When storing musical instruments, it is very important to store them properly. Proper storage will preserve the quality of the instrument and stop it from being damaged. Many factors play a role in proper musical instrument storage such as humidity and temperature. 

Within this article we are going to share with you our six essential tips for storing musical instruments, which will help to prevent damage and preserve the quality of the instrument. 

Understand Your Instrument’s Specific Needs

Before you even begin thinking about storage, you need to think about the instruments that you need to store. Each style of instrument will have different storage requirements based on what they are made from. 

With wood instruments, proper care has to be taken to stop them from warping so the climate they are kept in is very important. 

Make sure you know what is best for the instrument that you are storing. 

The Importance of Humidity and Temperature

As with most things, it is important that you get the humidity and the temperature right for your musical instrument storage. Extreme heat and extreme cold should be avoided at all costs. Drastic changes in temperature and humidity can also be extremely damaging to musical instruments. 

Musical instruments of all types do well in temperatures of about 21 degrees Celsius, at humidity levels of between 40-60%. To keep at these levels, you can store your instruments in a climate controlled room or use humidifiers or dehumidifiers. 

Proper Cleaning Before Storage

One of the most important tips for storing musical instruments is to make sure that you clean them beforehand. 

No matter what types of instruments you are storing, it is important that you disassemble them and give them a thorough clean. You should clean each part individually and then make sure each part is completely dry. 

With stringed wooden instruments, if you are storing them for an extended period of time, you should also release some of the tension in the strings before storing. This will prevent the strings from snapping or the neck from warping over time. 

With brass instruments, you should remove the mouthpiece before storing and clean it thoroughly, inside and outside. You are aiming to make it look as close to brand new as possible so take your time with polishing. Once it is cleaned, make sure it is completely dry as any moisture left on a brass instrument could cause rust. 

Choose the Right Case

If possible, your instrument should be stored in their original case. This will have been designed to perfectly fit and protect your instrument. 

If you are storing for a long period of time, a hard case is a better option than a soft case as it will provide more protection from environmental factors such as light exposure or moisture.  A hard case will also protect the instrument from improper handling. 

Location, Location, Location

When it comes to the location of your musical instrument storage, you must find somewhere that has suitable temperature and humidity levels. There also must not be any extreme temperatures or fluctuations. This usually means that basements and lofts are ruled out. Storing instruments at home could also take up a lot of space. 

Self storage is a very good solution for musical instrument storage as you will get a secure unit, in which you can have some control over the climate. Your instruments will also be safe from other people and mishandling as they will be in their own specific storage unit and not crammed into a spare room in your house. 

Our self storage is all extremely safe and comes with flexible rental agreements so you are never trapped paying for a unit you no longer need. Head to our website to find your local store. 

Regular Instrument Check-ups

Once your instruments are in storage, you will want to make regular checks and, from time to time, give them another clean. This will stop dust from building up and it will allow you to catch any issues early. 

Essential Tips for Storing Musical Instruments

When storing musical instruments it is very important that you do it properly, choosing somewhere with the right temperature and humidity. You should also make sure to clean your instruments before placing them in storage and find a case in which they will be more thoroughly protected. Once they are in storage, you should do regular checks to make sure they are okay and so you can catch any issues earlier.

Proper musical instrument storage will help you to preserve the quality of your instruments, meaning you will get to play them for a long time.

We hope you have enjoyed our tips for storing musical instruments. If you would like to know more about our storage, please click here to find your local store.