minimoog storage

[moogmaniac]

Due to unfortunate circumstances I need to put my minimoogs in storage
for an undetermined amount of time. I realize that storage is one of the
worst things that can be done to electronics.

A friend of mine suggested that I vacuum seal them "as shown on TV"
This sounds like it would be OK. I think the conditions at the time of
vacuum sealing the synths would be important.

I hope this idea is not too crazy. I'm taking all suggestions.

Thanks,
Harry

[thealien666]

Simply put it in an ATA carrying case, with silica gel packs to absorb any excessive moisture inside the case, and don't store it in a basement, or any other place with uncontrolled temperature and humidity.

You may have guessed, from my suggestions, that moisture is the #1 enemy of electronics as it will oxydize and corrode metal parts in keyboard contacts, opened pots and trimpots, connectors, and even the aluminum inlays of the front knobs!

I know, my Minimoog D had been improperly stored for too many years in a damp basement inside a cardboard box. I bought it for cheap because I had to spend a whole week to fix it...

Sorry you have to "put it on ice" for a while... (don't do that litterally either! )

[Jonathan G]

I'm a fan of cardboard for storage, as I feel it absorbs moisture and allows air flow quite well. I usually use a cardboard box and surround the electronic unit with packing paper, and throw in an aforementioned silica gel pack or two. And, most importantly: location, location, location! Never in a wet basement or hot attic, shed, garage, etc. If you don't have storage room within your house or studio, many public storage facilities offer indoor climate-controlled units, with 5'x5' units usually going for reasonable monthly rates.

[moogmaniac]

Thanks for the thoughts/idaes. Good and Bad for me is that I have several minimoogs.
ATA cases will not work money-wise. Cardboard boxes might be my only choice. The
moisture pack sounds like a good idea. I may be able to keep a minimoog here and there
with friends. I can use one at a time until I get settled.

Harry

[Kevin Lightner]

Store it flat.
ATA cases are great for protection from crushing damage, but a synth should be bagged first to avoid the foam from affecting the finish.
If you can, occasionally turn the knobs and switches and play the keyboard every few months.
A silica pack or two probably isn't a bad idea.
If there is any chance of flooding, store it on top of other things.
A plastic drop cloth over it may save it damage from a leaky roof too.

[e3p0]

Good luck getting settled. I am envious of your Mini surplus issue. I would gladly become a friend and allow you to store one in my climate controlled room.

All joking aside, good luck and I am glad you got some good advice here.
-e

[thealien666]

Yes, best of luck to you, Harry. Hope this temporary situation doesn't last for too long... I feel for you, as I'm primarily a drummer and my drums are in storage until I get my life in order too (had to sell the house)... I'm lucky I can still play my synths in my temporary apartment though...

Alain.

[Jonathan G]

Regarding knobs or sliders, it's wise to keep them at the zero position before storing any electronics. I was told this by Dave Sesnak at Wine Country years ago when my Prophet's pots were being buggy. If you leave the wiper inside a potentiometer in any position along its sweep path for an extended period of time, it may leave residue at the spot as corrosion occurs, which could cause some issues.

[EricK]

I'll be glad to hang on to one for you. I have plenty of space where it will receive lots of TLC.

Hope you get your situation worked out soon.

[moogmaniac]

Thanks to all for the suggestions.

I was wondering what people thought about the "vacuum
seal" idea. I would imagine that the climate that the vacuum
sealing was done at should at an agreeable environment for storing
a minimoog.

Due to the fact that I have several minimoogs the cardboard boxes
will have to due. I will be using the silica packs as suggested.

Thank You,
Harry

[Kevin Lightner]

As long as the synth itself isn't in a high vacuum, I can't see why it would be a problem.
Less oxygen should slow down corrosion.