I actually had detuned the bass one full step (DGCF), so the answer was "yes", but I pointed out that the CEO of Rickenbacker recommends to not detune a guitar for shipping. The FedEx employee just said, "I'm only stating what the rules are". 
It hasn't arrived yet, Gary.............doctorwho wrote:When I shipped out my RM3261 the other day at FedEx...
I've sometimes gotten lectures about loosening the strings from airlines that claim to know better than guitar manufacturers.doctorwho wrote:When I shipped out my RM3261 the other day at FedEx, I was asked "Did you loosen the strings?".
Airline Xxxxxx wrote:"It's because of the change in air pressure."
The USPS has never lost one of my packages, never broken anything, the driver never arrives later than 3PM, they are always fast and cheap, and they deliver on Saturday for no extra fee.aceonbass wrote:I ship guitars and basses via the US Post Office. It's usually about $25.00 for a bass plus insurance, and I NEVER detune them.
That'd be like not paying for car insurance because other drivers should be able to avoid hitting you. I'm not willing to trust anyone I don't know to handle expensive goods of mine without damaging or stealing them. The $25 or so I pay to insure a bass shipped via USPS is worth it, and my customers think so too. UPS and FED-X don't charge for insurance because it's basically included in their HIGH shipping cost, which is still higher than USPS. In fact I ship everything via USPS.rickenbrother wrote:I could never understand why you'd have to pay insurance to have any courier deliver your package safely. That's what they are supposed to do. That's what you're paying them for. Would you eat at a restaurant that has a policy which states that you should buy their diner's insurance in case their food sickens or kills you?
I didn't say you shouldn't pay for the shipping insurance. Just sucks that we have to in this screwed up world we live in. I could tell you about some crazy courier stories that didn't make it to youtube, but not here...I could also tell some true and scary restaurant stories, hospital stories...aceonbass wrote:That'd be like not paying for car insurance because other drivers should be able to avoid hitting you. I'm not willing to trust anyone I don't know to handle expensive goods of mine without damaging or stealing them. The $25 or so I pay to insure a bass shipped via USPS is worth it, and my customers think so too. UPS and FED-X don't charge for insurance because it's basically included in their HIGH shipping cost, which is still higher than USPS. In fact I ship everything via USPS.
I've been specifically told not to buy shipping insurance, because the couriers hire an outside firm to deal with insurance claims beyond their default amount, and those firms make it exceedingly difficult for individual consumers to receive restitution for damaged/lost goods. If you have read the insurance policies from an international courier: they have a whole lot of stipulations by which they can not honor a claim. It's different for large companies which have corporate contracts with the couriers, but for private individuals: getting UPS or FedEx to pay a claim can be an impossible nightmare. Most insurance is an awful scam anyway; it's capitalizing off fear, and then when the claimant faces a loss: the insurance company almost always fights to deny the claim. My wife works for a doctor's office doing billing, so I get to hear about it all the time. I agree, Joey; it's a screwed-up world.rickenbrother wrote:I didn't say you shouldn't pay for the shipping insurance. Just sucks that we have to in this screwed up world we live in.
Great advice. It's remarkable what your renters/homeowners insurance will not cover. We've had our gear covered with heritage for a few years now, without complaint (or, thankfully, claim). Ask your insurance agent point blank about their coverage if you've earned anything beyond drink tickets from playing live.T28 wrote:I have all of my musical equipment covered under a separate policy through Heritage. Everything on the policy is covered for the agreed value and it doesn't matter where the item is located or shipped or borrowed, etc. if it is damaged, it is paid for. Simple and I never have to deal with individual carriers or the nonsense.
Also, if you have your instruments covered under your homeowners policy....even as a rider, if you play out and ever make money your insurance carrier can deny your claims....because they are used professionally. Just a heads up.... So check your policy if you think you are covered and safe as it might not be the case.
As long as it's in the U.S. I checked with them and they were not willing to cover shipping overseas...T28 wrote:I have all of my musical equipment covered under a separate policy through Heritage. Everything on the policy is covered for the agreed value and it doesn't matter where the item is located or shipped or borrowed, etc.
