Looking to showcase your beloved collection of guitars on a stunning wall display without the constant worry of them toppling over unexpectedly? Our comprehensive step-by-step manual is your ultimate companion in achieving this feat. Undoubtedly, guitars hold a special place in our hearts, yet their presence often comes with spatial challenges. Unless you're fortunate enough to possess an expansive home studio arrangement, leaving your guitars on stands can lead to a cluttered space and the potential for accidents – akin to the memories of a Domino Rally game.
Yet, is stashing them away in their cases the sole solution? A case offers unparalleled safety and protection when your guitars are at rest. Is sacrificing this precious time for added administrative tasks each time we pick up the instrument? Moreover, in moments of creative inspiration, do we genuinely wish to navigate beneath the bed or into the closet in pursuit of the perfect guitar, risking the fleeting nature of that inspiration? The answer is clear.
Materials needed:
Wall hanger🧱
Mounting screws and plugs🔩
Tape measure➿
Spirit level🎚️
Pencil✏️
Hammer drill🛠️
Hammer🔨
Screwdriver🪛
Step 1 – Proper Tools For The Job
Just as you wouldn't even contemplate transporting your prized Custom Shop Strat in one of those flimsy gigbags that often come with budget GSO student guitars, why compromise when you're suspending it elegantly eight feet above the ground?
Should you embark on this endeavour, why not embark on it with an unwavering commitment to excellence? Invest in a premium hanger crafted by a reputable manufacturer that takes pride in its creations. Our guide prominently features the Hercules GSP38WB Plus, a choice motivated by several compelling factors. Our confidence stems from Hercules' established reputation for producing top-tier products with reliability and durability. Moreover, including the Auto Grip System (AGS), a hallmark of the brand's acclaimed guitar stands, lends an additional layer of confidence. The AGS ingeniously clasps and secures the guitar's neck within the hanger, mitigating any possibility of accidental slips or knocks.
Furthermore, the hanger boasts the ingenious addition of NINA (Narrow Instrument Neck Adjustment) – thoughtfully designed rubber inserts catering to instruments like mandolins and banjos, expanding the hanger's versatility. Hercules offers the GSP38 with a sturdy three-screw metal backplate for those seeking an even more robust wall anchoring. However, for most guitar types and wall configurations, the two-screw wood block option serves perfectly well, providing the assurance you seek in maintaining a secure display.
Step 2 – Select The Right Wall
A pivotal aspect of this entire process lies in the meticulous selection of the ideal wall to elegantly display your instruments. Opting for a solid masonry wall is the most straightforward and reassuring choice. A quick test involves giving the wall a firm tap – any hint of hollowness in the sound indicates a need to explore other feasible options. An external wall is a prime candidate in contemporary brick or cinder block residences.
However, should a solid wall be elusive in your circumstances, fear not, for your aspiration of achieving a guitar-hanging utopia need not be dashed. Solutions exist to suspend weighty objects on plasterboard or drywall, although this inevitably adds a layer of complexity. If your wall holds a fair degree of sturdiness, a simple trip to your local hardware or DIY store for hollow wall anchors is in order. These anchors come in diverse configurations, often designed to bear the weight of flat-screen TVs on walls, thus rendering them more than capable. It's advisable to consult store staff for guidance and ensure that the bolts intended for the anchors possess dimensions suitable to pass through your hangers' holes.
Alternatively, drilling directly into the wooden wall stud presents itself. Identifying these studs requires a wall scanner, a valuable tool that becomes indispensable in case of drilling into plasterboard walls. Safety considerations, especially concerning pipework and wiring proximity, further underscore the necessity of using a wall scanner when dealing with plasterboard walls. The choice between these methods hinges on the specifics of your wall composition and your dedication to ensuring a secure and aesthetically pleasing display.
Step 3 – Prepare Yourself
We focus on attaching our hanger to a sturdy external wall to streamline the process. The preparation phase's crux lies in determining the optimal placement for the hanger, ensuring unobstructed hanging of the instrument – this stage might warrant an extra set of hands for assistance.
Begin by positioning your guitar face-down on a soft surface, then take the hanger and secure it around the headstock. While holding the hanger in position, measure the distance from the mounting block's top to the bottom of the guitar. This measurement unveils the minimal clearance required on your walls to mount the instrument successfully. With this insight, position the hanger on the desired spot on the wall, marking the top of the mounting block with a subtle pencil mark. Subsequently, extend this measurement downward along the wall. This meticulous step guarantees that no obstacles, whether furniture, moldings, or electrical outlets, will interfere with the guitar's seamless alignment on the hanger.
