Wall-Axe Custom Guitar Hangers: March 2013

There seems to be the on-going argument between whether or not your guitar has a healthier and longer life in it's case, or hanging up on the wall... I am going to lay out a few points for you to consider before sentencing your beloved guitars to a lonely coffin-like fate.

A guitar case is NOT a longterm controlled environment.

It's a good place to store your guitars while in transit to a gig, while left in a vehicle for no more than a couple of hours, and to keep your guitars safe at crowded house parties. The air quality inside your case very soon becomes the exact same air that is in the room. Heat, humidity and all.

A guitar case is NOT better for your guitar's finish than open air. (even if it's fluffy ;)

Keep in mind that hanging your guitars directly in front of the brightest & hottest window in your house is not a good idea. Neither is showcasing them under the ugliest florescent light you can find. For these can cause discoloration over time. In a comfortably lit room, using safe guitar hooks that don't leave residue on your guitar's neck & headstock, with an occasional light dusting, your guitar's finish will remain beautiful and impressing to your buddies.

What about the string tension on my guitar's neck? Doesn't hanging hurt them?

In short...NO. I have heard the absurd stance that "my guitar has 80lbs. of pressure on the neck... so if I hang my guitar on the wall, I'm adding another 10lbs. of pressure." These people must have failed science class & basic physics. The strings on your guitar are constantly pulling your guitars neck/headstock against the sturdy body. Since nearly all guitar hangers suspend your guitar by the neck. Gravity is essential "RELIEVING" pressure between the the headstock and body... NOT adding to it?! It is true, that if you plan on taking your guitar on an airplane or you are forced to store your guitar in it's case for an extended period of time, it is necessary to release the tension in your strings for the journey. It is debatable as to whether you should loosen them completely when stored, or keep at least a "little tension" on the strings to ensure your guitar neck doesn't relax too much and warp the other direction. Remember: guitars were "designed" to have string tension and be played!

"Well... I don't play my guitars that often, so shouldn't they be in cases?"

There have been countless stories of guitars that were in mint condition when they buried their pride & joy under their bed or in their closet. Only to find after pulling them back out years later - they now have warped necks and overall finish and wood issues, due to the poor environment they were subject to in their solitude. Plus, did you know that many types of wood in acoustic guitars need to be resonated (played) regularly to stay in shape? (Much like people & exercising) As the wood in your guitar ages, resonation often gets better over time with regular use. Ever notice how your new guitar is missing something you can't quite put your finger on, compared to your buddies' vintage acoustic guitar? Something warm & with more character somehow?

A guitar in a case is logically proven to not get played as often as a guitar on a wall.

As the saying goes..."Out of Sight, Out Of Mind".

If you are like me, and complain to yourself, "I really need to play more"...

Ask yourself:

Are my guitars easily accessible?

Are they hung up safe & high where kids and dogs can't easily reach?

Are my guitars in an air-quality controlled environment? (there are many humidifiers & de-humidifiers on the market, as well as acoustic "in-hole" systems that can give you even more control over your guitar's environment)

If you answered "YES" to all three of these questions... You and your guests are bound to enjoy your guitars and the music they make to the fullest.