How to Ship a Guitar to the U.S.?

[bendshead]

I have a fairly valuable acoustic guitar that I want to ship to the U.S. The manufacturer (Taylor) hard shell case for it is very strong.

What is the best way to ship this to the U.S.? It seems to be above the 115cm limit for carrying a guitar aboard a plane. Any recommended mailing service? Can it be insured for its full value (USD$1500)? Can it ship in the case or require special packaging? If it requires special packaging is there a service that will handle this?

Speed of delivery isn't important. I just want to get in there reliably with minimal fuss and without paying FedEx type rates.

Thanks

[ATF]

You can take it on a plane you just check it in at the special baggage counter. The check in desk will tell you where it is.

Otherwise send it EMS from the Post Office with online tracking. Cheaper than DHL etc. and just as good.

[craigt3365]

I did the opposite, brought my D-18 here from the US. Here's what Elderly told me about cases. I ended up with the Guardian. On arrival here, it has some pretty good scuff marks and scratches, but no damages to the guitar. Loosen the strings, put support under the head stock and make sure it's very secure in the case and you should be OK.

I asked the airlines if I could bring it on board, and their answer was yes, in the US, but couldn't guarantee what would happen when changing planes in Japan as it was their partner, JAL's flight. So, decided not to take a chance and just checked it. It was just excess baggage for me, so not too expensive.

Best of luck!

Per our conversation yesterday, I was able to check into your
questions about a good flight case. We strongly recommend either a
Hoffee or Hiscox case made from fiberglass or carbon fiber. These
will offer the best protection for your instrument even in the
roughest conditions. However, these cases can be very expensive.

<http://elderly.com/accessories/items/HAGC1-IV/G.htm>http://elderly.com/accessories/items/HAGC1-IV/G.htm

HISCOX LITEFLITE "ARTIST" GUITAR CASE
DREADNOUGHT / SMALL-F - IVORY w/ GREEN LINING - Very highly
protective, yet light weight (11.5 lbs) guitar case sized for
acoustic guitars with a lower bout from 15-1/2" - 16-1/4" and up to
43-1/2" long; everything from traditional 14-fret dreadnoughts to
small-F jumbos. Features include composite double molded construction
with a 2.5mm impact / crush resistant ABS outer shell bonded to an
inner moulding of semi-rigid cellular foam to absorb impact energy.
Crush resistance exceeds 1100 pounds !!! The well designed interior
features perimeter padding with suspension pads in the bottom and
pressure pads in the lid over the neck and endblock to hold the
guitar in place, is lined with deluxe velour and has an ample
accessory box. There is also a heavy-duty aluminum perimeter valence
to increase shell rigidity and provide an extra secure attachment
substrate for the latches and hinges. In addition to the great impact
protection, the inner cradle also provides excellent thermal
protection. There is also a comfortable leather handle as well as
D-rings for the included shoulder strap. Imported from the U.K., just
across the pond.

Availability: In Stock Now
sku: HAGC1-IV/G .. list $649.00 ours $549.00
(Black is also available but is currently out of stock)

<http://elderly.com/accessories/items/HDGC1-BK/R.htm>http://elderly.com/accessories/items/HDGC1-BK/R.htm

HOFFEE DELUXE CARBON FIBER GUITAR CASE
MARTIN & COLLINGS 14-FRET DREADNOUGHT - CARBON BLACK w/ BURGUNDY RED
- Enhanced version of the original standard Hoffee case with a
slightly larger shell, thicker padding and larger accessory
compartment. Exceptionally strong, weighs ~14 lbs pounds and features
a black carbon fiber shaped shell, closed-cell foam padded interior
with burgundy red lining, water tight seal between top and bottom,
accessory box, heavy-duty latches & hinges, leather handle and three
D-rings for backpack style strap configuration (two shoulder straps
included), sized specifically for Martin & Collings 14-fret
dreadnought acoustic guitars. Excellent case for travel. Made in the USA.

Availability: In Stock Now
sku: HDGC1-BK/R .. $1050.00

With less confidence we can recommend the following options:

<http://elderly.com/accessories/items/GFCD-DKGREY.htm>http://elderly.com/accessories/items/GFCD-DKGREY.htm

GUARDIAN FIBERGLASS DREADNOUGHT GUITAR CASE
Dark grey color fiberglass shell with thick seal between case lid and
case body, six heavy duty latches, two shoulder straps, five D-rings,
thick padded handle, plush padded interior with internal pressure
pads to hold guitar in place and internal accessory box. Imported from China.

