Long-term Bass Storage

[Urizen]

Hi everyone,

I've done a few searches on this topic, but there always seems to be strong disagreement. I have 2 Fender Jazz Basses ('08 MIA Standard, '10 50th Anniversary) and a Fender Strat ('06 MIA) that I want to put into long-term storage. Each one of these instruments was purchased during a year one of my kids was born, so I'd like to pass them on to them when they are older.

Here's what I'd like to know:

- Do I leave the strings in standard tuning or detune (LOTS of disagreement on this topic online)?
- Should I store in hardshell case in upright or laid down position?
- Should the strat (floating bridge) be stored differently than the Jazz Basses (fixed bridge)?
- Any other recommendations?

Thanks,

 

[tsverrir]

I think the most important thing is to leave them at a consistent temperature and humidity.
If you expect some fluctuations I'd detune them down a half note. IMO the neck should have the support of both the truss rod and the strings the whole time.
I wouldn't worry too much about laid down or upright position, but I think it's logical that in an upright position the neck would be less affected by gravity.

 

[JimmyM]

If you're talking like years, the likelihood of it needing re-adjusting is going to be high no matter what you do. Our basses that we play all the time always have strings tuned to tension, so I wouldn't sweat them being put away tuned up. As a matter of fact, I'd tune them up before I put them in the cases just to see how in tune they are when they come out.

 

[GBassNorth]

As noted by others, use the original cases if possible. Make sure the guitars are tuned up and have normal tension strings. Make sure there isn't anything else in the case that will press against them (guitar straps, sheet music, hang tags, etc.). Store them flat if possible and don't stack more than one or two guitar cases on top of them. Store them in a location that isn't subject to significant temperature or humidity swings (away from windows, heater ducts, etc). Plan on taking them out at least every other month to do a quick inspection and tuning.
The inspection should include plugging in to ensure batteries are still good, pots don't crackle, jacks are tight, tuners adjust up and down ok, finish looks good, fretboard isn't drying out, all case latches and hinges are working ok and no odd odors are building up in the case. Leave the case open while you do your inspections so it can air out a bit. Twice a year replace your batteries (follow the smoke detector rule and replace the batteries in the fall and spring when you set your clocks back) even if they are ok.
If you do all that you should be fine for many many years and your kids will inherit some awesome gear.
BTW - can you adopt me, I'd like a bass too

 

[Musicman20]

I've heard from others that storing upright is the safest option (eg vertical in its hard case all lined up against a wall (a dry wall with no heaters). I used to have mine all flat but I prefer them vertical now. Heck some of them are still in their shipping boxes as well since I moved house!

I will at some point take them all out in next 2-3 months to give them a check over. Usually non nitro basses are pretty easy to look after.

 

[GBassNorth]

I tried storing my basses in their cases upright but found that after a while it was starting to take its toll on the cases, causing hinge misalignment and latch issues.
Most hard cases have feet on the hinge side that allow the case to be set on the floor on the long end but that unfortunately stores the bass on its side which I don't like to do for long term storage. If your case has feet on the short end that allow for upright storage it would be just as good as laying the bass and case flat for storage. My Fender Jazz formed case has that feature as does my Breedlove ABG but none of my other bass cases have feet on the end for upright storage.