Amp Storage

[Skarekrough]

So, in the past few years I've acrued some decent combo amps; Deluxe Reverb Reissue, Trace Elliot Velocette, Princeton Reverb II....

But all of this is kind of moot now as with the birth of my son I'm taking a few years off from playing out and gigging and just generally being in a band and the time-suck that comes with it.

So, the amps are going to get closeted is the plan to get them out of the way and keep them free from harm. I want to try and have nice covers made to offset the cost of buying them from the manufacturers and I'll pull the tubes and put them in a safe place before tucking them away.

Is there anything I need to be concerned about with the electronic components just sitting and not being used? The environment will be temperature controlled for the most part, but for just being in a closet for a few years are there any special considerations I need to take?

 

[kmcguitars]

Re: Amp Storage

Just like a fine bottle of Vino. A cool dry place. Moisture being your primary Enemy. I would leave the tubes in the amp. IMO that's the safest place.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Amp Storage

I wonder if it's a good idea to seal them in garbage bags, just to keep dust and insects out. If they're not going to be in a garage, vinyl or tuki type covers are probably fine.

It's probably a good idea to keep them stored for awhile, so you don't end up with amps covered in Kool-Aid, crayon scribble, and knobs missing.

 

[some_dude]

Re: Amp Storage

Don't put them in a basement. I've already seen enough gear that's been flooded out due to a burst pipe or heavy rain.

I like GJ garbage bag idea, but I'd toss some silica packets in there to remove any moisure or condensation that might happen.

 

[J Moose]

Re: Amp Storage

Speakers are prone to dryrot if they aren't stored in low-humidity environment. I'm not sure the garbage bag idea is so hot either because as the plastic decays & releases it's toxin's it might eat away at the amps covering or the paper cones of the speakers. Ever see the corrosion that happens if a guitar is sealed up in a case for a few years? Not fun. Or if moisture somehow makes it inside the amp (in the summer/high humidity season) it’ll never make it OUT of the plastic bag. I'd probably just wrap them in an old sheet or something so it keeps the dust off & crayon marks at bay while still being 'breathable'.

The bigger problem is that the electrolytic capacitors can/will dry out & leak from non-use and that's some SUPER nasty stuff. The "goo" inside them is HIGHLY corrosive and will eat through circuit boards and other electronic components. The longer they sit unused the higher the chance of extreme failure when you power the stuff up for the first time. There's also a chance that something like a mouse might find its way inside the amp and eat wiring...they LOVE that stuff!!! Then again, they might be fine after a few years but if they were mine I'd pull 'em out at least once or twice a year and run 'em for a day or two.

Guitar amps & audio gear aren't that much different then a car. You can't really just shove 'em away, neglect the stuff for years and expect it to be 100% functional when you need it to be. You gotta run & clean the stuff once in a while so it doesn't freeze up and rot away.

But even still...if you're planning on storing them for years, why not sell a few of 'em off?

It's not like you'll NEVER be able to get another reissue Deluxe Reverb or whatever. Keep one or two that you really dig or might be more "rare" and sell the rest. Don't wanna' sell 'em? Is there a kid in the 'hood or a friend that needs a good amp but can't afford one? Let 'em borrow it long term. IMO it's almost criminal to have great stuff that's not being used. Hell, it's not like I need another amp right now but if you decide to go that route I might be interested in the Velocette, but that's also the one I'd tell you to keep! LOL

 

[Erlend_G]

Re: Amp Storage

Moose, that's some seriously great advice!

 

[Curly]

Re: Amp Storage

Just like a fine bottle of Vino. A cool dry place. Moisture being your primary Enemy. I would leave the tubes in the amp. IMO that's the safest place.

I agree. Plus Moose's advice.

Not playing amps actually accelerates the deterioration of the filter caps, at least from what I've read.
I have several amps, and I try to play them all for that reason, but I worry most about the ones that don't get played as much.

 

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: Amp Storage

I've got 3 kids (6-4-2) & they know to stay away from Daddy's amps.....but I still find knobs turned where they shouldn't be.

If feasible, maybe an amp bookshelf to keep them out of reach, but still allow YOU to use them.

I've only got heads/cabs & the heads are my main concern. I've drawn out a shelf to get the cabs off the floor & use some type of doors or curtain to cover the fronts & then put the heads higher up....maybe put a few computer fans in there to circulate the air.

But if you put them in the closet, I wouldn't wrap them in anything other than maybe an old cotton t-shirt & keep them out of his reach....closets are fun places to hide for a 2 year old...and Tom Cruise, but I digress

Anyway, try to figure out a way to keep them around without stowing them away & fire them up every now & then would be my advice.

 

[ES350]

Re: Amp Storage

Humidity, dust, and heat are the problems I've encountered---rusted tube sockets, scratchy controls, etc. I pull the tubes if they are gonna sit for awhile...and bag the amp in a Hefty bag.

