#LogisticsAdvice

How to Ship a Guitar Domestically & Internationally

Anna Thompson
Anna Thompson
Discover content team
5 min read
How to Ship a Guitar Domestically & Internationally

Any true musician will tell you that their instrument is not just a “thing” – it’s an invaluable and irreplaceable part of their creative being. So, when shipping musical instruments – whether on tour or for repair – they want to feel confident that they’ll arrive at their destination safely and in perfect condition. And that’s why many turn to DHL.

“My guitar is not a thing. It is an extension of myself. It is who I am.”

“My guitar is not a thing. It is an extension of myself. It is who I am.”

Joan Jett

DHL Express have vast experience and expertise in shipping musical instruments and other large items.. They were the official logistics partner of The Rolling Stones record-breaking “Unzipped” exhibition, transporting some of the most revered instruments in rock history around the world from London to Las Vegas. Among them were several of Keith Richards' and Ronnie Woods' guitars and a rare dulcima (a kind of double lute) played by Brian Jones.

A lot larger in shipping terms, and only a little less rock ‘n’ roll, is their longstanding customer, Thomann – Europe’s biggest online retailer of musical equipment. Hans Thomann Snr started the business as a sideline to his trumpet-playing in the 1960s, initially selling instruments from his backpack. Thomann has one store in rural Germany – but thanks to e-commerce and DHL, the company now ships musical instruments to many millions of customers across the world.

Let’s take inspiration from Ronnie Woods and begin with a focus on the guitar…

What you'll need

Some of the materials you will need to pack your guitar or other musical instruments for shipping within or out of Ireland include:

  1. Packing paper, kraft paper or other non-abrasive packing material
  2. Bubble wrap
  3. A sturdy, rectangular box
  4. Packing tape
  5. Foam padding or polystyrene chips

How to ship a guitar: Seven top tips

If you’re planning to ship your guitar within Ireland or internationally, follow these essential tips on how to keep it safe and well-protected throughout its journey.

  1. Use strong instrument cases in good condition.

  2. Loosen the strings before packing.

  3. Use plenty of bubble wrap to minimise movement.

  4. Choose the right-sized plastic packing crate or box.

  5. Label every package clearly to avoid loss or mishandling.

  6. Always insure your instruments.

  7. Choose a logistics partner that offers expedited shipping and full tracking. 

How to pack a guitar for shipping

1. De-tune the guitar

Start by de-tuning or slacking your guitar strings to release any tension from the fretboard. Failing to do so can result in the strings snapping in shipment – causing damage or unwanted scratches to the body of the instrument.

2. Use a good case

Make sure your instrument cases are in good condition. A strong case gives an extra layer of protection inside the packing crate. A top tip from Rasmus Bom Andersen, lead singer with heavy metal stalwarts, Diamond Head: “Use military grade SKB cases, or, if transporting several instruments, then Enki cases, Scott Dixon or Quantum industries are the go-to brands for safety."

3. Secure with bubble wrap

Line the hard case with bubble wrap to cushion the guitar. Then, wrap the entire guitar in bubble wrap, paying special attention to the neck which will need extra support. Also, put some padding – cloth, newspaper or more bubble wrap – between the fretboard and the strings for protection. Place the wrapped guitar inside the case.

4. Fill gaps

Fill any gaps with foam padding or polystyrene chips to restrict the guitar’s movement within the case.  Any empty space within the guitar case or outer box can allow the instrument to shift around, increasing the risk of scratches, dents, or worse, structural damage. 

5. Use an appropiately sized box

Pack the case in an appropriately sized box or crate – one that isn’t too big in order to minimise movement in transit. It is recommended that you use one of DHL Express's plastic packing crates because they provide great protection for items that are sensitive to temperature – which is particularly true of stringed instruments. Aim for a 6cm gap between the instrument case and the crate, which you can fill with bubble wrap.

6. Pack small, loose parts separately

Small, loose parts such as tremolo arms, capos, guitar straps, or spare strings can easily cause scratches or dents if they come into contact with your guitar during shipping. Packing them separately ensures the instrument remains safe from potential damage.

