Hanging a cloud without putting hooks in a ceiling

[audiovisceral]

I own many Ready Acoustics acoustic panels (2'x4') which I find quite helpful in recording. Since I am still in school and thus in my parents basement (which is very well appointed), I am limited in my options for placing hooks. I find leaning my bass/hf traps against the walls does well enough rather than hanging them. However, I am having difficulty finding a non-destructive way to use any of the 2" panels as clouds above my drums and baby grand piano as well.

Obviously I can't have the things fall on either instrument, so I need the solution to be relatively stable. My best idea has been either to use a boom cymbal or mic stand, weight the bass with circular dumbell weights (as I do with my overheads), tighten the joints as much and set as high as I can, using a mic clip or other fastener as a hook to hang the panel from.

I am not sure if there are better or more obvious ways to go about this. I am hoping before I really go with this I could get some pointers or approaches I could give a go with instead.

Thanks.

[shangoe]

maybe this could help you. take a look at my thread about basstraps. as you can see the cloud is fixed to the side wall not the cealing, because its not stable enough. i was able to mount this cloud alone with no help. the position can be adjusted with screws....it wont work with a room which is not high enough, mine is 3,20meters but 2,50 would be ok...


my insprirations for DIY basstrap builders

[mute pink]

I'm going to have to figure out a way to do this pretty soon too. I was thinking about using the springloaded things you hang curtains on but just extending them so they are long enough for my room. Just put a few above whatever and lay the panels on top. It would be easy to move around and try out differnt spots too. I haven't figured out how I will get it to work yet but when I do I will try to remember to take pictures and post them.

[pkautzsch]

A more stable version of those springloaded curtain things is used in film&tv lighting. Google "auto-pole" - that's where I've seen 4 2.5kW lamps suspended from. should work out nicely.

[CrazyBeast]

I use these now, so I don't have to permanently mount things...

http://modtrap.com

[uncle duncan]

Visualize a kids swingset - A-frame on each end with a bar across the top. You could do that with 2X4's (painted black, of course) and it would probably cost you about $15. It would be like building a 7 foot high sawhorse. You could stand on a chair to mount your panels, and then you and the drummer get on each end and move it into position. Put a couple of nails in it and you've got places to hang your cords and your headphones.

[Matti]

Yep, Autopoles by Ianiro and the like, not cheap but versitale.
In general these light stands etc. are practical for sound purposes also,
i.e. very high stands for classical or making a quick booth with the help
of these Autopoles and some acoustic materials etc.
Regards
Matti