Hang a guitar at an angle?

April 5, 2008 9:57 AM

I would like to find the best way to hang a guitar on a wall at an angle.

My roommates have several old, no longer used guitars, that we'd like to hang up around the apartment for purely decorative purposes. We'd like to hang them at an angle (approx. 45 degrees) instead of vertically so we can't use the normal store-bought guitar hangers. I was hoping there was some sort of easy DIY way to do this but haven't been able to find anything online. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

posted by Hyzenthlay to home & garden (6 comments total)

I'd use the strap button on the bottom end of the guitar as one support point, and the lower side of the neck as the other. That way you can put the low end in a stud, then pick a point along the neck that gives you the angle you want and hits a stud.

What you use to support the guitar will vary depending on how thick it is, maybe a big nail for a thin electric but some sort of hooks for an acoustic. You should be able to find something decorative at the hardware store.

Strap buttons are designed to hold the weight of a guitar, so they should be fine for this. But if it feels loose and the screw won't tighten you can unscrew it, fill the hole with some toothpicks and glue, then screw the button back on when it is dry.
posted by InfidelZombie at 10:32 AM on April 5

You could use the strap buttons as InfidelZombie describes, but you could attach high pound test (i.e. 25 or 50 lbs) fishing line to the strap buttons and or neck. This would be nearly invisible if done correctly. Additionally, you can put self-stick rubber or felt pads on the back of the guitar to prevent it from sliding out of position or marring the walls.
posted by Andy's Gross Wart at 11:40 AM on April 5

Two ideas:

1) Actually put straps on the guitars and hang them from those, on large hooks;

2) [probably more attractive] use a guitar wall hanger + a small wall shelf; put the wall hanger in the proper position and at the proper angle to support the neck of the guitar while the body is resting (at an angle) on the shelf. This has the added benefit of giving you a tiny bit more shelf space.

You might have to look around a bit to find a shelf deep enough to accommodate an acoustic guitar, but it shouldn't be too difficult. I think the local Lowe's/Home Depot here has some that are semi-circular that would be great.
posted by amtho at 12:36 PM on April 5

Put a hook on the wall and hang the guitar strap on the hook. It'll hang at any angle you want.
posted by JimN2TAW at 12:39 PM on April 5

I have two of these and they look great. A bit on the pricey side, but I'm was very pleased with the results once I installed them.
posted by Aznable at 2:52 PM on April 5

We have a guitar which "died" (bridge pulled loose, home repairs insufficient, guitar not worth professional repairs) and was subsequently turned into an art project. To hang it, I cut a keyhole in the back of the body, from which it can hang on a single nail. It hangs at an angle because of the placement of the keyhole. This option looks great, but means that the guitar loses nearly all of its value as a musical instrument. Don't do this to a still-functioning guitar.
posted by agentofselection at 3:22 PM on April 5