Many guitarists, especially those with beautiful instruments like vintage resonator guitars, often wonder about the best way to display their prized possessions at home. The idea of showcasing your guitar on a wall hanger is appealing, but concerns about its safety and potential impact on the instrument’s setup are common. Let’s address these questions and explore why a Guitar Hanger Wall might be the perfect solution for you.
Displaying your guitar offers several advantages. Firstly, and perhaps most obviously, it allows you to admire your instrument’s aesthetic appeal. Just like the author of the original article who enjoys viewing their vintage National guitar hanging in their living room, a guitar can be a striking piece of décor. The visual appeal of a well-crafted guitar, especially a unique one like a resonator, adds character and personality to any room.
Alt text: Close-up of a vintage National resonator guitar hanging on a wall, showcasing its metallic body and worn patina, ideal for home display.
Beyond aesthetics, having your guitar within easy reach significantly increases the likelihood of you playing it more often. In today’s busy world, carving out time for music can be challenging. However, a guitar displayed on a guitar hanger wall acts as a constant visual reminder and removes the barrier of having to unpack it from its case. This simple accessibility can be a game-changer in fostering regular practice and spontaneous playing sessions. For creative individuals juggling work and hobbies, this “life hack” can be invaluable.
While displaying your guitar is desirable, ensuring its safety is paramount. The most secure place for any guitar is undoubtedly inside its case, stored in a stable environment. This protects it from accidental bumps and environmental fluctuations. Among display options, floor stands are generally considered less safe. They are susceptible to being knocked over by pets, guests, or even yourself, potentially leading to serious damage like headstock breaks, dents, or scratches.
Alt text: An acoustic guitar leaning on a floor stand, highlighting the accessibility but also the potential instability and risk of accidental falls in home settings.
This brings us back to the question of guitar hanger walls. Are they truly safe? The answer is yes, hanging your guitar by its headstock on a wall hanger is generally considered a safe method. The physics behind this are straightforward: the downward force exerted by the guitar’s weight is significantly less than the opposing tension of the strings. Essentially, your guitar is built to withstand far greater string tension than the pull of gravity when hung.
However, choosing the right guitar hanger wall is crucial. Ensure the hanger is designed to securely hold your guitar and is coated with a soft, inert material like padding or felt. This prevents damage to your guitar’s finish, especially on delicate vintage instruments. Also, double-check that the hanger design won’t put undue pressure on the tuning machines. A well-designed guitar wall mount will distribute the weight evenly and protect your instrument at all contact points.
Alt text: A close-up of a padded guitar hanger wall mount, demonstrating the soft material and secure cradle design essential for protecting the guitar’s neck and finish.
Beyond the physical safety of the hanger itself, environmental factors play a vital role in guitar preservation, especially humidity. While the original article mentions humidity even for metal-bodied resonator guitars, it’s a critical concern for all types of guitars, particularly acoustic instruments with wooden bodies. Ideally, guitars thrive in a stable environment of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 50% relative humidity. Maintaining these conditions in a home can be challenging due to seasonal changes and heating/cooling systems.
Investing in a hygrometer is a wise step for any guitar owner, especially if you plan to display your instrument. This inexpensive device will allow you to monitor the humidity levels in the room where your guitar is hung. During dry winter months when heating systems are in use, you might need to employ a humidifier to maintain optimal humidity. Conversely, in humid summer months, dehumidification might be necessary. Consistent monitoring is key to preventing humidity-related issues like cracks, warping, or changes in playability. If maintaining stable humidity proves consistently difficult, storing particularly sensitive guitars in their cases with humidity control might be a more prudent option.
In conclusion, using a guitar hanger wall is a secure and advantageous way to display your guitar. It combines the joy of showcasing your instrument with the practical benefit of increased accessibility, encouraging you to play more often. While floor stands present a higher risk of accidental damage and cases limit visual enjoyment and accessibility, a well-chosen and properly installed guitar hanger wall offers an excellent balance. By paying attention to hanger quality and diligently monitoring humidity levels, you can confidently display your guitar and keep it safe and ready to be played, ensuring your instrument is not just admired but also actively enjoyed for years to come.
