How to Pack a Guitar for Shipping

Co-authored by Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: October 6, 2021 References

Whether you’re sending your bestie a bass for their birthday or shipping your vintage Les Paul to St. Petersburg, it’s crucial to pack it correctly. The idea of sending your prized instrument by plane, ship, or truck might make you feel pretty nervous, but don’t worry. We’ll walk you through the process of packing and protecting your guitar so it arrives safely at its destination—all you need to do is completely immobilize the guitar inside the case, and the case inside the box.

Method 1

Method 1 of 11:
Take off any removable parts.

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Prevent damage by packing these items separately. Remove the strap, endpin, capo, bridge, tremolo arm, cables, Allen keys, and anything else that can come off. Secure these pieces in a padded pouch to tuck into your guitar case.^{[1]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 11:
Loosen the strings.

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This reduces tension on the neck of the guitar. Experts recommend de-tuning an acoustic guitar a full step or 2 before you ship it. If the strings are taut and create tension on the neck, it may be more likely to warp or even snap in transit.^{[2]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 11:
Put paper between the strings and frets.

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Prevent wear on the neck with this measure. Slip kraft paper or even a thin piece of fabric in between the strings and the frets. If there’s enough room, you could even use bubble wrap.^{[3]
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- Kraft paper (which is blank and not dyed) is the best option for wrapping and packing. Newspaper could transfer ink to your guitar, which is a headache you definitely don’t want to deal with!

Method 4

Method 4 of 11:
Wrap the headstock in bubble wrap.

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This is especially important if your peghead is angled.^{[4]
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Research source} The goal here is to prevent the headstock from moving around inside the case. Wrap the headstock in a few layers of bubble wrap to protect it.^{[5]
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- Wrap the whammy bars and any other moveable parts in bubble wrap as well.^{[6]
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Method 5

Method 5 of 11:
Place the guitar in a hardshell case.

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A hardshell case is a must for protecting your guitar. It’s definitely worth springing for a hard case if you don’t already have one—it’s your best bet if you want your guitar to arrive safely at its destination. A gig case just won’t provide enough protection.^{[7]
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- Slip the padded pouch with all of the removable pieces into a pocket of the case as well.^{[8]
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Method 6

Method 6 of 11:
Fill the spaces between the guitar and the case.

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Use as much packing material as you need to keep the guitar from shifting around. Make sure to add padding under and around the heel and the headstock. Slip balled-up kraft paper into any gaps to make sure the guitar is fully supported.^{[9]
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- Don’t forget to pad the bridge as well.^{[10]
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- Bubble wrap or clean cloths can also be used as packing material.

Method 7

Method 7 of 11:
Put the case in a box.

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Choose a box that’s only slightly larger than your case.^{[11]
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Research source} Secure the bottom of the box, stand it upright, and add a few inches of packing material to the bottom of the box. Then, slip your case into the box.^{[12]
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- Stop by a guitar shop in your area and ask if they have a guitar box you could have.^{[13]
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- Many companies sell boxes and shipping kits for guitars, as well.

Method 8

Method 8 of 11:
Pack the spaces between the case and the box.

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Extra pieces of cardboard, bubble wrap, and balled-up paper will all work here. Fill in any spaces around, underneath, and on top of the case with packing material. Pay special attention to supporting the area around the neck of the guitar so it can’t move. It’s critical to make sure the case doesn’t shift around in the box during transit!^{[14]
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Method 9

Method 9 of 11:
Wrap the guitar in bubble wrap if you don't have a case.

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Several layers of bubble wrap can help protect your guitar, but isn't ideal.^{[15]
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Research source} Wrap the body and neck of the guitar in bubble wrap, then slip into the smallest box it will fit in, and fill in any gaps with crumpled-up kraft paper or more bubble wrap. Place a few inches of balled-up paper in the bottom of a slightly larger box, then slip the small box inside. Add enough packing material to keep the small box from shifting around.^{[16]
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- Only try this if you absolutely can't get your hands on a hard case.

Method 10

Method 10 of 11:
Secure the box with packing tape.

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Once you’ve filled the box to the brim, seal it up! Avoid using masking tape or other varieties—packing tape is stronger, so it’s your best bet. Cover each seam with 1 or 2 layers of packing tape to secure the box and keep out dirt, dust, and moisture.^{[17]
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Method 11

Method 11 of 11:
Add a shipping label.

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Get the label from the company you intend to ship your guitar with. Take your package to your local shipping store. Ask a clerk to weigh and measure the package, then print you a shipping label. Affix the label to the outside of the box and give the package to the clerk for shipping. All that's left to do is pay for shipping and send your guitar on its way!
- You can also add labels like “Fragile” and “This Side Up” to the outside of the box.