support arms and support elements (e.g., hand joints) enable the support apparatus to hold instruments of different shapes and sizes. Moving arms and hand joints can also enable the instrument to fit at a variety of angles, and also make it usable for left and right-handed musicians. 
       FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  illustrate front and back views of a musical instrument support apparatus  100  (also referred to herein as a musical instrument support assembly).  FIG.  1 C  illustrates a top-down view of the musical instrument support apparatus  100 . 
     Referring first to  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , the musical instrument support apparatus  100  is attached to or mounted on a stand  104  to elevate the musical instrument support apparatus from the floor or other supporting surface. The musical instrument support apparatus includes a base  102  to couple with the stand  104 . In one example, at least one musical instrument support apparatus  100  may be coupled to the stand  104 . In this example, two support arms  106 A and  106 B are coupled with the base. Specifically, a first support arm  106 A is coupled with a first end  108 A of the base  102  with a first fastener  110 A and a second support arm  106 B is coupled with a second end  108 B of the base  102  with a second fastener  110 B. Note that only the ends of the fasteners  110 A and  110 B are visible in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B . In  FIG.  1 C , the fasteners  110 A and  110 B are shown with dotted lines that passes through the opposing sides (e.g., front and back sides  107 ,  109 ) of the base  102  and through the arm being attached to the base  102 . In the example illustrated in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , the base  102  is made to resemble the chest/shoulders in that it supports the arms  106 A and  106 B of the apparatus  100 . In the illustrated example, the base  102  has an elongated body (e.g., extending in a direction substantially parallel to the floor or supporting surface over which it is elevated) having two ends  108 A and  108 B to support the arms  106 A and  106 B. However, bases having other shapes and sizes are possible. 
     In one example, at least one support element is coupled with each of the two support arms to support a musical instrument. In one example, the musical instrument is coupled to the support elements. The support elements could also be referred to as “hands” or “hand joints” that are coupled with the support arms  106 A,  106 B to hold the musical instrument in or to the apparatus  100 . In the example in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C , there are two support elements coupled with each support arm. Specifically, the support element  112 A is coupled with a first end  120 A of the first support arm  106 A with a fastener  124 A, and the support element  112 B is coupled with a second end  122 A of the first support arm  106 A with a fastener  124 B. Similarly, the support element  112 C is coupled with a first end  120 B of the second support arm  106 B with a fastener  124 C, and the support element  112 D is coupled with a second end  122 D of the second support arm  106 B with a fastener  124 D. In the illustrated example, the support arms  106 A and  106 B are coupled with the base  102  at a point or portion of the support arm between two support elements. For example, the support arm  106 A is attached to the base  102  between the support elements  112 A and  112 B. Note that only the ends of the fasteners  124 A,  124 B,  124 C, and  124 D are visible in  FIG.  1 B . In  FIG.  1 C , the fastener  124 C is shown with a dotted line that passes through the arm  106 B and support element  112 C, and the fastener  124 A is shown with a dotted line that passes through the arm  106 A and the support arm  112 A. 
     In one example, at least one support element includes an instrument securing element to contact and secure the musical instrument to the base. For example, the musical instrument support apparatus in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C  include suction cups  114  on all four of the support elements  112 A- 112 D. In the illustrated example, there are two suction cups  114  on each of the support elements  112 A- 112 D, although other examples may include one suction cup, more than two suction cups, or zero suction cups. In addition to the suction cups  114 , two of the support elements of the apparatus  100  include a wraparound element to support the musical instrument. For example,  FIG.  1 A  illustrates the support elements  112 B and  112 C as including a portion  116  to wrap around the musical instrument.  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , discussed below, include additional details of an exemplary support element with a wraparound portion.  FIGS.  1 B and  1 C  illustrate a different configuration of support elements than  FIG.  1 A . Specifically, in  FIGS.  1 B and  1 C , the support elements  112 B and  112 D include a wraparound portion. Thus, in one example, the musical instrument support apparatus  100  is configurable in the sense that the type of support element(s) on the support arms  106 A and  106 B can be interchanged, in addition to adjusting angles, positions, and even the number of support elements coupled with the support arms  106 A and  106 B. 
