[starsailor]

If I'm not playing a guitar for a long time I slacken the strings before I store it away, I was just wondering should I as a rule slacken the strings off when I've finished playing I play every day but some of my guitars get left for a week it depends what I feel like playing, obviously don't want to put any stress on them, has anyone got an opinion on this? hope it's not a daft question.

Cheers

Chris

[karcey]

I've slackened the strings on one of mine which is packed away due to lack of space. Everything else is up to tension. Certainly wouldn't recommend tuning up from scratch more often than is absolutely necessary.

[si16]

I agree with Karcey. If it's just a week or so then it should be fine.

[Dewy]

Just play them all more often. Simple solution.

[starsailor]

Originally Posted by Dewy

Just play them all more often. Simple solution.

I'm into that Dewy, I've taken to leaving one in every room so I can pick one up wherever I go, haven't got one in the toilet yet but it's only a matter of time.

[Dewy]

That was the first thought through my mind when I saw the Martin Backpacker guitar, that would be a perfect fit in the bathroom, well... without the humidity.

[Stratrat]

I'd only slacken the strings if I were going to store it for a long period.

...then again, I stored my 12-string acoustic (in a case) and an old cheapie electric (NOT in a case) for 25 years without slackening the strings one bit....they went through 4 moves to different homes and were stored in closets, under beds, etc. When I got back to playing, I thought for sure that both of them were going to be ruined - but other than being out of tune and needing new strings, they were both in good shape. The action is still fine and all of the parts are still where they were intended to be. I'm not recommending this, mind you - just saying that it turned out OK.

[starsailor]

Originally Posted by Dewy

That was the first thought through my mind when I saw the Martin Backpacker guitar, that would be a perfect fit in the bathroom, well... without the humidity.

Humidity is a concern, we have an ensuite bathroom with a shower and Toilet (too much information), I suggested that if we took the shower out I'd have enough room for a guitar and a practice amp for some reason my wife objected some people just have their priorities wrong

[starsailor]

Originally Posted by Stratrat

I'd only slacken the strings if I were going to store it for a long period.

...then again, I stored my 12-string acoustic (in a case) and an old cheapie electric (NOT in a case) for 25 years without slackening the strings one bit....they went through 4 moves to different homes and were stored in closets, under beds, etc. When I got back to playing, I thought for sure that both of them were going to be ruined - but other than being out of tune and needing new strings, they were both in good shape. The action is still fine and all of the parts are still where they were intended to be. I'm not recommending this, mind you - just saying that it turned out OK.

Glad your guitars were ok, just one of those grey areas I wanted to clear up, thanks to everyone for your comments.

Cheers

Chris