7. Avoid black outer packaging

Black outer packaging may seem like a sleek choice, but it can create logistical problems. Many automated parcel sorting systems used by carriers, including DHL Express, rely on optical scanners to process shipments. Black packaging materials, especially glossy ones, can absorb light and confuse these systems. Therefore, use boxes or crates in neutral shades like brown or white, which are easily readable by scanners and won’t cause delays or returns.

8. Tape the box securely

Tape the box/crate up securely and clearly place your shipping label on it. Make sure that you use high-quality packing tape and avoid using regular household tape, as it won’t provide sufficient hold.

9. Obtain a quote from DHL 

Shipping costs will vary based on factors such as size, weight and destination. As such, you should prepare these details in advance so that you can obtain a shipping quote from DHL and streamline the process.

Types of guitar cases you can use

When planning to ship your guitars within or outside of Ireland, these are the types of cases that you can consider using to protect your instrument.

Hardshell cases

This is considered the gold standard for shipping. Hardshell cases are durable, offering robust protection against impact and temperature changes.

Soft cases

While soft cases provide some protection, they’re less reliable for long-distance or international shipping. Consider them only if no other option is available.

How to ship a guitar without a case 

While it may not be ideal, shipping a guitar without a case can be done. Follow these steps:

  1. Find a robust cardboard guitar shipping box.

  2. Wrap the guitar in several layers of bubble wrap, paying extra attention to the neck.

  3. Add foam or other padding to minimise movement in the box.

  4. Clearly label the box and ensure it’s taped securely.

How much does it cost to ship a guitar?

DHL offers highly competitive prices for domestic and international shipping. Get a quick quote here.

 

How to ship a guitar amp

Astro-pack foam is an ideal material to protect your amplifier as it is lightweight, non-abrasive, and absorbs shocks. Wrap the amp in the material, securing it with packing tape. Then, use several layers of bubble wrap for extra protection. Place the wrapped amp in a strong cardboard box with plenty of padding, such as polystyrene chips to prevent movement during transit. Place a “This Way Up” sticker on the outside, along with a shipping label.

What is the safest way to ship a guitar? 

What you choose as a mode of transportation for your guitar can significantly affect its safety. To help you determine the best option, DHL Express gives you a comparison of shipping via air, land, and sea:

 

 1. Air shipping

Air shipping, particularly express services, minimises transit time, reducing the risk of temperature fluctuations and handling damage. With air/express shipping, packages are typically prioritised, meaning fewer transfers and less exposure to potential mishandling.

If you’re shipping a high-value or vintage guitar, the controlled environments of air shipping make it the preferred choice.

 

2. Land Shipping

Land shipping would cost less for short distances, especially when you’re just shipping within Ireland. However, you can expect a longer timeframe, which can expose your guitar to temperature changes and handling risks. If your instrument is not urgently needed, this method can be a budget-friendly choice.

 

3. Sea Shipping

Sea freight is ideal for businesses shipping multiple instruments internationally. But it’s worth noting that this mode of transportation takes the longest. As such, it can increase the risk of exposure to fluctuating temperatures and humidity. Furthermore, extra care is required to pack instruments for long voyages and to protect them from the moist, salty air.

 

Why should you consider air shipping?

Air shipping is widely regarded as the safest and most efficient method for transporting guitars, especially for international destinations. Its primary advantage lies in its speed, significantly reducing the time your instrument spends in transit and minimising exposure to potential damage from handling or environmental changes. 

Unlike land or sea freight, air shipping typically involves fewer transfers and is handled with greater care, making it ideal for fragile and high-value items like guitars. Additionally, air cargo often travels in temperature-controlled environments, protecting sensitive materials such as wood and strings from extreme weather conditions. 

When you choose a trusted provider like DHL Express, you benefit from expedited services, tracking, and priority handling, ensuring your guitar arrives in perfect condition wherever it’s headed.

 

Frequently asked questions about how to pack and ship a guitar

Is it okay to ship a guitar in cold weather?

