How to pack my instrument to survive the long shipping?

[gibsonlp]

Hi guys.

After winning this mandolin I would like to send accurate packing instructions to the seller.
This is going with usps to Israel, maximum length+girth is 79" (if I wish to keep the shipping price sane). according to my math the case length is ~26" and the girth is ~26" as well (width + height x 2), this means that I can easily add 4" or even 5" of padding to each direction.
What I had in mind is:

1. fill in the cavities of the hardcase with pieces of bubble wrap (?)
2. put 1 or 2 layers of bubble wrap above the instrument itself before closing the case (depends how many will fit)
3. wrap the case with 1 or 2 layers of bubble-wrap and put it inside a matching cardboard box (should be a tight fit)
4. Put the cardboard box inside a much bigger cardboard box (up to allowed size, of course) and fill in spaces with bubble wraps and air-pillow-rolls to make sure it won't move

What do you say? does that seem to be good enough is there any better way of doing it? I never packed an instrument before, I just saw how they were packed when the arrived to me.
Also, any idea how much would such packing material cost? I estimated it in $20-25, is that realistic?

Thanks!

[kiramdear]

5. Cover all the edges and seams of the outer box with packing tape. Double tape the corners and ends of the box. No string or loose matter attached to the box.

[CrestingWave]

I think you might want to wrap the instrument with craft paper [that is how Ric did it back in the 1960s] before inserting the bubble wrap, as I would be concerned with a possible reaction between the conversion varnish and the plastic material the wrap is constructed from... When I unpacked my new 330, which was received un-opened from Musician's Friend, I noted the absence of bubble wrap or other "plastic" fillers/packing material in the case.

Just a thought...

JR

[jingle_jangle]

The only time you're going to get that reaction is in the presence of moisture, and then its because the bubble pack will hold the moisture in contact with the CV.

Instead, have the seller wrap it in an old, clean T-shirt. Brown paper is quite abrasive to CV finishes, notwithstanding vintage packing concepts!

Gil, if every one of the couple hundred guitars I've shipped or received in the last few years was packed like your mandolin will be, there would be no damage claims to make.

If you haven't held a Rick mandolin in your hands, you will be surprised at how immensely sturdy they are, considering their size. They are light, but solid, Jackson. (As Link used to say). And they do come in little vintage cases, so that's a plus IMO.

[sloop_john_b]

If you haven't held a Rick mandolin in your hands, you will be surprised at how immensely sturdy they are, considering their size. They are light, but solid, Jackson. (As Link used to say). And they do come in little vintage cases, so that's a plus IMO.

+1, they are very solid!

Also, be sure to adjust the truss rod as soon as it arrives.

[grazioso]

i'd skip 4) - make the first cardboard box the one it will be sent in. that way you'll keep the size & cost sane. usps is much better with packages than ups or fedex (or god save us all - dhl) the t-shirt is good suggestion. the headstock area of the case filled with crushed craft paper - not too tight just enough so it wouldn't move. good luck!

[gibsonlp]

Thanks guys!

[doctorwho]

I think that your plan is fine, Gil. Congrats on the purchase!