by Cande Baker

Created on: January 28, 2010

How to Ship a Guitar

 Shipping a guitar is pretty straight forward ordeal. If you are shipping something that is considered a collectible you should take great care to inspect it before shipping, take pictures if needed and insure it when you ship it. This also helps if you are trading or selling used guitars, because flaws are an important part of guitar values, that is, they are more valuable with less flaws. But if you make a note of the flaws and it arrives with more flaws or damage you have something to back you up in a dispute. Most guitar buffs are careful about what they buy and even small scratches can create big head aches if you are not careful. Having the original case is always a plus, because the guitar is usually snugly fit and less damage is possible. Having any case is better than no case at all however because you can fill the gaps, and it's basic shape is more secure than stuffing it into a rectangular box with just fillers. So I recommend a double packing on guitars without cases. Using a triangular box inside of a rectangular box, this insures protection. And complement from the receiver who sees you took great care in handling his purchase (if selling).

So, depending on the type of guitar it is best shipped in a triangular box that fits into a rectangular box you can get from any music store. These boxes help to support the neck and head. This shape also serves to keep the “tuning keys” from experiencing damage if shipping without the case.

1) Loosen strings to there lowest point and slide a piece of thin Styrofoam or bubble-wrap strip underneath the strings on the fret board.

2) Wrap the guitar in a large sheet of bubble wrap to protect it from scratches ( if shipping without the case) and place in the triangular box, fill in gaps around neck area.

3) Fill the bottom of the rectangular box about 6 or more inches deep with news paper for cushioning. Less if the triangular box in not fitting all the way in the triangular box. Make sure to fill all the gaps without over stuffing.

If shipping a guitar with a case: Loosen strings  and slide a strip of bubble wrap, under strings on the fret board as above, place the guitar in a thin or sheer plastic bag and replace in the case. The case serves as the triangular box in this case. Simply fill any gaps at the neck in the case as well as in the shipping box. You should make sure the base of the guitar fits snuggly in the case, usually if it is the original case this will not be an issue.

Place the guitar in a rectangular box from a music store (which usually are free). Fill box at bottom as instructed above.

Use clear plastic shipping tape for sealing the box.

Ask your local post office or go to USPS, or UPS, or FEDEX for their cost and guidelines for labeling before you label the box.

Learn more about this author, Cande Baker.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.