Many stringed instruments are constructed from real wood, which can be vulnerable to extreme hot or cold climates. Fortunately, DHL is experienced in transporting fragile items in temperature-controlled environments, so you can be sure your instrument will arrive in perfect condition. 

 

How can I be sure the guitar is packed securely enough?

Do the shake test! Take the guitar case and give it a shake. You shouldn’t be able to hear or feel anything rattling loosely.

 

Should you loosen guitar strings before shipping?

Yes, always loosen the strings before shipping. This reduces tension on the neck and fretboard, protecting the guitar from damage caused by temperature or pressure changes during transit.

 

Should you ship a guitar with strings?

Removing strings entirely is unnecessary and could create tension imbalances in the neck. Therefore, you can ship your guitar with its strings, but just make sure its strings are loosened.

 

How much bubble wrap should you use to ship a guitar?

Use at least three to five layers of bubble wrap to cover the guitar, focusing on vulnerable areas like the neck, headstock, and body. Line the hard case with additional padding and ensure there’s no movement within the box.

 

What happens if my guitar is damaged during the shipping process?

DHL can compensate you for damaged goods if you avail yourself of DHL Express's shipment insurance service. That way, you can have peace of mind knowing your valuable and personal shipments are covered in the event of physical damage or loss. Learn more about our optional services, including DHL Express's shipment insurance.

 

How to ship other musical instruments

Stringed instruments

One of the most important things when shipping guitars, violins, double-bass, cellos, mandolins or any other stringed instrument, is to loosen the strings before packing. This is because the temperature may fluctuate during the journey, meaning the strings could tighten up and snap.

Shipping drums

Most drums don’t have cases, so it’s best to cover them in several layers of bubble wrap before putting them into the packing box or crate. You’ll need the right-sized box for each one, so there isn’t too much room for movement.

If you’re sending more than one drum, you can remove the heads and hoops of the big drums and nest the small ones inside, along with crumpled newspaper or cloth as padding. Then, replace the heads and tape them securely. Use a separate bag for small parts.

If you’re sending a whole drum kit, you’ll need to break it down, remove the legs and taking the rack tom stand apart. Wrap the rack tom parts and place them inside the kick drum, filling in the gaps with crumpled newspaper so they don’t move around.

Brass instruments

As trumpets, trombones, horns, tubas and other brass instruments are made up of lots of different parts, it’s best to dismantle them and wrap each part separately. Cover and tape each part with plenty of bubble wrap as protection, then put them directly into the packing crate, including their cases wrapped separately.

Wind instruments

Wind instruments such as flutes, clarinets, saxophones and oboes can be packed in their cases. Cover both the instrument inside the case and the case itself in bubble wrap for protection and shock absorption, taping it securely. If you’re shipping your instrument without a case, then wrap it in at least three layers of bubble wrap before it goes into the packing crate.

Always have your instruments insured

You can never be too careful! While DHL Express knows how to ship large items, it’s important to always be vigilant when transporting instruments. That’s why you should consider getting shipment insurance. DHL offers free coverage up to a certain value as standard (depending on your country of origin and destination), but this can easily be upgraded if your instrument exceeds this value. And for extra peace of mind, DHL offers full tracking of your shipment to its destination.

Don’t forget the batteries!

If your musical instrument and/or accessories contain batteries and you’re shipping them overseas, you will need to be aware of certain regulations. Some batteries will be classified as Dangerous Goods – the transportation of these is a risk when they are not correctly packed or handled. To ensure your shipment gets to where it needs to be safely and on time, check out this guide on how to ship batteries. 

Trust the experts trusted by legends

Shipping guitars, whether locally within Ireland or internationally, requires precision and care, and DHL has years of expertise and offers fast, secure, and trackable shipping options. 

If the Rolling Stones – AKA The Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Band in the World – trusts DHL Express with their priceless, historic instruments, perhaps you should too! Because many musical instruments are fragile, the less time they spend in transit the better, which is where DHL Express's expedited delivery option is a perfect fit. Start shipping internationally or domestically with DHL today.

1 – Joan Jett, BrainyQuote, accessed July 2022