Many guitars carry a great deal of both sentimental and monetary value. Like many instruments, guitars are fragile, and the wrong storage conditions can spell disaster. If you want to put a guitar (or guitars) away in storage, you should do it with confidence.
To keep your guitar in top shape for many years to come, it’s essential to know the best methods for storing it. Amy’s Attic Self Storage is happy to give you some tips and strategies to make sure that your guitar comes out in as great a quality as when you put it away.
How to Store Guitars | Tips for Guitar Storage
Clean your guitar
Before storing, it’s best to clean it. You can do it with a guitar cleaning kit or a mildly damp cloth. Dry it with another soft cloth, then let it air dry on a stand. Avoid using any cleaning products that aren’t proven safe on guitars, as anything with ammonia or other chemicals can be corrosive and potentially damage the guitar’s finish.
Get the right case
Many guitars have unique shapes, so get a sturdy, hard-shell case that is right for your personal guitar. This will keep it safe from dirt, dust, exposure to sunlight, moisture, and pests, all factors that can damage its appearance and sound quality.
Keep temperature in mind
With putting most items in storage, it’s always important to consider temperature and humidity. The best temperature is 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, as extreme heat or cold can warp the wood, snap strings, melt glue, destroy electronics, or cause much more unwanted strife. A great tip is to use lemon oil to polish your guitar to protect it from the elements.
Take tension off the neck
Loosen the guitar strings until they lack all tension. Your guitar is not only unlikely to be in tune by the time you take it out of storage anyway, but tight strings can easily snap and damage the guitar.
Store it in the proper position
Store a guitar on its side or straight up, depending on the shape of your case and storage space. If you can, try wedging the case between other things to minimize the risk of the case falling over. Storing your guitar on its back or face can warp the wood or inflict unnecessary strain on the neck and strings.
If you have a whammy bar, remove it and place it in cloth for storage. Keeping it on may warp the instrument if it keeps pressing onto the guitar.
Keep off the ground
Concrete can fluctuate in temperature fast, leading to potential warping. Make sure your guitar is not in contact with the floor and consider a table or wooden pallet.
Check on it
It’s not a bad idea to take it out of storage to examine and clean before putting away again.
Famous Guitarists from Texas
Famous Guitarists from TexasFrom Willie Nelson and his iconic Trigger to legendary blues guitarist Freddie King, there is no shortage of great, influential musicians who’ve called Texas home. Here are only a few famous guitarists to come from Texas.
Willie Nelson (born on April 29, 1933 in Abbott, Texas)
Willie Nelson has most certainly earned his status as a household name and legendary Texan. Having sold over 40 million albums and written over 300 songs, his career spans over six decades, from his early days in Washington and Nashville to his triumphant return to Texas and his pioneering in outlaw country alongside the likes of Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson.
Freddie King (born on September 3, 1934 in Gilmer, Texas)
An innovator who combined both Chicago and Texas-style blues guitar techniques into a sound that influenced early rock-and-roll for decades to come, Freddie King’s sound was often envied and rarely duplicated. He’s no doubt partly responsible for the rise of many great guitarists throughout the 60s, 70s, and beyond.
Buddy Holly (born on September 7, 1936 in Lubbock, Texas)
Despite his life being tragically cut short at the age of 22, Buddy Holly’s career left a major impact on music both in America and abroad. One of the first artists to be inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he is also noted for having influenced the likes of The Beatles, Don McLean, Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, and many others, as well as popularizing the rock-and-roll band composition of two guitars, a bass, and drums.
Billy Gibbons (born on December 16, 1949 in Houston, Texas)
ZZ Top has been highly popular across America for many years, with such hits as “La Grange”, “Sharp Dressed Man”, “Gimme All Your Lovin’”, and more. Much of the band’s success can be attributed to the unique, droning sound of Gibbons’ guitar.
Guitar Stores in Central Texas
If you’re in the market for a guitar, repairs, or accessories, central Texas has a great number of offerings. Be sure to call ahead to see if they’re open and what sort of services they might offer.
The Lutherie
Phone: (254) 289-4257
Address: 743 E 13th Ave, Belton, TX 76513
Tarpley Music
Phone: (254) 235-1127
Address: 1300 Lake Air Drive #1, Waco, TX 76710
Band Room
Phone: (254) 699-2263
Address: 212 W Veterans Memorial Blvd, Harker Heights, TX 76548
Live Music Venues in Central Texas
Are you looking for live music in Central Texas? Then, consider attending a show or event at one of these venues below:
Bosque River Stage
Phone: (254) 299-8200
Address:1400 College Drive, Waco, TX 76708
Bo’s Barn Dancehall
Phone: (254) 939-7131
Address: 4984 FM93, Temple, TX 76502
Schoepf’s Bbq
Phone: (254) 939-1151
Address: 702 E Central Ave, Belton, TX 76513
TX Storage Facilities | Amy’s Attic Self Storage
Amy’s Attic Self Storage leases storage units (on a monthly basis) that can provide a safe environment for your prized guitar (or guitars). With temperature-controlled units and multiple locations across Central TX, Amy’s Attic is ready to meet your storage needs. If you have any questions on how to store guitars or general storage questions, then please call 855-426-9728. We look forward to serving you.
