Follow-up Report:

I contacted Hercules about the melting stands.  Though they are out of warranty, and I have no sales receipts (I've probably had these 8-10 years, or more), they are sending me three new stands!  It is refreshing to find another company that, like Alembic, stands behind its products and goes the extra mile to treat customers right, even if they aren't making any money on the particular transaction.  Companies like these are few and far between.  Kudos and thanks to Hercules!

Bill, tgo

Great news Bill.

Combo of them taking care of you plus finding out that the material they make the grips out of has been changed makes me feel better about my recent purchase.

Right on!  :-D

My new Hercules guitar stands arrived today.   Once again I have to give a shout out to Hercules for going above and beyond.  Considering that I've had the stands probably for 8-10 years and have no receipts, it is the rare company that would just send three new ones.  If there is a company Hall of Fame, Hercules should be in there along with Alembic. 

Bill, tgo