Storing basses in a storage unit

[LowendG]

I may need to store some gear in a storage unit for a period of a month or two, including a couple guitars and a couple basses. This will be Bay Area CA - either in San Francisco (chilly at times, not dry) or across the bridge around Sausalito (warmer but never too hot, also not too dry). These are not my main players, and nothing irreplaceable(the guitars are cheapos) but obviously I want them to survive. They'll be in cases. I assume it's wise to loosen the string tension a tad, keep them off the ground, but anything else I should consider? Do I need to put humidifiers in the cases for this kind of climate? Any tips appreciated.

 

[Lowendchamp]

When I was in the Navy I brought my Spector out to sea and just kept desiccant packs in my case with it and that seemed to prevent any damage. I don’t imagine California is worse than being out to sea.

 

[LowendG]

When I was in the Navy I brought my Spector out to sea and just kept desiccant packs in my case with it and that seemed to prevent any damage. I don’t imagine California is worse than being out to sea.

I wouldn't think so! There's a marine layer there at times but nothing like being out on the open ocean!
Researching it further I see there are climate-controlled storage units available, but they're about twice as much as the regular ones, but I might consider springing for that if necessary.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Why would you loosen the strings?

 

[LowendG]

Why would you loosen the strings?

I've always been under the impression it's good to (slightly) loosen them in anticipation of temperature changes (especially getting cold).

 

[buldog5151bass]

You u are in southern California, the instruments will be stored in Northern California. I can't imagine there being that much of a temperature difference. I've had instruments tuned to pitch for decades. Think about it.

 

[LowendG]

You u are in southern California, the instruments will be stored in Northern California. I can't imagine there being that much of a temperature difference. I've had instruments tuned to pitch for decades. Think about it.

No, it's not that different, will potentially be a bit colder if I end up storing in SF.

 

[J Wilson]

I would recommend leaving the them tuned to pitch in storage. Detuning may very well introduce neck / setup problems that may or may not be easily brought back to right once you end the storage time.

 

[Turnaround]

I may need to store some gear in a storage unit for a period of a month or two, including a couple guitars and a couple basses. This will be Bay Area CA - either in San Francisco (chilly at times, not dry) or across the bridge around Sausalito (warmer but never too hot, also not too dry). These are not my main players, and nothing irreplaceable(the guitars are cheapos) but obviously I want them to survive. They'll be in cases. I assume it's wise to loosen the string tension a tad, keep them off the ground, but anything else I should consider? Do I need to put humidifiers in the cases for this kind of climate? Any tips appreciated.

Remember that the truss rod is there to balance the tension of the strings. So if youu loosen the strings a bit you should also loosen the truss rod a bit. Keep it in balance. Best not to loosen anything.

 

[Dirk Diggler]

Loosened strings for storage is an incorrect urban instrument legend.
Unless you want your neck to possibly suffer damage.