In the ensuing phase, ensuring that no potentially hazardous or detrimental elements reside within the wall is imperative. While the likelihood of such issues arising in an exterior wall is low, an added layer of precaution involves employing a wall scanner – these affordable handheld devices excel at detecting any irregularities or anomalies within the wall structure. By meticulously following these steps, you're well on securing your instrument with precision and peace of mind.
Step 4 – Get The Tools Out
And now, let's dive into the exciting phase – the realm of power tools! When your project involves penetrating masonry, the trusty hammer drill takes the spotlight, as the realm of electric screwdrivers falls short here. Equipped with the right bit for the task at hand, the drill bites into the surface. Within our Hercules hanger package, conveniently nestled, lie the screws and plugs essential for the impending union with a sturdy wall.
Safety first: Ensure the intended drilling zone harbors no concealed wiring or plumbing. The hanger, now poised for action, graces the wall. Aligning the spirit level with the hanging cornerstone ensures equilibrium; etch the upper and lower extremities with a pencil. Simultaneously, the screw hole locations imprint their presence.
A faint yet distinct blueprint of impending holes lingers with the hanger temporarily withdrawn. Select a drill bit of analogous dimensions to your plug in the next act, then begin boring the orifices designated for screw accommodation. Stay within a depth; a depth akin to your plug suffices. The holes ready themselves, awaiting their companions.
Gently, persuasively, the plugs find their abodes, ushered by the tap of a hammer's embrace. Should resistance arise, consider a larger bit for re-boring; remember, coercion spells ruin the plug's fate. Thus, it progresses our symphony of craftsmanship.
Step 5 – Let’s Get It On
Now, onto the uncomplicated part – assuming all has proceeded as intended, you merely have to position the hanger precisely and affix it meticulously, ensuring that the screws seamlessly penetrate the hanger and anchor securely into the terminus of the plugs.
Persist in cinching the screws until the hanger block aligns impeccably and securely against the wall. When you sense a halting point, apply a mild downward force to the hanger to confirm that the screws and plugs are resolutely grasping their position.
Step 6 – The Moment Of Truth
At last, we arrive at the nerve-wracking juncture – the testing phase. Assuming you've diligently adhered to each step and securely affixed the hanger, the moment of truth has come. Please select one of your cherished guitars and delicately place it on the waiting hanger. Now, draw a deep breath, step back, and if all has been executed as it ought, your guitar should hang resolutely and without concern.
Allow a minute or two to elapse before gently removing the guitar. Inspect the hanger meticulously to ensure it hasn't budged from its anchored position on the wall. Confirm that everything remains steadfast and unshakable – your mission is accomplished if this holds.
Before we bid you farewell to admire your handiwork, let's discuss a vital consideration. Some musicians have noted potential truss rod complications with guitars left on the wall for extended periods. To counteract this, it might prove prudent to rotate your guitars periodically, utilizing a stand for your frequently played guitar. Similarly, for those who, like us, have opted for a Hercules hanger and share living space with exuberant youngsters or less-than-graceful acquaintances, investing in the AGS Lock can provide a touch of added assurance. This nifty accessory functions seamlessly with both stands and hangers featuring the AGS system, rendering your guitar utterly secure and immune to removal without the corresponding key.
With congratulations in order, you've now established an artful abode for your guitar on the wall. Revel in the expanse of floor space reclaimed and relish the spectacle of your resplendent instrument showcased like the masterpiece it is. Naturally, it's essential to emphasize that Guitar.com cannot assume responsibility should any mishaps arise during this undertaking. If uncertainties arise or anything strikes you as awry, err on the side of caution and enlist the aid of a seasoned professional. The endeavor isn't worth jeopardizing your beloved guitar if your DIY expertise proves less than adept!
Conclusion:
Determining the optimal height for hanging a guitar on the wall is a pivotal consideration for aesthetics and practicality. By striking a harmonious balance between visual appeal and functional accessibility, you can create an engaging display while ensuring the safety and preservation of your instrument. Remember that personal preferences, room layout, and potential environmental factors should all play a role in your decision-making process. Whether showcasing a single guitar or curating a wall of musical treasures, thoughtful placement will undoubtedly enhance your space and reflect your reverence for your cherished instrument. So, measure twice, consider all aspects, and with a touch of creativity, transform your wall into a celebration of music and craftsmanship. Additionally, it's worth noting that the guidelines provided are not set in stone; they serve as a starting point for your setup. Regular assessments and adjustments may be necessary, especially if introducing new guitars or modifying your room's layout.