 

[Erlend_G]

Re: Amp Storage

The best would maybe be to get a good leather bag for the amp, or what?

 

[HamerPlyr]

Re: Amp Storage

The bigger problem is that the electrolytic capacitors can/will dry out & leak from non-use and that's some SUPER nasty stuff. The "goo" inside them is HIGHLY corrosive and will eat through circuit boards and other electronic components. The longer they sit unused the higher the chance of extreme failure when you power the stuff up for the first time. There's also a chance that something like a mouse might find its way inside the amp and eat wiring...they LOVE that stuff!!! Then again, they might be fine after a few years but if they were mine I'd pull 'em out at least once or twice a year and run 'em for a day or two.

You took the words right out of my mouth.

 

[Simon_F]

Re: Amp Storage

Then again, they might be fine after a few years but if they were mine I'd pull 'em out at least once or twice a year and run 'em for a day or two.

Guitar amps & audio gear aren't that much different then a car. You can't really just shove 'em away, neglect the stuff for years and expect it to be 100% functional when you need it to be. You gotta run & clean the stuff once in a while so it doesn't freeze up and rot away.

Alternatively, don't take a few years off. Just lower your standards and play in a hobby band that requires less commitment. Being a dad does take up a lot of time, but a little rockin' out here and there helps maintain a healthy balance.

 

[Skarekrough]

Re: Amp Storage

But even still...if you're planning on storing them for years, why not sell a few of 'em off?

It's not like you'll NEVER be able to get another reissue Deluxe Reverb or whatever. Keep one or two that you really dig or might be more "rare" and sell the rest. Don't wanna' sell 'em? Is there a kid in the 'hood or a friend that needs a good amp but can't afford one? Let 'em borrow it long term. IMO it's almost criminal to have great stuff that's not being used. Hell, it's not like I need another amp right now but if you decide to go that route I might be interested in the Velocette, but that's also the one I'd tell you to keep! LOL

Inherently my layoff from gigging will only be a few years. Deluxe Reverb Reissues aren't rare, but the deal I scored on it was just shy of criminal; $450 with NOS tubes and a 1964 Jensen speaker. Amp is in mint condition too.

The Trace Elliot is kinda rare and it was another amp that was downright criminal of a deal. The Princeton Reverb, well, let's just say that it came into my posession for under a C-Note. The last amp, a Blues Junior, has the Billm mods. It wasn't hard, but it isn't something I want to have to do again.

They're amps that, in some sense, have sentimental value. I'd also like to have the option to pull one out if a one-off gig or jam comes up. I'm not writing off playing, just playing out!

Additionally, I really think that if I end up unloading them the odds of me NOT putting something together in a few years becomes greater. If they're there eventually I'll realize I need to make the time and put them back into use.

Some great suggestions were given. They're going to be stored on the first floor above the basement, so if water is ever an issue then I'm going to have other things to be concerned about...like the rest of the house and the 8 feet below the amps! New England weather can fluctuate, but the environment will be in the space we live in, so it will be relatively controlled. They'll be in a closet, stashed away from crayons and little hands (until they can play them properly!).

Thanks!

 

[Skarekrough]

Re: Amp Storage

Alternatively, don't take a few years off. Just lower your standards and play in a hobby band that requires less commitment. Being a dad does take up a lot of time, but a little rockin' out here and there helps maintain a healthy balance.

Well, the fact of the matter is that I have almost NO time to consider playing. As of now my guitars go unplayed for too long. My brother has even been concerned and started to chide me into a long-distance project where were both on Macs using GarageBand and sending DVDs back and forth.

Honestly, the time just isn't there.

 

[ErikH]

Re: Amp Storage

I know this situation. My daughter just turned 3 and I am now just have a band back together. For the past year my brother-in-law and I have been jamming in their garage just to make noise and have fun, toss back a few beers. Now we want to do something with it and can.

But before all that, when my girl was an infant up to close to 2 years old, no time like you said. My Marshall sat in the house on top of my cabinet, but covered with a towel. I'd fire it up about once every few months just to get the tubes warm and to keep those caps from drying out.

IMO, put them in the closet like you said, but just cover them with a sheet or something. Every few months take them out and turn them on to keep the caps from drying out. Don't have to play them, just turn them on for a bit.

But at the same time, keep one out somewhere so you'll be reminded to play. The Blues Jr. is perfect. That's one thing I always made time for, and my wife was OK with it. Never allow practice/play time to go away or dwindle too much. Play for your son and your wife. It'll be fuel for the soul for you and for them, and the little one will enjoy it.

 

[J Moose]

Re: Amp Storage

Inherently my layoff from gigging will only be a few years. Deluxe Reverb Reissues aren't rare, but the deal I scored on it was just shy of criminal; $450 with NOS tubes and a 1964 Jensen speaker. Amp is in mint condition too.

