Mounting your guitar on the wall is not only a great way to save space, but it also turns your instrument into a piece of art decor. Learning how to mount a guitar on the wall is straightforward and, when done correctly, ensures your guitar’s safety and accessibility. You’ll want to select a location that’s away from direct sunlight, significant temperature changes, and humidity, all of which could damage your guitar.
Using a wall-mounted guitar hanger or hook is the most common method for hanging guitars. These hangers are designed to accommodate the unique shape and weight of a guitar, providing secure support. It is crucial to install the hanger into a wall stud or use appropriate drywall anchors that can handle the weight of the guitar.
Your choice between a wall hanger and a guitar stand should be dictated by your space, the aesthetic you wish to achieve, and the level of protection you want for your guitar. Wall hangers are excellent space-savers and can prevent accidental knocks that might happen with a floor stand, while stands offer more mobility and ease of access for those who use their guitars frequently.
Choosing the Right Guitar Hanger
Selecting the appropriate guitar hanger is vital for ensuring your instrument’s safety, security, and visual appeal. It’s not just about hanging your guitar; it’s about choosing a support that is tailored to your guitar’s needs & one that will match the aesthetic you are going for.
Types of Guitar Hangers
There are various guitar wall hangers to consider. A basic wall hanger suffices for most needs, while locking wall hangers add extra security, preventing the guitar from falling if bumped. There are also horizonal guitar hangers for those who prefer this looks.
These can be found on Amazon individually and in packs those those who wants to hang more of their collection. These are the ones we recommend:
Guitar Hanger Materials
Guitar hangers come in several materials ranging from rubber and steel to solid hardwood. Rubber padding is common to protect instrument finishes, whereas hardwood hangers offer a classic look. Steel hangers provide strength and can support heavier guitars like a bass guitar.
Guitar Compatibility
Ensure the hanger is compatible with the body and neck of your guitar. The width of the hanger should accommodate various guitar types, from an electric guitar to an acoustic guitar. Some models feature an auto grip system, automatically securing the guitar in place.
Weight Capacity and Security
Check the weight capacity; it must support your guitar’s weight. Hangers often specify the maximum weight, which should be above your guitar’s weight for a margin of safety. Locking wall hangers provide peace of mind, especially in high-traffic areas.
Guitar Hanger Aesthetics
Choose a hanger that complements your guitar and room decor. Whether you want your guitar to stand out or blend in with a display cabinet, aesthetics are a personal preference but can enhance the overall guitar display experience.
Assessing Wall Type and Condition
Your wall material affects the hanger you choose. For drywall, plasterboard, or masonry walls, you’ll require different mounting hardware. Solid walls like brick or external walls may require more robust fixings than interior drywall.
Budget and Brand Considerations
Consider your budget and brand reputation. Some brands, like String Swing, are known for quality and reliability, offering the best value for many users. Don’t sacrifice security and quality for price; invest in a hanger that assures your guitar’s safety.
Tools & Materials
Before you begin mounting your guitar on the wall, you’ll need to gather the proper tools and materials. Ensuring you have everything on hand will make the process smoother and more efficient.
Required Tools
To securely mount your guitar, you’ll require a few essential tools:
- Drill: A drill is necessary for pre-drilling holes for your mounting hardware. A hammer drill with masonry bits may be needed if you’re drilling into concrete or masonry. Need a cordless drill? Here’s what we recommend:
- Screwdriver: A screwdriver is used to drive the screws into the wall. It’s advisable to have both a flat-head and a Phillips-head screwdriver.
- Spirit Level: A spirit level will help ensure that the mount is perfectly horizontal and that your guitar hangs straight.
- Wall Scanner: A wall scanner can be invaluable for detecting wall studs, pipes, and wiring where you plan to drill.
Mounting Hardware
The correct mounting hardware is crucial for a safe and secure installation:
- Mounting Screws: Ensure you have the right length and gauge for the weight of your guitar and the type of wall you’re mounting it on.
- Wall Anchors: Wall anchors provide extra support for the screws, especially if you’re mounting the guitar on a wall without studs such as drywall. When mounting directly to a stud, you can simply use a screw without the anchor.
These should all come with your wall hanger kit but otherwise can be purchased separately. Here’s a couple to try:
- Heavy duty self-tapping metal anchors for drywall
- Masonry anchors for brick & concrete (2 masonry bits included)
Wall Preparation
Before you begin the process of mounting your guitar on the wall, it’s vital to properly prepare the wall to ensure a secure and stable setup. This stage involves locating the wall studs, utilizing a wall scanner for accuracy, and considering the type of wall surface you’re working with, such as drywall, plasterboard, or brick.
Locating and Marking Wall Studs
Firstly, identifying the wall studs is crucial as they provide the support necessary to hold the weight of your guitar. To locate studs:
- Use a stud finder: Glide it along the wall and mark the edges of studs.
- Look for signs: Check for nails or screws in the baseboard that typically indicate a stud behind.
Using a Wall Scanner
A wall scanner is an advanced tool that ensures you’re not drilling into hazardous materials hidden behind the surface:
- Detect metal and wiring: Prevents accidents with metal pipes or electrical wires.
- Calibrate for accuracy: Follow the scanner’s instructions for calibration on your specific wall type for precise results.
Wall Surface Considerations
Different wall materials require different mounting strategies:
- Drywall or plasterboard: Use drywall anchors if studs aren’t available.
- Solid wall: For concrete or brick walls, you’ll need a masonry bit and appropriate wall plugs.
By taking these preparatory steps, you set the foundation for a safely mounted guitar that will showcase your instrument without causing damage to your wall or guitar.
