Instrument Mic Stand From 1/2 Inch PVC and Dowel

I recently bought a 12 track recorder and have been experimenting with recording my weekly primarily acoustic guitar jam group. I had a need to use a microphone for three instruments and several vocalists. I already had a few standard boom mic stands that work for the vocals, but I was reluctant to buy more stands for two seated guitarists and a seated accordion player. This project is what I came up with.

Approximate build time: 5 minutes!

Cost for mine: Just under $6 each

Qty 2 5-way PVC coupling.

NOTE: I found a six pack of these on Amazon,

"MARRTEUM" brand, on sale for $5.49. Perfect

for my need for three stands.

Qty 4 1/2 inch PVC SCH40 at 9"

Qty 1 1/2 inch PVC SCH40 at 23"

Qty 1 1/2 inch PVC SCH40 at 3/4" (remainder of 5 foot section)

NOTE: These lengths allow for the building

of two stands from one 10' section of PVC

Qty 1 1/2 inch hardwood dowel at 24"

Qty 2 rubber bands

Insert four short pieces into one of the 5 way couplings.

The rubber band provides sufficient resistance to prevent collapsing and maintain height.

This allows the coupling to fit nicely upside down at the top of the dowel.

A wide rubber band works well for this part.

POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS (most add to the cost)

1. Use caps on the ends of the base. Fill base with sand. Pour wood glue into coupling top to hold sand in place.
2. Add a clip to the vertical PVC near base to hold cord, minimizing risk of tipping over from cord weight.
3. More precisely fit the dowel/PVC joints by wrapping tape around dowel ends.
4. Use PVC cement to all four base 'spokes'. Does not seem necessary but would make sense.
5. Replace the rubber band on the dowel with a small thumbscrew pipe clamp...which is what I was originally planning to do but went the cheapest route.