Storage Question

[FunkyLemz]

I am living in Florida right now and was wondering what the consequences are when storing any type of bass gear in a garage. I have not done it yet because I refused to potentially harm and of my gear, but I may be forced to put away some cabs for a week or so. The temp ranges from 55-75 this time of year. What should I do - climate control storage?- money from my pocket or garage? - free of charge.

Thanks in advance,
Mike

 

[bikeplate]

HI

I live in Upstate NY. Its 18 degrees as I write this. It can get 95 and humid in the summer. I always keep my basses inside but my amps are always in the garage or in the back of my Blazer, no matter the weather

Rob

 

[MuzikMan]

My rack and cabs spend the weekends in my truck and it's in the lower 20's this time of year. No problems so far.

 

[Mcrelly]

I'd be more worried about the saltwater air and moisture on concrete etc.... than temp. I thought I heard problems about electronics and saltwater air, but you might look into that for the "amps" (maybe keep the rack/heads inside if AC is used) if you put the cabs out you might put them up on 2x4 boards or a shelf to avoid moist concrete (caused by temp and humitity swings) and local rain/flashflooding.

 

[FunkyLemz]

Rob, how long have you been doing that?

 

[bikeplate]

HI

Always have done it.

Rob

 

[Robear22]

I was wondering about this very issue the other day. So it is alright to leave speaker cabs in your garage when it is about 20 degrees outside? I was preparing to make room in my basement for them.

 

[Microbass]

From a sort of "common sense" P.O.V. i'd assume it to be OK, but have everything raised off the ground- like on a wooden plateform that's varnished to protect against weather.

also have a suitable cover for everything to keep the object insulated. I remember Trace used to have nylon (??) covers for their gear which would absorb moisture; saving the cab from harm's way.

another idea would be get a climate control fitting into your garage - might leave you out of pocket, but handy in the long run!

 

[Doug Parent]

Mike, I'm in your neck of the woods. Wrap your cabs in a hefty garbage bag to keep the critters out for sure. As long as its not over the summer with all the humidity, I think your good to go. Putting it on something to get it 3-4" off the floor might not hurt either.

 

[jmain]

I'm in NW Florida and lived in Gainesville for years; where we kept our gear in a storage shed for practice. Like others have said, good idea to elevate and cover. The concrete will transmit ground moisture (even if poured over a good vapor barrier) and you'll get condensation forming on surfaces. Screws on corners and unpainted metals might oxidize after a while out there. (not for a short time)

+1: Elevate (or place on rugs) and cover and you should be good. (Plus, gotta watch out for the 'possums in FL )

 

[fdeck]

I was wondering about this very issue the other day. So it is alright to leave speaker cabs in your garage when it is about 20 degrees outside? I was preparing to make room in my basement for them.

My combo amp has spent many nights in my car, outside, at subzero temperatures, all the way to summer days in the nineties. You probably don't want to know that I have done the same to my electric basses with no problems.

 

[jmain]

My combo amp has spent many nights in my car, outside, at subzero temperatures, all the way to summer days in the nineties. You probably don't want to know that I have done the same to my electric basses with no problems.

Same here. Most nights I was in the van with the equipment; hot and cold! Ah, the good ol' days. Should be fine, but can't hurt to take a few simple precautions. Moisture being the biggest culprit.

 

[FunkyLemz]

Thanks guys, I can rest comfortably now with my cab covered and off the floor. How about when the cab has casters on it - Is there a need for the extra rug/2x4?

 

[jmain]

Thanks guys, I can rest comfortably now with my cab covered and off the floor. How about when the cab has casters on it - Is there a need for the extra rug/2x4?

IMO you should be good to go.

I was in Clearwater/Tampa/St. Pete over Thanksgiving. This is definitely the time of year it's great to live down there. Are you near the coast (more humid and salty)? I would keep a close eye on it; only a week or so you should be good. Check the screws on the corners for oxidation as a gauge. (Shouldn't be hot enough for mold.)