Transporting Musical Instruments

The first step in shipping musical instruments is the preparation required for success. This step can set the entire shipment up for success or may be a liability if handled incorrectly. The whole shipping process must be aligned well to the individual instruments at hand and optimized for their particular needs. For example, a violin shipment will require much less space and customization than the shipping of a harp, like the one pictured here. Make sure you are tailoring the process to the instruments you are working with.

Think through the whole shipping process to ensure you have everything you need for success. Consider who you want to parter with to get the instruments where they need to go if you don’t have the expertise needed. In choosing a partner, consider the experience each option has and what level of expertise you are comfortable with. Are you willing to work with a relatively new company who hasn’t shipped many instruments before and typically handles large container shipments, would you prefer someone who specifically specializes in instrument shipping, or would you be comfortable with a company who is somewhere in between? Be sure you’re making the best choice for your interests.

Though the preparation is a crucial first step, the packing of the musical instruments is arguably the most important step in the process because of how critical it is to the items arriving safely at their destination.

The first question to ask yourself in preparing for packing the instruments is, “Who is best suited to pack these items?” If the answer is not you and your team, you will have to look for a crate and pack partner with the right expertise. Packing instruments yourself is always an option but will depend on how capable you are and how delicate the items are. If the instruments are very expensive and you aren’t 100% confident in your abilities, it is best to find a partner to work with.

Crating musical instruments almost always requires custom crating because of their unique shapes and specific needs. Crating instruments in a box slightly larger than the instrument or its carrier is essential, as it will allow for added protection if the crate moves a bit during transport or is dropped during loading/unloading. Extra protection is always the name of the game in crating! The next essential step is to pad the inside of the crate with padding or foam to make sure the instrument is not bumping up against a hard surface, which could cause damage to the instrument.

It is also crucial to make sure the instrument is secured inside its packaging, usually an instrument case. This is your first line of defense and can prevent unnecessary movement from occurring. Usually, instrument cases will come equipped with straps or other securing mechanisms but if not, others can be fashioned by you or your crating partner.

Following these steps accompanied by skillful custom crating will help ensure your musical instruments arrive safe and sound!

The organ was wrapped in protective wrapping to prevent any damage or scratching.
Foam lined bracers kept the organ from shifting during transport. The bench was banded down to hold in place.
Once fully crated, tip n’ tells were added. These would indicate to the receiver that there was any excessive movement during shipment.