The Grand Stand
Joystick Stabilizer Support & Score Enhancer
Once again we have encountered a company without any publicly available information. I did find several mentions of the product in computer magazines. Here they are:
The first is from the February 1983 issue of Byte. A small blurb in “What’s New?” reads:
“The Grand Stand Company's joystick floor stand is designed for optimum positioning, comfort, and control. The company claims that it is an aid in eliminating wrist and elbow fatigue and improves finger dexterity. The stand is made from solid wood with a walnut finish and streamlined appearance. It costs $34.95.“
Next, the Grand Stand was featured in the “New Products” section of the June 1983 issue of SoftSide.
“The "Grand" Stand is currently the only joystick floor stand available in the U.S. It is designed to hold the joystick firmly in place at a comfortable angle and height, and accommodates most popular joysticks. It has an angled platform at its base for the player's feet which keeps the stand firmly in place. The neck of the stand arches up between the player's legs, positioning the joystick approximately 25 inches above the floor. This design results in greater comfort, improved dexterity, better control and higher scores.
The "Grand" Stand comes in two models; one solid wood model with a furniture quality finish for $34.95, and a plywood model, with a simpler design, for $23.50. There is a $5 shipping charge.”
Our third entry is from the August/September 1983 issue of Video Games Player.
“Each year, thousands of defenseless teenagers are struck down by that dreaded disease...video game wrist.
But now, thanks to this product, they can live to play one more day. The Grand Stand stabilizes your joystick at a comfortable 26 inches off the floor and reduces wrist and elbow fatigue. It adapts to all the major joysticks and sells for $34.95 assembled and $22.95 in kit form. It also lifts and separates. So check it out if you want to take the pain out of the game.“
Finally, the Grand Stand was mentioned in the March 1984 issue of Video and Computer Gaming Illustrated. Jim Clark wrote an article entitled “The Joystick Revolution” covering different gaming accessories. It is by far my favorite mention:
“You may feel a little silly standing behind the Grand Stand (The Grand Stand Co., 4231 Bluebell Ave., Studio City, CA 91607), sort of like Lincoln waiting for Stephen Douglas to show up: the thing looks like a lectern and, in that context, elevates gameplay to Biblical importance.
At the same time, the unit feels like a kid’s scooter: you put your feet on the base and lean it toward you when you sit down. The joystick screws neatly into the top of the unit.
Functional? It does make your controller feel more solid, and in conjunction with the Supr Stick is about as close to an arcade controller as you'll get in the home.
The Grand Stand is manufactured from solid wood with a fine walnut finish. If you want a conversation-piece hunk of furniture, this is for you.
The Grand Stand sells for $34.95.”
Have you ever used a Grand Stand? Do you know anything about its history? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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Whoa, that's like $100 in today's dollar value! Not sure if it really gives me the edge I need for that kind of money.
I was in the San Diego Atari Computer Enthusiasts around then, and NEVER heard of that thing! I sitll think the Wico and Epyx ergo controllers were a better solution to carpal tunnel ...