Storing an electric guitar

[kpinks]

I would like to store one of my electric guitars for a while. Is there anything special I should do? Like loosening the strings, so the neck isn't so strained?
Thx
Kev

[crevis]

You dont want the strings to touch any of the other metal if youre storing it for a 'long' time, if its anything over a few months, id just take the strings off and put something under the trem to prop it up off the body (if it has trem). put a cloth over the pups and ive seen people put into those demoisteners you get in shoe boxes. and make sure you clean it reall well beforehand.

[nuno]

i think you shouldn't have the neck and the springs getting "used" to stay tension-free for a long time. i'll keep the strings and the guitar in tune, rather. and i'd flip something soft under the strings so to avoid contact with the frets. and of course a couple silica-gels are mandatory.

[crevis]

Its hard to argue either way, I would take them off just to stop rust, but we'd have to find a real expert to say whitch way is better for the neck.

[ibanezdiehard]

Rich should know
i'm sure he's dealt with more than a few guitars that have sat in there cases unplayed for years

[Jaden]

I stored my guitar in its case for 6 years - strings were left on and I didnt out any of those crystal bags in it...

I took it out 6 years later and it was playable - changed the strings and cleaned the board and it was 100% again.....

I did keep it in the house all the time though, not in the garage or the loft or anywhere damp..

[stratoskier]

I have heard that it's a bad idea to leave a neck tension free. If you do (for example, an unmounted neck or a guitar without strings), I believe your're supposed to loosen the truss rod. The strings and the truss rod apply opposing tension on the neck -- you balance those opposing forces to your liking when you set up a guitar. Removing one of those forces while leaving the other will lead to undesired compensation. That's the way I understand it, but you're right -- there are better experts to be found here and hopefully they'll chime in.
Bert

[321.George]

from what iv heard in the past in tune down a couple of steps and leave it at that. silica gel is only nesecary if you're storing the guitar for a long period of time (many months) or your storing the guitar in a damp inviroment the truss rod adjustment metioned above dosent sound like a bad idea but im not 100% sure

[Rich]

There is no right way. I prefer to leave them under tension strung to full pitch and locked down. I just make sure to keep the necks in check by kepping them in minimal relief. I check them as often as I see them, which, isn't too often. Others would prefer to have no string tension and a loose truss rod. Pick your poison.

[GTR-MAN]

I agree with Rich, also I'd make sure you store it in a climate controlled environment, heat and humidity can twist that precious wood , no garages . Cold can make stuff crack. Treat your axe like a (valued) member of your family.