How to Ship a Guitar

You have a whole guitar to send somewhere and are thinking about what to do! Let me take you on a short journey on how to ship a guitar.

Shipping a guitar requires proper preparation to ensure its safety during transit. It involves gathering the right supplies, selecting a sturdy box, and providing ample cushioning.

Wrapping the guitar in bubble wrap or foam sheets is crucial, especially for the fretboard, neck, and bridge. Creating a secure nest inside the box and immobilizing the guitar prevents shifting. 

Now, the cost of shipping a guitar can range from around $100 for domestic ground shipping to over $500 for international air freight. 

Without wasting any time, let’s jump into it.

Gather Supplies

You’ll need a few things to prepare your package. Here is a list. 

1. Sturdy cardboard box (Guitar size).
2. Packing tape.
3. Bubble wrap or foam sheets. 
4. Packing peanuts or air pillows.
5. Scissors.

Follow the steps to learn how to ship a guitar.

Choose the Right Box

Get a box slightly larger than your guitar. Consider a telescoping box that allows you to adjust the box size. Make sure it’s a double-walled corrugated box for extra protection.

You can check boxes to go or Uhaul for a guitar shipping box. They have 

Line the Box

Line the bottom and sides of the box with 2-3 inches of packing peanuts or air pillows. This provides cushioning.

This cushioning will provide the primary protection during the transport. 

Wrap the Guitar

Wrap the entire guitar in bubble wrap or foam sheets, ensuring all surfaces are covered. Pay extra attention to the fret, neck and bridge, wrapping them individually.

If you have a soft gig bag, you might go easy on extra wrapping. The gig bag provides good protection inside the main shipping box.

Create a Nest

Make a nest shape in the box using packing peanuts or air pillows. This will cradle and immobilize the wrapped guitar.

Position the Guitar

Carefully place the wrapped guitar in the nest, positioning it in the center of the box. Make sure it’s snug and doesn’t move around.

Provide Cushioning 

Fill any remaining gaps with more packing peanuts or air pillows. This prevents the guitar from shifting during transit.

Place a final layer of cushioning material on top of the guitar before closing the box.

If You Have the Hard Case 

If you have a hard case, skip the steps above. The hard case is designed to withstand a good amount of pressure. It also has all the necessary cushioning.

Just put your guitar inside the case and wrap the case up with plastic paper. You can add some extra bubble wrap on the corners for protection. 

Put the case inside a cardboard box. Now, you are good to go for the next step.

Seal and Label

Seal the box tightly with packing tape, reinforcing all seams and edges. Clearly label the box as “FRAGILE” and mark which end is up.

Consider Insurance

Good guitars are expensive, especially when they are a signature series. Besides, acoustic guitars are comparatively more fragile than electric guitars. A good hit can hurt the alignment or the fretboard of your guitar. It is always recommended to be extra safe. Insurance would ensure that.

Most major shipping carriers offer affordable insurance that can be added to packages. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Declare Full Value

When purchasing shipping insurance, you’ll need to declare the full value of the guitar you are insuring. Have documentation like a receipt or appraisal to verify the declared insured value. Don’t undervalue your guitar.

Read Exclusions

Review the insurance policy details and exclusions carefully. Most standard policies exclude damage due to insufficient packaging, so proper packaging per carrier guidelines is crucial.

Third-Party Insurers

In addition to carrier insurance options, you can purchase supplemental coverage from third-party shipping insurers like Shipsurance or InsureShip, which may provide more comprehensive protection.

High-Value Items

For precious guitars over $1,000-$3,000, you may need to purchase specialty insurance for high-value item shipping.

Insuring your guitar is highly recommended when shipping, especially for vintage, custom, or high-end instruments. The relatively low insurance cost is well worth the financial protection against potential loss or damage.

By following these steps, you’ll create a secure package that protects your guitar during the shipping process. Proper cushioning and immobilization are crucial to prevent any harm to your instrument.

Costs and Services for Shipping Guitar

[Image of the shipping services]

The cost of shipping a guitar can vary depending on several factors, such as the courier service, distance, weight, and packaging. 

The cheapest way to ship a guitar is through ground service, though shipping takes longer. Here are some key points regarding the cost of shipping a guitar:

USPS: Shipping a guitar within a state using USPS Retail Ground can cost around $80, while long-distance shipping may exceed $150

UPS: UPS Freight LTL offers reliable shipping for guitars across the United States, with costs starting at around $200 for a three-day transit time

FedEx: FedEx Express Saver can ship guitars for $50-100 domestically, with longer distances or priority services costing more

DHL: DHL provides air and ground freight options for shipping guitars, with costs ranging from $150 to $200 within the same state and more for long-distance flights

International Shipping: International shipping of guitars through FedEx, UPS, and DHL can range from $200 to $500, depending on the destination and service chosen

Average Costs: On average, shipping a guitar within the US can range from $100 to $200, with long-distance shipping costing more than $200

Discounts and Calculators: Utilizing shipping calculators and services like Shippo can help find the best delivery quotes and potentially reduce costs through discounts or negotiated rates

Overall, the cost of shipping a guitar can vary significantly based on the specific circumstances of the shipment, including the courier service chosen, the destination, and the level of service required.

Concluding Thoughts

Shipping a guitar requires preparation and proper packaging. Following the recommended steps is crucial to ensure your instrument’s safety during transit.

Invest in the right supplies – a sturdy box, ample cushioning materials, and protective wrapping. Consider purchasing shipping insurance, especially for valuable or vintage guitars.

When selecting a shipping service, weigh costs, transit times, and reliability. Ground shipping is usually the most economical option, while expedited air services are more expensive but faster.

With diligent preparation and the appropriate shipping method, you can easily pack and ship your guitar to its destination. A little effort upfront goes a long way in preserving the condition and playability of your cherished instrument.