Well hello there my fellow guitar enthusiasts! I hope you’re all having a wonderful day.
Today, I want to talk about something that is near and dear to all of our hearts – our beloved guitars. We spend countless hours playing them, practicing on them, and showing them off to anyone who will listen. But at the end of the day, we need to make sure we’re doing everything we can to protect our investment.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of guitar storage and discuss the best ways to keep our guitars safe and sound.
1. Keep it in a Case
This may seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. A guitar case is the first line of defense when it comes to protecting your guitar. Not only does it keep it safe from accidental bumps and drops, but it also protects it from changes in temperature and humidity.
When shopping for a case, make sure to choose one that fits your guitar snugly and has adequate padding. A hardshell case is always a great option for extra protection, but a well-made gig bag will also do the trick.
2. Store it in a Temperature and Humidity Controlled Environment
Extreme changes in temperature and humidity can cause serious damage to your guitar. High temperatures can warp the wood and cause the glue to come undone, while low temperatures can cause the wood to crack.
Similarly, high humidity can cause the wood to swell, while low humidity can cause it to shrink and crack.
To avoid these problems, try to store your guitar in a room with a consistent temperature and humidity level. If that’s not possible, consider investing in a humidifier or dehumidifier for your guitar storage area.
3. Keep it in a Safe Location
While it’s always tempting to display your guitar for all to see, it’s important to store it in a safe location. This means keeping it away from high traffic areas where it could easily be knocked over or bumped into.
Additionally, try not to store it near windows or doors where it could be exposed to direct sunlight or drafts.
4. Maintain Proper String Tension
Believe it or not, leaving your guitar sitting for extended periods of time with loose strings can actually do more harm than good.
When the strings are too loose, the neck of the guitar can warp over time. To avoid this, make sure to keep your strings at a proper tension.
If you don’t plan on playing your guitar for an extended period of time, consider loosening the strings slightly rather than removing them altogether.
5. Avoid Extreme Conditions
In addition to temperature and humidity changes, there are several other extreme conditions you should avoid when storing your guitar.
For example, don’t expose it to dust, smoke, or any kind of moisture. This can damage the finish and cause corrosion on metal parts.
Similarly, avoid placing your guitar near anything that emits heat, such as a radiator or heating vent.
6. Clean Your Guitar Regularly
Keeping your guitar clean is an important part of maintaining its longevity. Not only does it keep it looking great, but it can also help prevent damage from dirt and grime buildup.
Make sure to wipe down your guitar after each use with a dry or slightly damp cloth. If you notice any buildup, use a mild soap and water to clean the affected area.
7. Play it Regularly
While this may seem like a strange tip for guitar storage, it’s actually quite important. Playing your guitar regularly can help keep the strings and other components from deteriorating.
Additionally, when you play your guitar, your body heat helps to keep it at a consistent temperature, which can prevent potential damage from temperature changes.
In Conclusion
Your guitar is a valuable investment, and it deserves to be treated as such. By following these tips for guitar storage, you can help ensure that your guitar stays in top condition for years to come.
Remember to keep it in a case, store it in a temperature and humidity controlled environment, keep it in a safe location, maintain proper string tension, avoid extreme conditions, clean it regularly, and play it regularly.
Thanks for reading, and happy guitar playing!
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