Guitar stored unstrung

[Paraclete]

Hey everyone     

It's been way too long since I was here.  And I've got a problem that I hope is not a problem.  Some of you might remember the 1977 Larrivée classical that I bought (I can't even remember how long ago that was).  Well, I lost possession of it to my ex partner (very long story).  Just managed to get it today, and it has been stored unstrung in its case for what I would guess is several months to over a year.

What is the prognosis on this?  There are varying opinions about neck problems and resets.  I don't even have the right kind of strings for it, only the extra high tension ones that go on my Ramirez.  I'm not sure that's a good idea to try those.  Any experience or ideas?  I'm trying very hard not to be completely stressed and angry about this.

[B0WIE]

 You'll read online that the neck will bow or some other damage will take place but there's no guarantee of that. In fact, in my experience, I'd consider it unlikely but possible. In your case, very unlikely. If you're going to have an instrument unstrung, you want it to be a vintage classical because they aren't built to counter a lot of string tension, the woods are stable, and they typically don't have a truss rod. There's a good chance it's fine. You can use those strings, just tune them a step or half step down if you are concerned. In fact, I'd even bring them up slowly over a couple hours so the woods aren't forced to tension after being relaxed for so long. Usually not necessary, but a good precaution.

[Paraclete]

Thanks so much!