Guitars of all kinds are built to last, but even the sturdiest acoustic guitars are susceptible to damage. From impacts and dents to moisture and temperature, there are plenty of hazards that can damage your guitar or its parts beyond repair, and replacing a guitar can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 or more.
Luckily, storage units are often the perfect place to store a guitar and other instruments. In this article, we’ll go over how environmental damage can ruin a perfectly good instrument, and we’ll outline some features that you should look for if you plan on keeping your guitar in a storage facility.
How can temperature and moisture damage a guitar?
The wood that most acoustic guitars are built from can suffer greatly from temperature and humidity changes. Abnormally high heat can cause the wood to expand slightly, which can split the chassis and cause the adhesives holding the guitar together to unfasten.
Changes in temperature can lead to expansion and contraction over much shorter periods, which is even worse news for wood. You should keep your guitar in a place with a consistent temperature to avoid these drastic shifts. Climate controlled storage units make a serviceable home for acoustic guitars and other humidity sensitive items.
Humidity is another problem for guitars; too much in the air and the wood will absorb it, forcing it to expand. Moisture can also collect on metal strings and rust them, or mess up any electronic components if you have an acoustic-electric. However, if the air is too dry, the wood can become brittle and prone to cracking.
How can a climate-controlled self storage unit protect my guitar?
If you’re searching for a storage unit on Storage.com, you’ll see many features you may not want to pay extra for. The most important feature to look for, however, is climate control.
A climate-controlled storage unit maintains a consistent, comfortable range of temperature and humidity to protect delicate items. Investing in one of these units means your guitar will be kept at a comfortable warmth of 72-77 degrees Fahrenheit and a safe humidity of between 45-55%. This keeps extreme weather and major temperature changes from affecting your guitar as long as it’s stored inside the unit.
Another benefit of climate control? The ability to slowly adjust the temperature and humidity to acclimate your guitar to a new environment if you’re moving to an area with a different climate than your old home.
If you rent one of these storage units, you’ll find yourself paying a little more than for a unit without climate control, but the added protection is well worth it to avoid paying extra for a repair or a new guitar.
How can I find a storage unit for my guitar?
Acoustic guitars aren’t meant to handle extreme temperatures or humidities, so be sure you find a climate-controlled storage unit to keep yours in if you want to save space or keep it safe while moving. Luckily, you’re in the right place to find one! Use our built-in search tool to find storage units with climate control near you and compare monthly rental prices.
