Making Beautiful Music – Storing Musical Instruments in Self Storage

Blues Legend BB King called his Gibson guitar ‘Lucille’ and once ran back into a burning nightclub to save her. He even used to book airline seats for her under the name ‘Mr Guitar’.

Like BB, countless other famous, and non-famous, musicians; professional and otherwise; have musical instruments that are incredibly important to them – the love of their life, in some cases. When you think about the sheer amount of time that a musician spends practising and the dedication that they display for their musical craft, it’s easy to understand how a deep emotional attachment can form with a musical instrument – whether it’s a cello player in an orchestra, or the drummer in a garage band.  

Why is Correct Storage so Important?

Musical instruments are monetarily valuable, as well as emotionally irreplaceable. Add in other pieces of kit such as speakers, microphones, amplifiers, sound equipment etc., and you’re looking at valuable items that can take up a lot of space. 

Correct storage is also vital to keeping instruments in tip-top condition. Their environment can be as beneficial or as detrimental to their health as it is to ours and so it’s a huge consideration. High humidity, for example, can lead to mould growth and warping; low humidity can cause instruments to dry out and crack. Extreme fluctuations between high and low temperatures can have adverse effects on finishes and adhesives – there’s a lot to consider when maintaining your instrument’s condition. 

Whatever you play, keeping it clean, dry, safe from bumps and droppages, and protecting it from potential environmental ravages is crucial to keeping your instrument in good nick and ensuring that it has a long life. Choosing the correct storage is the key to this. 

Can’t I Just Store it in the Attic or Basement?

It’s risky. Attics and basements are highly susceptible to temperature and humidity fluctuations. Plus, if you’re storing lots of other things there too, there’s always the risk of your instrument getting knocked or banged about. 

As for other rooms in the house, it’s probably fine if your instrument of choice is a harmonica, say, or a tambourine. But what if you’re a dab hand at the double bass, a piano prodigy or a sax soloist? Instruments and their associated gear can take up a lot of room which is going to limit your living space and, most likely, get in the way of others who share that space with you.

Hitting The Right Note? 

Temperature-controlled self-storage can be the ideal answer. Firstly, it ensures that you have as much secure, monitored space as you need for your valuable baby grand or your harp, keeping your living space clutter-free.

Secondly, there’s a lot less chance of things going bump in the night – or the day – and damaging your delicate double bass or didgeridoo. 

Thirdly it’s the only way to make 100% sure that whatever you use to make sweet sweet music is kept safe from exposure to extreme temperatures, dust, sun exposure, bugs, vermin and all of those other factors that will make it the day the music died. 

Strike Up The Band

The type and method of storage can vary depending on the type of instrument:

String Instruments

Violins, Violas, Cellos, Banjos, Bouzoukis, Mandolins – the sound of strings is beautiful and keeping these babies in a climate-controlled environment will help to keep it that way. They’re very susceptible to humidity and temperature so keeping things on an even keel is well worth investing in. 

Installing wall mounts in your storage unit is a fantastic way to keep them upright and securely out of harm’s way. Loosen the strings and make sure that if they’re kept in cases, they comply with manufacturers’ recommendations and care instructions – don’t throw out the manual, in other words.

Keyboards

Woodwinds

Flutes, saxophones, clarinets, oboes, bassoons – always make sure that these are clean and dry inside and out to prevent mould growth. Plus, make sure they’re kept out of direct sunlight. 

Brass

Whether it’s one trombone or seventy-six, these instruments can tarnish and corrode if not stored and cared for appropriately. It’s also prudent to keep them in cases to protect them from dust. 

Percussion

Avoiding bumps and bashes – unless you’re playing them loudly, of course – is always a good tip for drums, xylophones and other percussion instruments. Covering them to keep the dust off and avoiding those all-important temperature fluctuations is the key here. 

General Tips

Some rules apply across the board for optimal storage. Always clean your instruments before putting them away.

And never stack heavy items on top, no matter how sturdy the case may be – always better to be safe than sorry!

Play On!

Safe in the knowledge that your much-loved music-makers are secure and monitored 24/7 when you’re not with them, and at the absolutely perfect temperature to keep them sounding fantastic, you can relax. Maybe even take the time to expand your repertoire, write that album, plan your world tour, or achieve Grade 5. And whichever instrument or style you favour – thank you for the music!

Unlock the freedom of extra space. Get in touch with Storage World today or get a quote online.