Shipping an Acoustic Guitar from Calgary to Vancouver

[FiftyBelow]

I was just wondering if anyone on CP has experience with shipping a guitar or a similarly large and fragile item between private residences located in separate cities.

I left my acoustic guitar in Calgary since I didn't want to pay West Jet's absurd 3rd baggage fee. But now, I'm sorely missing it and wish I had it around to play some tunes and write some music.

Has anyone ever used UPS, FedEx, CanadaPost or the like to carry out such a service? Is it safe for the guitar to do so? How much will it likely cost?

Thanks.

[Traditional_Ale]

[krynski]

Well, I work for one of the shipping companies mentioned. The way that the packages come are 10ft piled high boxes, It depends who is "packing" the trailer to its destination. It could have any amount of weight on it, so I would discourage shipping as a guitar is a very fragile instrument. The main worry is the transportation between the center in one city, to the center in another city. Once it has done that, the worst part is over.

If you do decide to ship it, label the package with "fragile" all over. You can never have too many warnings. Also, request a signature. Some require some more expense for signatures. As far as i know, most of the companies ship quite similarly. UPS ships up to 150 lbs, same with Fedex. According to http://www.canadapost.ca/tools/pg/ma...expparus-e.asp the weight max is 30lbs, so that might be your safest bet. If i was to ship a guitar through UPS or Fedex, I would create a make-shift crate out of plywood to entirely cover the whole guitar.

[krynski]

In response to the vid:

I don't completely buy that. A 150 lb piece of steel dropped at waist level on top of the body of the guitar will most definitely cause some damage. generally speaking, he has a good method, but I wouldn't say its the most safe if shipped through UPS or Fedex. That being said though, out of maybe 1000 packages, one package will be damaged (on average) and most of the damaged packages are poorly packaged.

[Deelow]

you could buy a cheap case from a pawnshop. What was the cost with West Jet? Seems like courier will not be cheap for a guitar. Even Grey Hound is pricey.

[CrusaderPi]

Originally Posted by krynski

In response to the vid:

I don't completely buy that. A 150 lb piece of steel dropped at waist level on top of the body of the guitar will most definitely cause some damage. generally speaking, he has a good method, but I wouldn't say its the most safe if shipped through UPS or Fedex. That being said though, out of maybe 1000 packages, one package will be damaged (on average) and most of the damaged packages are poorly packaged.

We can always blame whoever packed it. Always.

[Mad Mel]

Originally Posted by CrusaderPi

We can always blame whoever packed it. Always.

But wait for her to finish making dinner first.

[Flames0910]

I know a guy who shipped one (sans case) via Greyhound and it turned out OK.

You might need to get the action adjusted bc of difference in humidity.

[drewboy12]

pm sent... I fly to Vancouver weekly i can pick it up and drop it off for you.

[CaptainCrunch]

[troutman]

How much weed is inside the guitar?