Scratch proofing guitar backs

[Jimmy Mack]

I keep several guitars (6) in a compact rack , storing the guitars vertically and parallel to each other. IIIIIII
I am active at practicing and pull guitars out often. I'm afraid of scratching the backs since the guitars are very close to each other. (backs to fronts)

IS there a product I can use to cover the backs? Something not permanent, thin, strong adherent and not harmful to the lacquer finishes!

There must be something but I am just starting to search. Thanks in advance.

[pauln]

If you are the only one pulling them out and putting them back, isn't being careful enough? If not (maybe they are really close to each other) there might be some kind of soft barrier you could keep handy to temporarily place between them during the moment of moving one... you might just need one, maybe just a large enough piece of cardboard. Just leave it in place after extraction so it's ready for when you put the guitar back.

[Sigmund451]

I also agree that the solution should be part of the rack, not the guitar. Fabric, felt...something non abrasive. There are too may problems putting something on a finish. Overall, I cant think of anything Id trust. In general, I think its just asking for trouble.

[dconeill]

[QUOTE=Sigmund451;1437891]I also agree that the solution should be part of the rack, not the guitar. ... [\QUOTE]

Agree. Anything that would go onto the guitar itself would involve an adhesive, which would contain solvents, which would interact with the guitar's finish, and so on.

As far as the rack is concerned, perhaps you could replace your current rack with a new one with wider spacing between slots, to allow you to move the guitar away from the rack separators as you take it out and put it in. Make the separators planes instead of sticks (e.g., put a slot-sized piece of plywood on each surface of each slot). [Added later ->] And, I neglected to say, cover the separators with something non-scratchy, like a soft towel.

And don't forget these are tools, not kids. Tools get worn and scratched with use. So do kids, for that matter. It's part of the deal.

[Jimmy Mack]

You guys are right!
A larger rack won't fit the space I have for it - but less guitars (?) would be a solution !!

[joe2758]

but less guitars (?) would be a solution !!

negative.

[Zigracer]

How about a couple of old bath towels draped over the headstocks, with the rest dangling down in between the guitars?

[John A.]

Put t-shirts on your guitars. Not that I would do that (I keep all mine in gig bags with soft linings and unzip as needed), but I'd be amused at seeing it the photo you post. And to kill two birds with one stone, just keep buying more guitars until your t-shirt drawer is completely empty, and now you have storage space for more pedals, cables, and other guitar doodads.

[joe2758]

and a hat and scarf

[sgosnell]

Plastic film could work. Probably plastic wrap for the kitchen would be enough. It should stick in place, absorb light scratches without transferring to the actual finish, and shouldn't harm the finish.

[Sigmund451]

I think with plastic there is a risk of chemical interaction. Also the possibility of trapping moisture underneath.

[John A.]

I think with plastic there is a risk of chemical interaction. Also the possibility of trapping moisture underneath.

Probably not, but given how frustrating it can be to keep a piece of the stuff from sticking to itself when you don't want it to and not stick when you want it to, I can't imagine how frustrating it would be to wrap anything bigger than a piece of leftover cheese.

[jads57]

I guess the question would be why? It’s part of the trade off of actually playing it a lot.
Just try to make sure you want the guitar first,and no worries! Anyway relic guitars seem to be the rage nowadays,Lol!