Eujean wrote: Hi guys

I was wondering, seeing as how a lot of you forumites have multiple guitars, how do you store them? Or do you just let them stand in the open on a stand or something? I don't live near the coast, so humidity is not really an issue, but won't all uncoated strings rust if just left open? Are there any tips or tricks to prolonging string life when an instrument is not being played.

Also, how often do you really switch between guitars. As an example, suppose you have 10 guitars, how often do you really cycle between all of them?

A while ago I asked a question on longer-term storage (http://www.guitarforum.co.za/general-discussion/guitar-storage-any-new-ideas/). My method got a good few laughs ?

For me, the most irritating thing about a guitar kept in the open is that it get's dusty - I got a few kikoi's that I use to cover them up.

Prolonging string life? Keep em clean, wipe down after playing. It's just a fact of life that once the strings are on the guitar (have tension), they'll start to lose tone and after a while (3-6mths) they're dead. Bass strings around a year or so. There'll be some debate about it, but that's my experience.

How often do I switch between instruments? I've got 14 at the moment (4 basses, 5 acoustics, 4 electrics). But some are in long term storage and others are projects. I've probably got 5-6 I consider players and in a month I'll spend a bit of time playing each one. It depends on what I've got going on and what I'm working on...whatever it is, there's always time for a bit of strat-y goodness ?

I leave them out. All the metal parts tarnish and rust. I'll stick them back into the case when I put new strings on. That keeps the strings going a bit longer. And yes, they get super dusty after a few weeks. I wipe them down a bit when I change strings.

I typically have all but one in their cases. I have quite a few though, and I'm really liking the idea of having a cabinet on castors. Something with a door on the front with a little bit of elegance. Maybe some desiccants in it to keep the humidity low inside?

Edit: It may be possible to alter an existing piece of furniture rather than building it - or having it built - from scratch.

Eujean wrote: Hi guys

I was wondering, seeing as how a lot of you forumites have multiple guitars, how do you store them? Or do you just let them stand in the open on a stand or something? I don't live near the coast, so humidity is not really an issue, but won't all uncoated strings rust if just left open? Are there any tips or tricks to prolonging string life when an instrument is not being played.

Also, how often do you really switch between guitars. As an example, suppose you have 10 guitars, how often do you really cycle between all of them?

I keep them all in cases. I humidify my solid wood acoustic during the winter months. I wipe down the strings after every time I play.