How to Ship Musical Instruments Safely

Musical instruments are fragile, often expensive, and need specific packaging depending on type. Guitars, violins, and most string instruments require hard cases for shipping. Keyboards and brass instruments need extensive padding. Drums ship in pieces. Reverb, Sweetwater, and Guitar Center use UPS and FedEx — USPS won't ship items this large. Here's how to ship instruments without breaking them.

Best Carrier

FedEx Ground or UPS Ground

Package Type

box

Typical Weight

5-50 lbs (varies widely)

Shipping Tips for Musical Instruments

Stringed instruments (guitar, violin): must be in a hard case. Loosen strings slightly to reduce neck tension during climate changes
Detune guitars a full step — prevents bridge/neck stress in temperature shifts during transit
Wrap in bubble wrap around the case, double-box if possible
Acoustic guitars: stuff the soundhole with paper to prevent flexing
Keyboards: use the original box when possible, or ship with 3+ inches of foam on all sides
Drums: ship individual drums separately or in a large box with internal padding between each
Insure for full replacement value — instruments shipping damage is common ($100s to thousands of dollars)

Create Your Shipping Label

From (Sender)

To (Recipient)

Package Details

Weight (lbs)

Weight (oz)

Package Type

Length (in)

Width (in)

Height (in)

Label Options

Label Size

Carrier Format

Service Type

Reference Number

Scannable Code (from Reference Number)ⓘ

Encodes the Reference Number above as a real, scannable code. Not a carrier tracking barcode — use for your own order IDs, SKUs, or RMA numbers.

FRAGILETHIS SIDE UP

Label Preview

SHIPPING LABEL

From:

Sender address

Ship To:

Recipient address

Enter reference # to generate barcode

REF-000000

shippinglabel.co

5 fields needed to generate

Ship like a pro from $9/mo. Unlimited clean labels, 4×6 thermal printing, saved addresses. See plans → Cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in to access your account.

How it works: We format the label with your barcode/QR. Buy postage from your carrier (USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL) — they add the tracking barcode at drop-off.

Shipping Musical Instruments FAQ

Ship Other Items

Ship Books Ship Clothes Ship Electronics Ship Fragile Items Ship Shoes Ship Artwork & Prints Ship Jewelry Ship Watches Ship Wine Ship Coffee Ship Plants Ship Candles Ship Cosmetics & Skincare Ship CBD Products Ship Knives Ship Vinyl Records Ship Bikes & Bike Parts Ship Prescription Medications Ship Comic Books & Graphic Novels Ship Food & Perishables Ship Board Games Ship Video Games Ship Game Consoles Ship Trading Cards Ship Sneakers Ship Handbags & Purses Ship Hats & Caps Ship Sunglasses Ship Supplements & Vitamins Ship Hot Sauce Ship Headphones & Earbuds Ship Cameras & Lenses Ship Drones Ship Printers Ship Computer Monitors Ship Air Fryers & Kitchen Appliances Ship Pots, Pans & Cookware Ship Power Tools Ship Golf Clubs Ship Fishing Rods & Tackle Ship Ski Equipment & Snowboards Ship Helmets (Bike, Ski, Motorcycle)Ship Perfume & Cologne Ship Makeup & Beauty Products Ship Skincare Products Ship Pet Supplies Ship Baby Clothes & Kids Clothing Ship Office Chairs & Furniture Ship Luggage & Suitcases Ship Backpacks Ship Paintings & Canvas Art Ship Ceramics & Pottery Ship Antiques & Collectibles Ship Pokémon Cards & TCG Ship LEGO Sets & Toy Bricks Ship Action Figures & Figurines Ship Fresh Flowers Ship Chocolate & Candy Ship Cheese & Dairy Ship Seafood & Fish Ship Cigars & Tobacco Ship Alcohol (Beer, Wine & Spirits)Ship Coins & Numismatics Ship Yarn, Fabric & Sewing Supplies Ship Art Supplies & Craft Materials Ship Fountain Pens & Stationery Ship Sports Cards & Memorabilia Ship Furniture Ship Rugs & Carpets Ship Mirrors Ship Car Parts & Auto Parts Ship Tires & Wheels Ship Car Batteries Ship Surfboards & Paddleboards Ship Kayaks & Canoes Ship Electric Bikes & E-Scooters Ship Suits & Formal Wear Ship Wallets & Card Holders Ship Belts & Fashion Accessories Ship Scarves & Wraps Ship Strollers & Baby Gear Ship Car Seats & Child Safety Seats Ship Pet Food & Treats Ship Frozen Food & Perishables Ship Protein Powder & Sports Nutrition Ship Energy Drinks & Beverages Ship 3D Printers & Filament Ship RC Cars & Remote Control Toys Ship Model Kits & Scale Models Ship Garden Tools & Equipment Ship Seeds & Live Plants (Regulated)Ship Holiday Decorations & Ornaments Ship Gift Baskets & Care Packages Ship Photo Prints & Photographs Ship Posters & Art Prints Ship Fabric & Textiles Ship Leather Goods & Accessories Ship Workout Equipment & Weights Ship Yoga Mats & Fitness Gear Ship Wheelchairs & Mobility Equipment Ship Medical Devices & Equipment Ship Telescopes & Binoculars Ship CDs, DVDs & Media Ship Puzzles & Jigsaw Puzzles Ship Taxidermy & Animal Mounts Ship Wedding Dresses & Formalwear Ship Musical Instruments (Small)Ship Aquarium Supplies & Equipment Ship Camping Gear & Outdoor Supplies Ship Hunting Equipment (Non-Firearm)Ship Baseball Bats & Sports Gear Ship Skateboards & Longboards Ship Kick Scooters Ship Baby Formula & Infant Nutrition Ship Lab Equipment & Scientific Instruments Ship Sewing Machines & Equipment Ship Cactus & Succulents (Live Plants)

Related Resources

USPS Labels UPS Labels Cheapest Shipping Best Printers