Who leaves your basses hanging and who cases them?

[coastie72]

I have been told different things from people about this. Some say they never hang their instruments on the wall, as I often do. I've heard that it will cause damage over long time? What is you opinions and if there are any professional opinions from BP and company I would love to hear them.
Thanks

 

[Grand Wazoo]

only case them when I am away at sea. Otherwise they are all out to be played in succession. Some hanging, some on their stand.

 

[adouglas]

I seriously doubt any harm would come of hanging vs. casing in the physical sense (i.e. from gravity).

I case mine for several reasons:

1) If it's in a case there is absolutely no chance of it tipping off a stand or getting knocked off the wall and, you know, bending a knob or something.

2) No dust. I'm a lousy housekeeper and I live with three big dogs. There's a LOT of dust in my house.

3) No light (i.e. no UV exposure). Over a very long period of time exposure to light, especially sunlight, will degrade most surfaces. The polyester finish on my Bongo is basically the same as the outside of a fiberglass boat. Go look at some old boats if you want to see what long-term exposure to light can do. It would probably take years and some very strong light to have a serious impact, but why not protect it? Basses last a long, long, long time.

4) It's hidden. Less of a target for burglars/kids/pets/clueless house guests/miscreants of all kinds.

5) It's private in there. My Bongos need alone time and I really don't want to know what they're doing when I'm not around.

6) If I've just got a pile of identical cases my wife doesn't notice that I own more basses than I need.

 

[muggsy]

Mine are all on hangers. I like seeing them there and it makes me more likely to pull one off the wall and play it. Out of sight, out of mind.

 

[Lynottfan]

My Stingrays live on well suppoting wall hangers during the day, and in their cases when going to a gig, never had any problems with hanging them up, cant see how much damage can be done. Hang em!

 

[keko]

I case mine too!

After play (gig, or practice whatever) I wipe strings first with dry cotton cloth, than wipe back side of the neck, slightly wipe body and pick-guard, than put the bass it in the case and leave it in the bedroom corner, vertically (body down, of course )!
Far away from the window, heating unit, A/C...etc!

 

[skybass]

The only damage that I have ever heard of is that PRS recommends not using neoprene type hangers, as this reacts with their finish (I have seen this first hand). Foam type hangers are fine.

 

[Powman]

I use Hercules wall mountable guitar hangers. The guitars have never fallen off because of the way two little arms come up to lock it in place.

I clean and polish all of our guitars (three 6-string electric, three acoustic and two bass) about once a month.

 

[Vintage7]

I case mine too!

After play (gig, or practice whatever) I wipe strings first with dry cotton cloth, than wipe back side of the neck, slightly wipe body and pick-guard, than put the bass it in the case and leave it in the bedroom corner, vertically (body down, of course )!
Far away from the window, heating unit, A/C...etc!

Same exact method of storage for me.

 

[Thornton Davis]

As a rule I keep mine in their cases for all of the reasons adouglas mentioned above. But I also keep them there so they're not exposed for long periods of time to the humidity in the house.

When company comes over, I take them out and put them on their secured wall hangers. They make great conversation pieces, but once the company has left, I put them back in their cases right away.

TD

 

[jlepre]

I've ALWAYS cased my balls.

I heard somewhere that it helps defend against fret sprouting (wood shrinkage)

No matter, my balls have always been in pristine condition using this method.

 

[five7]

Hang em high!

 

[DaddyFlip]

Cases, without a doubt. I have 8 dogs living in the house and the house is small. Can't take any chances.

I figure they had to hang on a wall in servitude at the store. I purchased their freedom, rescuing them from that miserable fate, and gave them back their homes. Those homes were custom built for them with their name and address on the outside. Inside, it's cozy warm, dry, clean and form fitting. Out of gratitude, they come out and fellowship with me from time to time. We enjoy one another's company, but when the party's over, everyone wants to go to their own home. No one wants to be a wall flower; it's degrading. They aren't mannequins, you know.

 

[Musicman Nut]

I have been told different things from people about this. Some say they never hang their instruments on the wall, as I often do. I've heard that it will cause damage over long time? What is you opinions and if there are any professional opinions from BP and company I would love to hear them.
Thanks

I do Both and great results on both sides.

 

[shakinbacon]

hangin' in my music room

I want to get to my instruments quickly so I can practice right away.

Never had any issues.

 

[Nasty_Hitman]

All my basses and guitars are hangers.
I want to have them around, ready to get played any time.

You just have to avoid direct sunlight and dry air.

 

[MadMatt]

I put mine on a stand next to my desk... gives me something to do during telco's

I pick it up too often (at least 10 times a day) for me to pack it away. That quilted top is just too pretty. My wife is getting jealous.

-Matt

 

[Eggman]

All in cases. For all the reasons ADoug said. I pulled my 63 Jazz out of its case yesterday and was amazed at its condition. I don't play it much and it is cased all the time. If it had been on a hanger or stand for the last 40+ years it probably wouldn't look as good as it does.

 

[bigal1369]

I just bought my first MM.I got dogs,so Durning the day it hangs.When it time to go to sleep i but her in her Bed(case) and tuck her in.

 

[ZiggyDude]

Both

They stay in cases except a few that I go between every night. I do keep them out of the light.