How do I keep my guitar when not in use?

Is it OK to leave guitar out of case?

Unless you're humidifying your guitar with a case humidifier, or have small kids or pets running around that may knock it over, it's perfectly fine to leave a guitar on a stand instead of keeping it in a case when you're not playing it.

What is the best way to store an acoustic guitar?

Acoustic guitars are susceptible to humidity and temperature. They should be stored in locations with a humidity of 45% to 55%, and must never be stored in dry or very hot/humid locations. Avoid storing them in locations where the temperature fluctuates, such as in direct sunlight or near the A/C.

Should guitars be stored flat?

Laying guitar flat is not a good way to store your guitar – it's prone to accidents like stepping or dropping items on your guitar. You are recommended to store your guitar on a stand or case.

Should I Untune my guitar for storage?

No, you do not need to detune your guitar or loosen the strings when you're not playing it. In fact, do not do this as it will most likely cause damage to the neck of the guitar over time. Guitar necks are designed and set up with enough counter pressure to the strings that under normal tension, everything is balanced.

How to Properly Store Guitars

How do you store a guitar long term?

Make sure that if you're planning on storing your guitar for a long period of time, store your guitar in a hard shell case. While most guitars are sealed with either a nitrocellulose or a polyurethane finish, the wood can still absorb moisture from the surrounding environment.

Whats the best way to store a guitar?

Generally speaking, the safest way to store a guitar is in its case—ideally, a good-quality hardshell, as opposed to a gig bag or ill-fitting chipboard case. As obvious as this might seem, if you have multiple guitars, don't stack them one on top of another in their cases.

Is it OK to hang guitars?

Part of your question is purely mechanical—will the guitar suffer at all from hanging by its headstock? The answer is no. It's generally accepted as a safe way to hang a guitar because the downward exertion from the weight of the guitar isn't nearly as strong as the pull of the strings in the opposite direction.

Does hanging your guitar damage it?

Does Hanging a Guitar Damage the Neck? Hanging a guitar up on the wall by its headstock does not cause any damage to the neck of the instrument. In fact, the downward pressure from the weight of the guitar is a lot less strong than the pull of your strings in the opposite direction.

Will leaving a guitar in the cold ruin it?

In such a situation, you shouldn't keep it inside a car under cold environmental conditions. If you do, the temperature will ruin your guitar. It will impact your guitar strings and lose them up as well as the glue that keeps the various wooden parts together.

How do I stop my guitar from warping?

The best way to store your guitar to prevent warping or bending of the neck is to keep the guitar in a hardshell case lying flat on it's back with no pressure on the neck. Inside the case humidification may be indicated in dry conditions.

How do you store empty guitar cases?

Empty guitar cases can be stored pretty much the same way you'd store a case with a guitar in it. A clean climate controlled environment is best. Avoid places that are prone to temperature and humidity swings, such as garages and basements.

Can you leave a guitar outside?

Sunlight. Normally, it is safe to keep a guitar out in the open, but, you should avoid keeping it in such a place where sunlight can directly fall on the guitar. Sunlight can age the lacquer finish and cause a chalky feeling. Also, too much UV radiation may cause the magnets to loosen up a bit.

Is it better to hang a guitar or use a stand?

Which is better, a wall mount or a floor stand for your guitar? Guitar wall hangers are great for neat presentation, protection from getting knocked over, and saving space. Guitar floor stands are great for certain space considerations, price, and when drilling into a wall isn't an option.

Is it OK to store guitars in the basement?

Never store your guitar in the basement during the summer months. Invest in a dehumidifier if you find your home is humid in the summer. Never leave your guitar in a hot area such as in a car during a hot sunny day where temperatures can soar high enough to soften and compromise the glue joints.

Can guitars be stored upright?

How should you safely store your guitar? Hard cases are the best protection for storing guitars, and you should avoid keeping them near heat sources, extreme cold, and humidity outside the 30-70% range. Store them upright and centrally in your home. For long term storage release the string and truss rod tension.

Is a guitar case necessary?

Your shiny new guitar won't stay shiny for long if you don't protect it. You need some kind of case to lug it around, and to store it in when it is not in use. A good case not only saves it from damage but helps you keep everything that belongs with the guitar organized in one place.

Why do guitars crack?

Lack-of-humidity cracks typically run along the grain of the wood. As wood shrinks in low humidity environments, it eventually reaches a point where the wood can stretch no further and, well, it cracks.

Can you store guitar in plastic bag?

Be sure the instrument is cleaned and polished, then place it into its original case along with a small bag of silica, which will absorb any excess moisture. Finally, put the guitar and case in a large plastic bag (the black trash bags will work, but you'll probably need two).

What temperature should guitars be kept at?

Guitars are made mostly of wood and that wood can be affected by temperature and humidity. Extreme temperatures and changes in humidity will cause the wood to shift and change, sometimes dramatically, which affects the sound and shape. Ideal temperature is 66-77 °F (19-25 °C). Ideal humidity is 40-50 percent.