Availability: In Stock Now
sku: GFCD-DKGREY .. dark grey .. list $299.00 ours $224.00

This fit in this case will be a little more sloppy than the more
expensive options and you may want to add additional padding. While
this case is made of fiberglass, it is not as strong as the more
expensive versions.

<http://elderly.com/accessories/items/RBCONT-D.htm>http://elderly.com/accessories/items/RBCONT-D.htm

REUNION BLUES "CONTINENTAL" DREADNOUGHT GUITAR GIGBAG
Ballistic Quadraweave exterior in two-tone black with 1" thick
high-density, dual-layer foam on front and back; Blue Diamond velvet
tuck interior with Softmesh sides; neck brace suspension system with
adjustable, locking security strap; "Zero-G" palm-contoured handle
with weight distributing foam core; large reinforced
laptop-compatible exterior multi-pocket; four inner pockets for cell
phones, iPods, pedals and accessories. Internal measurements: 42.5"
length x 15" upper bout x 17" lower bout" x 5" depth; 9 lbs.

Availability: In Stock Now
sku: RBCONT-D .. list $269.95 ours $199.95

While this is a gigbag, it does offer good protection for your
instrument. It is almost like packaging your guitar in a
balloon. Another benefit maybe that baggage carriers will be more
careful with it because it is obviously a guitar in a
gigbag. However, if something heavy were to fall on your guitar, or
if unusual stress was placed on the neck, damage would likely occur.

I hope that this information is helpful in making your decision. If
you have any more questions, please feel free to ask.

Safe travels and best wishes,

[craigt3365]

Also, they recommended NOT using the original Martin hard case as it wasn't up to snuff. So not sure your original hard case would be good either. Just a thought...

[craigt3365]

FYI...I flew United! 55555 And this is one reason I went with the strong case.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Breaks_Guitars

Great response from Taylor:

[T_Dog]

You can also ship it with a "space available" service that is a lot more economical than normal air. I have shipped a bicycle and a few other things back that way. Just ask at the post office and they will set you up. Took about four weeks however.

[bendshead]

You can also ship it with a "space available" service that is a lot more economical than normal air. I have shipped a bicycle and a few other things back that way. Just ask at the post office and they will set you up. Took about four weeks however.

@T_Dog, Thanks a lot. Will check it out.

[bendshead]

You can take it on a plane you just check it in at the special baggage counter. The check in desk will tell you where it is.

Otherwise send it EMS from the Post Office with online tracking. Cheaper than DHL etc. and just as good.

@ATF,

Do you know if the "special baggage" service will keep the guitar inside the cabin or down below with the rest of the luggage? Also, will they insure the guitar or take responsibility if it gets banged up?

[bendshead]

I did the opposite, brought my D-18 here from the US. Here's what Elderly told me about cases. I ended up with the Guardian. On arrival here, it has some pretty good scuff marks and scratches, but no damages to the guitar. Loosen the strings, put support under the head stock and make sure it's very secure in the case and you should be OK.

I asked the airlines if I could bring it on board, and their answer was yes, in the US, but couldn't guarantee what would happen when changing planes in Japan as it was their partner, JAL's flight. So, decided not to take a chance and just checked it. It was just excess baggage for me, so not too expensive.

Best of luck!

Per our conversation yesterday, I was able to check into your

questions about a good flight case. We strongly recommend either a

Hoffee or Hiscox case made from fiberglass or carbon fiber. These

will offer the best protection for your instrument even in the

roughest conditions. However, these cases can be very expensive.

<http://elderly.com/accessories/items/HAGC1-IV/G.htm>http://elderly.com/accessories/items/HAGC1-IV/G.htm

HISCOX LITEFLITE "ARTIST" GUITAR CASE

DREADNOUGHT / SMALL-F - IVORY w/ GREEN LINING - Very highly

protective, yet light weight (11.5 lbs) guitar case sized for

acoustic guitars with a lower bout from 15-1/2" - 16-1/4" and up to

43-1/2" long; everything from traditional 14-fret dreadnoughts to

small-F jumbos. Features include composite double molded construction

with a 2.5mm impact / crush resistant ABS outer shell bonded to an

inner moulding of semi-rigid cellular foam to absorb impact energy.

Crush resistance exceeds 1100 pounds !!! The well designed interior

features perimeter padding with suspension pads in the bottom and

pressure pads in the lid over the neck and endblock to hold the

guitar in place, is lined with deluxe velour and has an ample

accessory box. There is also a heavy-duty aluminum perimeter valence

to increase shell rigidity and provide an extra secure attachment

substrate for the latches and hinges. In addition to the great impact

protection, the inner cradle also provides excellent thermal

protection. There is also a comfortable leather handle as well as

D-rings for the included shoulder strap. Imported from the U.K., just

across the pond.

