How to pack and ship a guitar and other instruments to and from the UK

Vivien Christel Vella

Senior Global Digital Marketing Manager

30 August 2026 5 min read

Any true musician will tell you that their instrument is not just a “thing” – it’s an invaluable and irreplaceable part of their creative being. So, when shipping musical instruments – whether on tour or for repair – they want to feel confident that they’ll arrive at their destination safely and in perfect condition. And that’s why many turn to DHL.

“My guitar is not a thing. It is an extension of myself. It is who I am.”

Joan Jett

DHL Express have vast experience and expertise in shipping musical instruments and large items. They were the official logistics partner of The Rolling Stones record-breaking “Unzipped” exhibition, transporting some of the most revered instruments in rock history around the world to be enjoyed by fans from London to Las Vegas. Among them were several of Keith Richards’ and Ronnie Woods’ guitars, and a rare dulcima (a kind of double lute), played by Brian Jones.

A lot larger in shipping terms, and only a little less rock ‘n’ roll, is their longstanding customer, Thomann – Europe’s biggest online retailer of musical equipment. Hans Thomann Snr started the business as a sideline to his trumpet-playing in the 1960s, initially selling instruments from his backpack. Thomann has one store in rural Germany – but thanks to e-commerce and DHL, the company now ships musical instruments to many millions of customers across the world.

So if you’re thinking about shipping your guitar to a gig, a recording studio, or maybe its new owner across the globe, this guide has you covered. From picking the right case and packing materials to navigating customs and selecting the best shipping couriers, here are all the tips needed to make sure your guitar arrives safely and sound.

There are also insights for shipping other musical instruments — because whether sending a guitar to the U.S., a violin to the UK, or a keyboard anywhere else, valuable gear deserves first-class treatment.

Let’s take inspiration from Ronnie Woods and begin our focus on the guitar…

How to pack a guitar for shipping

Choose the Right Case and Loosen the Strings

Start by ensuring your guitar case is in good condition. A strong case provides vital protection during transit. Consider using a hardshell case from a reputable brand like Gator or SKB for optimal protection. Remember to de-tune or slacken your guitar strings to release tension from the fretboard, preventing damage during shipping.

Wrap and Protect Your Guitar

Line the hard case with bubble wrap to cushion the guitar. Wrap the entire instrument in bubble wrap, with extra focus on the neck for additional support. Adding padding between the fretboard and strings can provide extra protection.

Secure the Guitar Within the Case

Fill any gaps within the case with foam padding or polystyrene chips to prevent the guitar from moving during transit. Keeping the instrument snug and secure is key to ensuring it arrives safely.

Pack the Case in a Suitable Crate

Choose an appropriately sized box or crate to minimise movement. DHL's plastic packing crates offer excellent protection for temperature-sensitive items like guitars. Aim for a 6 cm gap between the instrument case and the crate, and fill this space with bubble wrap for extra cushioning.

Pack Accessories Separately and Label Clearly

Pack all small, loose guitar parts, such as tremolo arms and capos, separately to prevent them from scratching the instrument. Avoid using black outer packaging, as it can interfere with DHL's automated sorting systems. Securely tape the box/crate and attach the shipping label clearly.

Measure, Weigh, and Get a Quote

Once your guitar is packed, measure and weigh the parcel to obtain a shipping quote from DHL. Use the online shipping calculator on the site to get an accurate estimate of the shipping cost based on your specific requirements.

