Often, buying an expensive item requires extra purchases. Investing in a new set of golf clubs? Plan on dropping the coin for a new golf bag. Just picked up a new set of tools? A tool box might come in handy. The new guitar or bass you just purchased is no different. If you want to protect that shiny new axe there are better options than leaning it against the couch, wall, or your pillow at night, the following are 3 great options for storing your instrument.
Guitar Stand
There is an endless list of guitar stands on the market. Most hold one guitar some hold multiple. Some fold nicely and fit into a case, which works great for that coffee-house gig, others you'll need a minor in trig just to put together. Guitar stands are good options but do come with drawbacks, including:
- Taking up valuable floor space
- Vulnerable to being knocked over by small children, pets, and clumsy feet
- Not the best option for acoustic instruments in drier climates
Protecting the finish of a Guitar
Any guitar or bass coated with a nitrocellulose finish will need special care and treatment. Nitro finishes are lacquer based clear coats made from softer delicate materials that are prone to interact with certain guitar hangers or guitar stands. Nothing will “harsh your mellow” like coming home on a hot day, picking up your guitar for some shred time only to discover your guitars finish melted away by a cheap guitar stand. It’s best to research the make and model of your instrument to determine whether or not a nitro finish was used. Likewise, research the guitar stand manufacturer to make sure their materials are nitro safe. If you need a guarantee, just slip some cloth rags in the areas where the guitar meets the guitar stand or guitar hanger and you can be rest assured.
Guitar Hanger
At GuitarGrip we manufacture guitar hangers so obviously we’re big advocates for this method of guitar storage. Displaying your instrument offers a number of benefits.
- If the guitar is out in the open the odds are you’ll pick it up and play.
- Elevating your instrument off the floor keeps your practice, work and/or living space clean and organized.
- Your instrument is a work of art, why not display it as such. Nothing adds to the decor of a room like the elegance of a guitar or bass.
Our unique line of guitar hangers will compliment your instrument beautifully and give that extra ‘wow” factor to your display.
Please note, it’s critical, whether using a guitar stand or guitar hanger, that you do not place these in areas that receive direct sunlight. Direct heat will reek havoc on wood, textiles, and your face.
Here is a link to some other guitar hangers options as well.
Guitar Case
Most likely when you purchased your guitar or bass the sales person convinced you that this was a wise add-on, or they bundled it into the deal . This is a must have for any gigging musician and a pretty smart choice when taking your axe for long walks on the beach where you plan on impressing friends with your latest cover of "Smoke on the Water” around a campfire. Basically, if you ever plan on leaving your crib with guitar in hand then buy a guitar case. Acoustic guitars need a little extra lovin’ especially in dryer climates. See our blog on acoustic guitar stands for some pro tips. Guitar cases come in the soft variety, a.k.a. the gig bag, and the hard shell variety. Here is a great article reviewing the top ten guitar cases and gig bags.
Just a personal note, stay away from cheap gig bags. The zippers are notorious for breaking, almost immediately, and they contain practically zero protection.
