Like many other guitarists I'm short on space , I tend to keep guitars in their cases and as a consequence dont play them as ofthen as they should be played. I needed a dependable sturdy stand that I can trust will keep my guitars safe. The HCGS-523B+ takes up to 3 instruments BUT is easily expanded to take upto another 3 . It does'nt need to be assembled , just added the extensions. It folds up and is transportable easily , it takes up very little space in my music room/ office ( its a box room , small bedroom) . Its impressively solid , and I'm happy for my guitars to live on it.