Leaving a guitar in a damp room or exposing it to extreme temperatures for a time can damage the wood and affect the sound quality. We all care about the Instruments when we need them to play, but what about when it is stored? While storing an electric guitar, we often hurry and forget about it, a slight mistake might cost us. So, how to store an electric guitar the proper way? Whether you are storing it in the best guitar case or wall mounting it, following some essential tips and hacks will get you weary free and keep them up and ready for the next big show!
Tips on How To Store An Electric Guitar
If not stored properly, after a while, a guitar may not sound as good as before. Whereas storing electric guitars properly is definitely going to increase their shelf-life and ensure optimum playing experience even after years. Here are some tips on how to store an electric guitar properly:
- Clean the guitar thoroughly before storing it. Dust and debris can accumulate on your guitar over time, and if left unchecked, it can cause damage to the finish. So, before storing, use a soft cloth to gently wipe down the body, neck, pickups, and other hardware, taking care to get into all the nooks and crannies. If there are any tough spots, use a slightly damp cloth to clean them.
- Loosen the strings a bit. It’ll reduce the tension on the neck and bridge. But don’t make it too loose because if there is no string tension at all, it can cause neck-bowing. Simply turn the tuning pegs until the strings are relaxed but not too loose that they touch the fretboard.
- Always store the guitar in a dry place. Excessive humidity or extreme dryness can cause damage to the guitar. The ideal humidity level for storing a guitar is between 45% and 60%. If your home’s humidity level falls outside of this range, consider using a quality room humidifier to regulate the humidity levels.
- Invest in a quality hardshell case. It is one of the best ways to protect an electric guitar. The best hardshell cases come in a variety of sizes and materials, but all provide a secure place to store your guitar, shielding it from damage caused by bumps, scratches, or other environmental factors. Opting for a quality gig bag is also an option if you’re on a budget.
- Keep the guitar safe from extreme temperatures. Extreme temperatures can cause warping and other damage to your guitar. Try to store your guitar in a room with a constant temperature between 68°F and 72°F.
Tips On How To Keep Electric Guitar Humidified
Extreme temperature changes and dry air can cause your guitar to shrink and crack, affecting its sound and playability. Here are some essential tips on how to keep your electric guitar humidified.
- When you’re not playing your guitar, it’s best to store it in its case. It’ll help to maintain humidity levels, and it will also protect your guitar from dust, dirt, and other contaminants.
- Regularly monitor the humidity level. To monitor the humidity level, get a hygrometer, which is a small device that measures relative humidity. Place the hygrometer inside the guitar case to keep an eye on the humidity levels. A guitar should be kept between 45-60% humidity.
- The room where you keep your guitar also needs to be humidified. You can use the best room humidifier for guitar room if you live in an area with low humidity.
- If you are using a hygrometer, then check the reading regularly. It’ll make sure that your guitar stays at the ideal humidity level. If the humidity level drops below 45% or rises above 60%, you’ll need to adjust your guitar humidifier to keep the guitar back to the ideal range.
How To Store Electric Guitar Long Term?
We always want to make sure that our electric guitar stays in its best condition so that we can pick it up and play it like we never stored it for a while in the first place. To help keep your guitar in top form, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Invest in a quality hardshell case. It’s the best thing to do to protect your guitar while storing it for the long term. Also, follow the steps on how to store guitar cases properly.
- Humidity and temperature changes can cause the wood to warp and the metal parts to rust. So, store the guitar in a dry and cool place.
- Keep it away from direct sunlight and any sources of heat. Sunlight can fade the finish and cause the wood to dry out and crack.
- Clean the fretboard and change the strings before storing your guitar for an extended period.
Final Words
I had a Squier electric guitar back in my early days, which in turn went to my shelf in a gig bag. But after a few months, the guitar seemed dull, and the strings felt a bit rusty. It was a blunder. That’s when I became more concerned with storing my guitars. Just follow tips and tricks on how to store an electric guitar properly, hope you won’t have to go through such disappointments!
FAQ: How To Store An Electric Guitar
Is it ok to leave electric guitar out of case?
If you’re playing the guitar regularly and keeping it in a safe, dry place, it’s fine to leave it out. But if you are playing it around often and in a damp or humid area, it’s best to keep it in its case to protect it from damage.
Can cold damage electric guitar?
Cold temperatures can cause the wood to contract, which can lead to warping, cracking, and damage to the electrical components. Furthermore, the metal components such as strings, tuning machines, and pickups can also become brittle in the cold, making them more susceptible to breaking. So, it’s imperative to store an electric guitar in a room with consistent temperature and humidity levels.