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Permalink Reply by Roosterman on June 22, 2009 at 9:07am

I dont know what the post is like in the US, but over here I use our standard parcel delivery company (Royal Mail).

Firstly.... slack off the strings a few turns. Less tension on the neck should mean the neck wont snap as easy when the box is sat on / dropped / detonated.

Second, get insurance - its usually only a little bit extra.

Generally I blag a cardboard box of near proportions, and wrap the guitar in LOTS of bubble-wrap, then stuff the box full of bubble-wrap too. Make up heavy card dividers if you have to so the guitar doesnt take any stress if an accident does occour. Then I write on the box, real politely "Dear Mr Postman, I know your job is hard and you are underpaid for the sterling service you provide, the long hours in all kinds of weather, I know the roads are bumpy and the schedules are tight, so I feel bad even just asking for this one little favour. Thing is this - whats in this box took me a long time to make. Its not particularly valuable, but I poured my heart and soul into it. It would mean a great deal to me and the recipient if it were to arrive safely at its destination. With your help and continued consideration, I know it will. To you, and to every member of the Royal Mail, I thank you. And if you're in the area, pop in for a free beer!"

Never had any problem...

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Permalink Reply by peter martin on June 22, 2009 at 10:17am

I'll vouch for that Ben, The plates you so lovingly parcelled up and sent me have arrived safe and sound without a mark on them, Thanks mate.

Randy Rooster (Ben) said:

I dont know what the post is like in the US, but over here I use our standard parcel delivery company (Royal Mail).

Firstly.... slack off the strings a few turns. Less tension on the neck should mean the neck wont snap as easy when the box is sat on / dropped / detonated.

Second, get insurance - its usually only a little bit extra.

Generally I blag a cardboard box of near proportions, and wrap the guitar in LOTS of bubble-wrap, then stuff the box full of bubble-wrap too. Make up heavy card dividers if you have to so the guitar doesnt take any stress if an accident does occour. Then I write on the box, real politely "Dear Mr Postman, I know your job is hard and you are underpaid for the sterling service you provide, the long hours in all kinds of weather, I know the roads are bumpy and the schedules are tight, so I feel bad even just asking for this one little favour. Thing is this - whats in this box took me a long time to make. Its not particularly valuable, but I poured my heart and soul into it. It would mean a great deal to me and the recipient if it were to arrive safely at its destination. With your help and continued consideration, I know it will. To you, and to every member of the Royal Mail, I thank you. And if you're in the area, pop in for a free beer!"

Never had any problem...

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Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on June 22, 2009 at 10:55am

Well, I sniffed around and I found that U-haul has boxes that are intended for lamps, and golf clubs, etc. They are 12x12x40 and are only 5 bucks apiece. They fit a guitar pretty well after it is wrapped, with room for packing material

I bubble wrapped the crap outta the CBG and boxed it all up. I got a rough estimate from USPS for parcel post at about 20 bucks or so. We shall see...

Thanks for the suggestions.

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Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on June 22, 2009 at 12:56pm

Iggy, I have been making custom sized foam and cardboard shipping containers for about a year now. They have gone as far as Iraq (three times)with no problem. First the bottom,top and sides (and spacers/braces)are made of 1/2" insulation foam board (Lowes... 4X8 sheets), with end caps made of 2 inch thick insulating foam. Cut to fit... Use plenty of duck tape and it makes a box that I can stand on (all 270 pounds of me). Then cut cardboard to size to wrap the foam box tightly and you have a shipper that the USPS can't easily mess up and you have given your customer the bones of a CBG carrying case... the best, Wichita Sam

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Permalink Reply by Roger Martin on June 23, 2009 at 2:01am

I've mostly stayed away from shipping because of all the hassle.But I enjoy the person to person sales part better anyway.
I am shipping one to northern Kentucky this week so I'll have to deal with it anyway.
I'm watching this thread in case somebody has an idea that will help me also.

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