Nice enough light, but yes you do have to buy a bulb separately. No glare on plastic sheets but.....I find the light does NOT reach bottom of sheet music very well as there are light and dark areas when shining over two pages of sheet music no matter how I adjust it. I used a 40w halogen tube light. Also find it a little clunky (stiff) to adjust on the fly and in order to get light to reach bottom of sheets the light cover then obscures top of sheets.

When you need light to see the notes, this is the best light out there. Totally flexible, this light lets you find the angle that works for you--even if you're music is in plastic sheets with all the glare problems. The size of the opening allows us to use the tear-drop shape compact florescent bulbs, and these are more sturdy than the incandescent bulbs most require, they put out more light--and no heat. Need a stand light? Buy this light!

The excellent feature of this light that impresses me is that it throws the light exactlly where you want to. I suggest that there are added benefits if you upgrade to a fluorescent bulb. I put in one rated at 40 Watts which is the lowest one you can get. Good lighting with no glare on my sheet music which I put in plaastic sheets. I plan to purchase another light in the very near future .

Forget about any other light for your music stand. This unit is a breeze to set up and adjust. It would be nice if the bulb was included, but I'm sure it would not survive shipping. The cord could be longer, so bring an extension cord just in case a power supply is not real close. The light easily illuminates two pages of music with a 40 watt bulb. Save the box it comes in to carry it to the next job.The unit is sturdy, and will serve you well. Just buy one.