Leaning the guitar on it's neck!

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sean65

Posts: 414
Joined: Jan. 4 2010
From: London

Leaning the guitar on it's neck!

Hi Guys,

Just wondering if by leaning my guitar against the wall I'm likely to cause any bending of the neck over time.

I usually lean it against the wall strings facing out but perhaps I should turn it round. Either way the only part touching the wall is the headstock.

Anyone have any bad experiences doing this?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 23 2010 7:56:24

Alatriste

Posts: 91
Joined: Dec. 23 2009

RE: Leaning the guitar on it's neck! (in reply to sean65)

I was told long ago that (1) they are best kept in their cases, and (2) for playing sessions to keep it on a guitar stand when not actually being played. After the session, back in the case it goes.

The above is what I do. If you have a significant investment in your guitar(s) I would advise the above.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 23 2010 10:35:17

sean65

Posts: 414
Joined: Jan. 4 2010
From: London

RE: Leaning the guitar on it's neck! (in reply to sean65)

No doubt that's the best way, but it lends itself to a disciplined practice routine. I tend to keep grabbing my guitar all through the day and I'd find casing it up each time a real hassle.

I may get a wall hanger.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 23 2010 10:55:23

Alatriste

Posts: 91
Joined: Dec. 23 2009

RE: Leaning the guitar on it's neck! (in reply to sean65)

I hear the wall hangers are okay, but I don't know much about them. I keep two guitars stands around the house and use these for impromptu practice sessions. You are correct about the discipline, but generally I will have the guitars stowed except for the current practice one. Guitar stands are inexpensive. They support the neck at the base and therefore minimize the lever/torque on the head as opposed to leaning it against a wall.

If you do get a guitar stand and have carpet in your home, make sure you get a stand that is heavy enough to be stable on the carpet.

M

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 23 2010 11:28:40

sean65

Posts: 414
Joined: Jan. 4 2010
From: London

RE: Leaning the guitar on it's neck! (in reply to sean65)

quote:

I will have the guitars stowed except for the current practice one.

What a luxury!

Yeah, a stand or hanger will do me fine.

I'm still curious to know if leaning it would do any harm. I could imagine with the Les Paul guitar as its so much heavier but these Flamenco guitars are so light....

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 23 2010 12:29:54

Alatriste

Posts: 91
Joined: Dec. 23 2009

RE: Leaning the guitar on it's neck! (in reply to sean65)

I have been told that it may warp the neck. I think of the luthiers could probably answer this better than me.

The stand would be the cheaper option if you are on a budget limit, and I believe a stand to be better than a hanger. This is of course provided you don't have small children or pets that might knock the stand over.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 23 2010 17:28:44

daffey

Posts: 98
Joined: Aug. 20 2008
From: Los Angeles, California

RE: Leaning the guitar on it's neck! (in reply to sean65)

In regards to a wall hanger. Just keep in mind your location. I live in a pretty dry section of los angeles, california. As such, the constant humidity is quite low and would damage the guitar over time. However, if you live live in a more tropical or humid environment then you should be fine.

Best,
Daffey ~

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 28 2010 10:08:08

kovachian

Posts: 506
Joined: Jan. 30 2008
From: Americanistan

RE: Leaning the guitar on it's neck! (in reply to daffey)

quote:

the constant humidity is quite low and would damage the guitar over time

Well don't let that happen! Set this nifty gadget over in the corner, and your guitars will be as happy as pigs in mud. Besides, a guitar owner needs humidification as much as his/her guitars, if chapped lips, dry eyes and other signs are any indication.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 28 2010 11:00:57

jshelton5040

Posts: 1500
Joined: Jan. 17 2005

RE: Leaning the guitar on it's neck! (in reply to sean65)

quote:

ORIGINAL: sean65

Hi Guys,

Just wondering if by leaning my guitar against the wall I'm likely to cause any bending of the neck over time.

I won't hurt the guitar or warp the neck but it's a little precarious if you have children or pets. I'm of the opinion that it's better to have a guitar out in the air than stuffed in a case. Just get a wall hanger or stand. Humidity should be controlled in your home for the health of your guitar and your body.

_____________________________

John Shelton - www.sheltonfarrettaguitars.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 1 2010 15:45:09

Stephen Eden

Posts: 914
Joined: Apr. 12 2008
From: UK

RE: Leaning the guitar on it's neck! (in reply to sean65)

with the amount of tension the strings put into the neck im sure leaning it against the wall wont do it any harm.

As John pointed out, there are other dangers your guitar could face leaning against the wall like that. I'm sure it must be accountable for 50% of guitar heads snapping off, That and aeroplanes.

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Classical and Flamenco Guitars www.EdenGuitars.co.uk

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 9 2010 12:56:01

XXX

Posts: 4400
Joined: Apr. 14 2005

RE: Leaning the guitar on it's neck! (in reply to sean65)

quote:

ORIGINAL: sean65
I usually lean it against the wall strings facing out but perhaps I should turn it round. Either way the only part touching the wall is the headstock.

So you are leaning it on the headstock, not the neck. I leaned my guitar long time against a shelf but on the neck, not headstock, very close to the 12th fret. That is better because it creates less tension on the neck, but that would be negligible either way (compared to the string tension that is on the neck 24h a day over years) . Concerns have been said about the headstock.

I was told that the coldness of a wall was not so good for the guitar, especially with wall hangers. I have my guitar either in a bag in which it leans against the shelf or in the case, but the bag is better because i can put the guitar upwards and still can take out the guitar fast. If i use a case it takes too much space when it is lying on the ground in my room.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 9 2010 14:33:04

sean65

Posts: 414
Joined: Jan. 4 2010
From: London

RE: Leaning the guitar on it's neck! (in reply to sean65)

quote:

So you are leaning it on the headstock, not the neck.

Yes. Facing inwards though, so the headstock is flat against the wall.

Thanks for bouncing the thread up again, it's just reminded me I still haven't bought the stand.