Musical instruments such as guitars are very precarious. These objects need care and proper temperament to handle from the user. Needless to say, when you are a musician, you will move around with your guitar. When you are traveling long distances, you cannot leave the guitar behind. Therefore, it is essential to garnering an idea on how to ship the guitar. It would help if you learned about the ways you can send it with. The owner also needs to learn how to prepare the guitar for long-distance shipping.
As the owner, the primary responsibility for the guitar lies with you. If the preparation for shipping is done correctly, the actual shipping of the instrument happens quickly. In this article, we will discuss the packaging needed for shipping a guitar. Good shipping companies take care of the necessary specific packaging for guitars. However, it is best to take care of the packaging yourself. Since the instrument is yours, you adhere to all the precautions required for safe, successful shipping.
The guitar is a very delicate musical instrument that needs special attention. Of course, there are guitar cases that keep the guitar in shape. However, these are great for storing and carrying the guitar. If you are shipping the guitar over a long distance, some additional details need to be followed.
Before we get to the packaging part of guitar shipping, let us know what materials you need to package safely. The packaging required are:
Newspapers- Newspaper or any other type of paper is the principal packing material for the guitar packaging. You wrap and pad the guitar with newspaper.
A rectangular box – You need a rectangular box that can fit the guitar in it. The guitar needs to be entirely covered by the box. Therefore, you need a big enough box to fit it in.
Packing tape- You have packing material and a packing box. Of course, you need something to secure the two with. The packing tape helps in holding the packing material together. The packing tape secures the guitar and is very necessary for packaging.
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The strings are the most delicate part of the guitar. Therefore, you need to show additional care for guitar strings. It is best to detune the guitar before packing. However, you can loosen the strings slightly before packing them. This will reduce the tension at the guitar’s neck, and you can quickly ship the guitar.
The guitar has many movable parts. However, it is best to ensure that the movable parts are secure. The movable parts need extra security because these parts can loosen in transit and fall of the main body. This will damage the guitar, and you cannot use it any further.
The guitar parts need more packing material and double securing packing tape. You have to ensure that nothing rattles when you move the guitar around. This is important to keep the guitar functional in transit. There are chances that the guitar will be damaged in transit. The precaution for the movable part minimizes the chances.
The headstock of the guitar is an essential part. The headstock is quite sensitive and should be handled with care. When you travel with a guitar or ship it, ensure that the headstock is secure and snug. The headstock needs much packing material so that the impact of transit and movement is muted. One of the alternative packing materials for this purpose is bubble wrap. The bubble wrap absorbs shock and keeps the headstock safe from blows or transit impact.
The packing material should barrier the fretboard and the series. The lines make music, so they have to be protected from friction. Any unwanted friction can cause damage to the strings. To keep the guitar functional, keep a layer of packing material between the strings and the fretboard. This will keep the strings without much friction. This way, you can keep the guitar functional even after long-distance travel.
Securing the guitar with packing material is only the first step. The additional step of security is to secure the spaces around the guitar. When you leave the spaces around the guitar empty, the guitar and its parts find an area to move. The whole idea of packing the guitar is to reduce friction and movement. Therefore, the spaces around the guitar also need a lining of packing material.
This step provides a cushioned case for guitar shipping. When you fill the spaces, you make your guitar safer for transit. With a cushion of packing material, your guitar can withstand shocks from transit impact. With cushion material, you reduce the space for the guitar to move and encounter friction. Therefore, filling the additional spaces of the shipping case is essential.
As discussed before, the guitar case is for carrying the guitar during shorter duration travel. When it comes to long transit time, it is best to box the case. It would help if you put the case in a larger box for additional security. The box will also help in moving it from place to place. The package also needs to be packed with packing material. The packing material can be newspaper, thermocol, bubble wrap. Anything that provides a cushioning effect is best for this purpose. You secure the case and the guitar inside it.
Once the box is packed well, you should seal it properly with packing tape. The idea is to make it as tamper-proof as possible. Wrap it twice with packing tape so that it is truly secure.
The above ways are great for guitar packing. However, you can use the same tips for any strings musical instrument. If you are a musician, these packing instructions will come to your rescue.
Next article: How To Ship Fragile Items
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