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It’s often said that shifts in music are measured in decades. While bands of the late 80’s, spider tapping their medieval armament shaped guitars, struggled to stay relevant, the MTV series “Unplugged”, brought a renewed focus on the acoustic guitar, an adoration not seen since the 70’s. Since then, acoustic instruments such as the banjo, ukulele, and acoustic bass continue to gain center stage. Acoustic Instruments can adorn any living space. How does yours hang? Do you use a case, guitar stand, or a guitar hanger for your acoustic?

Hanging your Acoustic Guitar

Even those not musically inclined can agree, acoustic instruments carry a certain beauty. They’re primitive, almost timeless, the craftsmanship strewn through every curve and grain. While acoustic instruments definitely need extra love and care, they can make a charming addition to any home or music studio.

When choosing were to place your acoustic instrument, consider a guitar hanger over an acoustic guitar stand. Acoustic guitar stands can leave your instrument vulnerable to small children, and pets. Likewise, stands take up valuable floor space. 

GuitarGrip Acoustic Guitar Hangers

GuitarGrip offers a great alternative over acoustic guitar stands and traditional guitar hangers. 

Check out our unique line of Faux Wood Finish wall mounts here.  These original one-of-a-kind guitar hooks will beautify your home while displaying your acoustic instrument as a work of art. 

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: 

1. Taking up valuable floor space
2. Vulnerable to being knocked over by small children, pets, and clumsy feet
3. 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.

Caring for Acoustic Guitars 

Acoustic guitars require special, humidity controlled storage to preserve their sound and structural integrity. The hypothesis that guitars perform better when dry is a myth and actually compromises not only the incrementally expensive acoustic guitar, but also the warm, soft tones it produces.

Wood is hygroscopic, meaning it relinquishes and absorbs moisture. Fine acoustic guitars are typically constructed using strips of wood, glued together, making them susceptible to humidity and temperature.

A few ways humidity and temperature affects acoustics:

• High temps weaken glue

• High humidity causes swelling and expansion

• Low humidity causes shrinking and cracking

• Radical changes in temperature can also cause detrimental expansion, contraction, and separation of essential components

To prolong the life of the acoustic guitar, there are a few ways to ensure good acoustic health.

1. Start by storing the instrument in a case with nominal air access during dry seasons.

2. Utilize environmental control systems, air conditioners, humidifiers, space heaters, and plants to help regulate temperature and humidity.

3. During the driest seasons of the year, take the guitar off the acoustic guitar stand or off the guitar hook and store it in a case.

4. However, if you want to keep it on display on a guitar stand or guitar hanger, you may want to employ the use of a guitar humidifier. You can get one that pros use, for real cheap. Follow this link from Reverb.com for awesome deals on humidification systems specifically designed for acoustic guitars.

Acoustic Guitar Stand or Guitar Hook 

In a properly controlled environment, acoustic guitars can be displayed all year round, free from the confines of a case. If you're planning on taking these precautions to ensure the longevity of your acoustic guitar, hanging it from a stylish GuitarGrip guitar hanger is a guaranteed elegant presentation solution. You'll be keeping it free from the dangers of rowdy kids, curious pets, and the occasional inebriated guest.

Present your acoustic with some of our rustic designs such as the botanic Bella Rose, or the arboreal Lumpy Stumpy, to really show off the natural aesthetic of the soft, warm, tone of an acoustic guitar.