Best Pedals, Stands & Cases
Pedals, stands and cases are the parts of a MIDI rig that never show up in a demo video but decide whether the gear survives being used and moved. A sustain pedal that reads half-pedaling, a stand that does not wobble under an 88-key board, and a case that actually protects the thing in transit are worth more than their low price tags suggest.
5 pedals, stands and cases tracked, prices checked weekly by Elan Harpaz.
Buying guides
All 5 pedals, stands and cases
Ordered by our own picks first, then by Amazon rating weighted by review count.
M-AUDIO SP-2 Universal Sustain Pedal
Observed
Best for: Anyone who just needs sustain to work, on any keyboard, without spending much.
Roland KS-11Z Keyboard Stand | Heavy-Duty Z-Stand with Wide Adjustment Range for 88-Note Stage Pianos & Other Keyboards | Foldable Padded Support Arms | Easy Transport & Storage
Observed
Gator Cases Padded Keyboard Gig Bag, Fits 61 Note Keyboards (GKB-61)
Observed
Frequently asked questions
Does the type of sustain pedal matter?
Yes. A basic on/off polarity-switching pedal works for casual use, but a continuous (piano-style) pedal that reads half-pedaling is a real upgrade for anyone playing expressive piano parts, and not every keyboard supports it without a settings change.
What should I look for in a keyboard stand?
Weight capacity above your keyboard's actual weight, a stable X or Z frame that does not flex under playing pressure, and, for 88-key boards, a stand rated specifically for that length rather than a generic one that leaves the ends unsupported.
Do decksavers and dust covers actually help?
In a home studio, mostly they keep dust and spills off the keys and buttons between sessions, which matters more than people expect for anything with exposed pads or faders. For gear that travels, a rigid case matters far more than a soft cover.