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I don't really know if there's any protocol for it, but what do y'all do to prepare an instrument for being tucked away for a couple years? I have a couple that I can't sell (they'd get me $20) that I can't currently invest in to make better. Decent instruments, just no use for them.

Thanks!

I'd go with hardshell case and some kind of humidity regulator. There are several options for humidity part of the equation, and this is more important for acoustic instruments, but it's ultimately important for all wooden instruments.

I see you are in North Cackalacky, so I'm assuming the natural humidity is off the charts high. I grew up in NC at the beach, and it was brutal. Never had to worry about an instrument drying out, that's for sure. So maybe you just need a good case and place to keep the guitars that is out of direct sunlight and relatively cool.

unless they're extremely fragile instruments (say, an old acoustic where the finish is worn off), i'd not really worry TOO much. central NC isn't too bad indoors, you're pretty much always temperature controlled, y'know? hard case in a closet, you should be good.

if they're electronic instruments, maybe get some of those silica packets and put them in the case?

what are you storing away?

likely a couple Pauls and maybe 2 heavily modded Deans.... cheapo 7-string Ibby

i've only had problems storing Acoustics. they seem so much more affected by humidity/ room conditions.
hard shell cases would probably be fine.

Hardshell case, detune about a half step, is the advice I was always given by the vintage collectors when I started out.

Acoustics are a whole different ball of wax but for electrics, no issues.

stand the cases up, don't lay them down.

^^^ Talk to me about this Rot Gut. What's the thinking there? I assume you mean length-wise, guitars resting on their bottom strap pins in the cases.

you could always sell me one of the LPs!

kosta wrote:^^^ Talk to me about this Rot Gut. What's the thinking there? I assume you mean length-wise, guitars resting on their bottom strap pins in the cases.

I just started doing this for space. Been tempted to get some hangers and have them all hang from their headstocks, or get one of those large stands, then tuck cases away except for one or two to transport with.

I typically keep mine in hard cases, in a closet that is on an interior part of my house. That way the temperature fluctuations outside don't affect the closet temp too much. I've had guitars that I didn't touch for a few years and they were fine just like that.

kosta wrote:^^^ Talk to me about this Rot Gut. What's the thinking there? I assume you mean length-wise, guitars resting on their bottom strap pins in the cases.

Just something I was told, along with keeping them in tune.

thread answered some of my questions about string tension

unplayed guitars is kinda sad though

hbombgraphics wrote:thread answered some of my questions about string tension

unplayed guitars is kinda sad though

yeah. it kills me. One of my weaknesses.

I have a special place where I keep all my guitars

I call it "the floor"