When the violin or pegbox of the viola is placed in the stand, the weight of the instrument causes the gates of the yoke to close and the instrument to be fixed in place. The stand is made of lightweight aluminium and folds neatly so that it is easy to carry. The contact points between stand and violin / viola are covered with a specially developed foam to prevent scratches. The Hercules violin/viola stand also has a practical holder for storing useful items such as rosin.