Instruments should be kept out of drafts and doorways, and the best place to keep them is the middle of the room where they will be farthest from temperature changes. For additional protection, wrap instrument cases in plastic bags or tarps.
Full Answer
What is the best way to store a guitar case?
Guitar case floor racks are likely the easiest and cheapest option for buying a case storage solution. Floor racks can also be moved around a little more easily than other options. A wall rack is similar to the floor rack, except it is mounted to the wall. Storing guitar cases on a wall rack means they’re up off the floor.
What is the best way to store my instruments?
Instruments should be kept out of drafts and doorways, and the best place to keep them is the middle of the room where they will be farthest from temperature changes. For additional protection, wrap instrument cases in plastic bags or tarps.
Is it better to store your instruments in a hard or soft case?
Even if your instrument is in a hard case, it can still potentially sustain damage if something falls on it with enough force. If you’re storing an instrument that you regularly use for short periods of time, you can probably get by with a soft case that’s easy for travelling.
Is it safe to store musical instruments in the attic?
According to Oxford University, “It is not a good idea to keep delicate objects like musical instruments up in attics or down in cellars, the one being hot in the summer and cold in the winter, the other likely to suffer from high humidity levels.”
Why do we need to store instruments?
How to clean instruments before storage?
How to protect your instrument when traveling?
How long do musical instruments last?
Why should you keep instruments off the floor?
How to keep woodwind instruments from getting sticky?
Why do you need plush velvet for guitar cases?
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How do you organize an instrument case?
Be sure your case, hard or soft, is waterproof.Take your instrument apart. Don't store your instrument all put together, if it's designed to come apart. ... Clean your instrument thoroughly. ... Pack your instrument carefully. ... Wrap and cover larger instruments. ... Store the instrument with care.
How are instruments stored?
Instruments need special care. Unlike a mattress or bookshelf, instruments can warp or rust over time. A dark, cool, dry, and vibration-free spot is where they should be stored. If you paid a high dollar for a special instrument, you'll want to keep it safe in a climate-controlled unit.
Where can I store my instruments?
Your closet, attic, basement, garage, or storage unit are all options for storage. But ideally, you'll want store your instrument in a place that will allow you to maintain a temperature of 60-70 degrees and a humidity level of 35-50%, according to Strings Magazine.
How do you store stringed instruments?
Stringed instruments are very susceptible to temperature and humidity damage, most of them being made of wood. They should be stored between 65-78℉ at around 50% humidity at all times. Extreme temperatures or humidity can wreak havoc on your stringed instrument, leading to the warping or cracking of the body.
How do you store brass instruments?
Brass instruments such as trumpets, horns, and tubas are made of metal and should be stored in their cases with the valves facing up and never on the bells of the instruments. When they are stored for long periods of time, all slides and valves should be removed and kept in airtight bags.
Why should we store instruments in proper environment?
Musical instruments can be severely damaged by high humidity and fluctuating temperatures. Strings can snap, and glues and adhesives can soften or even melt. The felt, rubber, and cork used in many brass instruments can deteriorate and the metal can corrode.
Where should I store an instrument at home?
Musical instruments should be placed in the west, the north-west or the south-west corner of the house.
How long does an instrument last?
On a side note, the average lifespan of instruments depends on the classification of them: “woodwinds or brass instruments last about twenty years, while pianos last about 100 years, and string instruments for a maximum of 200 years." With proper conservation techniques used on instruments, they will be able to last ...
What is the best temperature for musical instruments?
about 70 degrees FahrenheitTo best protect your instrument, look for steady and moderate temperatures. Musical instruments of all types do well in temperatures of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit, at humidity levels of between 40-60%.
How do you store a violin long-term?
Put your violin in a hard case. If you store your violin long-term, loosen slightly the strings, put it in a silky bag then in some bubble wrap. Store it in a climate-controlled room if possible. Monitor the humidity level and adjust with a desiccant or humidifier.
How do you store a cello long-term?
Storing a Cello If you plan on storing the instrument long-term, place it in a protective case to avoid any serious damage. To prevent scratches to the cello's finish, try to limit the number of times you remove the cello from its case. If you plan on playing frequently, use the cello stand in lieu of a case.
What do you do with instruments?
Here are six methods for handling unneeded instruments.Sell Them Through Social Media. One of the best ways to dispose of unneeded musical instruments is through your social media channels. ... List Them on a Reseller Website. ... Donate for a Tax Deduction. ... Give Them to a Local School or Church. ... Keep Them. ... Have Them Appraised.
How do you store wooden instruments?
When it comes to wood musical instrument storage, proper care needs to be taken to prevent them from warping. In addition to using only climate-controlled storage and keeping a humidifier in its case, you can protect your wood instrument even further by storing it in a polyurethane bag inside its case.
What is the proper way to store a violin?
Keep your violin stored in a hard case. This is the best way to protect your instrument from damage as it provides a secure place to house your violin. Never store your violin near the fireplace or in cold places. Its organic materials are affected by the surroundings, so keep the atmosphere where it's stored stable.
