Jump to content
aberdeen-music

Shipping a Guitar


Diesel

Recommended Posts

I've sent basses tuned up before and I've been told they've been in tune when they got where they were going. I don't think you need to remove the strings - indeed if you do and it gets "lost" in your chosen postal system for any length of time then you've got a truss rod tightened against a string tension which isn't there - not a good idea methinks. Just my opinion, mind.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've sent basses tuned up before and I've been told they've been in tune when they got where they were going. I don't think you need to remove the strings - indeed if you do and it gets "lost" in your chosen postal system for any length of time then you've got a truss rod tightened against a string tension which isn't there - not a good idea methinks. Just my opinion, mind.

Thanks - all opinions welcome!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Leave it tuned. A guitar is designed to be tuned up to pitch with the truss rod compensating for the resultant pull. De-tuning could introduce over-compensation and bow the neck back (unless the rod is loosened off as well). Why introduce that kind of grief?

Is it going by air? If so, not sure how bubble-wrap would behave (ever had an un-opened bag of crisps on a plane? - it really likes to puff out).

The important thing is to make sure the headstock can't shift. Plenty packing between it and the void at the top of the case, and if necessary, plenty packing between the neck and any void underneath it. In fact, just make sure the whole guitar can't move at all inside the case. I use scrunched up newspaper (plenty of it) with the guitar wrapped in something non-marking (big clear poly bags etc) to protect the finish from the newsprint.

Best to pack it, close the lid, pick it up, shake it around a bit (not TOO violently) and then open it up and check for movement.

Similarly, make sure the case is well packed (again newspaper) inside the carton.

I've done this for several basses and they have managed to get where they're going (internationally) with no ill effects.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Once upon a time it was a good idea to detune if the guitar was being air freighted because the cargo hold got very cold at high altitude, but these days Im led to beleive that cargo holds are pressurised and heated, if your shipping in the uk leave the guitar in tune.

G...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest davetherave

I've shipped a few guitars and never bothered destringing them, unless its to remove a bolt on neck, making it easier to ship (obviously not an option with your les paul). Plenty of bubble wrap inside the hardcase (particularly around the neck), plenty on the outside and the cardboard carton over the top, and it should be fine. But dont forget to insure it before posting :o)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...