My DIY Case Rack

[Curlington]

Photos of the guitar case rack is at: https://photos.app.goo.gl/sDgynGvZJY6zp2Nr9

I built it with 2 x 4s, No. 10 wood screws, a hand saw, and Minwax Walnut stain. I positioned the 2 x 4s so the latches would not take any weight. The rack holds 8-10 cases.

The base (horizontal) depth is 28”. The vertical 2 x 4 is 22” from the front of the horizontal base, so the effective depth is 22”. The gap between the two bottom 2 x 4s (upon which the cases rest) is 10”. The height (vertical) is 36”. The width is 72”.

I was pretty much winging it as I went. It could be improved but it is sound and functional. Hopefully, this might help someone else looking for a rough idea of where to start.

Also, this thread got me started:

https://www.woodworkingtalk.com/threads/guitar-case-rack.26887/

 

[HeyMikey]

Nice job Curlington. That will hold a few! I haven’t used one like that but one suggestion for improvement might be dowels at the top. Something to keep a case from tipping sideways and falling if there is only one or two on the rack. I have a spot where I lean 4 against the wall and always worry when I pull a couple out that the others might tip over. I may have to build something like what you did for better security.

 

[Bill G]

I had a friend make me a similar one, the way he did it was to put right triangle shaped dividers spaced for different cases (acoustic/electric) to keep them upright.

 

[fronobulax]

I haven’t used one like that but one suggestion for improvement might be dowels at the top. Something to keep a case from tipping sideways and falling if there is only one or two on the rack.

My DIY skills are such that we bought a rack and all I had to do was line things up and tighten screws. It came with dowels but we have never used them. The rack has been full enough that nothing is going to fall to the side. So an alternative solution to the dowels is to fill the rack, with Guilds. ;-)

 

[Curlington]

Thanks for the comments. The way the cases seat down between the angled 2 x 4s, the cases don't want to lean at all. Dowels or dividers are not necessary, especially for my purposes.

I filled the rack up this morning, and what a space saver! I should have done this years ago. I guessed at the dimensions, and sometimes things just work out. None of the latches on the cases are interfered with, and the cases sit in there rock solid. I have two empty Martin blue steal me cases that I don't need or use, several cases that are perfect for shipping purposes, some cheapo guitars I can't part with for nostalgia reasons. Happy to finally have them all corralled and out from under foot. Nine cases fit with a little room to spare.

I came within inches, literally, of taking my hand off in an industrial saw, in an aluminum window factory, when I was 22. I have shied away from power saws ever since. A good hand saw (use mechanics gloves) will rip through pine 2 x 4s in no time. The cuts are not perfect, but so what? Buy premium 2 x 4s and inspect them carefully. The cheap warped crap at Home Depo will make the job much harder, even impossible.

I enjoy working with wood, just like I love the wood and craftmanship that goes into wood guitars.

 

[chazmo]

Nice job, Curlington. Might want to put some rubber padding on the contact surfaces so that the cases stay put.

Very nice!!!

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

It looks great!

 

[Stuball48]

Good looking guitar rack. Looks like it will support all you can get on it.

 

[Cougar]

Photos of the guitar case rack is at: https://photos.app.goo.gl/sDgynGvZJY6zp2Nr9

Very nice! Much like the two that I bought for my guitars in cases.

 

[MLBob]

Unfortunately even the warped construction grade 2x4’s can’t be classified as “cheap” any longer.