     Referring again to instrument securing elements, examples of instrument securing elements include: suction cups, magnets, clamps, wraparound elements, sticky or adhesive elements, or any other element that can grip, hold, or otherwise secure a musical instrument in or to the base  102 . Securing elements that grip (such as suction cups or other elements to grip the instrument) may be referred to as gripping elements. The support elements  112 A- 112 D can include a single type of instrument securing element, or a combination of instrument securing elements. Also, the different support elements  112 A- 112 D can include the same type(s) or different type(s) of instrument securing elements. For example, the support elements  112 B and  112 C of  FIG.  1 A  include a wraparound portion  116  and suction cups  114 , while the support elements  112 A and  112 D of  FIG.  1 A  include suctions cups  114 , but not a wraparound portion. In another example, only one or some of the support elements include one or more clamps. In other examples, all the support elements can include a clamp. 
     In one example, one or more of the support arms and support elements are rotatably and/or slidably attached. For example, the first support arm  106 A is rotatably attached to the base  102  with the first fastener  110 A, enabling the first support arm  106 A to rotate about the first fastener  110 A when the first fastener  110 A is loosened. Similarly, the second support arm  106 B is rotatably attached to the base  102  with the second fastener  110 B to enable the second support arm  106 B to rotate about the second fastener  110 B when the second fastener  110 B is loosened. In one such example, the fasteners  110 A and  110 B include threaded fasteners, such as screws (e.g., machine screws), bolts, or other threaded fasteners. As illustrated in the example in  FIG.  1 C , an adjusting mechanism  134 B coupled with the fastener  110 B, such as a wingnut, thumbscrew, or other tightening and loosening mechanism, enables the support arm  106 B to rotate about the fastener  110 B when loosened, and become secure (e.g., kept in place) in its position and angle relative to the base  102  when tightened. Similarly, an adjusting mechanism  134 A coupled with the fastener  110 A enables the support arm  106 A to rotate about the fastener  110 A when loosened, and become secure (e.g., kept in place) in its position and angle relative to the base  102  when tightened. Thus, the angles of the two support arms  106 A and  106 B relative to the base  102  are independently adjustable via rotation of the first support arm  106 A about the first fastener  110 A and rotation of the second support arm  106 B about the second fastener  110 B. 
     In one example, the attachment points of the two support arms  106 A and  106 B to the base  102  are independently adjustable. For example, as depicted in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , the base  102  includes a slot  136 A through which the fastener  110 A passes to rotatably and slidably couple the arm  106 A to the base  102 . Similarly, the base  102  includes a slot  136 B through which the fastener  110 B passes to rotatably and slidably couple the arm  106 B to the base  102 . In one such example, horizontal slots  136 A and  136 B along the length of the base  102  enable the support arms to rotate and slide along the slots when the corresponding fasteners are loosened to adjust the location of the support arms  106 A,  106 B relative to the base  102  as well as the angle of the support arms  106 A,  106 B relative to the base  102 . In one example, spaces or slots have been routed out of the pieces(s) used to form the base  102  to create horizontal routed slots  136 A and  136 B. 
     Although the slots  136 A and  136 B are shown as being substantially parallel to the length of the base  102  and the floor or supporting surface over which the apparatus  100  is supported, in other examples, the base could include slots at a non-zero angle relative to the length of the base  102 . In another example, instead of slots, separate openings (e.g., holes) to receive the fasteners at different points on the base can enable adjusting the musical instrument support to support a variety of instruments. In one such example, rather than sliding the fastener along one of the slots  136 A or  136 B, the fastener could be removed and reinserted into the desired hole to adjust the attachment point of the support arm to the base  102 . Thus, the configurability of the position and angle of the support arms  106 A and  106 B can be achieved with mechanisms other than the slots  136 A and  136 B, however, the slots  136 A and  136 B enable adjusting the arms  106 A and  106 B without completely removing the fasteners  110 A and  110 B from the base, and also enable configurability at a fine granularity to support a wide range of instrument sizes and shapes. 
