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THIS is the Cheapest Way to Ship A Guitar (Comparing All Methods)

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As a guitar player or even a non-player, there might come a time when you will definitely need to ship your guitar. It might be across a country, state, region, or even continent. 

Sometimes, the reason might be that you simply want to give another person a guitar or even ship it to a buyer. Whatever the reason is, the cost is always a major factor to consider when shipping a guitar. 

Also, safety and cost work hand in hand. A shipping option might appear rather cheap, but it won’t make any difference if they can’t guarantee proper handling or safety of the guitar.

 As a matter of fact, not prioritizing safety might turn out to be rather too expensive in the long run as your guitar can easily incur irreparable damages. If this happens, you will be left with no other option than to buy a new guitar—which makes it a lot more expensive. 

The cheapest way to ship a guitar would always be by the sea. It is pretty simple, cheap, and straightforward to ship a guitar by sea.

The only downside to using a sea cargo is time; it will take a little bit of time for your guitar to arrive at its destination. 

On that note, shipping guitars by sea might not be the best option for all. This article will discuss several other cheap options that are available for shipping guitars across borders. 

How to Prepare and Package a Guitar for Shipping

Shipping a guitar can be a tricky process, and it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure that your instrument arrives at its destination in one piece. 

Whether you’re a musician who needs to send your guitar to a gig or a seller who needs to ship a guitar to a buyer, proper preparation and packaging are crucial to the safe transport of your instrument.

 In this article, we’ll cover all the guidelines you need to observe when shipping a guitar, including how to prepare and package your guitar for shipping.

Preparing Your Guitar for Shipping

Before you can package your guitar for shipping, you need to prepare it properly. Here are the steps you should take:

  • Loosen the strings: The tension on the strings can damage the neck and headstock during shipping, so it’s important to loosen them before packing the guitar. You don’t need to remove the strings entirely, just loosen them enough so that they’re not under tension.
  • Remove any detachable parts: If your guitar has any detachable parts, such as a strap or the tremolo arm on a Stratocaster, remove them and pack them separately.
  • Clean the guitar: Clean the guitar thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth. This will help prevent any scratches or damage during shipping.
  • Protect the guitar: Wrap the guitar in a soft, protective material such as bubble wrap. Make sure you cover the entire instrument, paying extra attention to the headstock and neck. Use tape or rubber bands to secure the bubble wrap in place.
  • Place the guitar in a case: If you have a hard-shell case for your guitar, place the wrapped guitar inside the case. Make sure the guitar is snug and won’t move around inside the case.
  • Pack the case: If you’re shipping the guitar in a case, pack the case in a sturdy cardboard box. Make sure the case fits snugly inside the box and won’t move around during shipping.

Packaging Your Guitar for Shipping

Now that your guitar is prepared for shipping, it’s time to package it for transport. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Choose a sturdy box: The box you use to ship your guitar should be strong and sturdy enough to withstand the shipping process. A double-walled cardboard box is the best option, as it will offer the most protection.
  • Add padding: Fill the bottom of the box with padding such as packing peanuts, foam, or crumpled paper. This will help absorb any shocks or impacts during shipping.
  • Place the guitar in the box: Carefully place the guitar inside the box, making sure it’s snug and won’t move around during shipping. If the guitar is in a hard-shell case, make sure the case is securely closed and won’t open during shipping.
  • Add more padding: Once the guitar is in the box, add more padding around the sides and top to ensure it won’t move around during shipping. Make sure the guitar is completely surrounded by padding, but not so tightly that it’s difficult to remove from the box.
  • Seal the box: Close the box and seal it with strong packing tape. Ensure the tape is securely fastened to prevent the box from opening during shipping.
  • Label the box: Label the box with the recipient’s address and your return address. Include the words “Fragile” and “This Side Up” to ensure that the box is handled with care during shipping.

What are the average weight and dimensions of an electric and acoustic guitar?

If you’re planning to ship a guitar, it’s important to have an understanding of the guitar’s weight and dimensions. 

The weight and size of the instrument can affect the packaging materials you use and the shipping method you choose, as well as the cost of shipping. 

In this chapter, we will discuss the average weight and dimensions of electric and acoustic guitars, as well as bass guitars, to give you an idea of what to expect when shipping your guitar.

To ensure your guitar is properly packaged for shipping, you’ll need to measure its dimensions accurately. You can use a measuring tape to measure the length, width, and depth of the guitar. 

Make sure to measure the body of the guitar, as well as the neck and headstock. For the weight, you can use a digital scale to get an accurate reading.

Now, let’s take a look at the average weight and dimensions of electric and acoustic guitars, and bass guitars.

