K&M Stands (Konig & Meyer)
ActiveOverview
König & Meyer (K&M) is a German manufacturer of music and instrument stands, microphone stands, keyboard benches, and pro audio accessories. The company serves musicians and audio professionals globally, with products distributed to over 80 countries across five continents. K&M is recognized as a world market leader in instrument stands and tripods, known for combining innovative design with functional durability and precision engineering.
History
Karl König and Erich Meyer founded the company in 1949 in Wertheim, Baden-Württemberg, starting with 10 employees producing music stands. The company expanded into instrument stands and benefited from increased demand for stage equipment driven by the popularity of rock and roll music in the 1960s. In 1966, Martin König and Karl König designed the legendary 210/2 microphone stand with a folding base, a significant innovation that became a company hallmark. Today, K&M operates as a family-owned business with approximately 300 employees developing and manufacturing around 1,800 products.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Music Stands | Professional and student-grade music notation holders | $50 - $400 |
| Microphone Stands | Stage and studio microphone support systems | $80 - $600 |
| Instrument Stands | Guitar, bass, and orchestral instrument stands | $40 - $500 |
| Keyboard Stands | Piano and electronic keyboard support systems | $150 - $1,200 |
| Speaker Stands | Audio speaker positioning and support | $100 - $800 |
| Drum Thrones and Benches | Drummer seating and keyboard player benches | $80 - $400 |
| Lighting and Sound Accessories | Pro audio mounting and support equipment | $60 - $1,500 |
Manufacturing
K&M manufactures products at its headquarters in Wertheim, Germany, maintaining in-house production with a focus on precision engineering and quality control. The company holds environmental and quality certifications including EMAS III, DIN EN ISO 14001, and DIN EN ISO 9001, reflecting its commitment to sustainable and responsible manufacturing practices.
Notable Products
- 210/2 Microphone Stand - Iconic folding-base microphone stand introduced in 1966, featuring flexible stage deployment and becoming a company signature product
- Music Stands - Foundational product line that established the company in 1949, available in multiple configurations for professional and educational use
- Keyboard Stands - Adjustable stands for electronic keyboards and digital pianos, combining stability with space-efficient design
- Instrument Stands - Specialized stands for guitars, basses, and orchestral instruments with protective padding and adjustable positioning
- Speaker Stands - Professional audio speaker support systems with flat-base design for stability and elegant appearance
Reputation
K&M is regarded by musicians and audio professionals as a reliable manufacturer of durable, precision-engineered equipment with distinctive design. The brand is known for quality construction and innovation in stand design, with the 210/2 microphone stand achieving iconic status in the industry. The company maintains strong reputation for environmental responsibility and fair business practices as a family-operated enterprise. Products are positioned in the mid-to-premium segment, valued for longevity and functionality rather than budget positioning.
Sources (8)
- https://fohonline.com/articles/milestones/konig-meyer-celebrates-75-years-of-excellence/
- https://www.k-m.de/brand/us/koenig-meyer/company/
- https://www.green-m.de/en/project/km-corporate-website-shop-und-magazin/
- https://www.k-m.de/brand/us/koenig-meyer/history/
- https://www.k-m.de/en/
- https://www.k-m.de/brand/en/koenig-meyer/
- https://www.k-m.de/us/products/music-stands/
- https://www.k-m.de/us/products/keyboard-stands/