How to Store A Guitar Safely: Tips for When It’s Not in Use

Your guitar is more than just a musical instrument; it’s an investment in your passion and craft. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting, taking good care of your guitar is essential to keep it in the best possible condition. One crucial aspect of maintenance is knowing how to store your guitar when it’s not in use. In this article, I’ll share four key tips to guide you in how to store a guitar during its downtime.

Invest in a Quality Case

When it comes to safeguarding your beloved guitar during its periods of inactivity, the first line of defense is a high-quality case. Here’s why this investment is absolutely essential:

Protection Against Physical Damage

A quality hardshell case offers superior protection against physical damage. It acts as a sturdy barrier between your guitar and the outside world, shielding it from accidental bumps, knocks, or even falls. The outer shell is typically made from durable materials like ABS plastic or fiberglass, designed to withstand rough handling.

Prevents Dust and Debris Buildup

Over time, dust and debris can settle on your guitar’s body, neck, and strings, potentially affecting its playability and sound quality. A well-padded interior in a hard case prevents dust from infiltrating and settling on your guitar, keeping it clean and ready to play when you take it out.

Maintains Stable Temperature and Humidity

Many quality hard cases come with built-in humidity control systems. These systems help maintain a stable environment for your guitar, protecting it from humidity fluctuations that can cause wood to warp or crack. Keeping your guitar in a case with controlled humidity is crucial, especially if you live in an area with varying weather conditions.

Prevents Neck Warping

The neck of your guitar is one of its most delicate parts. A well-fitted hard case ensures that the neck is supported and doesn’t experience undue stress during storage. This prevents issues like neck warping or bowing, which can seriously impact your guitar’s playability.

Security and Peace of Mind

A quality case often comes with robust locking mechanisms, adding an extra layer of security. This is particularly valuable if you have curious pets, young children, or if you need to store your guitar in shared spaces. Knowing that your guitar is safe and protected can provide peace of mind.

Durability for the Long Haul

Investing in a good case is not just a one-time purchase; it’s an investment in the long-term health and lifespan of your instrument. A well-made hard case can last for many years, ensuring that your guitar remains safe during extended periods of non-use.

In summary, a quality case is the foundation of proper guitar storage. It shields your instrument from physical harm, regulates humidity, and maintains a stable environment, all of which are essential for preserving the integrity and playability of your guitar over time. When choosing a case, make sure it’s specifically designed for your guitar type (acoustic or electric), ensuring a snug fit and maximum protection. While it may require an initial investment, the long-term benefits far outweigh the cost, as it helps keep your guitar in pristine condition for years to come.

Control the Humidity

Humidity is a silent yet formidable adversary to your guitar’s well-being. Properly managing humidity levels is crucial for ensuring your guitar’s longevity and playability during periods of inactivity. Here’s a more detailed look at why humidity control is essential:

Ideal Humidity Range

Guitars are most comfortable in an environment with a humidity level between 45% and 55%. Within this range, the wood of the guitar remains stable, preventing issues such as warping, cracking, or excessive swelling.

Effects of High Humidity

Excess humidity can be detrimental to your guitar. It may cause the wood to swell, leading to problems like high action (strings too far from the fretboard), buzzing, or even structural damage. Prolonged exposure to high humidity can also encourage the growth of mold or mildew, which can further compromise your instrument’s condition.

Effects of Low Humidity

Conversely, low humidity can be equally damaging. When the air is too dry, the wood in your guitar can shrink, potentially leading to a host of issues. These include a sunken top, a concave or bowed neck, and even cracks in the body or neck. Low humidity can also cause your guitar’s strings to feel stiffer, affecting playability.

Use a Hygrometer

To effectively control humidity, invest in a hygrometer, a device that measures the moisture content in the air. Place it in the room where you store your guitar, ideally near the guitar itself. This will allow you to monitor humidity levels regularly and make adjustments as needed.

Dehumidifiers and Humidifiers

Depending on your geographical location and the season, you may need to use humidification or dehumidification devices. A dehumidifier is used to reduce excess moisture in the air, while a humidifier adds moisture to dry air. There are specialized guitar humidifiers available that fit inside your guitar case, ensuring a controlled microclimate for your instrument.

