7 Expert Tips for Shipping Musical Instruments

Shipping musical instruments, especially fragile or valuable ones, can be a nerve-wracking experience. As a professional musician or instrument enthusiast, you want your cherished instruments to reach their destination in pristine condition. In this guide, we'll walk you through the fundamental steps to ensure your instruments are properly packaged and safe during transit.

1. Ship instruments inside their cases.

When shipping musical instruments, always opt to place them inside their cases. These cases are designed to protect your instruments from external forces during transportation. Whether you're shipping a guitar, violin, trumpet, or any other musical equipment, using a strong instrument case in good condition is your first defense against potential damage.

2. Choose the right-sized packaging.

When packing your musical instruments, balance a firm fit and over-tightening. Instruments should fit snugly within their cases, but excessive pressure can cause damage. Use padding, such as foam or bubble wrap, to fill gaps and provide cushioning without exerting too much pressure on the instrument.

3. Use plenty of bubble wrap.

When safeguarding your delicate musical instrument during the shipping process, you'll want to rely on a trusty companion: bubble wrap. Be generous with the bubble wrap, ensuring that it completely envelops your instrument, offering a shield against any potential bumps or scrapes.

As you wrap, pay special attention to the instrument's fragile areas and those sensitive edges that need extra care. This careful approach will go a long way in assuring that your beloved musical companion reaches its destination in perfect condition.

4. Ship instruments in pieces.

For larger instruments or those with detachable parts, consider shipping them in pieces. Shipping musical instruments in pieces can be a good idea for the following reasons:

• Reduced Risk of Damage: Disassembling instruments allows for individual packaging and padding, minimizing the risk of impact or temperature-related damage during transit.
• Custom Packaging: Each instrument component can be custom-packed to fit its shape and size, ensuring a secure fit within the packaging.
• Easier Handling: Smaller, disassembled instrument components are easier for shipping personnel to handle, reducing the likelihood of rough handling or accidents during transportation.

5. Label every package.

The label on your package serves as its identity, guiding it through the intricate logistics of the shipping process. Be sure to include essential information such as the recipient's address, your return address, and a contact phone number. Additionally, consider using clear and detailed labels that indicate the fragile nature of the contents so handlers exercise extra care. By paying attention to labeling, you can minimize the risk of mishandling and help your musical instrument reach its destination in perfect order.

6. Get insurance for your instruments.

When shipping valuable musical instruments, it's a smart move to purchase shipping insurance. Imagine sending off your cherished guitar, violin, or vintage keyboard. Despite careful packaging, accidents can occur. With shipping insurance, you're covered.

This additional protection offers peace of mind in case of unexpected mishaps during transit. Whether it's an accidental bump, a handling mishap, or an unforeseen event like a natural disaster, insurance is a safeguard for your prized instruments.

It provides a safety net, both financially and emotionally, protecting your instrument's value and sentimental attachment. In case of damage, insurance ensures you won't be left bearing the full burden. It helps you recover the instrument's value or replace it.

7. Choose the right shipping provider.

Picking the best shipping provider is crucial for ensuring your musical instruments arrive safely at their destination. It's not just about logistics; it's about finding a partner with expertise in handling these valuable items. To make the right choice, start by doing some research. Look into different shipping methods, compare rates, and read customer reviews. The goal is to find a provider specializing in safely shipping musical instruments.

For example, when it comes to larger instruments like grand pianos and harps, standard shipping methods won't cut it. These instruments require special attention. In such cases, it's essential to rely on professionals with experience handling and transporting large and delicate instruments. These experts know how to secure these instruments during transit, ensuring they reach their new destination intact.

Tips For Specific Instruments

Here are some additional tips for shipping specific instruments.

1. Drums

Most drums don't come with cases, so it's a good idea to wrap them in multiple layers of bubble wrap before placing them in a box or crate. Ensure the box is the right size for the drum to prevent it from shifting around.

If you send multiple drums, you can remove the big drums' tops and sides and put the smaller ones inside. Use crumpled newspaper or cloth to cushion them, then put the tops and sides back on. Put small parts in a separate bag.

If you're shipping a whole drum kit, you must take it apart. Remove the legs and disassemble the rack to stand. Wrap the rack tom parts and put them inside the kick drum. Fill any gaps with crumpled newspaper to keep everything in place.

2. Brass instruments

Because trumpets, trombones, horns, tubas, and other brass instruments have many pieces, it's a good idea to take them apart and wrap each piece individually. Use lots of bubble wrap to protect each piece, then place them in the packing crate, including their cases, which should also be wrapped separately.

3. Stringed instruments

When you're sending guitars, violins, double basses, cellos, mandolins, or any stringed instrument, there are a few important things to do:

• Loosen the strings: Loosening the strings is essential because potential temperature changes during the trip can lead to string breakage or neck bending.
• Protect the neck: Safeguard the instrument's neck by wrapping it with extra cloth or bubble wrap to prevent damage during transit.
• Add fretboard padding: Insert padding between the fretboard and the strings to provide an additional layer of protection for the instrument.
• Consider alternate cases: If you lack a guitar-shaped packing case, explore options like packing crates or guitar shipping boxes for secure transportation.
• Ensure a snug fit: Maintain a 6 cm gap between the instrument case and the crate or box, filling it with bubble wrap to prevent movement and ensure the instrument's safety during shipping.

4. Wind instruments

You can put flutes, clarinets, saxophones, and oboes in their cases. Wrap both the instrument in the case and the case with bubble wrap to protect and absorb any shocks. Make sure to tape it securely. If you don't have a case for your instrument, wrap it in at least three layers of bubble wrap before placing it in the packing crate.

Ship Your Instruments Risk-Free with UNIVAL Logistics

As you can see, shipping musical instruments requires extra care and meticulous attention to detail. By following these expert tips, you can minimize the risk of damage in transit and ensure that your beloved instruments arrive at their destination safe and sound. And, if you're looking for experienced, reliable carriers to ship your instruments, you're at the right place.

At UNIVAL Logistics, we understand the unique challenges of shipping valuable assets like musical instruments. We offer secure, end-to-end shipping solutions and comprehensive insurance coverage to provide peace of mind. Your valuable items deserve the utmost care and security during transit, and we are here to ensure their safe and secure delivery.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you confidently ship your musical instruments.