The past couple months have shown a marked increase in music games like (and including versions of) Guitar Hero and Rock Band. And while these games are very fun, where do you store all your guitar controllers, since few allow for interoperability? Dude Thing Creations has offered up a solution: a guitar stand!

When our model arrived, I was a bit confused, because the box said, "Fragile Glass" on it. As I gingerly removed the parts from the packing newspaper, I found no glass, but rather that they'd just used an available box. So if packaging is important to you, you'll be disappointed. The crumpled newspaper did protect the pieces from scratches and damage, but it took me a few minutes to find the envelope containing the instructions.

You'll need a philips screwdriver and a scissors to put this together, since the plastic angle brackets still have tabs on them that need to be removed, and breaking them off leaves jagged edges. (I used a wire cutter for a nice clean cut.) The guide holes seemed a bit too small, so I had a difficult time getting the screws in, especially since it had some odd angles to work with, but 75 minutes later, it was assembled. That they only used 1 size of screw made it slightly easier, and if you have an electric screwdriver, you'll be able to use it on some of the screws. By the way, step 7 is missing from the instructions. It should read, "Screw hook screws into remaining guide holes by hand."

But how is the quality? Made from a painted pine post and birch bases, I wouldn't mind something just a bit sturdier. It'll hold up to some guitars and a few bumps, but if your jam session gets too wild, resulting in someone falling on this thing, it'll probably break. I recommend storing it in a corner somewhere. The paint job is good enough, but something more of a laminate would give it a smoother finish.

The design holds up to 4 guitar controllers and 1 microphone. Guitar Hero guitars hang from the rack, but the longer Rock Band guitars have to lean. An adjustable or higher rack would solve this problem. The hooks help hold the stray cords for the mic and older guitars. The top shelf offers a place to either set extra standard controllers, or, for those looking for subtlety, a long tablecloth with a plant or other knick-knack. A tablecloth will also cover the "Dude Thing" sticker on the top if you're not into branding. Additional microphone slots can be included in the order for $3 each for the SingStar fans, and for an extra $10, you can add cup holders to the top, although it's too high to reach over comfortably from your recliner.

While the Dude Thing Guitar Stand does the job as advertised and will help contain your guitar controllers. With Guitar Hero World Tour and Rock Band 2 on the horizon, you may need something like this. Is it the most elegant possible solution? Probably not, but since my wife won't let me buy a wall-mounted sword rack for my guitar controllers, this seems to be the next best thing.