Mounting the Guitar Hanger
When you decide to mount your guitar on the wall, having the right tools and technique is crucial for a secure and visually pleasing setup.
Drilling Holes
First, identify the location where you want to mount your guitar hanger. Use a pencil to mark the spot on the wall. Before drilling into the wall, you must ensure you’re not hitting any pipes or wires; a stud finder can be very helpful here. Next, select the correct size drill bit for your wall anchors if you’re not drilling into a stud. If you’re working with concrete or brick, you’ll need a hammer drill. Create a small dent at your pencil mark with a nail to guide the drill and avoid any slip.
Securing the Mounting Hardware
Now, align the mounting bracket of the guitar hanger with the holes you’ve drilled. Different walls require different mounting screws and wall anchors. For drywall, you might use a toggle bolt or molly bolt, whereas for a wooden stud, a standard screw would suffice. You can tighten the screws manually with a screwdriver, but a power drill can make this process quicker and ensure a tighter fit.
Fine-Tuning Hanger Position
Finally, use a spirit level to adjust the guitar hanger to be perfectly horizontal. This ensures that your guitar will hang straight and be balanced. With a level hanger, you can now place the guitar on it and step back to admire your handiwork. If you notice your guitar isn’t hanging as expected, adjust the hanger as needed by carefully re-tightening or loosening the screws.
Hanging Your Guitar
When hanging your guitar on the wall, it’s crucial to ensure the security and accessibility of the instrument. Whether it’s an acoustic, electric, or bass guitar, the right positioning can prevent damage and make it easy to grab for practice.
Proper Placement on the Hanger
Your guitar’s neck should rest comfortably on the hanger with adequate support. An auto grip system is excellent for gripping the neck without putting undue pressure on it. Make sure the tuning pegs are clear of the hanger to avoid detuning.
Ensuring Stability and Balance
Balance is key. The hanger should be securely affixed to the wall so that your guitar doesn’t sway or tilt. For heavier instruments, like a bass guitar, verify that the wall mount is rated for the extra weight to protect the neck from stress.
Optimizing Space and Clearance
Ensure there’s enough room around the guitar to avoid bumping it. Allow clearance from other objects or walls by hanging guitars at least 24 inches apart and away from door swings or high traffic areas to prevent accidents.
Guitar Maintenance on the Wall
Even on the wall, your guitar requires maintenance. Keep it in a room with stable humidity and temperature. Regular dusting and conditioning of the fretboard will keep your guitar in top shape. Mounting it high enough prevents children or pets from reaching guitar accessories like straps and capos that might be left on the instrument.
How to Mount a Guitar on the Wall Without Drilling
When decorating your space, it’s essential to have solutions that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Suppose you’re looking to hang a guitar, bass, or even a heavy artwork without drilling into your walls—whether they’re made of concrete or covered in wallpaper you adore. In that case, there’s a creative workaround that could meet your needs. This method not only serves the functional purpose of securely holding your items but also adds a design element that enhances your room’s look.
Innovative mounting alternatives can adapt to your living space and personal style. You can customize the setup to fit varying heights and even integrate flexible lighting options for added ambiance. By using materials like foam and weather stripping for stability, coupled with strategic hardware choices, you can create a versatile display that preserves your walls intact.
Building Your Wall-mounted Display
If you’re looking to display a guitar, bass, or a weighty piece of art without drilling into your wall, there’s a clever and visually appealing workaround. This method not only spares you from having to alter your walls but also serves a dual purpose of enhancing the room’s aesthetics. The decision to implement wooden boards across the wallpaper adds a distinctive touch to the interior design, regardless of the practical need to hang objects.
Starting from the base, a slim layer of foam padding rests beneath the board for stability. As we travel upwards, you’ll observe the use of two separate wooden planks joined securely together to fabricate a sufficiently lengthy mount, given the unavailability of a single piece of wood of the desired length.
At the terminal point of the setup, an L-bracket secures the top, accommodating enough length to adjust or remove the mounted items effortlessly. This flexibility is important for reorganizing the space based on other instruments in the vicinity, such as keyboards or drums.
Here’s a breakdown of the materials and measurements used to construct the display:
- Measurements: Calculate the distance from your floor to the ceiling, then subtract roughly 1 to 1.5 centimeters to determine the height of your mount.
- Board Spacers: Use spare wooden blocks, cut into small squares, then adhere them to the wall to maintain an even gap between the board and the wall.
- Joining Wood: When using two boards, find a secure method of joining them end-to-end. In an ideal scenario, one long board would suffice, but availability may dictate otherwise.
- Metal Hardware: Although a stronger metal brace is preferable, a slightly bendable one may still be reliable enough to hold a Fender bass securely.
The installation of the guitar hanger might require some improvisation—wall anchors can suffice if you lack specific bolts and nuts. Any protruding elements at the back should be clipped to prevent contact with the wall.
The final touch that might not be surprising is the addition of light strips behind the boards. The integration of such ambient lighting can dramatically enhance the display’s visual impact, offering customizable color settings to suit any mood or setting.
Lights Installation: Here’s a step-by-step guide to install light strips:
- Locate the center of your mount and mark it.
- Measure and mark a starting point roughly 9 centimeters from the top.
- Use a high-quality product like Nanoleaf light strips, which integrate well with smart home systems and can be controlled via voice commands.
- Place the light strip beginning in the center, then wind the strip in a pattern that ensures even illumination.
- Use small dabs of glue at the bottom end to keep everything in place.
- Position the control unit in a way that keeps it accessible.
With this setup, you can easily command your lighting preferences using simple voice prompts, such as changing colors or turning the lights on and off, adding a functional and customizable element to your display.