     In one example, the support elements are configured to rotate or swivel 360 degrees on the support arms. For example, as can be seen in  FIG.  1 C , the support element  112 C is rotatably attached to the support arm  106 B with a fastener  124 C, enabling the support element  112 C to rotate about the fastener  124 C when the first fastener  124 C is loosened. Similarly, the support element  112 A is rotatably attached to the support arm  106 A with a fastener  124 A, enabling the support element  112 A to rotate about the fastener  124 A when the first fastener  124 A is loosened. In one such example, the fasteners  124 A and  124 C include threaded fasteners. As illustrated in the example in  FIG.  1 C , an adjusting mechanism  135 C coupled with the fastener  124 C to enable the support element  112 C to rotate about the fastener  124 C when loosened, and become secure (e.g., kept in place) when the fastener  124 C is tightened. Similarly, an adjusting mechanism  135 A coupled with the fastener  124 A to enable the support element  112 A to rotate about the fastener  124 A when loosened, and become secure (e.g., kept in place) when the fastener  124 A is tightened. The fasteners  124 A,  124 C and the adjusting mechanisms  135 A,  135 C may be the same, or similar to, the fasteners  110 A,  110 B and adjusting mechanisms  134 A,  134 B discussed above. Although not clearly depicted in Figure C, the support elements  112 B and  112 D can be similarly coupled with the support arms  106 A and  106 B, respectively. Thus, the angles of the support elements relative to the arms are independently adjustable via rotation of the support elements. In one such example, rotating the support elements enables the suction cups  114  (or other securing elements) to suction onto the instrument that the apparatus is supporting. 
     In addition to adjusting the angle of the support elements, in one example, the attachment point of each of the support elements on the support arms is independently adjustable. In one such example, each of the two support arms  106 A and  106 B include one or more slots  138 A and  138 B, respectively. In one such example, the support elements are rotatably and slidably attached with the corresponding support arm along the one or more slots in the support arm via a fastener through the one or more slots of the support arm. For example, the support elements  112 A and  112 B are slidably and rotatably attached with the support arm  106 A with the fasteners  124 A and  124 B, respectively, through the slot  138 A. Similarly, the support elements  112 C and  112 D are slidably and rotatably attached with the support arm  106 B with the fasteners  124 C and  124 D, respectively, through the slot  138 B. In one such example, the slots  138 A and  138 B along the length of the support arms  106 A and  106 B, respectively, enable the support elements to rotate and slide along the slots when the corresponding fasteners are loosened to adjust the location of the support elements relative to the support arm as well as the angle of the support elements relative to the support arm. In another example, instead of slots, separate openings (e.g., holes) to receive the fasteners at different points on the support arms can enable adjusting the musical instrument support to support a variety of instruments. In one such example, rather than sliding the fastener along one of the slots  138 A or  138 B, the fastener could be removed and reinserted into the desired hole to adjust the attachment point of the support elements to the corresponding support arm. 
     In one example, the extent of protrusion of the two support arms  106 A,  106 B from a top or bottom of the base  102  is adjustable via loosening of the fastener through the one or more slots of the support arm and tightening the fastener once the support arm is in the desired position. For example, the amount that the support arm  106 A protrudes from the top  101  of the base  102  or bottom  103  of the base  102  can be adjusted by loosening the fastener  110 A, sliding the arm up or down along the slot  138 A, and retightening the fastener  110 A when the support arm  106 A is in the desired position and at the desired angle. Similarly, the amount that the support arm  106 B protrudes from the top  101  of the base  102  or bottom  103  of the base  102  can be adjusted by loosening the fastener  110 B, sliding the arm up or down along the slot  138 B, and retightening the fastener  110 B when the support arm  106 B is in the desired position and at the desired angle. Thus, in accordance with examples described herein, the arms  106 A and  106 B can be independently adjusted to the desired angle, attachment point along the base, and protrusion from the top  101  or bottom  103  of the base  102 . 
