Packing guitar for shipping

[Sharkfin]

So I've decided that it's time to say goodbye to the Neon Lady and ship her out to get a makeover. I went to a bike shop and got a nice large box that will fit the case. I plan on padding all sides of the case in the box generously with newspaper. Any advice with packing the inside of the case so that it arrives safely?

[MetalMedal II]

You don’t happen to have an SKB-style case that fits the soloist? If so, I’d go with that style only because the neck is supported throughout the length of the neck as opposed to the G&G type which only supports it at 2 spots. I know the G&G costs more, but I wish it supported the entire neck like an SKB. I’ve shipped guitars with both without problems, but I’ve seen more damage from guitars shipped in G&G types.

That being said, I’d make sure there’s plenty of bubble wrap to support the neck!

[MetalDaze]

Based on that pic, I don't think you need to crazy inside the case. The main goal is to limit movement. You don't want it sliding around. In your case, it looks like the body is locked in snug, so you are fine. It's the universal fit cases that need the most extra padding inside.

[BigE13]

I agree with MetalDaze. Having the neck locked in place in 2 places should be more than sufficient. If you are really worried though, you could put some rolled up bubble wrap on either side of the neck where it is not supported just for extra piece of mind but it should be fine the way it is. I have shipped 20 or 30 guitars in similar cases with no issues.

[Sharkfin]

I don't think it fits any other case due to the reverse headstock. It may fit one, I'll have to check.

[Newc]

Fill any gaps with bubblewrap, including around the body. UPS says it's gotta survive a 10 foot vertical drop onto concrete, so pack it tight then shake it like a screaming baby. If anything rattles, pack it some more.

Just don't let the case bulge, since it'll pop the latches, and probably fracture the lid or pop the hinges.

So what's she getting? Redone in proper colors? Implants? A Cock Dragon between her tits?

[RacerX]

Ha ha, that one. I agree with Newc (!!)

[Axewielder]

I remember that one, unless there are more than one out there. Yeah stabilize the headstock with bubble wrap, enough to limit movement but not too much that the neck lifts off of the support in the middle of the case.

[Big Al]

Don't forget to protect the pointy headstock if it is near the end of the case.

[LaoWai]

You can double box it as well. Boxes & bubblewrap arecheap, jacksons are not.

[Sharkfin]

I like the implants idea. I may run with it and add a flesh light

[sully]

Do not, do not, DO NOT pack around the headstock. Simply pack the body so it cannot move. If you pack around the headstock, that's a recipe for breakage, especially if the packing is tight between the end of the headstock and the perimeter of the case.

Trust me on this one.

Sully

[Sharkfin]

Okay, so absolutely nothing in that headstock area huh? Okay, I have 150ft of bubble wrap I saved from the last guitar someone shipped me. I'm gonna get it packed up soon

[sully]

If it's in a form fitting hardshell case, I don't see a need to pack around the headstock. Pack around the body so the guitar can't move inside the case, and you're fine.

[veemagic]

Totally agree with Sully on this one. LEAVE the headstock alone. Just fill in any gaps around the body so it can't shift. I like to use microfiber cloth so it won't scratch the finish. You can use your finger to find the spot where you need to fill and fold the cloth and stuff it in the gap. Once the body's tight that's all you can do. Once you put the case in the box put as much bubble wrap as you can and mark the top of the guitar with "This End Up" this will help a little from the shippers dropping it on the head.