Shipping a guitar means you're entrusting your fragile and valuable instrument to someone else for safe and secure transport. Guitars should be packed and shipped with extra care as they're delicate and fragile. So, how do you ship a guitar safely?
Here is the process of shipping a guitar, from preparing the guitar to packing and shipping it.
What Do You Need to Pack a Guitar?
Before getting started, you'll need some supplies:
- A box big enough to fit the guitar
Ideally, the box should be strong and sturdy, with no sharp edges.
- Packing materials
The guitar needs to be cushioned and secured, so you'll need items like paper, bubble pack, packing peanuts, foam pads, or blankets. Parcel Plus’s shipping experts can assist you with packing supplies or do the packing for you.
- Packing tape
You'll need packing tape to keep the box securely sealed across all edges.
Preparing a Guitar for Packing
You can start prepping the guitar for shipping once you have the necessary guitar box, packing material, and tape. Follow these simple steps:
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Loosen the Guitar Strings
Guitar strings make the music, so make sure they’re loosened to avoid damage. Avoid shipping your guitar with its strings tightly set in place. Instead, loosen the strings, and use tape to secure them to avoid buzzing against the fretboard.
Remember, packages are prone to bumps and jostles, and multiple handling. Tension on the strings can also stress the guitar neck, so always loosen them before packing and transit.
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Secure All Detachable Parts
Guitars entail varying detachable components, like switches, knobs, and whammy bars. It's easy to lose these parts, causing unpleasant discord. Secure them before packing and shipping. For example, attach the whammy bar securely to the body if the guitar has one.
This process also involves removing any parts that may cause harm during transit and properly packing them in the box alongside the guitar. For example, a guitar switch can cause scratches on the body, so remove and pack it in soft material.
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Place the Guitar in its Case
Every guitar needs its casing, and guitar cases are diverse, ranging from hard-to-soft shell cases. The guitar case should offer adequate protection and keep the instrument safe during transit, whether it's vintage or modern-day.
You should check if the guitar is moving around once it's in its case. If it is, add packing material to avoid any potential damage caused by shocks or vibrations during transit.
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Place the Guitar Case in a Large Shipping Box
Guitar cases help to carry around and store guitars safely, but it’s still important to protect them during shipping. Place the guitar case in a strong and sturdy shipping box to get the best protection for your guitar.
The guitar case should fit securely in the box so that it doesn't move around even when the box shakes. To achieve a perfect fit, stuff the box with packing material, such as bubble packing or packing peanuts.
Attach a Shipping Label
Attach a shipping label to the box and ensure it's visible from all angles. Ensure the recipient address on the label is accurate and legible; otherwise, you risk losing track of your package.
Finally, affix packing tape around all edges of the box and check if there are any cuts. Clear packing tape generously applied will seal the box and ensure the guitar's safe delivery.
Ship Your Guitar at Your Local Parcel Plus
And you're done! The guitar is now ready for its journey to the recipient or buyer. The only other tip is to ship with Parcel Plus for first-class service and affordable shipping options.