Packing by gear type

The headstock is one of the areas that can receive high stress if the instrument moves inside the case or the parcel takes an impact.

Immobilise the body and support the neck over a sensible area, leaving clearance around protruding parts. Do not allow accessories, tremolo arms, tools or power supplies to strike the headstock or finish.

Do not make extreme changes to string tension purely for shipping without a technical reason; follow any specific manufacturer or qualified technician guidance you have.

On heads and combos, identify protruding parts first: knobs, switches, jacks, handles, feet and corner hardware.

Create clearance and protection around these areas without using knobs as bearing surfaces. For heavy equipment, the lower protective layer should support the load without collapsing quickly.

Do not treat the amplifier handle as a structural part of the shipping package; the weight should be supported by the packaging system as a whole.

Pedals and multi-effects are compact but may have exposed switches, encoders, displays and connectors.

Protect surfaces first, then create clearance around the controls so external pressure is not transferred directly to protruding parts. Do not stack heavy accessories on the control panel.

When shipping several pedals together, physically separate them. Metal-to-metal contact can damage finishes, jacks and knobs even inside a well-filled box.

On synths and keyboards, identify keys, pitch/mod wheels, joysticks, sliders, encoders and knobs that could receive pressure.

Avoid hard material bearing directly on the keys. The package should support the instrument through the chassis and stronger areas while keeping the control surface clear.

For long instruments, consider flexing as well: a box that bends in the middle can transfer load to the keyboard even when the corners appear protected.

Drum shells and hardware behave very differently: shells are large and relatively delicate, while stands and pedals can be compact but very heavy.

Do not leave rods, clamps, pedals or keys loose inside a shell. Protect contact surfaces and immobilise each group so it cannot slide.

If nesting shells, create continuous separation between surfaces and make sure hoops and hardware cannot contact each other.

For microphones and wireless systems, use the shaped original case when available, but still check that the contents cannot move.

Protect the grille, capsule, connectors and switches from direct loads. Clips, mounts, adapters and power supplies should have separate compartments or individual protection.

For devices with removable batteries, determine whether they should travel separately inside the parcel or be excluded according to the current rules of the selected service.

When shipping cymbals, separate the surfaces to prevent rubbing and protect the centre hole from hard contact.

Use a container that resists easy bending and keep the edge away from the outer walls. If several cymbals travel together, secure the group without excessive clamping force.

Heavy metal accessories should be packed separately so they cannot become loose masses next to the cymbals.

First check movement of the instrument inside the case. Fill appropriate spaces with compatible material so the body cannot shift, without loading the neck, bridge or controls.

Then treat the case itself as an item that needs shipping protection: cushion and immobilise it inside the outer box. A hard case can spread impacts but can still be damaged or transfer force to the instrument.

A gig bag provides less structural resistance, so the outer packaging needs to do more of the protective work.

Displays, touchscreens and rear panels can be vulnerable to pressure and side impacts. Keep a protected clearance zone around them.

Where appropriate, remove easily detachable accessories such as music rests and pack them separately. Secure power supplies and cables so they cannot reach the keys or display.

If the instrument contains a battery, check the carrier’s current rules for that battery type and the selected route.

For valve amplifiers, check for obviously loose parts. If the manufacturer, a technician or the transport procedure recommends removing certain valves, identify their positions and orientation and pack them separately with suitable protection.

Do not improvise disassembly on equipment you do not understand. With combos and cabinets, also consider the mass of the speaker and how an impact can load panels and mounting points.

Before closing the parcel, carefully listen for loose components and address them without opening hazardous electrical areas.