Long term storage of basses

[totalnoob]

(I was not sure if this should go here or to "Hardware, Setup & Repair". If a moderator thinks that this is the wrong subforum for the question, feel free to move it there.)

I have some old, to-me-collectible basses which I don't play but would like to preserve for the time being, until I figure out/build a solution to have them back in the living room. My idea would be to

• loosen the strings (how much? Half-tension?)
• wrap the bass tightly into a plastic bag with some silica gel inside,
• place this packed-up bass into a gigbag,
• and then store into some less-thermally and humidity-regulated place.

I hope that this idea is OK and not much more is needed, but am very open to suggestions.

 

[BigAlBass69]

I do not loosen the strings, would avoid the plastic wrap for fear if chemical reaction, especially if nitro finish and store headstock upright in a case in a climate controlled environment at humidity around 35%. That’s what I do and do fat No issues in 5 years of continuous storage.

 

[totalnoob]

and store headstock upright in a case in a climate controlled environment at humidity around 35%

Sadly....

and then store into some less-thermally and humidity-regulated place.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Nodifference if you are storing or playing. Normal tension, store them so they are protected and at reasonable humidity.

 

[totalnoob]

would avoid the plastic wrap for fear if chemical reaction

There would be no reaction - the bag is made of LDPE (low density polyethylene), it's 100% inert.

 

[totalnoob]

store them so they are protected

Tha's what I'm thinking/proposing to do.

at reasonable humidity.

I cannot guarantee that. If I had a place where humidity (and temperature) is controlled, this thread wouldn't exist. I usually don't ask simple questions

 

[totalnoob]

I hope I'm wrong, but I fear that there will be the inevitable "Why do you want to do that?"-comment.

 

[totalnoob]

Normal tension

The reason I was considering lowering the tension is because I know acoustic guitars do warp a bit during the years, if stored with normal tension on the strings. Maybe I'm being paranoid?

 

[Killing Floor]

Don’t over think it. The neck is made to bend in opposition to your string tension in equal force. If you loosen the neck the best case is “nothing happens” and the worst case is the wooden system adjusts to a new shape that maybe too don’t like.

If string tension was a problem guitar manufacturers wouldn’t install the strings properly before shipment.

 

[totalnoob]

If string tension was a problem guitar manufacturers wouldn’t install the strings properly before shipment.

This sounds like a convincing argument. Thanks.

 

[buldog5151bass]

The reason I was considering lowering the tension is because I know acoustic guitars do warp a bit during the years, if stored with normal tension on the strings. Maybe I'm being paranoid?

Yes.

 

[totalnoob]

Yes.

LOL, I often am. Thanks for being a sounding board.

 

[BigAlBass69]

I have just seen so many issues with plastic wrap becoming adherent to the finish for reasons I do not understand, making a shadow on the finish. I just try to minimize any potential problems.

 

[beatdatthang]

Where are they now? I’d imagine you live somewhere it’s relatively climate controlled? If they’re already inside, they don’t really require extra attention. Case or gig bag in the closet or under the bed is plenty sufficient.

 

[moon-bass]

Like others say keep the neck at tension.

The plastic bag is a bad idea. Not only is there a potential for reaction (even if the bag is chemically insert, the finish probably isn't, plus any residual dirt, oil, etc. on the bass), but also in an environment with even moderate temperature and humidity swings can cause issues with moisture build up in the bag and eventually mold.

Keep it in it's case, no plastic bag, and find a place that's reasonably temp/humidity controlled.

 

[semiprohooker]

Store them in a case in a closet or under the bed. There are case humidifiers available. I wouldn't use silica packs unless it's regularly above 55-60% humidity in your house.

Also, the plastic bag serves no actual purpose and will only potentially create issues. Nothing is guaranteed, but it is much more likely to more harm than do any good at all.

 

[totalnoob]

Not only is there a potential for reaction (even if the bag is chemically insert, the finish probably isn't

Sorry, but this is nonsense.

 

[cataract]

Sorry, but this is nonsense.

I think you’re overthinking things- a well made instrument will hold up just fine in comfortable livable environments ie: don’t store your basses in a place you wouldn’t be OK with living in ie: a damp basement / storage space, the trunk of a car in the arctic, an un-air conditioned shed or car etc.
Bass necks of any well known name brand variety are manufactured to be under tension (hence truss rods) so it shouldn’t matter if they’re under tension while sitting on your guitar stand in your music room or under tension in an instrument case that’s squirreled away under a bed someplace.
Just buy some decent hardshell cases for your basses and keep them away from damp & hot environments and you will be just fine.

 

[Michael Stanley 2112]

The "perfect" humidity for human beings is 46%
The "perfect" humidity for wood is ... drumroll, please? ... 46%

I would advise a hard shell case for long-term storage as opposed to a gig bag, though.

 

[totalnoob]

Just buy some decent hardshell cases for your basses and keep them away from damp & hot environments and you will be just fine.

I cannot guarantee that. If I had a place where humidity (and temperature) is controlled, this thread wouldn't exist.