Have you ever seen a guitar player without their gear? No? That’s because they are never without it. Guitar players know how important their gear is to the sound they create. The right amp, pedal, and cables make all the difference in the world. But if your gear is in complete disarray, you can’t enjoy it to its full potential. So what do you need for your guitar gear to be organized? Your local guitar store probably has everything you need, but if not, have no fear! This guide will walk you through everything from pots and pans on how to organize guitar gear, to guitar cases for an organized take-along set up that doesn’t weigh you down. After reading this article, you will never look at your messy gear the same way again.
Related Article: How to organize guitar picks
The Anatomy of a Guitar Player’s Gear
The first order of business is to find a place for your guitar. You need somewhere to keep it that is close to where you plan on playing so that you can grab it when the moment strikes. If you want your guitar nearby but don’t have the space to dedicate an entire room, try a corner of the living room or bedroom. The waist-high shelf in our bedroom has been a great place for me to keep my electric guitar and amplifier.
Because the amp and guitar go together, be sure to have them near each other as well. When I play at home, my acoustic guitar hangs from the amp’s handle with a rubber band for safe-keeping.
A gig bag is a must for any guitarist who wants easy transportation without spending too much money on a hard case. Most are padded and have backpack straps, making them ideal for carrying around town or between gigs on your back. Gig bags also come with external pockets so that cables and pedals can be easily stored away while still being able to easily access them when necessary.
You’ll also want some method of storing all of your pesky cords. One way is to use bread ties! These are perfect because they’re narrow enough not to get tangled, but wide enough not to slip off whatever they’re holding tight (like wires). Another way would be by wrapping cords up in saran wrap then rolling them up into a tight bundle like you would wrap up leftovers before putting them in the fridge – just remember which
How to Organize Your Guitar Gear
There are a lot of ways to organize your guitar gear. But not all of them are the best for you. The best way to organize your gear is going to depend on what kind of guitarist you are, and how much space you have in your house or studio.
If you’re a touring musician with lots of equipment, the best option for you might be a rolling suitcase or rack mounted case. If you’re not touring and just need some simple organization, pots and pans might do the trick!
Organizing guitar cases depends on how many guitars you own and how often you plan on taking them out. You can start by using cases that come with straps so that it’s easier to carry around. You can also use shoe bags, which fit perfectly in most gig bags, to store all your cables and pedals together for easy transportability!
Cabinets or Plastic Storage Containers?
Cabinets and plastic storage containers are both common ways to organize your gear, but which is best for you?
Cabinets can be a great option because they provide more storage space than plastic containers and will usually cost less. However, cabinets usually take up a lot of floor space and you may need to upgrade your home or studio. If you have the room, this could be beneficial because you’ll have plenty of room to store all your gear. But if you don’t have the space, cabinets may not be the best choice for you.
Plastic storage containers are an easy way to store your gear at home or on the go. They are lightweight and cheap, so it won’t break the bank to get some plastic storage bins for your pedals on the floor (see below). The downside is that they don’t provide as much storage as cabinets do, so there’s always a chance that something will get lost in the shuffle.
As with most things in life, it’s really up to what works best for you!
Make sure you have the right size
The first thing you need is the right size. If you are in a very small space, you might need to put some of your gear in another room, closet, or even under your bed. But if it is just a little too big for the space, there are pots and pans that can be used to create a makeshift shelf. The trick is to have everything at an angle so it can fit on one shelf- no matter how large or small.
Gear also needs to be organized by type so that it is easier to find what you need. From guitars and amps to cables and picks, if you know where something should go then you will always know where it is- which makes life much easier when looking for something specific.
Consider the weight
The first thing to consider when organizing your gear is its weight. If you’re using a guitar case, you don’t want your precious pedal collection to be on the bottom of the case. Your pedals will take up a lot of room and make the case heavier than necessary. This can lead to some pretty hefty arm strain if you are carrying it for long distances.
So instead, place your heaviest items at the top of the case with lighter items below them. This shifts the weight so that the case is more balanced and easier to carry.
Consider how easy it will be to access your gear when you need it
The first thing you need to think about when it comes to organizing your guitar gear is how easy it will be for you to access what you need when you need it. If the only way you can get your hands on that pedal is by having the guitar on a stand and using a mirror, then there’s a problem.
In general, your guitar should be in arm’s reach from wherever you sit. That means if you’re playing in front of an amp, it should also be next to or on top of the amp so that you don’t have to move too far just to get your hands on your equipment. You want everything in one place so that moving from stage A to stage B isn’t a pain in the neck.
Keeping Your Guitar Clean and Ready to Play
The first thing you should do to get your gear in order is to make sure it’s all clean. You want to start by wiping down every part of the guitar with a damp cloth. This will remove any dirt, sweat, or oils that might have gotten on the instrument and help maintain the finish. Next, take an old toothbrush and some water and scrub away any grime that might have built up from years of playing. If you have a favorite polish (or even if you don’t) rub a little bit on the guitar to protect the finish from dust and give it a nice shine.
After your guitar is completely dry, check for any loose parts like screws or nuts that may need tightening. Now it’s time for the fun stuff! Grab one of those old pots or pans from your kitchen as well as a towel or two and get ready to create your own custom pedal board.
There are all sorts of different ways to use this set-up but the most common method is to place all pedals in front of you then line them up behind each other according to what they do—for example: distortion before overdrive before fuzz-wah before reverb before wah-volume etcetera. You can also lay out pedals at equal distances apart on either side of you so they are easier to reach while seated or standing. The choice is yours, but make sure everything is easy to access so there are no excuses
What’s Next?
Now that you know how to organize your gear, the next step is getting it there. If you want to take your gear with you for a jam session or gig, but don’t have the means of transporting it, fear not! There are many guitar cases available that would work perfectly for your needs. But if you want to make sure your guitar will stay in pristine condition and ready for any playing time, check out the Guitar Storage Systems from SKB. These cases are specifically designed for the protection of guitars and all their necessary equipment. They cost a bit more than other options, but they’re worth every penny.
How to organize guitar gear FAQS
There are many ways to store your pedals and create the perfect soundstage. A few ideas include using some old pots and pans, organizing your pedals on the floor, or buying a pedalboard.
A pedalboard is one way to beautifully organize your pedals in one place. They typically have either rubberized or felt-lined surfaces where you can rest your feet (don’t put them on the carpet!) You can also buy a custom built pedalboard or make one yourself if you don’t want to spend any money.
Cables can be annoying to manage and they always end up in knots and tangles. The best way to knot cable is with a large key ring that opens at both ends so you can tie it around the cables. If you have too many cables, it might be time for an upgrade! These days, most guitar amps come with their own cables so upgrading would take care of everything!
Conclusion
You’ve got all the gear, now it’s time to figure out where to put it.
The best way to store your gear is in a way that you can see it, access it and that doesn’t take up too much space. If you’re looking for a storage solution that will last long and still be functional, then cabinets are the way to go. But if you’re looking for a quick fix, then plastic containers will be your best bet. Whatever you choose, make sure you also have the right size for your equipment. This is important as it can be difficult to find space for something that is too big or heavy. The last thing you want is to have to move your gear every time you want to play!
Once you have your storage solution down, then it’s time to keep your gear clean and ready to play. For most guitar players, this means cleaning their strings and fret board every few days to make sure they stay in proper playing condition. You should also make sure your guitar is in tune and oiled on a regular basis. And finally, don’t forget about checking your guitar case for any signs of wear and tear.