     Referring again to  FIG.  1 C , the apparatus  100  includes a base with two opposing side surfaces  107 ,  109  (e.g., front and back surfaces) between the top  101  and the bottom  103  of the base  102 . In one such example, each of piece (such as a plank or other member) forming one of the side surfaces  107 ,  109  has two identical (e.g., matching) spaces or slots that have been routed out to create horizontal routed spaces  136 A and  136 B. In one example, the routed spaces form two slots  136 A and  136 B extending through the two opposing side surfaces of the base  102 . Referring again to the example illustrated in  FIG.  1 C , the base  102  includes one or more slots  130 A and  130 B (or gaps or openings) that extend from the top  101  of the base  102  to the bottom  103  of the base  102  between the two opposing side surfaces  107 ,  109 . In this example, the two support arms  106 A,  106 B are coupled with the base  102  through the one or more slots  130 A,  130 B of the base  102  between the two opposing side surfaces  107 ,  109 . In one example, the base  102  is made of two horizontal planks that are glued (or attached via another means) on either side of a board create space (e.g., the slots  130 A and  130 B) between the planks. However, the openings or slots  130 A and  130 B in the base  102  can be formed via other techniques. In the illustrated example, the slots  130 A,  130 B extend vertically all the way through the base  102  (e.g., from the top  101  through to the bottom  103 ). However, in other examples, the slots  130 A,  130 B may not extend all the way through the base but are at least deep enough to receive the ends of the arms  106 A and  106 B. 
     In other examples, the support arms may attach to the base without passing through a vertical slot in the base. For example,  FIG.  2    illustrates the back side of an instrument support apparatus  200  with a base  202 . Unlike the base  102  of  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C , in which the base includes a space between the two side faces through which the support arms can pass, the support arms  206 A and  206 B in  FIG.  2    are attached to a side  203  (e.g., side surface) of the base  202  with fasteners  210 A and  210 B, respectively. Note that although both support arms  206 A and  206 B in  FIG.  2    are attached with the same face or side  203  of the base  202 , in other examples, the support arms could be attached with opposite faces of the base  202  (e.g., the support arm  206 B could be attached with the face of the base opposite to face  203  (not shown) of the base  202 ). 
       FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  illustrate front and back views of an example of the musical instrument support apparatus  100  of  FIG.  1 A  supporting a guitar  301 . As can be seen in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , the musical instrument support apparatus  100  is attached to the stand  104  to support the guitar  301  and elevate the guitar  301  off the ground at the desired height. Suction cups  114  are removably attached to the guitar  301  to secure the guitar  301  to the base  102 . In one example, the weight of the guitar  301  applies pressure to the suction cups  114 . In the illustrated example, two of the support elements  112 B and  112 C include a portion that wraps around the front of the guitar to add an additional element of support. In one such example, the wraparound portion of the support elements  112 B and  112 C provide a back-up means of support in case the suction cups  114  fail to secure the instrument. The musical instrument support apparatus thus enables a musician to adjust the guitar  301  to the desired height and position to play the guitar  301  in a standing or sitting position without compromising the musician&#39;s posture. Note that the guitar  301  illustrated in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  is one example of an instrument that may be supported using the musical instrument support apparatus  100 . In one example, the support apparatus  100  is designed to support instruments of varying shapes and sizes (e.g., stringed instruments such as a guitar, ukulele, lute, cello, bass, banjo, mandolin, oud, saz or other stringed instrument, percussion instruments (e.g., box drum, darbuka, or other percussion instrument), or other instruments). 