Electric Guitars

The average weight of an electric guitar is around 7-8 pounds (3.2-3.6 kg). The length of the guitar is typically around 40-42 inches (101.6-106.68 cm), with a width of 12-16 inches (30.48-40.64 cm). The thickness or depth of the body is around 1.75 inches (4.45 cm).

Acoustic Guitars

The average weight of an acoustic guitar is around 3.5-5.5 pounds (1.58-2.5 kg). The length of the guitar is typically around 40-42 inches (101.6-106.68 cm), with a width of 14-16 inches (35.56-40.64 cm). The thickness or depth of the body is around 4-4.5 inches (10.16-11.43 cm).

Bass Guitars

Bass guitars are typically larger and heavier than electric and acoustic guitars. The average weight of a bass guitar is around 8-11 pounds (3.63-4.99 kg). 

The length of the guitar is typically around 41-47 inches (104.14-119.38 cm), with a width of 12-18 inches (30.48-45.72 cm). The thickness or depth of the body is around 1.75 inches (4.45 cm).

It’s important to keep in mind that these are just averages, and the actual weight and dimensions of your guitar may vary depending on the model and make. 

Therefore, it’s always a good idea to measure your guitar and use these averages as a guide when selecting packaging materials and shipping methods.

Cheapest Way to Ship A Guitar by Air

When it comes to shipping a guitar, there are several methods to choose from, including shipping by air. While air shipping may be faster than ground or sea shipping, it can also be more expensive. 

However, there are ways to save money when shipping a guitar by air. In this chapter, we will discuss the cheapest way to ship a guitar by air, including available insurance policies and estimated costs.

Option 1: USPS Priority Mail

The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers Priority Mail service, which can be a cost-effective option for shipping a guitar by air. The service is available for packages weighing up to 70 pounds, and the cost is based on the weight and distance of the shipment.

For example, shipping a guitar from New York to Los Angeles via Priority Mail could cost around $75-$100, depending on the weight of the package. The service also includes $100 of insurance coverage, which can be increased for an additional fee.

Option 2: UPS Ground

While UPS is primarily known for ground shipping, they also offer air shipping services that can be affordable for shipping a guitar. UPS Ground service is available for packages weighing up to 150 pounds, and the cost is based on the weight and distance of the shipment. 

Shipping a guitar from Chicago to Miami via UPS Ground could cost around $70-$90, depending on the weight of the package. The service includes $100 of insurance coverage, which can be increased for an additional fee.

Option 3: FedEx Express Saver

FedEx also offers air shipping services for packages of various sizes and weights. Their Express Saver service is a cost-effective option for shipping a guitar by air, with delivery within 3 business days. 

The cost is based on the weight and distance of the shipment, and shipping a guitar from Dallas to Seattle via FedEx Express Saver could cost around $80-$100, depending on the weight of the package.

The service includes $100 of insurance coverage, which can be increased for an additional fee. It’s important to keep in mind that the estimated costs for shipping a guitar by air may vary depending on the weight of the package, the distance of the shipment, and the specific shipping service selected. 

It’s also important to consider insurance coverage when shipping a valuable item like a guitar. While each of the shipping options we’ve discussed includes $100 of insurance coverage, additional coverage may be necessary for high-value instruments.

Cheapest Way to Ship A Guitar by Land

Shipping a guitar by land is a popular option for those who want to save money while still ensuring their instrument arrives safely at its destination. Whether you are sending a guitar to a repair shop or shipping it to a new owner, there are several affordable options to choose from.

In this chapter, we will discuss the cheapest way to ship a guitar by land, including available insurance policies and estimated costs.

Option 1: FedEx Ground

FedEx Ground is a popular option for shipping a guitar by land. This service is available for packages weighing up to 150 pounds and offers delivery in 1-5 business days. 

The cost is based on the weight and distance of the shipment. For example, shipping a guitar from Atlanta to Houston via FedEx Ground could cost around $30-$50, depending on the weight of the package. 

The service includes $100 of insurance coverage, which can be increased for an additional fee.

Option 2: Roadie

Roadie is a peer-to-peer shipping service that can be a cost-effective option for shipping a guitar by ground. With Roadie, you can connect with drivers who are already traveling in the direction of your shipment’s destination. 

The cost is based on the distance of the shipment, and prices vary depending on the specific driver and the size of the package. 

For example, shipping a guitar from New York to Philadelphia via Roadie could cost around $20-$30, depending on the driver selected. Roadie also includes up to $500 of insurance coverage for each shipment.

