Looking for DIY Guitar Rack Dimensions - Help Needed!

Instruments Guitar and Bass
1

Creating your own guitar rack can be a rewarding and practical project, especially if you have multiple guitars that need displaying or storing. Getting the dimensions right is crucial for stability and functionality. Here’s a guide on how to determine the best dimensions for your DIY guitar rack!

Materials Needed

  • Wood: 1x2 or 1x3 boards (Pine or Oak are good choices)
  • Wood Glue or Screws
  • Sanding Block or Sander
  • Paint or Stain (optional)
  • Measuring Tape
  • Saw (Hand saw or power saw)

Common Dimensions

  1. For a Single Guitar Rack:

    • Height: 36 inches
    • Width: 12 inches
    • Depth: 12 inches
    • This is great for a stand that holds one guitar securely.

  2. For a Multi-Guitar Rack (3-5 Guitars):

    • Height: 48 inches
    • Width: 36 inches
    • Depth: 12-18 inches
    • You can adjust the width based on how many guitars you want to store.
    • Make sure each guitar has about 6-8 inches of space between them for safety and accessibility.

Steps to Create Your Rack:

  1. Measure & Cut Your Wood:

    • Use your measuring tape to mark the wood according to your calculated dimensions.
    • Cut the pieces carefully, and remember to sand the edges for a smooth finish.

  2. Assemble the Base:

    • Start by creating the base using larger pieces for stability. Use either wood glue or screws to secure the joints.

  3. Add Support Bars:

    • For the multi-guitar rack, add horizontal support bars at intervals where the guitars will rest. These should be spaced according to your desired layout.

  4. Finishing Touches:

    • Sand the entire rack to smooth any rough edges, and apply paint or stain if desired.
    • Let it dry completely before placing your guitars on it.

Tips:

  • Make sure the rack is wide enough to accommodate your guitar width, especially if you have bass guitars or wider models.
  • A good tip is to consider the weight of the guitars; ensure the materials you choose are sturdy enough to hold them.

Feel free to share your own experiences or tips if you’ve built a guitar rack before! What dimensions did you use? Any photos would be awesome too!

2

Hey everyone! I’m looking to build a DIY guitar rack and need some guidance on dimensions. What are the common heights and widths for accommodating different types of guitars?

3

Typically, a standard electric guitar rack is around 32-36 inches high with each space being about 8-10 inches wide. For acoustics, I suggest a bit more room, like 10-12 inches.

4

That sounds helpful, @traviswillis! What about bass guitars? Do they need different spacing?

2 Likes
5

Yes! Bass guitars usually require wider space, around 12-14 inches per slot to ensure they fit comfortably.

4 Likes
6

Wow, I never thought about bass dimensions! What about the height for the overall rack? Should it be the same for all types?

7

A good height depends on how you store your guitars. Around 36 inches works for most, but you can adjust based on your personal preference.

8

Hey all! I’m considering a rack that holds both electric and acoustic guitars. What would be the best design to accommodate both?

9

You can design it with adjustable slots or separate tiers, keeping electric guitars at around 8 inches and acoustics above at around 10-12 inches.

10

That’s such a cool idea, @codythomas! Is there a specific wood type that’s best for durability or weight?

11

Pine is common due to its lightweight nature, but birch or oak are great if you want something sturdier. Just keep the weight in mind as you design.

12

If I build it out of oak, do you think it will be too heavy to move around, or should I add wheels?

13

Wheels could be a smart addition if you opt for heavier wood! Plus, it’ll make moving the rack easier for cleaning and rearranging.

14

Great points! I’m curious—what measurements should I take into account for different guitar headstock sizes?

15

For headstocks, allow an extra 2 inches in height for those bulkier models and ensure the slots are at least 3-4 inches deep.

16

I’d love to see some sketches of these racks once you guys build them! Anyone up for sharing? Maybe we can create a community project.

17

Sounds like a fun idea! I’ll post mine once I’ve finished. Gotta add a personal touch to it first.

18

Don’t forget to incorporate a small section for accessories like capos and tuners! It’ll help keep everything organized.

19

I’m planning to build a guitar rack too! For sturdiness, I’ve found hardwoods like oak or maple work really well for the frame. They may be heavier, but they last longer.

20

That’s great advice! Does anyone have experience with metal racks? I’m curious how they compare in terms of size and portability.

6 Likes