Shipping an Expensive Fragile Guitar

Thanks Doug and Niku.  There's no way I can take my harp on board.  Even my smaller harp is just about too big for the overhead bins.  What I did with my small harp last time was loosen the strings a half step and packed it so tight with clothes both inside the soundboard and all around the harp until I could barely get the case zipped, and then I checked with the hold luggage.  It was a huge risk, but it came out the other end at the Manchester airport absolutely fine.

I won't be able to get a flight case made for my big harp like MynameisCat suggested, because the cost is phenomenal.

Bummer, Andee. I was afraid of that.  I'd say best case (ha. ha. ha.) is to sell it and buy a new one over there.  Want help selling it here?  I can see if one of our pals in Baltimore might be able to help...put word out on the crack circuit and all that...

Well....I'm getting a quote via email from Craters and Freighters for shipping it via the most economical way plus insurance.  We will see what they say.

I don't know if it would be smart to sell it.  I paid $2700.00 for it second hand (in excellent condition) and it was worth a bit over $3000.00 at the time.  Now the same make and model is selling for $3895.00.  I think I'd lose money in selling it and buying a new one of the same quality.  And it's a really nice quality harp.

But if I decide to do it, I will let you and know to spread the word.  Also my old  harp teacher may have advice for me on that front as well.

Craters and Freighters got back to me.  They quoted me $1275.00 to ship my harp  .  I'm sure they offer a good and dependable service, but I can't afford that at all.

My next try will be UPS.  But if that turns out to be astronomical as well I may just risk it in the hold luggage of the plane.

take a look at these guys. www.contour-usa.com I got this link from fsjcjd. I found him here and he shipped over a couple guitars. The sight is pretty helpfull and they have at least one person on the boards here giving them a thumbs up.

Good luck,

Doug

Thanks dougniss!  The initial fee calculation came up at one third the price of Craters and Freighters  and they even come to your door and pick the  item up!  I very well may use them.

Kewl.  Have bookmarked the site!  Thanks from me too!