Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

If I take a bass or guitar in the hard case, say to a FedEx/Kinkos, will they box it properly and insure the instrument for shipment?

How much could I expect to pay for such service coast to coast?

Any known pitfalls?

I wouldn't trust someone else to pack it properly, but that's just me.

When I got my 4080 (in the case, of course) it was packed in a Schwinn bike box with at least 3 weeks' worth of newspaper for padding.

It worked great, but was so bulky they charged extra for shipping (cubed is what they call it).

I have used a place called 'The Box Stop' and they have dedicated guitar boxes. UPS often won't ship instruments unless they're double-boxed (as was my experience just yesterday with a '79 International Series Strat in Maui Blue).

So yes, many packing places will do an astounding job on the packing. Of course, I've also just stuffed the cases into their original shipping boxes (Rics included) and shipped them that way.

Remember to secure the case candy and feel free to add some extra bubble wrap or foam inside the case if it eases your mind or reduces vibration.

Good luck.

I've had them pack for me before--I do some "prep" packing, usually involving thin foam sheets or small bubble wrap inside the case, but my experience in the places I've used is they overwrap. Downside is they usually bang you pretty hard for the packing.

If I have a suitable guitar box, I'll pack it myself.

Bill

Noel: Now had the Strat been Antigua, the single box would have been OK.

I use these.

http://www.uline.com/ProductDetail.asp?model=S-4922&searchedkeywords=guitar%20boxes

Their a little "deep" but that allows for more padding. I manage a recycling facility and use shredded newspaper. Seems to work great.

Ha, Ted!

Man, Antigua can look ugly sometimes.

Thanks Scott, that looks perfect for a double box job across the country!

Scott, I've used those before too. Kind of overkill on a short scale guitar though, lol.

I agree John,, Not bad for a bass, but yeah,,,real overkill on a guitar.

Actually, for that price cutting it shorter would be a good option.

I tried to buy a guitar shipping box from my local UPS store once, I cant remember how much they wanted, but I do remember laughing and walking out.

In Canada, UPS won't insure for damage if they don't pack it for you, which will cost about $100-150. This increases the ship volumetric weight as well.

Call your local mom and pop guitar shop, or the local Guitar Center for a shipping box.

Local shops usually charge 5 bucks or so, and believe it or not GC actually gives them away, with packing material to boot.

If you catch GC on the right day you can snag one. You're right, the mailing stores are laughable.