How To Ship A Guitar Without A Case: Here’s How To Avoid Damage 

I’ve been through a lot with my most trusted axe – from endless gigs to late-night jam sessions. But one moment still haunts me to this day – the time I had to ship my guitar without a case. At first, I was in awe ‘how to ship a guitar without a case.’ 

It all started when I received an invitation to perform at a festival across the country, but my guitar case was too bulky to bring on the plane. I had to find a way to safely get my guitar to the festival without its protective case. So, I researched and reached out to experts and figured shipping a guitar without a case could be done; it requires careful preparation and the right materials. Here, I am sharing everything you need to know, from choosing the right shipping materials to securing the guitar; here is how to ship a guitar without a case like a pro!  

What Packing Materials You Should Use To Ship Without Case? 

Shipping your guitar without a case may seem like a disaster, but with the right packing materials and following proper instructions, you can rest assured that the guitar will be safe in transit.  

First, gather up the following materials: 

1. Sturdy Shipping Box:  

First and foremost, you’ll need a good quality shipping box that is sturdy and will protect your guitar from any bumps or drops during transit. Make sure the box is a little larger than the guitar so you have plenty of room to add enough padding. 

2. Bubble Wrap: 

Bubble wrap is a lifesaver when it comes to padding the guitar. It provides a cushion around the instrument, and the bubbles can absorb any shocks or vibrations during shipping. For additional protection, you can also use foam peanuts, foam sheets, or foam blocks. 

3. Tape: 

Taping the guitar provides an added layer to secure your guitar in the box. You can use masking tape or packing tape to keep the guitar in place.  

How To Ship A Guitar Without A Case: Step-by-step Guide 

Let’s walk you through the step-by-step process of how to ship a guitar without a case. 

Step 1 Secure The Removable Parts 

Kick off the process by either taking off or loosening the guitar strings. Tight strings increase the chance of snapping during shipping, so make sure to loosen them up. Now, if you have a clip-on tuner, a capo, or other guitar accessories, don’t forget to remove and secure them in a separate box. It’ll prevent them from moving around inside the case and causing potential damage to the instrument. 

Step 2 Measure and Cut the Box 

Now, measure your guitar with a measuring tape to determine the size of the shipping box you need. You want to ensure enough space in the box for the guitar to fit comfortably, with at least 2 inches gap all around to add padding.  

Step 3 Wrap The Guitar 

Wrap your guitar in several layers of bubble wrap, covering all the vulnerable parts, such as the neck and headstock. You can also use packing peanuts, but ensure they’re snugly packed around the guitar to prevent any shifting during transit. 

Step 4 Place The Guitar Into The Box 

Place the two pieces of cardboard on the bottom and top of the box to provide extra support and help keep the guitar from moving around inside the box during shipping. Place the wrapped guitar on top of the bottom piece of cardboard and secure the guitar with tape. Use packaging tape or strapping tape to keep the guitar from moving inside the box. 

Caution: Don’t use tape on the soundhole or any other hardware, as it can damage the parts. 

Step 5 Fill The Box With Packing Material 

Fill any empty spaces in the box with more bubble wrap or packing peanuts to prevent the guitar from shifting during transit. Make sure the box is packed tightly and the guitar has no room to move around. 

Step 6 Seal and Label The Box 

Tape up the box, making sure all seams are sealed securely. Use the marker to label the box “FRAGILE” on all sides, and indicate the correct shipping address. You can also add “This side up” on the box to ensure it’s handled correctly. 

Pros and Cons of Shipping Guitar Without Case 

Shipping a guitar without a case can be a great way to save money, but it also comes with some risks. Here are the pros and cons of shipping a guitar without a case: 

Pros 

• Shipping a guitar without a case is much cheaper ($40-$80) than shipping it with a guitar case ($100-$150), as you don’t have to pay for the extra weight or size of the case. 
• Without the bulky case, you can store your guitar in a smaller space, making it easier to transport. 

Cons 

• Without the protection of a case, your guitar is less protected from damage during transit.  

Do I Need A Special Guitar Shipping Box? 

The truth is, while shipping a guitar, there’s always a fear of the guitar getting damaged during transit. And that’s where a special guitar shipping box comes in handy. These boxes are designed specifically for shipping guitars and provide ample protection to keep your instrument safe during transit. They come with cushioning material and strong walls to handle any bumps or impacts during shipping. 

Now, do you really need it? It’s not like you must need a special guitar box, but it gives the best protection possible to your cherished instrument. The only drawback is these boxes can be pricey (around $50). But, in the long run, investing in a quality shipping box is worth every penny.  

Is It Safe To Ship A Guitar Without Case? 

Shipping a guitar without a case is safe as long as you take the proper precautions. We know guitars are delicate instruments that can easily be damaged in transit if not properly protected. But if you follow the steps of ‘how to ship a guitar without a case’ properly, like bubble wrapping the guitar or getting a bit larger shipping box than your guitar, then the guitar will be protected from any potential damage during transit, and you can be assured that it’ll be safe.  

Is It Better To Ship A Guitar In A Case? 

It is always best to ship a guitar in a case. A case will provide extra protection for the instrument during transit, ensuring it arrives at its destination in the same condition as when it was shipped. Cases also provide additional cushioning and shock absorption, which can help to protect your guitar from any bumps or drops that may occur during shipping. On top of it, cases can also help to keep your guitar secure and prevent it from being damaged by moisture or other environmental factors. 

Is It Safe To Ship A Guitar In A Cargo Container Without Case? 

Shipping a guitar in a cargo container without a case is perfectly safe as long as you take the necessary precautions.  

At first, make sure the guitar is securely packed and cushioned with bubble wrap or other protective material. It will help protect the guitar from any bumps or jostles during transit. Then, ensure the guitar is properly secured in the container so it won’t move around too much. After that, consider using a humidity control device to keep the guitar from getting too dry or too humid during its journey.  Finally, try to get insurance for your shipment to cover any potential damages that may occur.  

Is Shipping Guitar Without A Case Cheaper? 

Cost savings is the most obvious advantage of shipping a guitar without its case. Weight plays a significant role in determining the cost of shipping a guitar. Generally, the heavier the shipment, the more it will cost. And without the added weight and bulk of a case, you can save significant money on shipping costs (at least around $50). Moreover, you’re saving the cost of buying a case too.  

Final Words 

It can be difficult to part with your guitar, worrying it may get damaged in transit. But by taking the necessary precautions, you can rest assured that your guitar will arrive at its destination safe and sound. Parting advice, always use a reliable courier service to ensure a safe and secure delivery.