     The examples in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C,  2 , and  3 A- 3 B  illustrate a musical instrument support apparatus with two support elements on each support arm. However, other examples may include a single support element on one or both support arms. For example,  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  illustrate front and back views of an example of a musical support apparatus  400  with a single support element on each support arm. Specifically, the musical instrument support apparatus  400  includes one support element  412 A attached with one end  422 A of the support arm  406 A, and one support element  412 B attached with one end  420 B of the support arm  406 B. Like the musical instrument support apparatus  100  of  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C , the support arms  406 A and  406 B are coupled with the base  402  via fasteners  410 A and  410 B, respectively, and the base is coupled with a stand  404 . In the illustrated example, each support element  412 A and  412 B includes two suction cups  414 , although as discussed above with respect to  FIG.  1 A , the support elements  412 A and  412 B may each include additional or different mechanisms to grip or otherwise secure the instrument in addition to, or instead of, the suction cups  414  illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B . 
       FIGS.  5 A- 5 F  illustrate examples of different support elements. Turning first to  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , the support element  500 A includes a first portion  505  (e.g., bottom portion) to support a musical instrument on one side of the musical instrument, and a second portion  507  (e.g., front portion) to wrap around a second side (e.g., front side) of the musical instrument. In the example of  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , third portion  509  (e.g., back portion) wraps around a third side (e.g., back side) of the musical instrument. In the illustrated example, the support element  500 A includes two opposing portions  507  and  509  to cradle or create a seat for the musical instrument. In one such example, the portion  509  supports a back of the instrument, the portion  505  supports a bottom of the instrument, and the portion  507  supports a front side of the instrument. In one such example, the back and bottom portions  509  and  505  directly support the instrument, while the front portion  507  may provide a safeguard to prevent the instrument from falling from the apparatus. In another example, the weight of the instrument is providing stability and additional security to the support element  500 A including portions  505 ,  507 , and  509 . In another example, the front portion  507  is adjustable (e.g., with a clamp) to directly hold and support the instrument. In the example of  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , the protruding end  525  of the support element is L-shaped, however, other support elements with a wraparound portion may have different shapes. 
     The portion  509  of the support element  500 A can also provide a connection point to the support arm  506 . For example, the support element  500 A is coupled with the arm  506  with a fastener  521  which passes through portion  509  of the support element  500 A. In the illustrated example, a wingnut  519  (or thumbscrew, knob, or other adjusting mechanism) and washer  523  on the fastener  521  enable the pressure applied to the support arm  506  and support element  500 A to be increased or decreased to tighten or loosen the support element  500 A to the support arm  506 . In one such example, when the wingnut  519  is loosened, the support element  500 A can rotate about the fastener  521  to adjust the angle of the support element  500 A relative to the support arm  506 , base, and instrument. In this way, the support elements are adjustable to hold various sized and shaped musical instruments. Suction cups  514  are included on the support element  500 A to secure the musical instrument to or in the support element  500 A, and thus to secure the instrument in the apparatus. 
     The support element  500 A also includes a clamp or clamping mechanism to clamp the musical instrument into place. The clamp of the support element  500 A includes an instrument contacting element  511  to contact and apply pressure to the instrument by tightening an adjusting mechanism  517  on a fastener  515 . In one example, the instrument contacting element  511  is a pickup holder that includes a recess  513  to receive an electric pickup element  527  to contact the musical instrument when the clamp is tightened. In one example, the electric pickup element  527  includes a piezo pickup. In one example, the electric pickup element  527  includes an electronic audio and radio transmission mechanism or otherwise wireless microphone. In one example, the electric pickup element  527  does not need to contact the instrument to transmit any frequencies from the instrument or the support apparatus  100  when the clamp is tightened or loosened. In the illustrated example, the pickup holder includes a groove or cutout  529  through which the cable or cord of the pickup element  527  can pass, which can enable the pickup element to be evenly seated in the pickup holder to enable uniform contact with the instrument. As discussed above with respect to  FIG.  1 A , the support element  500 A may include other or different mechanisms to grip or otherwise secure the instrument in addition to, or instead of, the suction cups  514 , the wraparound element of portion  507 , and a clamp. 
