Shipping Musical Instruments

How To Package Each Type of Musical Instrument For Shipping

String Instruments

Packaging smaller parts appropriately can prevent the pieces from getting stuck in the bell during transit when shipping wind musical instruments such as clarinets, flutes, and trumpets. If you ship an instrument inside its case, ensure all the latches are secured with shipping tape or a strong strap.

If you do not have an instrument case, FreightCenter highly recommends investing in one. Make sure that you wrap the piece in bubble wrap three times and secure it with shipping tape. Once your musical instrument has been completely covered in bubble wrap, choose a sturdy double corrugated box to ship it in, with the length being two inches larger in height and size than the piece as a standard requirement. 

When shipping stringed instruments, it is essential to consider climate control. Not only can the device itself be affected by temperature changes, but also the individual strings. Stringed musical instruments are prone to shrinking or expanding depending on the humidity and temperature changes during transportation. These instruments are generally most affected when traveling through extremely hot or cold climates.

To avoid warping, pack a humidifier inside the box. You can find humidifiers explicitly made for shipping stringed instruments. Shipping earlier in the week can also be a good move to prevent your devices from sitting in a hot truck all weekend.

If your package is of high value, such as a sought-after viola or cello, not only should temperature and potential climate control measures be considered, but also the breaking down of instruments to be packaged in separate boxes. Larger pieces can sometimes be condensed down into different packaging. Taking the extra time and care to do so can help prevent future damage.

Drums  

When packaging a musical instrument such as a drum set, it is best to break down the drums into their components by removing the legs and the rack toms. Smaller drums can be placed inside larger ones, but wrap them in bubble wrap so the surfaces do not scratch each other. Filling hollow spaces with Kraft paper, bubble wrapping the drumheads, and securing them with shipping tape is also helpful. The rack tom should be wrapped in newspaper first and then bubble-packaged.

Once your drum set is taken apart and individually packaged with appropriate materials, it is a great idea to ensure that space has been filled to achieve a snug fit, preventing pieces from moving around and potentially getting damaged. Make sure you choose appropriately sized boxes to ship each piece, with enough padding to keep all items safely in place. When your instrument is packaged, secure the boxes with solid shipping tape.

Keyboards and Pianos

For shipping keyboards and pianos, each one has different packaging requirements. For keyboards, start by removing any detachable parts, such as the stands or pedals. If you still have the original foam packaging, use it to securely cushion the instrument within a sturdy box. If not, wrapping the keyboard in bubble wrap can give it the protection it needs.

For pianos, due to their complexity and size, it’s highly recommended to use a white glove service. Carefully wrap the legs, pedals, and main body separately, using heavy-duty moving blankets to protect against scratches and impact. For maximum protection, consider using a custom-built crate to stabilize the piano during transit.