Where should I store an instrument at home?
Musical instruments should be placed in the west, the north-west or the south-west corner of the house.
What do you do with instruments?
Here are six methods for handling unneeded instruments.Sell Them Through Social Media. One of the best ways to dispose of unneeded musical instruments is through your social media channels. ... List Them on a Reseller Website. ... Donate for a Tax Deduction. ... Give Them to a Local School or Church. ... Keep Them. ... Have Them Appraised.
How to Store Musical Instruments | Extra Space Storage
It’s a good idea to raise musical instrument cases and boxes off the ground in your self storage unit by utilizing shelving or pallets. Place lighter boxes above heavier ones to protect them. It’s also a good idea to keep musical instruments near the storage unit’s back, away from vents and doors.
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What to put over an instrument when it's in storage?
It’s also a good idea to drape a cloth or sheet of acid-free paper over your instrument once placed inside the box or storage container.
How to keep instruments from getting dusty?
Prevent dust-related damage — as well as damage from pests and mildew — by covering large instruments with a protective cloth or canvas.
Why do instruments go out of tune?
That’s why climate-controlled storage is recommended when storing musical instruments . This self storage feature maintains temperatures between 55 and 80 degrees at all times and reduces in-unit humidity.
Why disassemble reeds?
Disassemble parts like reeds, mouthpieces, straps, and mutes, and loosen strings and bow hairs slightly to prevent damaging expansion and contraction while in storage.
How to make your guitar last longer?
Taking the time to remove any dust or debris that can scratch or damage your instruments will help them last longer. Always use the recommended cleaner or polish designed specifically for your instrument.
Where is extra space storage located?
Extra Space Storage Inc., headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, owns and/or operates over 1,850 self-storage properties in 43 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. Extra Space Storage properties comprise approximately 1,010,000 units and over 585M square feet of rentable storage space, offering customers a wide selection of affordable and conveniently located and secure storage solutions across the country, including personal storage, boat storage, RV storage and business storage. We are committed to being the most convenient, secure and professional storage solution in your neighborhood. And it is this commitment which has allowed Extra Space Storage to become the second largest storage units operator in the U.S. with over 1,850 properties across the country.
Do you need to take care of your instruments when you put them in storage?
Your expensive musical instruments need special care when you place them into storage, no matter if you tickle the ivories on a piano, strum a guitar, or bang on a drum. Learn how to keep your instruments safe with these easy-to-follow storage tips.
Prepare it for long-term storage
Whatever your instrument, learn the proper way to prepare it for storage. Store instruments in their original case to prevent shifting or uneven pressure. Break any pieces apart so there’s not improper pressing on any of the corners.
Finding a climate-controlled unit
Instruments need special care. Unlike a mattress or bookshelf, instruments can warp or rust over time. A dark, cool, dry, and vibration-free spot is where they should be stored. If you paid a high dollar for a special instrument, you’ll want to keep it safe in a climate-controlled unit.
Transporting it safely to the unit
You can easily transport some of the smaller instruments with no issues. Others, like a piano, are best moved using professionals. If pros are needed, find a company you trust and book them in advance. Moishe’s Self Storage employs a team of professional movers that can properly transport your cherished instruments to your new storage facility.
Finding the right storage
Heat and humidity can affect your instrument. You’re best off using a climate-controlled storage unit to ensure instruments don’t snap, break, rust, or warp. The ideal temperature and humidity depend on the instrument, but a good rule of thumb is to keep the unit between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit with the relative humidity around 50 percent.
Keep it locked and secure
The last thing you want is to have a valuable and loveable instrument stolen while in storage. For that reason, make sure the facility offers good security and that you have chosen a lock that will keep your belongings safe.
Take out with care
When you’re ready to remove your instrument from storage, be sure to take extra care. Maybe the wood is brittle or the veneer has stuck to the wrapping. Either way, it’s good to baby the instrument until you know what’s happened while you were away from it.
How to store instruments?
Just as every instrument produces a different sound, every instrument needs to be stored differently. Store all instruments in their original case, if applicable , above ground, and towards the center of a storage unit. Since storage units tend to be drafty, surround your instrument with other household items, such as mattresses or furniture. Baby grand pianos are best stored on their side, while guitars are best stored vertically. Each instrument has different storage requirements, so head to your local repair shop and ask the repair technician about the ideal storage situation for yours. Chances are, many of the instruments they have fixed are accidentally damaged due to improper storage, so they should have plenty of good advice. For even more storage tips, speak with your band or orchestra teacher.
How to store a musical instrument?