     Now referring to  FIG.  5 C , the support element  500 C includes a first portion  549  (e.g., back portion) and a second portion  545  (e.g., bottom portion) to support a musical instrument. In the illustrated example, a fastener  521  passes through the back portion  549  and a support arm (not shown in  FIG.  5 C ) to couple the support element  500 C to the support arm. A wingnut  519  (or thumbscrew or other adjusting mechanism) and washer  523  on the fastener  521  enable the pressure applied to the support arm  506  and support element  500 C to be increased or decreased to tighten or loosen the support element  500 C on the support arm. The support element can then be adjusted in a similar way as described with respect to  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B . The bottom and back portions  545 ,  549  each include suction cups  514  to secure the musical instrument. However, as discussed above with respect to  FIG.  1 A , the support element  500 C may include additional or different mechanisms to grip or otherwise secure the instrument in addition to, or instead of, the suction cups  514 . Unlike the support element in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , the support element  500 C does not include a portion configured to wrap around the front of the instrument. 
       FIG.  5 D  illustrates an example of another support element  500 D. Unlike the support elements in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 C  that support a musical instrument from two or three sides, the support element  500 D supports a musical instrument on a single side. The support element  500 D illustrated in  FIG.  5 D  includes two suction cups  514  to secure the instrument to the support element; however, as discussed above with respect to  FIG.  1 A , the support element  500 D may include additional or different mechanisms to grip or otherwise secure the instrument in addition to, or instead of, the suction cups  514 . The support element  500 D is attached to an arm  506  with a fastener  521 . An adjusting mechanism, such as a wingnut, thumbscrew, or other tightening and loosening mechanism (not shown in  FIG.  5 D ) enable the pressure applied to the support arm  506  and support element  500 D to be increased or decreased to tighten or loosen the support element  500 D. The support element can then be adjusted in a similar way as described with respect to  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B . 
       FIGS.  5 E and  5 F  illustrate an example of a support element  500 E including a portion to support the instrument along a second axis. Like the support element  500 A of  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , the support element  500 E includes portions  555 ,  557 , and  559  to provide support for an instrument along an axis  571 . In one such example, the portions  555 ,  557 , and  559  can support an instrument from front to back of the instrument. The support element  500 E also includes portion  560  to provide support along a second axis  572 . In one example, the portion  560  extends along an axis  572  perpendicular to the axis  571  along which the portions  555 ,  557 , and  559  extend. However, the portion  560  may be at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the portions  555 ,  557 , and  559  (e.g., for example, if a support elements on the two support arms have different lengths). In one example, the portion  560  supports the musical instrument along its side, while the portions  555 ,  557 , and  559  support the instrument back to front. In the illustrated example, the portion  560  is attached to approximately the middle of the portion  555 . In one example, the portion  555  include a groove  566  to receive the portion  560 . In one such example, the portion  560  can be attached to the portion  555  with glue, a fastener, or other attachment mechanism. In the illustrated example, the portions  559  and  560  include one or more securing elements  562  to secure the musical instrument to the apparatus. Any securing element may be used, such as those discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C . 
       FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  illustrate examples of adapters to couple with a stand.  FIG.  6 A  illustrates an example of a base  602  that includes an adapter  600 A to couple with a screw-on locking ball socket adapter  606  of a stand  604 , such as a microphone stand. In one such example, the entire musical instrument support apparatus can rotate about the axis of the stand  604  via rotation of the stand&#39;s ball socket adapter  606 . In one example, the ball socket of the adapter  606  can be tightened and loosened to let the base  602  be firm or loose on the stand  604 . The ball socket when loose is able to rotate the device 360 degrees across the X-axis, as well as tilted across the Y-axis up to 90 degrees. The device can be utilized while firm or loose within these planes. The knob  605  can be rotated to tighten or loosen the fastener to enable adjusting the height of the stand  604 . In other examples, the base of a musical instrument support apparatus can be mounted without a locking ball socket for extra stability. 
