Storing Guitars

[pjbelsch]

Good Day Friends,
I just moved into a new house. It has an edition off the back, lots of windows, it has a nice heater and the heater has a nice built in humidifier so i thought that would be a good room for my guitars to rest in as it has doors to the main house that can close and keep the humidity controlled in there. My question is, since the room is very bright is it safe to store my guitars in there? They will remain in the case if that makes a difference, otherwise i will need to find a place in the house for the guitars.

Thanks!

[Dru Edwards]

The only potential issue I see is a room full of windows where the direct sun shines in might heat up those cases too much. Curtains would help. Keep the cases (with the guitars in them) out of direct sunlight.

[Martz911]

I have an upstairs "bonus room" in a new retirement home in Florida where I keep my guitars. It has a separate HVAC system, so I can regulate temperature just for that room. However, it also has three large windows with a southeast exposure that, if left uncovered, would make my AC system work too hard. I chose vertical blinds to cover the windows, since I can easily control sunlight exposure by closing or angling the vertical panes. Not too expensive to buy, either.

[Mark Stone]

I agree with Drew. As long as you can keep them in cases and out of direct sunshine (curtains?) they should be OK out there.

[jim1960]

Have you monitored the room to determine how effective the humidifier on the heater is at maintaining an appropriate level? If the humidifier is inadequate, that could be an expensive lesson.

[EZYPIKINS]

Originally Posted by Mark Stone

I agree with Drew. As long as you can keep them in cases and out of direct sunshine (curtains?) they should be OK out there.

Cases in sunlight will cause the guitars to sweat. Not good.

[The Bard Rocks]

I feel others may be a bit too alarmist. Do what you planned and just keep watch over things until you learn about your new home and the new weather it may have.

The window shades or curtains may be something you want to do anyhow. But if you'd rather not have them, I wouldn't do anything at first. Live with it a bit and then decide.

[Goodallboy]

In NY, the winters will tend to lower the humidity due to prolonged heat being needed.

In summer, there may be excess humidity.

A hygrometer in one case would give you an overall reading of the rest of the cased guitars. You may need a humidifier for winter. Summer is easy, a simple sponge inside a small sandwich baggie, make a few small holes, moisten it slightly and you’re good to go.

[Pura Vida]

+1 on the hygrometer, not only inside the case of at least one guitar. But also, invest in a hygrometer for the room, which can monitor the temp and RH. If budget isn't an issue, I'd recommend SensorPush, which monitors 24x7 and pushes notifications right to your smart phone.

If they're in their case (not a requirement; all of mine are out on racks, stands, and wall hangers), and not in direct sunlight (for excessive heat), then you're probably ok. Just monitor the levels and adjust, as needed.

[tadol]

If you’ve just moved in, I’d just check the room and the guitars frequently until you get a better sense of how well the room is insulated and how much of a swing in temperature and humidity it experiences. Adding something that charts or reports temp and humidity would be nice if you’re not at home much, otherwise, add it to your daily routine for a while -