Are you an avid collector or you’ve recently discovered a passion for playing the guitar? Learning how to store them properly is essential. However, if you follow a couple of key rules when you decide to put your guitars in a storage unit, you can easily keep them safe for years to come.
Keep Them Clean
When you play your guitars, oil from your fingers can build up on the strings. Over time, this can cause both the strings and the metal components rust and corrode. It’s important to make sure to clean them thoroughly. Once you remove the strings, use fine steel wool or a damp cloth to gently remove the dirt, and then apply lemon oil to prevent any drying-out.
Choose the Best Case
As with the advice concerning the strings, the choice of cases to put your guitar in depends on how long you plan to store them. If you opt for long-term storage, the most suitable option is to get hard-shell cases. Of all the storage methods, these offer the best support. Not only are they pretty heavy and protect guitars against any potential physical damage, but they also do a great job at protecting them against climate fluctuations that might affect them over time.
Temperature and Humidity
One of the most important aspects concerning the storing of musical instruments is the climate. The ideal humidity level for guitars is a consistent 40%-50%, and anytime conditions are outside this range, the risk of damage can be significate. Regarding temperature, the average in the area should be somewhere between 65-75 °F, preferably in a climate-controlled storage unit where your precious instruments can be kept safe and sound.
Play Them
At the end of the day, guitars are made to be played. Even if you’re planning to store your guitar for a longer period, be certain to take the instruments out and put them to use occasionally. This way you make sure you catch any small, potential maintenance problems before they become big issues.
Just remember, the more expensive your guitars, the better your storage conditions should be. If you follow the steps above and you don’t forget to check on your instruments whenever you get the chance, there should be no problems storing them safely and correctly.