The Trace Elliot is kinda rare and it was another amp that was downright criminal of a deal. The Princeton Reverb, well, let's just say that it came into my posession for under a C-Note. The last amp, a Blues Junior, has the Billm mods. It wasn't hard, but it isn't something I want to have to do again.

They're amps that, in some sense, have sentimental value. I'd also like to have the option to pull one out if a one-off gig or jam comes up. I'm not writing off playing, just playing out!

Additionally, I really think that if I end up unloading them the odds of me NOT putting something together in a few years becomes greater. If they're there eventually I'll realize I need to make the time and put them back into use.

Dude,

There's ALWAYS another deal out there.

I've been playing guitar for close to 20 years and making a living from producing records for about 10...all this crap is just that. Crap. They're tools that we've invested money into. Would you leave a few grand in the closet for a long time?! I wouldn't!!!

I can totally relate to the sentimental value thing, like that candy apple red Strat I have up for grabs...I bought that when I was in high school and played it almost daily for 10-11 years. But 'ya know...in the last two or three years things have changed and since I need to raise cash it's up for grabs. Do I love it? Yeah. But really, I've got other stuff around that I play more and I want to see that guitar get used.

I'm doing the same thing with amps now too. Sure, I can convince myself that I need them...but do I REALLY need a dozen or so around?

Nah.

For example, I've got my Rivera up on the block too and it's a GREAT amp...I bought it to gig with and played maybe two dozen shows with it...but honestly it just sits there. The '62 Bandmaster and modded JCM800 are FAR more valuable to me sonically & from the collectability standpoint but I wouldn't gig with 'em on a regular basis. So if down the road I need a really solid 50 watt head for shows, I'll look around and find some other piece. In the meantime I'll cash out and not let the thing fall apart from non-use.

Besides, what good is having a collection if you never use the stuff? You could call it furniture but you're gonna stick it in the closet where the 2 year olds & monsters hang out. Would you rather be known as a guitar player...or a guitar collector?

If down the road you want to join a band or whatever, you'll do that wether or not you have a collection of amps. That **** you said? It's all in your head man. Just mental outlook. What makes you YOU? Is it the material things you "own"...or would you be the same person without them?

Peace,

 

[Skarekrough]

Re: Amp Storage

Dude,

There's ALWAYS another deal out there.

I've been playing guitar for close to 20 years and making a living from producing records for about 10...all this crap is just that. Crap. They're tools that we've invested money into. Would you leave a few grand in the closet for a long time?! I wouldn't!!!

I can totally relate to the sentimental value thing, like that candy apple red Strat I have up for grabs...I bought that when I was in high school and played it almost daily for 10-11 years. But 'ya know...in the last two or three years things have changed and since I need to raise cash it's up for grabs. Do I love it? Yeah. But really, I've got other stuff around that I play more and I want to see that guitar get used.

I'm doing the same thing with amps now too. Sure, I can convince myself that I need them...but do I REALLY need a dozen or so around?

Nah.

For example, I've got my Rivera up on the block too and it's a GREAT amp...I bought it to gig with and played maybe two dozen shows with it...but honestly it just sits there. The '62 Bandmaster and modded JCM800 are FAR more valuable to me sonically & from the collectability standpoint but I wouldn't gig with 'em on a regular basis. So if down the road I need a really solid 50 watt head for shows, I'll look around and find some other piece. In the meantime I'll cash out and not let the thing fall apart from non-use.

Besides, what good is having a collection if you never use the stuff? You could call it furniture but you're gonna stick it in the closet where the 2 year olds & monsters hang out. Would you rather be known as a guitar player...or a guitar collector?

If down the road you want to join a band or whatever, you'll do that wether or not you have a collection of amps. That **** you said? It's all in your head man. Just mental outlook. What makes you YOU? Is it the material things you "own"...or would you be the same person without them?

Peace,

An elegant soliloquy.....but I'm not parting with them.

I've unloaded alot of my peripheral and excess gear already.

....quit angling for the Trace.

 

[J Moose]

Re: Amp Storage

An elegant soliloquy.....but I'm not parting with them.

I've unloaded alot of my peripheral and excess gear already.

....quit angling for the Trace.

'Ya know, even if you did offer it up I'd most likely pass on it.

I've got about a dozen amps here and slowly I'm figuring out what is & isn't getting used...break it down to just the core things that I need as a player and as a producer. A few years back I sold my first year Dual Recto head, I was the original owner and no doubt it was the BEST Recto I've EVER heard. But as a player I've moved away from that tone and now those things are everywhere so I cashed out. Still don't miss it.

 

[Skarekrough]

Re: Amp Storage

'Ya know, even if you did offer it up I'd most likely pass on it.

...still haven't unloaded the Strats to cover your taxes, eh?

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Amp Storage

I thought that storing capacitors for a long time without using them cut their life in half . . . . does anyone know if this is true?