Pack the guitar in a hard case or build a shipping box
A hard case is the safest choice for shipping. If your guitar already lives in one, use it—the case itself does most of the protection work. If you have only a soft gig bag, you need to build a shipping box around the guitar instead.
For a hard case: wrap the case itself in at least two inches of bubble wrap or foam padding, then place it in a cardboard box that is at least four inches larger on all sides. Fill the empty space with packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or foam sheets so the case cannot shift during transit.
For a soft gig bag or no case: place the guitar in the bag, then wrap the bagged guitar in two to three layers of bubble wrap. find the wrap with tape. Set this bundle into a sturdy cardboard box with at least three inches of padding on all sides and the bottom. Fill all gaps with packing material so nothing moves when you shake the box.
Key Takeaways
- A hard case provides the best protection; if you don't have one, wrap the guitar heavily in bubble wrap and place it in a box with at least three inches of padding on all sides.
- Loosen the strings by a half-turn or full turn before shipping to reduce tension on the neck during temperature and pressure changes.
- Use a carrier that offers signature confirmation and declared value coverage, and insure the guitar for its full replacement cost.
- Ground shipping is slower but subjects the guitar to fewer pressure changes than air shipping; expect three to seven business days depending on distance.
- Include a packing slip inside the box with your contact information so the recipient knows who sent it if the label is damaged.
Loosen the strings before packing
Turn the tuning pegs to loosen each string by roughly a half-turn to a full turn. You do not need to remove the strings entirely—just reduce the tension. The reason is that air pressure and temperature changes during shipping can cause the wood to expand or contract slightly, and tight strings can put stress on the neck during these shifts.
This step takes two minutes and costs nothing, but it can prevent a warped neck or a cracked headstock. Tighten the strings again once the guitar arrives and has sat at room temperature for an hour.
Choose a shipping carrier and insurance
Use USPS Priority Mail Express, UPS Ground, or FedEx Ground. All three will deliver a guitar safely if it is packed correctly. Ground shipping is generally slower (three to seven business days depending on distance) but is cheaper and subjects the guitar to fewer pressure changes than overnight air service.
Declare the full replacement value of the guitar on the shipping label. USPS Priority Mail Express includes up to $100 in coverage; anything above that requires you to purchase additional insurance. UPS and FedEx allow you to declare value up to the actual cost, and you pay a small percentage of that value as an insurance fee.
Do not undervalue the guitar to save on insurance. If the guitar is damaged and the declared value is too low, the carrier will only reimburse you up to what you declared. A $1,500 guitar declared at $500 will only be paid out at $500 if it arrives broken.
Label the box clearly and include tracking
Write "FRAGILE" and "THIS SIDE UP" on at least two sides of the box in large letters. Use a permanent marker so the text does not smudge. Place the shipping label on the top of the box, not on the side, so it stays visible and readable throughout transit.
Request signature confirmation at delivery. This means the recipient must sign for the package, which creates a record that the guitar arrived and was handed over to a person. It also gives you proof of delivery if a dispute arises later.
Include a packing slip inside the box with your name, phone number, and email address. If the external label is damaged or lost, the carrier can open the box and contact you using the information inside.
Prepare the guitar itself before packing
Remove the strap, capo, and any other loose items. Do not pack these inside the guitar case or box—ship them separately or include them in a way that they cannot rattle or press against the guitar body.
Wipe down the body and neck with a dry cloth to remove dust and oils. This is not required for safety, but it is courteous to the person receiving it.
Do not drain the battery from an electric guitar's active electronics before shipping. Modern batteries are safe to ship, and a dead battery can leak if it sits unused for weeks. Leave the battery in place and let the recipient replace it if needed.
Ground shipping versus overnight delivery
Ground shipping takes three to seven business days but is the better choice for guitars. The slower pace means fewer pressure changes in the cargo hold, and the cost is significantly lower. A guitar packed well in a hard case will survive ground shipping without issue.
Overnight or two-day air shipping is faster but more expensive and actually puts more stress on the package because of rapid pressure changes at altitude. Use overnight only if the recipient has a specific important date and you are willing to pay the premium.
Avoid shipping during extreme weather. If temperatures outside are below freezing or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the wood can expand or contract rapidly when the box moves between the truck and a warm or cold building. If possible, ship during mild months or ask the recipient to let the box sit indoors for an hour before opening it.
What to do if the guitar arrives damaged
Open the box in front of the carrier's representative if possible, or document the damage with photos when ready. Do not discard the packing materials—the carrier will want to see how the guitar was packed.
File a claim with the carrier within the timeframe they specify (usually 15 to 30 days). Provide the photos, the original shipping receipt, and the declared value. The carrier will either reimburse you or arrange a replacement, depending on their policy.
If the guitar was insured for its full value and the damage is documented, you should receive payment. If the declared value was too low, the payout will be limited to that amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship a guitar in a soft gig bag without a hard case?
Yes, but it requires more packing. Wrap the bagged guitar in two to three layers of bubble wrap, then place it in a cardboard box with at least three inches of padding on all sides. Hard cases are safer because they distribute impact force, but a well-packed soft bag will also arrive intact.
Do I need to remove the strings before shipping?
No. Loosen them by a half-turn to a full turn to reduce neck stress during pressure and temperature changes, but you do not need to remove them entirely. Removing strings is unnecessary and makes the guitar harder to set up when it arrives.
How much does it cost to ship a guitar?
Ground shipping for a standard guitar in a hard case typically costs $30 to $80 depending on distance and carrier. Insurance adds another $10 to $30 depending on the guitar's value. Overnight shipping costs $100 to $200 or more. Prices vary by carrier and location.
What if the guitar is a vintage or expensive model?
Use a hard case, declare the full replacement value, and purchase full insurance coverage. Consider using a specialty shipping service that handles high-value instruments if the guitar is worth more than $3,000. These services cost more but provide white-glove handling and higher coverage limits.
Is it safe to ship a guitar internationally?
Yes, but it is more complex. You will need to research customs duties for the destination country, fill out international shipping forms, and use a carrier that handles international parcels (USPS, UPS, or FedEx). Shipping times are longer (two to four weeks), so loosen the strings more and use extra padding. Costs are significantly higher than domestic shipping.