Shipping Guitars?

[CE-man]

When it comes to shipping guitars I"ve always been meticulous at packing. I usually slacken the strings, fill any empty areas in the case and then pack the case with several inches of bubblewrap before boxing it. Lately I've noticed more guitars simply being stuck in a box (in their cases of course) with full string tension. Have I been the anal retentive guitar shipper this whole time? Is it necessary to slacken the strings or have redundant wrapping when the guitar is in a form-fitted case?

 

[Jester]

I don't think it is necessary. It just needs to be snug in the hard case.

I do try to make sure the hard case can't move around in the shipping box. In that regard, bubble wrap is better than foam peanuts.

 

[Justin M]

I shipped my guitars from Japan to South Korea in hard cases and loosened the strings. I didn't have any issues.

 

[markie]

They do not loosen the strings when they ship from the factory. However, I will loosen the strings if someone asks me to do so.......

 

[vchizzle]

I've over packed in the past. Then, figuring if PRS ships them in tune with bubble wrap in each end of the box...why should I feel the need to do more?

 

[CE-man]

I've over packed in the past. Then, figuring if PRS ships them in tune with bubble wrap in each end of the box...why should I feel the need to do more?

That is exactly what I based this post on. From now on I'm going to save myself a lot of time and energy and ship them just as you described.

 

[11top]

John Suhr maintains that it's NOT a good idea to lessen the strings.

However, I always overpack (especially on the inside of the case) for one major reason..........I have dealt with UPS claims adjusters on several occasions. They ALWAYS try to deny on shipper's negligence (ie. failure to pack adequately).

One more tip: Take photos (including inside the case) to show your packing. By the time the claim adjuster has it, it may be unpacked.

 

[Rango]

They don't slack the strings, but they do use a bit of foam and tape
For example my P22

 

[JMintzer]

It's the neck condom and the card under the strings. Packing mojo...

 

[markie]

It's the neck condom and the card under the strings. Packing mojo...

............... Mr. Obvious ..............

 

[JMintzer]

That's Dr. Obvious, to you. I didn't spend 4 years in Obvious School for nothing!


Jamie

 

[László]

Speaking of obvious -- and I know this will be obvious to me once someone tells me -- what's the neck condom do? I was thinking maybe it's some sort of thing to absorb shock, but it seems awfully small for that.

Anyone know?

 

[JMintzer]

I think it's just there, kinda' like the strip of paper on your toilet seat, when you check into a hotel. There to let you know it's been "sanitized, for your protection..."


Jamie

 

[László]

I think it's just there, kinda' like the strip of paper on your toilet seat, when you check into a hotel. There to let you know it's been "sanitized, for your protection..."


Jamie

I always thought that strip of paper was there to keep first time toilet users from falling in.

 

[wilerty]

The is no reason to slacken the strings for shipment.

I think the way PRS ships is fine. However ... I buy the small bubble wrap and wrap the outside of the case so it fits a little more snuggly in the box.

 

[RickO]

I wish this one was being shipped to my place! Sweet guitar Rango!

 

[RedGuitars]

1/2" foam sheathing - $10/sheet at Home Depot - cuts easily to fit any shape. I use it for packing/shipping gear all the time.

 

[]-[@n$0Ma☩!©]

1/2" foam sheathing - $10/sheet at Home Depot - cuts easily to fit any shape. I use it for packing/shipping gear all the time.

I use that trick too. UPS stabbed a 1/2" hole all the way through a guitar case one time (which I fixed with super glue and a coin). Luckily, whatever came through the case didn't hit the 305 inside. The foam may not have stopped whatever that was but protecting the case from damage is a big part of making a clean sale. So... I use it.

I also wrap the case in garbage bags to keep them water tight. I've had guitars end up in the rain during shipment.

PRS has a lot more sway with shippers (if they need to make a claim) than any individual. Plus, the cost of adding a 2nd box to every guitar they ship is probably a lot less than the occasional repair.

 

[QueenCityGuitars]

I'm meticulous concerning packing as well. Anything to decrease your chances of incurring damage is a good idea. However, I don't see any reason to loosen the strings. A guitar is meant to have tension from the strings. If something were to hit the box hard enough to damage the neck, I seriously doubt having less tension from the strings is going to help much. Just my $0.02.

 

[rugerpc]

I'm thinkin' that the neck is designed to offset string tension and to slacken the strings for any extended length of time would allow neck movement - perhaps to the point of buzzing frets until the balance is returned and the neck moves back. How long does it take a neck to move? How long would it take for it to return? These are questions I don't want to experiment with.