When entrusting precious string, brass, percussion, and woodwind instruments to storage lockers, research ideal temperature and humidity ranges required to prevent warping, cracking, corroding or other permanent damage during off-site stints. For example, valuable guitars thrive around 45-55% humidity while vulnerable harps fluctuate less than 12% optimal.
Understanding the spectrum of needs across an orchestra’s worth of accumulated gear informs precise climate picking protecting all pieces simultaneously no matter the season, from heirloom French horns passed generations to custom electric guitars costing a year’s stage earnings.
Compare Accessibility When Storing Instruments Based on Performance Needs
The foremost consideration beyond climate protections when selecting self storage arrangements for valuable band instrument collections is ensuring convenient 24/7 access accommodating unpredictable practice, gig and session demands.
As prolific session guitarist Ty Ford advised students: “leave room in menus for spontaneity – creative sparks ignite anytime.”
Solutions like iStorage self secure storage locations offer customizable access credentials should inspiration for new hooks strike at 2 AM demanding that perfect 12-string acoustic nested amid drum kits and vintage keyboards.
Building sufficient off-hours availability into storage agreements means you can chase dynamic performance schedules while keeping beloved instrument libraries safe and sound.
Make Itemized Gear Packing Lists and Preparing Instruments for Storage
Transporting equipment collections safely starts with detailed gear audits.
Catalog key details on:
- Item classifications – brass, percussion, electronics
- Protective cases ownership if shared/borrowed
- Special handling needs for delicate pieces
- ID markers simplify future retrieval
- Designated points of contact managing access
Reputable industry groups like nonprofit Music Arts Associations outline asset management best practices. Comprehensive documentation prevents assuming the availability protecting irreplaceable instruments in long-term storage.
Note: Attach printed lists interior locker doors for easy reference managing contents.
Research Specialized Musical Instrument Storage and Transport Companies
Insuring treasured instruments like one-of-a-kind guitars or sentimentally priceless banjos merits exploring providers purpose-built to serve performing musicians’ highly specialized collection storage and transport needs across touring schedules bringing opportunity anywhere at a moment’s notice.
As logistics director, Vince Hayes suggests: “High-value instruments deserve white glove treatment door-to-door whether it’s antigen tested bubble wraps or climate-controlled cases.”
Call targeted companies in your genre hub like New Orleans brass band go-to Crestline Logistics to inquire about bespoke handling procedures crafted for custom instruments requiring acute precautions. Discuss options like temperature-controlled cases, rapid deployment on short notices, and exclusive transport preventing exposure damages enroute to far-flung performances as opportunities arise.
Evaluate Insurance Needs Covering Irreplaceable Instruments in Storage
Securing applicable policies preventing major loss exposure merits scrutiny storing cherished gear temporarily while not touring including:
- Instrument appraisals setting coverage limits
- Rider options like mysterious disappearance
- Storage provider liability gaps if unforeseen catastrophes strike
Reputable non-commercial resources like the National Association of Insurance Commissioners compile consumer guides on specialty insurance options defending prized music investments off-stage.
Design Straightforward Inventory Systems Maintaining Order Storing Expansive Music Gear Collections Long Term
The volume of equipment accumulates quickly for prolific musicians recording original albums yearly while simultaneously maintaining touring schedules.
Detail every microphone, amplifiers, and modular synth module stored using focused inventory systems avoiding chaotic searches later requires rapid deployment items supporting tours or studio calls. Entertainment media creators emphasize disciplined documentation, which allows smooth inserting, and extracting of modular gear components preserving creative momentum.
Stat Box: Average musician owns $13,479 worth instruments – appraising and tracking protects investments.
Secure Cherished Instruments Choosing Storage
Myriad factors inform storage decisions securing musical instrument assets from customary touring workhorses like drum kits mic sets to priceless limited edition beauties strategic collection expansion preserving legacies. Working storage providers offer accountability, accessibility, and insurance ensuring irreplaceable creative tools ready to fuel passions and perform calls.
