So, we have an acoustic guitar (classical style, nylon string). It's in a hard case, oh and it's nothing fancy, a good beginners guitar, a "Greg Bennett" by Samick.

It hasn't been played or tuned since before covid, and I didn't loosen the strings the last time it was put away (I know, I know).

It's going to go on the moving truck (I know, I know) and then storage for a few weeks before coming back to me. Not climate controlled storage btw, so it make not make it through that without sustaining some damage or being ruined. But it might. Way back when, I shipped (via sea) a similar guitar to Japan with nothing but the hard case and the box to protect it, and it came out ok, so I thought it's worth a try.

So, should I just loosen the strings? How much?

Or, should I take the strings off completely?

If I'm loosening, can someone remind me which way is loose? Will I automatically know?

Thanks in advance!

There is no need to loosen the strings in a well built guitar for storage, but loosen them a bit if it makes you feel better.
A moisture pack, like those from D'addario or Boveda would be good. They are essential in a dry climate. It the air is dry the neck may bend. Most classical guitars do not have a truss rod in the neck.
In my experience an acoustic guitar has metal strings. A classical guitar has nylon or flourocarbon strings.
Opinions on these guitar matters vary. I expect to be contradicted.

quote:

Originally posted by CHAS:
There is no need to loosen the strings in a well built guitar for storage, but loosen them a bit if it makes you feel better.
A moisture pack, like those from D'addario or Boveda would be good. They are essential in a dry climate. It the air is dry the neck may bend. Most classical guitars do not have a truss rod in the neck.
In my experience an acoustic guitar has metal strings. A classical guitar has nylon or flourocarbon strings.
Opinions on these guitar matters vary. I expect to be contradicted.

+1 especially on the Boveda humidity packs.

Boveda 49% Two-Way Humidity Control Packs for Music Bows & Small Woodwinds – Size 8 – 10 Pack – Moisture Absorbers for Small Instrument Cases – Humidifier Packs – Hydration Packets in Resealable Bag https://a.co/d/aoXmVbm

+1.

Thanks everyone!

So, no worries about the string tension then?

quote:

Originally posted by ShiroKuro:
Thanks everyone!

So, no worries about the string tension then?

No worries.

Great thanks!!

Will it be transported through humid areas or in arid areas? If humid areas, desiccants reduce the humidity in a sealed container. You can buy it at a hardware store. When I ordered my bass guitar and hard carrying case, Ibanez, the manufacturer had already placed a desiccant in the case with the bass for shipping.

Given the weather and the temps, I don’t think high humidity will be an issue… I’m not sure though actually.

quote:

Originally posted by Qaanaaq-Liaaq:
Will it be transported through humid areas or in arid areas? If humid areas, desiccants reduce the humidity in a sealed container. You can buy it at a hardware store. When I ordered my bass guitar and hard carrying case, Ibanez, the manufacturer had already placed a desiccant in the case with the bass for shipping.

If I'm not mistaken, the Boveda products maintain the proper humidity no matter what the external conditions.

https://bovedainc.com/

quote:

Originally posted by wtg:

quote:

Originally posted by Qaanaaq-Liaaq:
Will it be transported through humid areas or in arid areas? If humid areas, desiccants reduce the humidity in a sealed container. You can buy it at a hardware store. When I ordered my bass guitar and hard carrying case, Ibanez, the manufacturer had already placed a desiccant in the case with the bass for shipping.

If I'm not mistaken, the Boveda products maintain the proper humidity no matter what the external conditions.

https://bovedainc.com/

They do but to a point. They can be overwhelmed in either direction by the environment.