Option 3: DHL eCommerce

DHL eCommerce is a reliable option for shipping a guitar by ground. This service is available for packages weighing up to 70 pounds and offers delivery in 2-8 business days. 

The cost is based on the weight and distance of the shipment. For example, shipping a guitar from Dallas to Chicago via DHL eCommerce could cost around $20-$30, depending on the weight of the package. 

The service includes up to $100 of insurance coverage, which can be increased for an additional fee.

Cheapest Way to Ship A Guitar by Water

Shipping a guitar by water is a great option for those who want to save money on shipping costs. While it may take longer than air or ground shipping, it can be much cheaper and can offer more protection for the instrument. 

There are a few options to consider when shipping a guitar by water, each with their own insurance policies and pricing structures. Here are three options to consider:

Option 1: Freight Forwarder

Freight forwarders are companies that specialize in shipping large items by sea. They offer a variety of services, including less-than-container load (LCL) and full container load (FCL) shipping. 

LCL shipping is a good option for those shipping just one guitar, as the freight forwarder will consolidate several smaller shipments into one container. FCL shipping is a good option for those shipping multiple guitars or other items. 

Insurance coverage varies depending on the freight forwarder and the specific shipment, but it’s important to ensure that the guitar is properly packaged to avoid any damage during transport. 

The cost of shipping a guitar from Los Angeles to New York via a freight forwarder could range from $100-$300, depending on the shipping method and the size and weight of the package.

Option 2: International Shipping Company

International shipping companies like Maersk, MSC, and Hapag-Lloyd offer container shipping services for those looking to ship a guitar by water. 

This option is more expensive than using a freight forwarder, but it’s also more reliable and can offer more insurance coverage. 

Insurance coverage varies depending on the shipping company and the specific shipment, but it’s important to ensure that the guitar is properly packaged to avoid any damage during transport. 

The cost of shipping a guitar from Miami to Hong Kong via an international shipping company could range from $600-$1000, depending on the shipping method and the size and weight of the package.

Option 3: USPS Priority Mail International

USPS Priority Mail International is a good option for those looking to ship a guitar internationally. It’s an affordable option and offers insurance coverage up to $200 for most countries. 

However, it’s important to note that guitars may be subject to additional fees and taxes when shipped internationally. 

The cost of shipping a guitar from New York to London via USPS Priority Mail International could range from $100-$200, depending on the weight and dimensions of the package.

Tips on How to Save Money When Shipping A Guitar

Shipping a guitar can be costly, but there are ways to save money without sacrificing the safety and security of the instrument. Proper packaging is crucial to protect the guitar during shipping, but there are also a few other tips to keep in mind to help reduce shipping costs.

Here are some tips on how to save money when shipping a guitar:

  • Use a smaller box: Using a smaller box can reduce shipping costs as carriers charge based on weight and dimensions. However, be sure not to pack the guitar too tightly to avoid damage.
  • Choose the right carrier: Different carriers have different pricing structures, so it’s important to compare prices and services before making a decision. Consider factors like insurance coverage, delivery time, and tracking options.
  • Ship during off-peak periods: Shipping during peak periods like holidays can be more expensive than off-peak periods. Consider shipping the guitar during the week instead of on a weekend.
  • Use ground shipping: Ground shipping is often cheaper than air or water shipping. While it may take longer, it can also offer more protection for the guitar.
  • Use your own packaging materials: Many carriers offer packaging materials for an additional fee. Using your own packaging materials can help reduce costs.
  • Print your own labels: Printing your own labels can save money compared to having them printed at a shipping center.
  • Consolidate multiple shipments: If you’re shipping multiple guitars or items, consider consolidating them into one shipment to reduce costs.
  • Take advantage of discounts: Many carriers offer discounts for bulk or frequent shipping. Check with the carrier to see if you qualify for any discounts.

By following these tips and taking the time to properly package the guitar, you can save money while ensuring the safe and secure transport of your instrument.

Conclusion

In conclusion, shipping a guitar can be a daunting and expensive task, but there are several ways to reduce the cost without sacrificing the safety and security of the instrument. 

Proper packaging is crucial, and using a smaller box, choosing the right carrier, shipping during off-peak periods, and consolidating multiple shipments can help save money. 

Additionally, using ground shipping and packaging materials, printing your labels, and taking advantage of discounts can also contribute to reduced costs. 

When shipping a guitar, it’s important to do your research, compare prices and services, and take the necessary precautions to ensure successful delivery. 

By following these tips and guidelines, you can ship your guitar at an affordable price, without compromising on the quality of service or protection of the instrument. Make sure to always go through their prices and special discounts, and always calculate the cost before going to ship.