How to Ship a Guitar - Step by Step Instructions
Shipping a guitar is not easy. Guitars are fragile and break more often than think during transit.
As a guitar owner, you know how difficult it is to ship a guitar safely, especially when you sell it and it must arrive in good condition. That's why it's a big deal when you have to send a classical guitar, Fender, or Gibson Les Paul. You must be knowledgeable about the proper way to pack the guitar, how to secure it, and how to get the appropriate insurance in the event that it is damaged or lost while being shipped, regardless of whether you are sending it across the nation or across the globe.
You can safely transport the guitar and ensure it continues to play at its peak with the correct information and care. We'll walk you through essential steps to ship your guitar securely while maintaining proper shipping insurance coverage.
Choose the right shipping carrier. A carrier that specializes in musical instrument transportation should be your first choice. USPS, FedEx,UPS and DHL EXpress are reliable options that have experience carrying fragile instruments of all sizes every days.
Select the appropriate method. For shipping a guitar, it's recommended to use a shipping service that provides tracking, insurance, and signature confirmation. FedEx Priority Overnight and UPS Next Day Air ensure the fastest and most secure delivery.
Prepare the guitar for shipment. Loosen the strings to decrease tension on the neck joint. Some carriers require you to remove the guitar strings or take other precautions. Pull loose parts, such as the guitar strap and accessories, and pack them separately. Package the guitar securely. You may want to use a hard-sided case or a shipping container designed specifically for musical instruments.
Place the guitar in a sturdy, well-padded case, gig bag, cardboard box or guitar shipping box. Place the guitar box in a larger container and fill the remaining space with packing material to prevent the guitar from shifting during transit. Use bubble wrap, foam, crumpled newspaper, packing peanuts or air-filled bags to cushion both the guitar neck and the body of the guitar to prevent any damage. Use a strong packing tape. Seal the outer box and apply the shipping label and any required handling instructions, Including a packing slip with the recipient's information and your contact details.
Now that you're ready to pack and ship, think if you need insurance or not. Most carriers offer some form of basic liability coverage, often capping the maximum payout at a relatively low amount (e.g. $100 for USPS). You can purchase additional insurance with Secursus to provide more robust protection up to the full declared value of the item.
Track the shipment and keep records. Monitor the package's progress using the tracking number provided by the carrier. Keep a copy of the shipping receipt, insurance documentation and any relevant paperwork if you needed to file a claim.
How much does it cost to ship a guitar? Several factors are to be taken into account :
1. The carrier
USPS tends to be the most affordable option for smaller, lighter guitars, with rates starting around $20-$40 for domestic shipping. FedEx and UPS generally have higher base rates yet more services and faster delivery times. Expect to pay $50-$100 or more.
2. The transport method
ground, air or priority. Faster methods are more expensive with $20-$50 more.
3. The guitar size and weight
expect to pay an additional $10-$20 for every 5 lbs of instrument weight.
4. The shipping distance
count $5-$20 or more for each additional 500 miles of distance.
5. The insurance and packaging expect to pay $10-$30 for supplemental insurance and specialized packaging.
To provide a rough estimate, the cost for acoustic guitars or a standard electric guitar shipped domestically within the USA can range from $50 to $150. We recommend you request quotes from different carriers to compare prices and services.
If you still need any help on how to ship your guitar, feel free to contact our team and we'll help you to pack, ship and insure your guitar.