       FIG.  6 B  illustrates another example of a base  622  with an adapter  600 B to couple with a stand  604 . The adapter  600 B is attached with the base  622  via a fastener  624 . An adjusting mechanism  626  can be loosened to enable the base  622  to rotate about the fastener  624  and tightened to secure the base  622  in the stand  604 . Thus, in one example, the base  622  can tilt front to back to adjust the desired angle of the base  622  relative to the floor or other supporting surface. The adapter  600 B is coupled with the stand  604  via another fastener  628 . A tightening mechanism  630  can be loosened to enable the apparatus to be removed from the stand  604  and tightened to secure the apparatus in the stand  604 . 
     Thus, in some examples the base includes a stand adapter to couple with a stand. In one such example, the stand adapter includes a fastener to loosen to rotate the base about the fastener and tighten to secure the base in a position relative to the stand. 
       FIGS.  7 A- 7 F  illustrate examples of different types of stands with which a musical instrument support apparatus may be used. 
       FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  illustrate a side view and top view of an example of a tripod  700 A. The tripod includes a base  706  onto which an adapter  708  and three legs  702  are coupled. The adapter  708  is configured to couple the tripod  700 A with a musical instrument support apparatus in accordance with examples described herein. The legs  702  are rotatably coupled with the base  706  to enable the tripod to be collapsed into a more compact form for ease of transportation and storage. In the example illustrated in  FIG.  7 A , a chain  704  connects adjacent legs with one another to increase stability and enable a maximum open position of the tripod  700 A; however, in other examples, a different mechanism (e.g., a flexible or folding element) may be included to make the tripod stable in an open position. In the illustrated example, the tripod  700 A includes adjustment mechanisms  704  on each of the legs  702  to enable the height of the tripod  700 A to be adjusted. 
       FIG.  7 C  illustrates an example of a music stand  700 C. The music stand  700 C includes one or more poles  714 A and  714 B coupled with legs  712  (e.g., three or more legs). The music stand  700 C includes an adjustment mechanism  710  to enable the height of the stand  700 C to be adjusted. In the illustrated example, the top of pole  714 A is configured to couple with a musical instrument support apparatus in accordance with examples described herein. 
       FIG.  7 D  illustrates an example of a microphone stand  700 D. The microphone stand  700 D includes one or more poles  724  coupled with legs  722  (e.g., three or more legs). A boom pole  726  is coupled with the one or more poles  724 . The boom pole is coupled such that it can rotate or tilt with respect to the one or more poles  724 . The boom includes an adapter  728  to couple with an adapter of the musical instrument support apparatus in accordance with examples described herein. 
       FIG.  7 E and  7 F  illustrate an example of a stand  700 E with an amplifier (amp) holder.  FIG.  7 E  illustrates the stand  700 E without an amp.  FIG.  7 F  illustrates the stand  700 E with an amp  713 . The amp holder illustrated in  FIG.  7 E  includes two poles or support members  730  protruding from the stand  700 E upon which an amplifier  713  can sit. In one example, the weight from the amplifier increases the stability of the stand  700 E and thus the stability of the musical instrument support apparatus  731 . A cable from a pickup coupled with the musical instrument support apparatus  731  can be routed to and connected to the amplifier  713 . 
     The stands illustrated in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 E  are nonlimiting examples of stands that can couple with and support a musical instrument support apparatus. Other stands may be used with a musical instrument support apparatus. In some examples, the musical instrument support apparatus includes a stand. In some examples, the musical instrument support apparatus can be removed from the stand for ease of transportation and storage. 
