Winter Storage of Guitar Amps

gtaus

My wife and I are shutting donw the lake cabin and moving towards warmer digs this weekend. I have three 50 watt practice amps sitting here and I am wondering if they will survive the sub zero (Northern Minnesota) weather this winter? Or do I have to put everything into storage which is not going to freeze? In the past, we have left TV's and such in the cabin over winter without any problems. But does anybody know the effect of freezing temps on amps? All my guitars are packed up and already moved. So it's just my practice amps which I don't need at the other house. Thanks in advance for suggestions.

Manitou

A cabin on the Lake...s-w-e-e-t!!

I would worry more about speakers, than I would electronics.
Especially, if there is much moisture in the air. Frozen air is dry, but the transition periods of thaw, and freezing would be tough on speakers. Cover them at least with a blanket, and set them in a closet.
Also, I would worry about mouse damage. Block any access to the interior of the cabinets.

These get shipped over the road in large trucks which are not insulated or heated, in both extreme heat and cold. They seem to make the trip just fine.

I live in N.Mich., and I've known lots of guys that would leave large equipment like this in their Vans, rather than lug them back and forth. Or leave them set up in the garage or outbuildings where they practice. Like you said, TV's and all the other electronic gear survives.

Most amps will take a lot of abuse, but obviously, the call is yours to make.

guitar3456

Blankets are a great idea. If it's sub zero, use a blanket and place a large plastic wrap or super large bag over the cabinets. Keeping the air from condensating on metal parts and speaker is important. If it does not get below freezing, a blanket would be fine and is less likely to transfer moisture to the items covered.

Biggest breakdowns are in speaker papers, paper adhesives and dust cap adhesives. Those cause the foam surround to break down and eventually the paper separates over time from extreme hot and cold environments.

Same happens for storage areas of extreme heat, and relocating to a cooler area (air conditioned club). Either can create moisture and then as it warms evaporates. That's when speakers, potentiometers in amps, and jacks start to break down. Most equipment can handle changes of +/- 30 deg.

With outside events, by the end of a night we have to wipe down tolex, abs cabs, and all cables since the condensation can be a real problem.