Avoid Sudden Changes

One crucial point to remember is that gradual changes in humidity are less harmful than sudden fluctuations. Rapid changes in moisture levels can cause stress to the wood, leading to damage. Therefore, aim to maintain a consistent humidity level in your guitar’s storage environment.

Seasonal Adjustments

Be particularly attentive to humidity levels during seasonal changes. Winter months often bring dry indoor air, while summer can bring higher humidity levels. Adjust your humidity control methods accordingly to ensure your guitar remains within the safe range.

In conclusion, controlling humidity is a non-negotiable aspect of guitar care, especially during storage. Neglecting humidity control can result in costly repairs and diminished playability. By investing in a hygrometer and using appropriate humidification or dehumidification methods as needed, you can provide your guitar with the stable environment it requires to remain in optimal condition, even when it’s not in your hands.

Find the Right Location

Where you choose to store your guitar can significantly impact its condition and longevity. Here are some key considerations when selecting the ideal storage location:

Avoid Direct Sunlight and Temperature Extremes

One of the primary rules of guitar storage is to keep it away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the wood to fade, dry out, and potentially crack. Similarly, abrupt temperature changes can lead to wood expansion and contraction, which may damage the instrument. Avoid placing your guitar near windows, radiators, heating vents, or air conditioning units.

Opt for a Stable Environment

Guitars thrive in stable environments. Choose a room or area in your home where the temperature and humidity levels remain relatively constant. Fluctuations can lead to problems like warping, cracking, or changes in tuning stability. Keeping your guitar in a controlled environment contributes to its overall well-being.

Wall Hangers and Guitar Stands

Many guitar enthusiasts opt to display their instruments on wall hangers or guitar stands when not in use. While this can be a space-saving and visually pleasing option, it’s essential to choose high-quality hangers or stands specifically designed for guitars. These accessories ensure that your guitar is secure and supported, preventing accidents or falls.

Closet or Under-Bed Storage

If you prefer to keep your guitar out of sight, storing it in a closet or under your bed can be an excellent choice. Ensure that the space is clean, dry, and free from excess dust. If your guitar is in a soft gig bag or hardshell case, placing it in a closet or under the bed can offer a level of protection from potential hazards.

Guitar Room or Dedicated Space

For serious musicians with multiple guitars, having a dedicated guitar room or space can be an ideal solution. This room can be equipped with proper humidity control, guitar racks, and instrument maintenance tools, creating a controlled environment for your collection.

Avoid High-Traffic Areas

Lastly, avoid storing your guitar in high-traffic areas of your home where it’s more likely to be accidentally bumped or knocked over. This helps reduce the risk of physical damage to your instrument.

In conclusion, finding the right location for storing your guitar is a critical aspect of its care and maintenance. By choosing a stable environment with controlled temperature and humidity levels, you’ll help ensure that your guitar remains in optimal condition, ready to inspire you whenever you decide to pick it up and play. Whether it’s on display, tucked away in a closet, or in a dedicated guitar room, the right storage location is a key factor in preserving your instrument’s beauty and functionality.

Loosen the Strings (For Acoustic Guitars)

If you own an acoustic guitar that you won’t be playing for an extended period, consider loosening the strings. This reduces tension on the neck and prevents it from bending or warping. However, don’t remove the strings entirely, as this can lead to changes in the guitar’s setup. Simply detune them a few steps. For electric guitars, this step isn’t necessary, as their necks are generally more resilient to tension changes.

Conclusion

By following these four essential tips, you can ensure that your guitar remains in top condition even when it’s not in your hands. Proper storage not only preserves your instrument’s value but also guarantees that it’s ready to make beautiful music whenever you’re inspired to play. Remember, taking care of your guitar is a long-term commitment that pays off with years of musical enjoyment.

Also, check out our other useful articles:

• The Evolution of Standard Tuning for Guitar: From Antiquity to EADGBE
• Understanding the Notes in Open Position on the Guitar
• 9 Best Headphones for Classical Music
• Top Essential Acoustic Guitar Accessories Every Player Needs
• Exploring Harmony: What Chords Sound Good Together

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Chadwick Becks

I have two degrees in guitar performance and was privileged to study under Aaron Shearer, Tom Kikta, David Skantar, Ken Karsh, Tim Bedner, and currently Christopher Berg. Outside my editorial work on this blog, I teach full-time across many genres including classical, jazz, blues, rock, funk, and metal.