4* only because Hercules blocks compatibility! What a shame. Very good product, it's Hercules quality. The base is very stable, easy to fold, the spike is long and suitable for the alto flute. This alto flute stand can hold 3 instruments in total; it has 2 additional screw threads that can receive spikes for C flute, piccolo, or clarinet for example. BUT... BUT The manufacturer carefully hides the size of its screw threads so that compatibility with other brands cannot be verified. And there is a little "trick" that makes it incompatible: the screw thread is not flush, it is deeper... To be able to grip this screw thread, the optional stand will need to have a longer screw than normal... Example: I already own a Stagg flute stand, detachable. I acquire this Hercules stand for alto flute, hoping to be able to screw my Stagg spike on it as well. Well... The Hercules alto flute spike screws perfectly onto my Stagg stand, but the reverse does not work; the Stagg spike spins freely because the Hercules screw thread has been machined deeper to prevent compatibility. So I am forced either to keep my two stands or to buy a Hercules spike again. Thanks for the planet.

excellent, excellent