Availability: In Stock Now

sku: HAGC1-IV/G .. list $649.00 ours $549.00

(Black is also available but is currently out of stock)

<http://elderly.com/accessories/items/HDGC1-BK/R.htm>http://elderly.com/accessories/items/HDGC1-BK/R.htm

HOFFEE DELUXE CARBON FIBER GUITAR CASE

MARTIN & COLLINGS 14-FRET DREADNOUGHT - CARBON BLACK w/ BURGUNDY RED

- Enhanced version of the original standard Hoffee case with a

slightly larger shell, thicker padding and larger accessory

compartment. Exceptionally strong, weighs ~14 lbs pounds and features

a black carbon fiber shaped shell, closed-cell foam padded interior

with burgundy red lining, water tight seal between top and bottom,

accessory box, heavy-duty latches & hinges, leather handle and three

D-rings for backpack style strap configuration (two shoulder straps

included), sized specifically for Martin & Collings 14-fret

dreadnought acoustic guitars. Excellent case for travel. Made in the USA.

Availability: In Stock Now

sku: HDGC1-BK/R .. $1050.00

With less confidence we can recommend the following options:

<http://elderly.com/accessories/items/GFCD-DKGREY.htm>http://elderly.com/accessories/items/GFCD-DKGREY.htm

GUARDIAN FIBERGLASS DREADNOUGHT GUITAR CASE

Dark grey color fiberglass shell with thick seal between case lid and

case body, six heavy duty latches, two shoulder straps, five D-rings,

thick padded handle, plush padded interior with internal pressure

pads to hold guitar in place and internal accessory box. Imported from China.

Availability: In Stock Now

sku: GFCD-DKGREY .. dark grey .. list $299.00 ours $224.00

This fit in this case will be a little more sloppy than the more

expensive options and you may want to add additional padding. While

this case is made of fiberglass, it is not as strong as the more

expensive versions.

<http://elderly.com/accessories/items/RBCONT-D.htm>http://elderly.com/accessories/items/RBCONT-D.htm

REUNION BLUES "CONTINENTAL" DREADNOUGHT GUITAR GIGBAG

Ballistic Quadraweave exterior in two-tone black with 1" thick

high-density, dual-layer foam on front and back; Blue Diamond velvet

tuck interior with Softmesh sides; neck brace suspension system with

adjustable, locking security strap; "Zero-G" palm-contoured handle

with weight distributing foam core; large reinforced

laptop-compatible exterior multi-pocket; four inner pockets for cell

phones, iPods, pedals and accessories. Internal measurements: 42.5"

length x 15" upper bout x 17" lower bout" x 5" depth; 9 lbs.

Availability: In Stock Now

sku: RBCONT-D .. list $269.95 ours $199.95

While this is a gigbag, it does offer good protection for your

instrument. It is almost like packaging your guitar in a

balloon. Another benefit maybe that baggage carriers will be more

careful with it because it is obviously a guitar in a

gigbag. However, if something heavy were to fall on your guitar, or

if unusual stress was placed on the neck, damage would likely occur.

I hope that this information is helpful in making your decision. If

you have any more questions, please feel free to ask.

Safe travels and best wishes,

@craigt3655,

Thanks a lot for this info. Yeah, I'm thinking the roadcase wouldn't be a worthwhile investment since I'm likely to use it only once. I'm also flying JAL as one of the "partner airlines", so if I understand right an airline may agree to allow the guitar to be stored in the cabin for departure but when you change flights the next airline may not allow that? When you checked the baggage is there any option to buy some insurance for it, or do you know what is standard coverage / responsibility from the airline?

[craigt3365]

I got Elderly to discount the case quite a bit, but I also bought the Martin from them. So, for an extra $150, I thought it was worth it. And yes, I've only used it one time!

If you watch the video from Taylor, they explain the problems with getting your guitar on the plane. It's not guaranteed.

Who are you buying the tickets from? I'd call the airline and ask them. I did that with United and they said they couldn't guarantee it'd go in the cabin during the stopover. And I'd really check with them if insurance if valid for a case that might not be acceptable to them for checked baggage.

My guitar new was almost 2k USD. I just didn't want to take the chance....

[ATF]

You can take it on a plane you just check it in at the special baggage counter. The check in desk will tell you where it is.

Otherwise send it EMS from the Post Office with online tracking. Cheaper than DHL etc. and just as good.

@ATF,

Do you know if the "special baggage" service will keep the guitar inside the cabin or down below with the rest of the luggage? Also, will they insure the guitar or take responsibility if it gets banged up?

You'd have to check with the individual airline on that but it's usual for golf clubs, skis, fishing rods etc.