shipping instruments
I am ready to ship an early 1900's mandolin from Phoenix, AZ to Auberry, CA. I am looking for any suggestions on a cost effective way to send it and which shipper you would recommend to use.
Looking forward to your comments.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Kristin Fetterhoff on
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I find the appropriate box or go to a music store and ask if they have any. If it has a case it all has to fit in the box.
I use regular post office USPS as I have had too many nightmares with UPS and FED-X. The shipping is even cheaper with USPS. You should buy insurance but I believe $50 insurance is already standard with USPS. Happy shipping. Kristin
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Permalink Reply by Lee Gendvilas on
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Hi Kristin, thanks for replying so fast! I went to UPS and did just a rough guesstimate with them and thought $180.00 was a bit much. When you ship, do you double box?
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I do put packing inside the case when with the guitar and cushion it from impact. UPS throws them around. $180 is outrageous. Putting the guitar in case in the box and mark it Fragile: Handle with Care helps. Doesn't need to be double boxed.
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Hello again Kristin. Thanks for replying again. All this is great information! Looks like USPS is gonna get business. I just have to get it prepared first.
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If you have instrument insurance for your own instruments, you can probably get insurance for a shipment at a better price than with the shipper. Depending on the terms of your policy and the instrument value, it might be a better deal. I've shipped a couple for no additional cost and I had one shipped to me that was damaged and the sellers insurance covered the repair and the reduction in value from the repaired damage with no hassles. Do notify your insurance carrier first, however. None of the shipping carriers will treat you that well with their "insurance. " That said, USPS insurance has been better than the others for me if that's what you have to use.
Re packing, check Frank's frets.com web site for how to do it. Summary: remove the bridge and put it in the case pocket, pad the strings so they can't flop against the body, pull the end pin, pack the mandolin inside the case so it can't move (especially under and over the headstock) and then put the case in a mandolin box so it's completely suspended away from the outer box by additional firm packing. A good guitar/mandolin store should have a box. If there's a pick guard it belongs in the pocket after wrapping along with the end pin.
Larry
PS: don't mark the bridge position with masking tape or post-it stickers. Solvents in the adhesive can damage finish. BTDT.
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So many things we can learn from each other on shipping these precious instruments.
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Hi Larry! Thanks for replying. Looks like I might be coming to the Tucson area soon so maybe I can stop by and say hi. Unfortunately I don't have instrument insurance yet. It's been awhile since I've read Frank's packing article so I'll go back and reread it. Great info and looking to hopefully meeting you in person.
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Permalink Reply by Kerry Krishna on
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I refuse to use anything other that Postal Service. I've had horrid and incredibly expensive disasters with all other shippers.
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Hi Kerry! Thank-you for taking the time to post the link. All this information is very helpful! I have a box and am starting to pack.
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