How to Store Electric Guitar: Welcome to our guide on proper electric guitar storage. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a beginner transitioning from acoustic, ensuring your guitar’s longevity is crucial. In this article, discover essential tips for preserving your instrument, focusing on body and guitar string care.
Table of Contents
How Should an Electric Guitar be stored?
Image by Jeremy Allouche from Unplash
Invest in a Quality Guitar Case: One of the first steps you should take to store your electric guitar is to invest in a high-quality guitar case to protect your guitar. A case might also be called a gig bag. A good case not only protects your guitar from damage but also helps to maintain its tune and playability which is important if you ever play a gig. Look for a hard case that provides sturdy protection and has a secure locking mechanism to keep the susceptible instrument in good condition without any scratch, which are the result of putting the guitar in a stack of other things without a case.
Keep the Guitar in a Stable Environment: It’s essential to store your guitar in a stable environment to avoid any damage or bow caused by extreme temperature and humidity changes. Try to keep your guitar away from direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can cause the instrument to warp and the finish to fade.
Additionally, avoid storing your guitar in places like an attic, where temperature and humidity levels may fluctuate significantly. Not many of us can afford a climate controlled space, but it is not improper to store a guitar in your room or somewhere near, where moisture levels are within reason. Many musicians do just that.
Store the Guitar Upright: Whenever possible, store your electric guitar upright. This helps to relieve stress on the neck of your guitar and prevents any potential damage or dust with is also accumulating on a horizontal guitar. If you don’t have enough space to store your guitar upright, you can consider using a guitar stand or wall hanger and hang it by the headstock. Just make sure that the stand or hanger is securely mounted and can bear the weight of your guitar. It is very important no matter how experienced you are.
Make Sure You Play It Once in a while: While it’s important to store your guitar properly, it’s equally important to take it out, play it once in a while and gain learning experience. Regularly playing your guitar helps to maintain its playability and ensures that the strings don’t lose their tension. It’s also a great way to keep an eye on any potential issues that may arise, such as loose tuning pegs or worn-out strings. Be careful when playing and do not damage the appearance of the instrument.
Is It Better to Store an Electric Guitar in a Case or a Stand?
Image by Devon Divine from Unplash
Should guitars be stored upright or flat? Is it better to hang a guitar or keep it in the case? These are common questions that many guitarists have because all of you worry about how to keep your guitar safe. The answer depends on your personal preference and the specific circumstances to minimize the damage to the guitar.
Storing your guitar in a case offers maximum protection, especially if you’re traveling or not planning to play it for an extended period of time, so this is one of the variants of how you can store your instrument and not damage your guitar. On the other hand, using a stand or wall hanger allows for easy access and display, making it convenient to pick up and play your guitar whenever inspiration strikes, but also protect your guitar from damage and keep the guitar in the best shape.
How to store electric guitar?
1. Loosen the Strings: If you’re planning to store your Fender or any other kind of guitar for a long period of time, it’s a good idea to loosen the strings slightly, just one or two half steps, for proper guitar storage. This helps to relieve tension on the neck and prevents any potential warping. However, be careful not to loosen the strings too much, as this can affect the guitar’s playability when you decide to play it again.
2. Use a Humidifier: Depending on your climate, you may need to use a humidifier to maintain the proper humidity levels for your guitar. Too much humidity can cause the wood to swell and lead to poor tone and crackling, while too little humidity can cause the wood to dry out and potentially crack. We suggest you’re looking for a high-quality guitar humidifier to ensure the longevity of your instrument is not ruined because of moisture or temperature changes.
3. Keep Your Guitar Clean and Dust-Free: Regularly wipe your guitar down with a dry cloth to remove any dust or fingerprints. This not only keeps your guitar looking its best but also prevents any potential corrosion or rust around the metal parts. Always store your guitar in a clean space, because it is easier to clean the storage to keep the instrument than to clean the guitar itself and each amp.
Warnings:
1. Avoid Stacking Guitars: Stacking guitars on top of each other can lead to damage to the guitar’s finish and potentially cause scratches or other marks even for hard-shell instruments. If you have multiple guitars, it’s best to store them separately, because guitars storied like that often break or the damage may alter the sound.
2. Never Store Your Guitar with a Damp Cloth: Storing your guitar with a damp cloth can introduce unwanted moisture, which can damage the wood and affect the sound quality. Always ensure that your guitar is dry before storing it. You can sometimes wipe it with a wet cloth but them always wipe the instrument down with a dry cloth before storing it, especially if there is a humid climate where you store guitars. You need to take time and learn how to care for the instrument.
Properly storing your electric guitar is essential for maintaining its playability, protecting it from damage, and ensuring its longevity. It does not take a whole lot of time, but some time for learning is necessary. Guitars are made of fine wood and need to be treated as such. By investing in a quality guitar case, keeping your guitar in a stable environment, and following the tips provided in this article, you can keep your instrument in the best shape for years to come. Remember, taking the time to store your guitar properly is a small investment that pays off in the long run. So, go ahead and give your guitar the care it deserves!
If you enjoyed this article and want to learn more about guitars and guitar care, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more helpful tips and information. Happy playing!
