1. How do you Ship a Musical Instrument?
Shipping musical instruments requires a little more care than other items. Different instruments have individual packing needs. The shipping case should be large enough for your instruments with a foam or other material to cushion your instrument so there is little or no movement.
2. How to Ship Musical Instruments Without a Case – and Why this is not Recommended.
A case is the best way to ship a musical instrument because it’s perfectly designed to protect your instrument. Shipping without a case is not recommended because there is more of a risk of damage. If you must ship without a case, cover it completely with at least 2 layers of bubble wrap and secure it with packing tape. Then, you need to find a sturdy box that is at least 2 inches larger than your instrument in height and length.
3. How do you Ship Amps and Speakers Safely?
Amps:
It’s best to choose a shipping case with a plastic or wood exterior and custom made foam interior, but if this is not possible, there are some do-it-yourself methods that will provide a safe shipping option for amps.
- Step 1– Carefully remove any tubes usually located under the back cover. These need to be wrapped in bubble wrap and boxed separately.
- Step 2– Wrap the power cable with a rubber band. Also, wrap the cord in newspaper and use a piece of cardboard to keep it separated from the speaker.
- Step 3– Fill the bottom of the case with packing material so the amp doesn’t move around in transit. Place the amp in the box and fill in the spaces between the amp and the box. Close all sides with packing tape. Give it the “shake” test and make sure nothing is moving around. Then your amp is ready to ship!
Speakers:
It’s always suggested to use a shipping case with a hard exterior and custom foam interior to ship expensive speakers and other sound equipment. If this is not an option, the following do-it-yourself techniques will help ensure a safe transport of your speakers.
Surround each speaker with bubble wrap (the large bubbles are better). Then, find boxes that are about the same size and put brown packing paper around all sides but don’t put any around the cone of the speaker. Put a piece of cardboard on that side and packing paper on the other side of the cardboard. Use packing tape to secure all sides and mark the side that is the front of the speaker which is the most fragile part.
4. How do you Ship a Guitar, Drums, Keyboard Safely?
When shipping a guitar, keyboard, drums or really, any musical instrument, it is best to use a shipping case specifically designed for air transportation, but if this is not an option following do-it-yourself shipping procedures will help ensure the safe transport of your expensive instrument.
Drums:
You will need boxes that are the right size for each piece. Break down the drum set by removing the legs and taking the rack tom stand apart. Next, remove the bass drum heads and line the inside with cardboard strips and crumpled newspaper. Wrap the rack tom in newspaper then secure bubble wrap with packing tape around it. Place the wrapped rack tom inside the kick drum and fill in gaps with more crumpled paper. Place the whole drum in a box filling in all of the gaps around it so that it doesn’t move around. Use shipping tape to seal each box.
Guitar- There are 3 things you need to consider:
- Prepare your Instrument– Remove all moveable parts that could scratch such as the slide, capo, and whammy bar. Loosen the strings to prevent snapping. Next, wrap the headstock in bubble wrap to protect the tuners from the case. Finally, place a towel between the strings and the fretboard.
- Pack your Guitar in an Appropriate Case– Make sure your guitar is in a hard protective case. Fill in the gaps around your guitar with bubble wrap or air cushioning. Finally, do a “shake test.” If you hear movement, you need to add more packing material inside.
- Choose the Right Box– Obtain a sturdy corrugated cardboard box that can withstand the weight of your guitar. Fill in all empty space with bubble wrap or air cushioning so that the guitar has a snug fit. Do a final “shake test.” Use strong packing tape to fasten the box shut.
Keyboard:
First, place bubble wrap under the keys on your keyboard. Place at least 2 layers or more of bubble wrap so that your keyboard won’t be damaged. Roll a strip of bubble wrap in a cylindrical shape and secure to both ends of the keyboard. Stand the box up and cover the floor with packing peanuts. Place the keyboard inside the box and add more packing peanuts. Apply shipping tape to secure the box shut.
5. Why use Custom Shipping Cases to Ship Your Musical Instruments Safely?
Using custom ATA shipping cases from Philly Case will ensure the safe delivery of your musical instrument. Customized cases are specially designed to fit the size and needs of your specific instrument. By just using cardboard boxes on your own, you are running the risk of damage while in transit.
6. How can Philly Case Help you Safely Ship Musical Instruments?
Philly Case has over 30 years of experience designing instrument cases for world-renowned symphonies, rock bands, and university marching bands. We have an extensive library of designs or we can design a case from scratch to match your exact needs. Our cases are 100% made in the USA and we only use the best material for our cases. We can accommodate large quantity orders. We even have the capability to customize the exterior of your case with a specific color or logo. If you value quality construction, durability, and sophisticated design, please give our sales team a call at (215) 551-6811 Extension 7009 today. For RFQ’s, Drawing Submittal, and New Project Inquiries, please fill out our Design A Custom Case form or email orders@phillycase.com.
7. What is the Cheapest Way to Ship a Guitar?
- Use a guitar case or order a customized case
- Look for a courier service with the most competitive rate and one that specializes in guitar shipping
- Please note electric guitars are heavier than acoustic guitars and therefore might be more expensive to ship.
8. How much does it Cost to Ship an Acoustic Guitar With a Case?
You can expect an average cost range of $100 to $150 for ground shipping of an acoustic guitar with its case. The main factors are how far it is going, the weight and dimensions of your package, and the courier service that you choose.