How to Build a Guitar Display Case

If you own a prized Fender or Gibson model, you’ll want to have a guitar display case suitable for your cherished instrument. Even if you have a large collection of guitars to display, you will still want to build individual stands so friends and family can admire their full beauty. A simple wall-mounted display will help keep your beloved guitar safe and will add character to any room.

Step 1 – Measurements

To protect your instruments and to keep them from falling, it is important to take proper measurements of each guitar for its own individual display case. Measure the length, width and depth of each guitar and note these measurements to build exact-sized parts for your guitar display case. Important measurements include the lengths of the guitar body, the neck and the head.

Step 2 – Prepping the Backboard

The 1 by 10 pine plank will be the backboard of your display. Cut the board to a length 1 foot longer than the total length of your guitar. To taper your display, measure 2 inches from each corner at one end and use a straight edge to draw a line from the square corners to your new marks. Cut along this line and sand any rough edges. Stain your board to the color of your choice, applying at least 2 coats of verathane to protect it.

Step 3 – The Bottom Rest

Cut 2 pieces of 1 by 2 to 1/2 inch longer than the depth of your guitar’s body. Cut another piece of 1 by 2 to a length 2 inches longer than the width of your guitar’s body approximately 2 inches from the base. Attach the shorter pieces to the ends of the longer piece to make a U-shape. Remember to pre-drill your holes before screwing the wood together to keep it from splitting. Wrap the assembled pieces of 1 by 2 in velvet material, letting the glue dry overnight.

Once the glue has dried on your bottom rest, center it on your guitar display 6 inches from the bottom. Set the rest so there is a gap between the display board and the long piece of 1 by 2. Mark where the shorter pieces sit on your display board and remove the bottom rest. Drill a hole where the rest will attach to the guitar display case then screw the bottom rest to the display board, working from the back of your construction.

Step 4 – The Top Rest

Cut 2 pieces of 1 by 2 to 1 inch longer than the depth of your guitar’s neck at the head. Cut another piece of 1 by 2 to a length 1/2 inch wider than the width of your guitar’s head at its widest point. Attach the shorter pieces to the ends of the longer piece to make a U-shape. Remember to pre-drill your holes before screwing the wood together to keep it from splitting. Wrap the assembled pieces on 1 by 2 in velvet material, letting the glue dry overnight.

It will be easiest to place the bracket on the board working directly with the guitar. With the display lying flat, lay the guitar so that it fits snugly in the bottom rest. Making sure the guitar neck is centered, position the top bracket at the second fret. After marking the top rest’s position, attach it to the guitar display board the same way as you attached the bottom rest.

Step 5 – Wall Mounting

On the back of the guitar display case, attach framing eyes 1 inch from either edge around 6 inches from the top. Attach framing wire to each eye, making sure that the loop does not hang over the top. Anchor a screw into the drywall where you want to display your guitar and hang up your empty guitar display case. Once you have hung your guitar display, slide your guitar neck into the top rest then let it come back down to sit in the bottom rest.