Cheapest Way to Ship Guitars
Guitars are large, fragile instruments that require hardshell cases and oversized packaging.
Shipping Options for Guitars
Shipping guitars is a high-stakes operation — these instruments are large, fragile, and often worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. A hardshell case is essentially mandatory, as soft gig bags offer almost no protection during shipping. The guitar should be detuned to relieve neck tension, the headstock area padded heavily (the most vulnerable point), and the case placed inside an oversized box with padding on all sides. Expect to spend $30-60 on shipping due to the size and weight of the package.
| Service | Carrier | Est. Cost | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FedEx GroundRecommended | FedEx | $30-45 | 3-7 days | Most guitar shipments — reliable handling of oversized packages |
| UPS Ground | UPS | $30-50 | 3-7 days | Alternative to FedEx with similar pricing and handling |
| FedEx Express Saver | FedEx | $50-80 | 3 days | Faster delivery for high-value vintage guitars |
| USPS Priority Mail | USPS | $40-60 | 1-3 days | Last resort — USPS handles oversized items less reliably |
Packaging Tips for Guitars
Pro Tips
- Detune the strings by 1-2 full steps to reduce tension on the neck during transit — temperature and humidity changes can affect neck relief.
- Place crumpled newspaper or foam around the guitar inside the case so it doesn't shift. The guitar should be snug but not compressed.
- Buy shipping insurance for the full market value — guitar headstock repairs cost $200-500, and a broken neck is often irreparable on vintage instruments.
Important Considerations
Guitars are subject to dimensional weight pricing since the box is large relative to its actual weight. Always compare actual weight versus dimensional weight and use the higher number when estimating costs. Temperature and humidity extremes during transit can also damage wood finishes and affect neck alignment.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's extremely risky and not recommended. A gig bag provides padding but no structural protection against the impacts that occur during automated sorting and stacking in delivery trucks. If you don't have a hardshell case, you can buy a universal one for $50-80, which is far cheaper than repairing shipping damage.
Expect to pay $30-60 via FedEx or UPS Ground for standard delivery. The high cost is driven by dimensional weight — a guitar box measures roughly 48x20x8 inches, which carriers price as if it weighed 25-35 lbs even if the actual weight is lower. Expedited shipping pushes costs to $50-80 or more.
Yes, detune the strings by 1-2 full steps to reduce neck tension during transit. Shipping exposes the guitar to temperature and humidity fluctuations that can cause wood to expand or contract, and a fully tensioned neck is more susceptible to warping or cracking under these conditions. Don't remove the strings entirely, as the sudden lack of tension can also be harmful.
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