       FIGS.  8 A- 8 E  illustrate an example of a board  800  onto which a stand with a musical instrument support apparatus can be mounted.  FIGS.  8 A and  8 C  illustrate top down views of the board  800 .  FIG.  8 B  illustrates a bottom view of the board  800 .  FIGS.  8 D and  8 E  illustrate an example of a stand anchoring element of the board  800 . In one example, the board  800  is configured to couple with the bottom of a stand (e.g., the legs of a stand). The musician can then stand on the board  800  while playing the instrument supported in a musical instrument support apparatus on the stand (e.g., a musician  811  standing on the board  800  is shown in  FIG.  8 C ), adding stability to the entire assembly and preventing the stand and support apparatus from tipping over. 
     Referring first to  FIGS.  8 A- 8 C , the board  800  includes at least two portions  802 A and  802 B connected with one another with one or more hinges  805 . However, in other examples, the board  800  may be formed from a single portion. In the example illustrated in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 C , the board  800  can be folded along the line  804  with a hinge  805  for ease of storage and transportation. Although not specifically shown, handles or cutouts can be included (e.g., on the sides of the board  800 ) to assist in carrying the board  800 . In one example, the bottom side  803  of the board  800  includes pads  807 , which can include a gripping material such as rubber to prevent the board from slipping on the floor or other supporting surface, and/or to prevent damage to the underlying floor. In one example, the board  800  includes multiple (e.g., three) stand anchoring elements  808  on a top side  801  of the board  800  to couple with legs  806  of a stand. In one example, each of the stand anchoring elements  808  includes a hole to receive a fastener  815  through a leg  806  of the stand adjacent to the stand anchoring element. 
     For example,  FIGS.  8 D and  8 E  illustrate an example of the stand anchoring elements  808 . As can be seen in  FIGS.  8 D and  8 E , the stand anchoring element  808  includes a hole  820  to receive a fastener (e.g., the fasteners  815  shown in  FIG.  8 C ). When the stand is positioned so that the legs  806  of the stand are adjacent to the holes  820  of the anchoring elements  808 , a fastener passed through a corresponding hole in the leg  806  and into the hole  820  secures the leg  806  to the board  800 . 
     Thus, a musical instrument support apparatus is described herein. In accordance with examples, the apparatus is multi-faceted in that there are many different moving parts that work together to create a pair of supportive arms that can hold an instrument. Although some examples described herein refer to components of the musical instrument support apparatus being made of wood, other materials may be used (e.g., plastic, rubber, metal, or other materials). Although examples herein refer to two support arms, in other examples, a single support arm or more than two support arms may be included in the musical instrument support apparatus. Some elements of the musical instrument support apparatus are described as being rotatably or slidably attached, however, in other examples, such elements may be attached or included so that they are fixed in position and/or angle. Some examples refer to terms of orientation (e.g., top, bottom, front, back, vertical, and horizontal) for ease of understanding; however, the terms of orientation used herein are not intended to be limiting. Note that although some examples refer to using a musical instrument support apparatus while actively playing an instrument, in some examples, the musical instrument support apparatus can support the instrument at times when the musician is not playing the instrument. In general, the terms of orientation are intended to describe the musical instrument support apparatus and instrument as it may be oriented when a musician is playing the instrument in the support apparatus; however, different terms of orientation may apply depending on the instrument and circumstances. Also note that a musical instrument support apparatus may be formed (e.g., built or manufactured) in varying numbers of pieces, and sold in varying states of assembly. The terms coupled and attached are used interchangeably herein and may refer to elements that are removably attached (e.g., intended to be removable) or elements that are attached more permanently with one another (e.g., with glue or another attachment mechanism that is generally used to attach elements that are not intended to be removed). Coupling can be achieved with a variety of techniques, including the use of fasteners, adhesive, pressure, and/or with other coupling techniques. 
     Besides what is described herein, various modifications can be made to what is disclosed and implementations of the invention without departing from their scope. Therefore, the illustrations and examples herein should be construed in an illustrative, and not a restrictive sense.