How to move my guitar across the country?

Question

I have a 6yo classical guitar, originally purchased for $200. I like it, but not to the point I'll invest its current value's worth just to ship it.
I finished college and move (by plane) from Chicago to L.A. How can I get it over there?? It only has a soft case.

1. as a carry-on, I have a higher chance of steering the plane than getting it on board, right?
2. checked luggage seems expensive and still risky; doesn't a hard shell case cost $80 and up? Do they charge oversize fines? How do you insure it?
3. Maybe I should just sell it on Craigslist and buy another used one over there?
4. and last... do you have any experience with courier services?

That was a darn long question, thanks for reading :-)

So why does reality seems to be the opposite?! I called 3 guitar stores and nobody gives away cases, the cheapest used ones are $40.
UPS wants $50 (!) to ship it ground (oversized rate?) if it's packed or in a hard case, or an extra $60 (!!) for cardboard box & peanuts for a soft-case guitar.

Contrary to all the bad rep I've heard, AA states: "guitars...may be brought on board if they can be safely stowed..."
I verified it with their customer service and it'll fit in my aircraft's cabin. Seems like the best option...

Answer 1

Yes, if you can take it on-board with you, that is always the best, and least expensive way.

However, from my 12 years of shipping professionally with UPS, FedEx, and the USPS, I recommend that you drive down to your nearest FedEx/Kinko's store and ship it that way. Less expensive than UPS, and FedEx offers a safer transit.

How to pack for shipping: DO NOT USE PEANUTS. Peanuts are only for light items. I suggest that you either use Styrofoam sheets (totaling a 1" thickness), or stuff all of the sides around the guitar with at least 1" of newspaper. The box should be heavy grade cardboard that you can find at any shipping store in sheets or in a pre-cut box configuration. You might even be able to find some old boxes from electronics stores that they will be throwing away anyway. One or two from a big-screen TV will be perfect.

Shipping prices shouldn't be anymore than $20 and 4 days in transit if you know where to go. Keep in mind, that using a retail outlet like The UPS Store or another shipping store will charge nearly twice as much as a UPS or FedEx main hub if there is one near-by (which there should be in Chicago -and in LA for that matter). Fortunately, FedEx/Kinko's does not charge any added premiums.

If you really don't know how or don't want to box up your guitar, then have a place like The UPS Store box up your guitar (for about $20, but make sure they use sheets of Styrofoam and not peanuts unless they double box it) AND THEN take it to a FedEx/Kinko's or directly to a FedEx or UPS hub to have it shipped.

H a p p y
T r a n s p o r t i n g !

Answer 2

Call some local music stores and ask if they have any boxes they're throwing away -- and get as much bubble-wrap and foam puffs as they'll give you. Maybe get some extra cardboard to put inside for the wide sides (top and bottom of guitar).

I'm selling a steel-bodied guitar and was quoted by UPS a max of $45 to ship it cross-country but since yours is light, classical style it.should be maybe half that -- maybe less.

Answer 3

I say ship it. It's not as bad as you think. Go to a local music store and they'll give you guitar box for free.

I've sold and shipped many guitars on Ebay. People charge prices that are absurd. To ship an acoustic style classical guitar, soft case, and the weight of the box will cost you less than $25.00...maybe less than $20.

Ship it, my friend. It'll save you tons of aggravation.

Answer 4

The easiest way would be to take it to a UPS Store and have them pack it up and ship it to your new address. You could get it insured. Since it mainly has sentimental value you could ship it the cheapest way.

Answer 5

The safest way it to buy a ticket for the guitar and have it in the seat next to you. My guitar teacher did this ever few years when he buys his guitars for $15,000 in Spain. If it's that important to you, that's what I would do.

Answer 6

not except you purchase it its very own value ticket. sorry dude yet all carry-on's would desire to be 45linear heightt plus width plus length, in length or small to be carried on, or you will would desire to learn it. if i became into you i'd be paying for a case for it rapid! good success!