I wanted a stand for my bass guitar, and I didn't want to shell out the $15 or so for a "real" one, so I decided to build my own. I was inspired by the PVC multiple guitar stand and the Hole Shot by Basturd Brother's Guitar Stands. I spent less than $5 on this project, but that's only because I get a sizable discount at the hardware store where my mom works. I can't imagine it'll cost more than $10.

Step 1: The Parts

You'll need the following parts to build this:

5 feet of 3/4" PVC pipe
1 foot of 1/2" PVC pipe
2 feet of 3/4" pipe insulation foam (I had to buy 6 feet to get any)
5 3/4" PVC tees
2 3/4" PVC elbows
1 3/4" to 1/2" PVC conversion elbow
1 1/2" PVC tee
2 1/2" PVC elbows

Step 2: Cut Cut Cut

You'll need to cut the PVC and foam before you can assemble this thing. A hacksaw works charms for cutting PVC as well as foam. Here are the lengths you'll need:

30" of 3/4" PVC
2 x 7" of 3/4" PVC
6" of 3/4" PVC
2 x 2.5" of 3/4" PVC
2 x 1.25" of 3/4" PVC
3 x 1.25" of 1/2" PVC
2 x 3" of 1/2" PVC
2 x 6" of foam
3 x 2.5" of foam

Step 3: Hack the Foam

The foam isn't quite ready yet. You'll need to cut it up a bit to fit on the 1/2" PVC. Take one of the 2.5" pieces of foam. What the plan is here is to cut a wedge in the foam so we can fit it over a 1/2" PVC tee. I used a miter box to help. You'll need to find the slit on the foam, then rotate it a quarter turn and mark the middle. Then you want to draw two lines that form a right angle at the point you marked (see picture). I found it easiest to start the cuts with a utility knife, and make the rest of cut using a serrated kitchen knife. You should end up with a nice 90 degree wedge in the foam. The last step for this piece is to cut through the slit in the foam so it can be opened.

Now you need to modify the remaining two 2.5" pieces of foam so that they fit snugly on 1/2" PVC pipe. Draw a line 1/2" away from the slit on the foam and cut along that. Be sure to cut following the shape of the circle, so the two edges will fit together.

Step 4: Assembling the Base

To assemble the base, first connect a tee to each end of the 6" piece of 3/4" PVC. Then connect an elbow to one end of each of the 7" pieces of 3/4" PVC. Use the 1.25" pieces of 3/4" PVC to connect the elbows to the tees. This is the front of the base.

Connect the 2.5" pieces of 3/4" PVC to each side of another tee, then put a tee on each of the 2.5" pieces. This is the back of the base.

Slide the 6" pieces of foam onto the 7" pieces of PVC, then connect the front to the back using the exposed ends of the 7" pieces.

Step 5: Assemble the Top

The top part will hold the neck of the guitar. First, connect two 1.25" pieces of 1/2" PVC to the 1/2" tee. Then attach the two 1/2" elbows, and stick the 3" pieces of 1/2" PVC into the elbows. Slide the foam onto the tee and 3" pieces and seal it. I used Gorilla Glue and "clamped" it using duct tape, and it holds great. Finally connect the tee to the 3/4" to 1/2" conversion elbow using the last 1.25" piece of 1/2" PVC.

Step 6: Put It All Together

The last step is to connect the base and the top using the 30 inch piece of 3/4" PVC. Simply connect it to the conversion elbow on the top and the middle tee on the base. You can easily adjust the angle of the stand, but it will hold a guitar without falling over. You may want to glue the joints with PVC cement to make it sturdier, but on the other hand, leaving it unglued will allow you to transport it easier and make later modifications.