Guitar storage

[allan]

Now this may sound a little strange, what is the best way to store a guitar l do have a hard case and the box it came in 25 odd years ago. I was wondering is it best to take some tension off the strings and should l give it a fresh coat of polish before l put it into the roof space.

regards all on a frosty morning here is stoke on trent UK

ALLAN

 

[veinbuster]

If roof space means attic, I wouldn’t store a guitar there. Our attics are generally sealed off from the temperature controlled part of the house and have numerous vents to the outside. It is rarely a friendly environment.

 

[JSanta585]

I wouldn't go completely slack on the strings, but loosen the tension by one or two semi tones.

I agree with veinbuster that storing in a normal attic (without temp/humidity control) is not a good idea.

Some guidelines that Fender has posted that are good practices:

https://www.fender.com/articles/tech-talk/case-closed-storage-tips-to-save-your-guitars

 

[allan]

thanks guy's our roof space is well insulated and it stays much the same has the house even in winter its never as cold or anything near what its like outside

 

[AP515]

I still would not put any guitar in a place that will cycle through temperature swings and be subject to large changes in humidity. Find the best place for steady ranges of both. The best place I have found is a less used closet. And yes, back off the strings a number of turns. My guitars tend to increase pitch when stored instead of decrease which was not expected.

 

[rugerpc]

To loosen or not.

This is an ancient argument. It goes like this:

Consider that the strings will exert a constant tension, more or less. Most probably less as time goes on and they are not adjusted. It is inconceivable that the strings would get stronger with age and tension, most substances weaken under constant stress.

Consider also that there is a truss rod in the neck to counter the tension of the strings. without string tension, the truss rod may have enough strength to warp the neck backwards.

Thus, the argument goes, store a guitar will all of its strings on and in tune or near it. Doing so maintains the balance between the string tension and the truss rod tension and keeps the neck true.

Or so the reasoning goes...

Whether or not this reasoning has been officially confirmed or debunked by a qualified expert (insert the name of a good luthier here, i.e. PRS), I cannot say.

 

[Rider1260]

From PRS

Please remember that your PRS instrument is temperature and humidity sensitive. Do not expose your new PRS instrument to extreme temperatures or humidity as it could be damaging to the instrument. We have found the optimal temperature to be between 70 and 74°F with a humidity level between 40%- 45%. If the instrument is overexposed to sunlight, the stain color may fade.



From Fender




If you have one guitar or several, it’s worthwhile to know a few basic practical tips about how to store them properly, especially if it’s for a few months or more.

If you're playing your guitar on a regular basis and want to keep it at arm's reach, using a wall hook or a stand are good ways to go. A wall hook will keep it off the floor while still displaying it to the room through a U-shaped grip that will hold it by the headstock, while a stand supports the guitar by its base.

And, of course, you can always store your guitar daily in its case, which will keep it perfectly safe and sound.

1 - Store your guitars in their cases, standing up—not lying down with one case on top of another. When storing several guitars, the cases should look like suits on a rack rather than a giant deck of cards. If standing them up isn’t an option, store your guitars (in their cases) on their sides, with the upper side pointing up.

2 - Keep the string tension on the neck, but loosen the strings one or two half steps. They don’t need regular tension when in storage, but having no string tension at all can lead to neck bowing problems.

3 - If possible, store your guitars in a room or a closet nearer to the center of the building rather than near an outside wall. This helps maintain a constant temperature and is especially helpful if you live in an area that experiences climatic extremes. A case humidifier is a good idea during dry winter months.

4 - Store vibrato-equipped guitars with the arms detached (the lone exception here being Bigsby vibratos, which can be folded back to rest below the top of the bridge, which is the highest point on the guitar).

The first and most basic rule is to store your guitars in their cases, standing up—not lying down with one case on top of another. When storing several guitars, the cases should look like suits on a rack rather than a giant deck of cards. If standing them up isn’t an option, store your guitars (in their cases) on their sides, with the upper side pointing up.

 

[László]

thanks guy's our roof space is well insulated and it stays much the same has the house even in winter its never as cold or anything near what its like outside

It’s still likely to have humidity and temperature swings that are worse than it would have in your living space.

It’s the temperature and humidity swings that cause neck warping, cracking, etc. But hey, it’s your guitar, who are we to make suggestions?

 

[Dusty Chalk]

If you intend to leave it up there for that long, just sell it.