Whether you want to store your instrument in your hall closet or a local storage unit, the main thing you should be concerned about in regards to musical instrument storage is temperature and humidity. Extreme heat and extreme cold should be avoided at all costs. Similarly, drastic or sudden changes in temperature and/or humidity can be very harmful to instruments, particularly wood instruments. Wood is a highly sensitive material and is prone to warping in certain environments. To best protect your instrument, look for steady and moderate temperatures. Musical instruments of all types do well in temperatures of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit, at humidity levels of between 40-60%. To keep your instrument at the appropriate humidity level, purchase a humidifier that you can insert into your instrument’s case. If you’re storing your instrument in a storage unit, ask for an indoor or temperature controlled unit.
How to protect wood instruments from warping?
Storing Wood Instruments. When it comes to wood musical instrument storage, proper care needs to be taken to prevent them from warping. In addition to using only climate-controlled storage and keeping a humidifier in its case, you can protect your wood instrument even further by storing it in a polyurethane bag inside its case.
How much humidity do you need for a musical instrument?
Musical instruments of all types do well in temperatures of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit, at humidity levels of between 40-60%. To keep your instrument at the appropriate humidity level, purchase a humidifier that you can insert into your instrument’s case. If you’re storing your instrument in a storage unit, ask for an indoor or temperature ...
How to clean brass instruments?
If it doesn’t look brand new, keep cleaning and polishing until it does. In addition to cleaning the outside, you should thoroughly clean the inside of the instrument with an instrument cleaning brush. To prevent rust, brass instruments should be as dry as possible during storage. If you have time, let your instrument “air out” for a few days before storage, and ensure it’s free from all moisture before putting it into its case. And, as with every other instrument, avoid using household cleaners. If you don’t have access to specialized instrument cleaners, use water or a dry, lint-free cleaning cloth.
Why is it important to store instruments properly?
Along with routine maintenance and proper care, storing your instrument properly will help protect it from accidental damage. In some cases, damage can cost more than the instrument to fix. From humidity to the storage environment and everything in between, here’s everything you need to know about musical instrument storage.
How to keep brass instruments from rusting?
To prevent rust, brass instruments should be as dry as possible during storage. If you have time, let your instrument “air out” for a few days before storage, and ensure it’s free from all moisture before putting it into its case. And, as with every other instrument, avoid using household cleaners.
How to store guitar strings?
3 - If possible, store your guitars in a room or a closet nearer to the center of the building rather than near an outside wall.
How to keep guitar from getting off the floor?
If you're playing your guitar on a regular basis and want to keep it at arm's reach, using a wall hook or a stand are good ways to go. A wall hook will keep it off the floor while still displaying it to the room through a U-shaped grip that will hold it by the headstock, while a stand supports the guitar by its base.
Can you store a guitar in a case?
And, of course, you can always store your guitar daily in its case, which will keep it perfectly safe and sound.
How many cases can you put under a king size bed?
Used to have em under the bed until we used that for those flat storage boxes...if you're tricky, you can get 4-8 cases under a king size
Do touring guitarists have racks?
I expect so, every touring guitarist you see has their guitars on racks like these for long periods of time. Never heard of anything going wrong with them, most of the weight's going to be put on the body anyway.
Can I store guitars in a closet?
I store guitars in them and have them standing in a closet. Not a good idea to leave them out of the cases in earthquake country.
Can you put a 7 guitar rack in the garage?
Get a 7 guitar rack and put the empty cases in the garage? The guitar's will be safe with the humidifier and it's easier on the eye than loads of cases. When you go to a gig, grab the case for the right guitars and you're away.
Why do we need to store instruments?
There are a number of reasons that you may need to store an instrument. For example, you may want to set aside an instrument that you plan to pass on to your children . Another reason to look into instrument storage is if you’re a member of a band. For people who live in a small home and are in a band, keeping guitars, amps, ...
How to clean instruments before storage?
Instruments should be cleaned before being stored with a clean cloth and a vacuum to remove dust. When cleaning any instrument, be sure to use the right tools for the job and avoid household cleaners, which can be incredibly damaging. Special cleaning cloths are sold at music stores.
How to protect your instrument when traveling?
Along with keeping an instrument in a safe place when you are not using it , it’s also important to ensure that your instrument is secure when travelling with it. For most smaller musical instruments, you can simply purchase a hard case. While this will protect your instrument from knocks and jolts when moving it around, be sure to get a case that fits your instrument exactly.
How long do musical instruments last?
If you own a musical instrument, you know how expensive they can be. Despite the cost, instruments can last more than a lifetime if well maintained, and proper storage can be an essential part of keeping your instrument in good shape.
Why should you keep instruments off the floor?
Whatever space you choose for musical instrument storage, you should keep instruments off the floor if possible because the greatest fluctuations of temperature frequently take place there. Increases and drops in temperature can cause expansions and contractions that are potentially harmful to instruments.
How to keep woodwind instruments from getting sticky?
Any instruments that can be broken into sections should be separated to prevent pressure on the joints. Placing tissue paper between the pads of woodwind instruments, such as flutes and saxophones, can help to keep pads from becoming sticky.
Why do you need plush velvet for guitar cases?
Many instrument cases are lined in plush velvet, which is designed to provide a bit of cushioning and keep the instruments from being scratched.
