Packaging Guidelines

Always ship guitars in a hard case or padded gig bag. If you have the original case, use it. Place the guitar in the case and ensure it cannot move — tuck packing paper around the body and neck to fill any gaps.

• Loosen the strings slightly to reduce tension on the neck during transit
• Place a strip of packing paper between the strings and fretboard to prevent fret marks
• For angled headstocks (e.g. Gibson-style), do not stuff packing material into the headstock cavity — this can increase the risk of a headstock break
• Place the case inside a cardboard box with at least 5cm of bubble wrap padding on all sides
• A hard case alone is not sufficient protection for shipping — always double-box

Keyboards and synthesisers are large, heavy, and have sensitive controls. Original packaging is ideal if you still have it.

• Wrap the keyboard in a layer of bubble wrap, paying extra attention to knobs, sliders, faders, and any protruding controls
• If keys are exposed, lay a sheet of cardboard or foam over them before wrapping
• Use a box that allows at least 5cm of padding on every side
• Fill all voids with scrunched paper or packing peanuts — the keyboard should not shift at all
• For heavier units, reinforce the bottom of the box with extra tape

Amps and speakers are heavy and have fragile components like valves, speaker cones, and glass panels. Handle with extra care.

• Remove any valves (tubes) if possible and wrap them individually in bubble wrap — pack them separately in a small box inside the main box
• If valves cannot be removed, stuff the inside of the amp around the valves with scrunched paper to prevent movement
• Cover speaker cones with a rigid sheet of cardboard to prevent punctures
• Wrap the entire unit in bubble wrap and place in a double-walled box with at least 5cm of padding on all sides
• Mark the box as FRAGILE and indicate HANDLE WITH CARE and THIS SIDE UP

Microphones — especially condenser mics — are precision instruments with delicate internal components. Audio interfaces have sensitive connectors and circuitry.

• If you have the original storage case or box, use it
• Wrap the microphone in bubble wrap, folding the wrap over itself for extra layers
• Place in a box with at least 8cm of padding material on all sides
• For audio interfaces, wrap all cables separately and tuck them alongside the unit
• Fill remaining space with packing paper so nothing can shift
• Give the box a gentle shake — if you hear movement, add more padding

Effects pedals, DJ controllers, and smaller electronics may be compact, but they still need proper protection — especially knobs, switches, and screens.

• Wrap each item individually in bubble wrap
• Use a box that is slightly larger than the item to allow for padding
• Fill all gaps with scrunched paper or packing peanuts
• If sending multiple pedals, wrap each one separately and prevent them from touching
• Include any power supplies or cables, wrapped and secured separately

Drums and cymbals are bulky and can be damaged by impact. Shells can crack and hardware can bend if not packed properly.

• Remove drumheads if possible or place a layer of cardboard over them for protection
• Wrap each drum shell in bubble wrap, securing with tape
• Cymbals should be wrapped individually and separated with cardboard dividers
• Pack hardware (stands, pedals, clamps) separately and wrap any moving parts
• Use a box that allows generous padding around the item on all sides

Photograph your item and the inside of the package before you seal it. If anything is damaged during transit, these photos will be essential evidence for any courier claim.

Use proper packing tape — not masking tape, sellotape, or duct tape. Apply tape along all box seams and reinforce the bottom of the box. A box that opens in transit is the most common cause of shipping damage.

Apply the shipping label on a flat surface of the box where it is clearly visible. Mark the box as FRAGILE on multiple sides. If the box has a natural orientation, mark THIS SIDE UP with an arrow.

Before sealing, close the box and give it a firm but gentle shake. If you can hear or feel the item moving inside, open it up and add more padding. Your gear should be completely immobile within the box.