Shipping a guitar can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the process.
The cost of shipping a guitar varies based on several factors such as the type of guitar, its size, the shipping method, and the destination.
Whether you’re an experienced musician or just starting out, it’s essential to understand the costs involved in shipping a guitar so that you can budget accordingly.
In this post, we’ll dive into the different factors that impact the cost of shipping a guitar and provide you with some tips on how to save money and ensure safe delivery.
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Guitar?
The cost of shipping a guitar depends on several factors such as the shipping service you use, the weight and size of the guitar, and the distance it travels.
For example, DHL charges between $240 to $260 [1]. Shipping with Nex Worldwide Express costs between $60 to $220.
FedEx charges between $32 to $389. UPS charges between $80 to $546. Shipping with Ship Guitars costs between $87 to $400].
Shipping your guitar with the US Postal Service can cost as little as $57.45 at the Post Office.
A shipment from Los Angeles to New York City could cost $125 for ground delivery or up to $260 for one-day delivery.
Shipping a guitar in a gig bag or soft case is generally less expensive, costing less than $100.
Shipping guitars in hard shell cases can cost from $50 to $200, and in some cases, even more.
How Much Does It Cost To Ship An Electric Guitar Ups?
The cost of shipping a guitar depends on the shipping service used, the weight and size of the guitar, and the distance it travels.
Shipping costs typically range from $80 to $546 but can be lower for shorter distances.
FedEx, DHL, Nex Worldwide Express, and UPS are some popular shipping services for shipping guitars.
The cost of shipping a guitar with a hard case is estimated to be between $100 and $150, whereas a lighter guitar in a gig bag would typically cost less.
Some shipping services offer drop-off at retail partner locations and packaging services for an additional fee.
How To Safely Ship A Guitar?
Here are the steps to safely ship a guitar:
Prepare The Guitar:
Loosen the strings, remove any detachable parts, and secure the strings to the body of the guitar to prevent damage during transit.
Pack The Guitar:
Use a sturdy guitar case and wrap the guitar with bubble wrap or foam padding.
Make sure there is enough cushioning to protect the instrument from bumps and shocks during shipping.
Label The Package:
Clearly label the package as fragile and include your name, address, and contact information.
Choose The Right Shipping Method:
Consider using a shipping service that specializes in shipping musical instruments, such as UPS or FedEx.
Select a shipping option that offers insurance and tracking to ensure the guitar arrives safely and can be located in case of any issues.
Track the shipment:
Keep track of the shipment using the tracking information provided by the shipping service.
Cheapest Way To Ship A Guitar
The cheapest way to ship a guitar depends on several factors such as the weight, size, and destination of the shipment. Here are some options to consider:
USPS:
The United States Postal Service offers several options for shipping guitars, including Priority Mail and Parcel Select.
This can be a cost-effective option for smaller, lighter guitars.
FedEx or UPS:
FedEx and UPS both offer ground shipping options that can be more cost-effective for larger or heavier guitars.
Regional carriers:
Consider shipping with regional carriers, such as Saia or Reddaway, as they often offer lower rates for shipping within their regions.
Freight services:
For larger or bulk shipments, freight services may offer the most cost-effective option.
What Box Can I Ship A Guitar In?
When shipping a guitar, it is recommended to use a dedicated box designed for shipping guitars. You can purchase these boxes on websites like Amazon.
Music stores or guitar stores may also have guitar-sized packing boxes available, often for free.
FedEx also offers boxes for shipping guitars, with pricing including the right box solution, cushioning materials, and expert packing service.
The guitar box dimensions should be 20 inches x 8 inches x 50 inches (length x width x height) and should have a 44 ECT (edge crush test) and 275 burst test strength.
How To Cut The Cost Of Shipping?
To cut the cost of shipping a guitar, it’s recommended to pack it properly, using the right case and cushioning materials, as well as securing it in a case.
You can also try calling your local guitar store for an empty box, which they may give you, or to see if they have bubble wrap to use.
The packaging materials you need for shipping a guitar include non-abrasive packing material such as packing paper, kraft paper, or other similar materials and a brand-new or like-new rectangular box.
Using online shipping software can help you get the cheapest rates for shipping guitars using USPS].
UPS is one of the most popular and trusted courier services, with prices for ground shipping typically in the $100 to $150 range].
It cost $50 to ship a Jazzmaster in a hardshell case coast to coast with UPS, insured at $1000 with a signature.
It’s important to note that choosing the cheapest shipping method may not always be the safest as the guitar will be in transit for a longer time and may be subjected to impacts or damage.
How To Ship A Guitar Without A Case?
Shipping a guitar without a case can be challenging, as it increases the risk of damage during transit.
However, if you need to ship a guitar without a case, here are some steps you can follow:
Secure the strings:
Loosen the strings, then secure them to the body of the guitar to prevent damage during transit.
Wrap the guitar:
Wrap the guitar in several layers of bubble wrap or foam padding to provide cushioning and protect it from bumps and shocks.
Make sure the entire guitar is covered, including the neck, headstock, and tuning pegs.
Use a cardboard box:
Find a sturdy cardboard box that is slightly larger than the guitar and place the wrapped guitar inside.
Fill any empty spaces in the box with packing peanuts or bubble wrap to prevent the guitar from shifting during transit.
Seal the box:
Close the box and reinforce the seams with tape. Label the box as fragile and include your name, address, and contact information.
Choose the right shipping method:
Consider using a shipping service that specializes in shipping musical instruments, such as UPS or FedEx.
Select a shipping option that offers insurance and tracking to ensure the guitar arrives safely and can be located in case of any issues.
FAQ
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Guitar Within The Same State?
The cost of shipping a guitar within the same state can vary depending on the shipping method, weight and size of the guitar, and other factors.
On average, the cost may range from $10 to $50 or more, with expedited delivery options costing more.
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Guitar Cross-Country?
The cost of shipping a guitar cross-country can range from $50 to $200 or more, depending on the weight, size, shipping method, and other factors.
Ground shipping may be more cost-effective, while expedited delivery options can be more expensive.
Can I Get A Discount On Shipping A Guitar If I Ship Multiple Items At Once?
Yes, shipping multiple items at once can sometimes result in discounts on shipping costs.
This will depend on the shipping method and carrier you select, so it’s important to compare prices and services to determine the best option for your shipment.
Is Shipping Insurance Required When Shipping A Guitar?
No, shipping insurance is not required when shipping a guitar, but it is highly recommended to protect your valuable instrument in case of damage or loss during transit.
Most shipping carriers offer insurance options for an additional fee.
Can I Use Regular Mail To Ship A Guitar?
Yes, you can use regular mail to ship a guitar, but it is not recommended, as it does not provide the same level of protection as other shipping methods
And may not include insurance coverage or tracking.
Specialized carriers such as UPS or FedEx that offer shipping options for musical instruments are a better choice.
How Long Does It Take To Ship A Guitar?
The delivery time for shipping a guitar can vary depending on the shipping method and destination.
Ground shipping can take several days to a week or more, while expedited delivery options such as overnight or two-day shipping may be faster.
It’s important to consider the delivery time when selecting a shipping method to ensure your guitar arrives at its destination on time.
Conclusion
The cost of shipping a guitar depends on several factors including the weight and size of the guitar, the distance of the shipment, and the shipping method selected.
It can range from $10 to $200 or more, with ground shipping being more cost-effective and expedited delivery options being more expensive.
It’s recommended to purchase a dedicated box for shipping guitars, which can be found at music stores, guitar stores, or online. Shipping insurance is also recommended to protect your valuable instrument during transit. It