• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Keeping basses in cases vs. hanging them on a rack?

UnderDogbassist

UnderDogbassist

Jun 2, 2010
205
2
North Vancouver, B.C.
#1
This question might have come up before, but i figure it's somewhere in the between common and uncommon. i'm the type of person that likes to grab-and-play my basses, so i want to get a rack for my guitars, but there's some people that tell me to just keep them in their cases. that's fine and dandy, but i was just wondering which if the whole keeping-in-case theory goes beyond the simple paranoia of the bass falling off the stand. for example, if i kept a bass outside of it's case while i'm not playing it, will it affect the tone, quality, or finish (i've heard stories about the finish) more than it would if i just kept it on a rack. any information would be of great value thanks guys. oh, and i'm thinking of getting the 5-guitar stand that's made by rockstand by warwick, if anybody else has any other suggestions for a good 5 guitar stand, feel free to suggest. (heads up, i don't really like the hercules ones)
 
#3
Typically, I keep my music-room beater out on a stand, my gigging basses in their cases, and others/guitars in bags in a rack I built or cases leaning somewhere.

I wouldn't say there's any "correct" way to do this; it's whatever makes you happy and helps you enjoy your instruments...

unless maybe they're in a position to get banged around by kids or peed on by pets.
 
#4
I've had my basses on swings for years. Never case em. If the room your hangin em in has good humidity and reasonable temp that would alleviate the biggest threat. Some say it's not good for them, but every retailer I've ever seen hangs their guitars and basses by the headstock. I have some guitars on a string swing for 10 plus years and they have had zero problems. Understand they do come down every few weeks to be played, but some also stay on the swing for months. Just my humble opinion and experience.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BigAlBass69
#8
The only reason not to keep your basses on stands (as far as I'm concerned) is to prevent them from being knocked about. Unless you have children, overly curious pets or a crazy significant other you shouldn't have to be concerned about damaging your instruments when at home. You only have to worry about the finish if your bass has a nitro finish and it is coming into contact with rubber (most basses don't have nitro finishes). As for the tone changing, a lot of people believe that as an instrument is played and ages the tone does change a bit. This change is generally viewed favourably and isn't likely to hinge on whether or not the bass is kept on a stand or in a case (from what I can tell). Keep in mind that you're probably more likely to pick up your bass and play it if it's on a stand. If your bass is a player, keep it on a stand. If you're trying to "preserve" it as a collector then put it in a case and store it in a giant fire-proof safe :D Regardless, make sure to keep your humidity levels "wood friendly" and feed your basses (oil them) when appropriate.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BigAlBass69
#11
I built a 5 slot stand out of PVC pipe padded with rubber foam insulation. Plus since I had a can of metallic red paint lying around (from touching up a truck I no loner own) I gave it a cool paint job. Total cost as I recall was around $36. I also have a couple of hangers on the wall. There are several designs out there on the net that include shopping lists and measurements for all parts.
 
#15
All of my instruments (except the trombone) are kept out of their cases unless they're traveling to practice or a gig. I keep mine on wall hangers and/or floor stands:) The only thing that has been damaged is my acoustic guitar because I was stumbling around and knocked it over. Just a scratch and it is a cheapy guitar, so I don't really care:P
 
#16
See my avatar...

I've been to really high end music shops and seen $20,000+ guitars hanging on the wall. I have a feeling if there were any potential for damage, that shops would find a different way to display their high dollar merchandise.
 
#18
Mine have been on stands for about 25 years, ever since I got a music room. The main reason? I have found that instruments on stands get in my hands more quickly, and somehow are easier to start playing and practicing. Plus, I have to admit, I enjoy looking at them.

To date, no problems with having them out of the case.
 
#19
I always thought hanging was better for the neck than leaving on a stand - because traction from the weight of the body on the neck offsets the string tension, keeping it from bowing...not sure, just what I heard.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back