Meet Y-STAND

Dr. Diana Yusupov, DMA, MM — Orchestra Director, BASIS Chandler, Arizona, USA

I have been using the Y stand as a teaching tool both in my private cello studio and in my orchestra classroom, and it has completely transformed the way I teach. The ability to step off the conductor’s podium and immediately demonstrate a passage without needing to reposition or adjust, has made my instruction far more fluid and effective. With the Y stand, the instrument remains right by my side as I conduct, allowing me to seamlessly move between directing and playing.

This versatility has made a noticeable difference in how efficiently I communicate musical ideas to my students. I can model phrasing, articulation, and tone in real time, which keeps rehearsals engaging and productive. It also creates a more dynamic presence in the classroom, helping students stay visually and musically connected.

Beyond teaching, the freedom of standing with the cello feels natural and empowering. The Y stand offers both stability and accessibility, making it an incredibly practical addition to my daily work as a performer and educator. I truly believe it’s a game-changer for modern cellists

Mr. Patrick Murphy, Director of Teaching and Learning

Cello Performance Fellow, University of Queensland:

"I love the Y stand, for many reasons. For years I've wished I could stand up with my high-register string colleagues in string quartet and chamber orchestra performances. Now I can, and the sound is remarkable — standing opens up a new level of projection and support in the texture of the ensemble. Teaching and leading ensembles from the front is hassle free with the ability to be seen and heard by the whole group.

Adapting to the standing position when playing is surprisingly intuitive. When you’re freed from the chair, you can think more deeply about how you use bodyweight. We’re always told to spend more time on our feet for our health, but poor cellists have traditionally drawn the short straw in this regard!

It’s great to be able to walk away from the cello to write notes in the part (or even pick up a coffee!) knowing that it’s securely held in position. I’m certain that in time this stand will become a normal part of the cellist's kit".

Warrick Dobbie – Cello Australia

It’s really great to see a brand new cello innovation become available especially as it comes from Australia! Our Cello Australia friend and colleague Renat Yusupov from Queensland has recently launched the Cello Y-Stand a device which allows cellists the freedom of being able to stand up to play. I have always said that while playing cello is such a wonderful pursuit in life and a real joy, the one downside is way too much sitting down especially when you reach the professional level and are often playing for many hours each day. We’ve all heard stories of how cellists frequently experience lower back, hip and pelvic complaints from the sheer physical demands of playing our instrument so I was intrigued when Renat contacted me to review his invention for Cello Australia. He is really enthusiastic about the possibilities that the device opens up for cellists and after a good chat with him on FaceTime he promptly shipped one to us here at Cello Australia for evaluation in Sydney.

The Cello Y-Stand can best be described as a custom-made padded cradle that sits atop a stand similar to a percussion cymbal stand. It is adjustable to various heights and the cradle itself can accommodate different sized cellos. It is very stable and the cello can easily sit in it safely on its own without always having to be held by the player. The first thing you notice is the effect on the sound of the instrument because the player while standing is able to use natural gravity weight much more effectively to draw a louder, more resonant tone from the cello. Interestingly this more focused application of weight also translates into a much better contact with the string even when you return to once again sitting down to play. The positive effect on the cello tone reminded me of the more generous sound you get using a Tortelier end pin which positions the cello at a more horizontal angle. Another possibility to explain this added volume and resonance when using the Y Stand is that it positions the cello more at the ear height of the listener but either way it’s a very welcome benefit the stand provides.

In terms of use I imagine its greatest benefit will be seen in the practice room and the teaching studio but it also lends itself to performance applications perhaps not only for more contemporary ensembles and popular music but who knows we may soon see all of the members of the ACO standing to play including the cellos! But really the major benefit I can foresee with the Y Stand is that cellists will now be able to mix it up … sit sometimes and stand at other times to experience a much more liberated approach to playing our instrument. The stand is also always ready to go at a moment’s notice as you can just stand up and easily position the cello endpin in the slot at the bottom of the cradle and away you go. There is no elaborate or time consuming set up to make the transition to playing standing up.

There is a certain amount of flexibility in the Cello Y-Stand that can be an issue if your vibrato is too enthusiastic but interestingly with a bit of thought I soon acclimatized to the appropriate level of vibrato that suits playing standing up without the instrument becoming too unstable. Turning your mind to really focus on one’s vibrato is however a small price to pay for all the significant benefits the Y Stand offers the player. We really commend Renat on his initiative in designing and bringing his invention to market and hope that many cellists will have the opportunity to test drive it … try it and like me you’ll have a hard time wiping the smile off your face !