How to ship a guitar
To help ensure that your shipment arrives in top condition, follow these instructions for packaging and shipping your musical instrument.
Steps for how to ship a guitar
When shipping a guitar or other fragile or unique items, we can handle all the packing for you to ensure protection and peace of mind. Follow these steps to get your shipment ready to take to a FedEx Office location.
1. Loosen guitar strings
The FedEx Packaging Lab guidelines for shipping stringed instruments recommends loosening the tension on the strings to remove the stress on the neck of the instrument. This will reduce the risk of damage while in transit. The maximum weight for the guitar box is 45lbs.
2. Secure guitar in a case
Place the guitar in a hard case or soft case with adequate cushioning . We do not recommend shipping a guitar that is not secured in a case.
3. Pack and ship at a FedEx Office location
Create a shipment at your local FedEx Office with your shipping information and a payment method. Pricing includes the right FedEx box solution, cushioning materials, and expert packing service backed by the FedEx Office Packing Pledge. We’ll take it from there.
4. Or pack and ship without visiting a FedEx Office location
*Image is not a representation of the box size that should be used to package this item.
Obtain a box for your shipment. Fill the bottom of the box with packing material such as loosefill peanuts or air-cellular cushion. Center the shipment inside the box and fill any empty spaces on all sides.
Using the H taping method, apply pressure-sensitive adhesive plastic tape to both the top and bottom of the carton to protect the package and its contents. Tape all seams or flaps.
Ready to ship?
Create a shipment online
Create a shipment online even if you don’t have a FedEx account. All you need is the shipping information and a credit card.
Get your package to a FedEx location
Option 1 - Drop off at a FedEx location
Drop your shipment off at a FedEx Drop Box, FedEx Office, Walgreens, Office Depot/Office Max, select Dollar General and grocery stores, or other retail partner locations.
*FedEx custom and clinical boxes are only available at FedEx Office Locations.
Option 2 - Schedule a pickup online
Save time and effort by scheduling a convenient one-time pickup online for a small fee. One of our couriers will pick up your shipment from your home, office or other preferred location.
Related reading
Get instructions for how to pack, ship, market and manage a business.
NOTICE: This packaging brochure is provided to FedEx customers to help reduce loss or damage due to improper packaging. It is NOT intended to be a comprehensive guide for packaging items we accept for transit. We make no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding this information. Proper packaging is the sole responsibility of the shipper. Refer to the current FedEx Service Guide for terms, conditions, and limitations applicable to FedEx® delivery services.