Can someone please tell me the proper way to store an accoustic guitar?

Question

My teacher tells me to leave it out it is better for the wood but I live in Florida and I have an expensive taylor 12 string i just bought is it better to leave it in the case or outside to breathe better?

Answer 1

You know what, I have a classical guitar that I've had for over thirty years and I never put it in the case because I was always picking it up to play all through the day, and I felt bad because I know that you're suppose to keep them in the case with that little humidifier, but here's the weird thing, after all these years of being exposed to my air conditioner and heat it still sounds as good as it did on day one, maybe even better, I always used to say that that guitar was like a fine wine, it got better with age. Now maybe this is unusual because they tell you that that is the worse thing you can do to your guitar, my other classical is kept in it's case and so is my acoustic, but my old classical is always sitting out and it hasn't done it any harm, they say air conditioner and heat drys out the glue in the wood, so I wouldn't take the chance. Living in Florida I can imagine that it would really be bad because you have your air conditioners on 24 - 7, but I don't imagine heats any better, but like I said my old classical seems to have gotten better, I can still play with Cd's and it sounds the same !!!!!!!!! I can't imagine a teacher telling you this !!!!!!! It's the change in the humidity that makes the difference !!!!!!!!

Answer 2

I disagree with your teacher. Regardless where you live, it is always best to keep your acoustic in its case when not playing. Why? It's an attractive nuisance to nearby kids that want to mess with it. Changes of temperature and climate in the room can adversely affect it in time. It will collect dust and grime, depending on its location. And, it is subject to being struck accidentally by anyone living in the house.

Buy a quality humidifier for your case if one is not already installed. You can buy what I call a pigtail humidifier that is moistened and then dropped into the cavity of the guitar. A round plastic cover will seal the sound hole of the guitar. That's the most inexpensive method.

Living in Florida may have its high humidity factors to consider. Check with a reputable music store and ask how best to protect your instrument.

If you are scheduled to play somewhere, then, yes, you'd take the guitar out of the case and let it acclimate to the temperature and humidity in the room, letting it stand about 30 minutes before you do a final tuning check and then play.

Answer 3

It is a matter of opinion. Its better for the wood and strings if you leave it out, but makes it easier to scratch/bust the guitar, since it doesnt have the protection of a case. Also, make sure you dontleave it out of the case in a particularly humid space. (leave it out only inside without any doors or windows open.)

Answer 4

It really doesn't matter - in the case or out - as long as you have it in a more or less climate controlled environment. I, too, live in Florida and know the heat and humidity can wreak havoc on a guitar. I'd suggest buying a humidor for the sound hole and make sure you don't expose the guitar to rapid or drastic temperature changes or a lot of humidity.