How to ship a guitar without a case

Our first piece of advice would be, don't! But while shipping a guitar in a hardshell case is obviously the safest option, we realise there may be times when that's just not feasible. So if you don't have a case or prefer not to use one, here are some steps to take to ensure your instrument's safe arrival:

Source a strong cardboard box: Look for a sturdy cardboard box that is slightly larger than your guitar on all sides. Ideally, the box should be made of double-walled corrugated cardboard for added protection. Many guitar retailers sell specialized guitar shipping boxes that are designed to provide adequate cushioning and support.
Wrap and protect the guitar: Before placing the guitar in the box, wrap it securely in bubble wrap or packing peanuts. Pay extra attention to the headstock and neck, as these areas are most vulnerable to damage. You can also use foam padding or other protective materials to create a cushion between the guitar and the box walls.
Secure the neck: To prevent the neck from shifting during transit, create a supportive structure within the box using additional cardboard or foam inserts. This will help keep the neck stable and minimize the risk of damage.
Fill empty spaces: Fill any remaining gaps in the box with packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or other cushioning materials. This will prevent the guitar from moving around and getting damaged during shipping.
Double box if possible: If you have access to another cardboard box, consider placing the wrapped guitar inside a smaller box, then placing that box inside the larger one. This will add an extra layer of protection and further reduce the risk of damage.
Seal and label the box: Seal the box securely with packing tape and clearly label it with "Fragile" and "Handle with Care" warnings. Include your contact information and the recipient's address on the label.

Remember, while these steps can help protect your guitar during shipping, it's still not as safe as using a hardshell case. If you have the option, using a case is always the recommended method for shipping a guitar.

How to ship a guitar amp

Astro-pack foam is an ideal material to protect your amplifier as it is lightweight, non-abrasive, and absorbs shocks. Wrap the amp in the material, securing it with packing tape. Then use several layers of bubble wrap for extra protection. Place the wrapped amp in a strong cardboard box, with plenty of padding such as polystyrene chips to prevent movement during transit. Place a “This Way Up” sticker on the outside, along with a shipping label.

How much does it cost to ship a guitar?

DHL offers highly competitive prices for domestic and international shipping. Get a quick quote here.

How to ship other musical instruments Internationally

Shipping musical instruments requires careful consideration and preparation to ensure they arrive at their destination in pristine condition. Different instruments have varying levels of fragility and require specific packing techniques to protect them during transit.

Generally, the key is to minimise movement and provide ample cushioning. Utilise sturdy cases where available, and dismantle instruments with multiple parts to wrap them individually. Securely pack items in appropriately sized boxes or crates, filling any empty spaces with protective materials like bubble wrap or packing peanuts.

Stringed instruments: Loosen the strings to prevent tension and potential damage from temperature fluctuations during shipping.
Drums: For drums without cases, use several layers of bubble wrap for protection. When sending more than one drum, remove the heads and hoops of the big ones and nest the small ones inside with appropriate padding. Dismantle drum kits and pack components securely, using padding to prevent movement.
Brass instruments: Dismantle and wrap each part separately with bubble wrap before placing them in the packing crate. Pack the instrument case separately.
Wind instruments: Pack in their cases with added bubble wrap for both the instrument and the case. If shipping without a case, use multiple layers of bubble wrap for protection.

Always insure your instruments

You can never be too careful! Accidents can happen, and it's essential to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances. In fact, a recent survey revealed that nearly nine million UK shoppers have received their parcels damaged on arrival.

DHL offers free cover up to a certain value as standard (depending on your country of origin and destination), but this can easily be upgraded if your instrument exceeds this value.

And for extra peace of mind, DHL offers full tracking of your shipment to its destination. You can monitor your instrument's journey every step of the way, ensuring its safe and timely arrival.

Don’t forget the batteries!

If your musical instrument and/or accessories contain batteries, and you’re shipping them cross border, you will need to be aware of certain regulations. Some batteries will be classified as Dangerous Goods – the transportation of these is a risk when they are not correctly packed or handled. To ensure your shipment gets to where it needs to be—safely and on time—check out our guide to shipping batteries.

Trust the experts trusted by legends

Bands as big as the Rolling Stones and Coldplay trust DHL Express to carry their instruments around the world. They know that shipping a guitar, whether domestically or internationally, requires careful consideration and preparation. And the expertise that DHL Express brings hits all the right notes. Open a business account today and you can start shipping with confidence too.

Open a DHL Express Business Account

FAQs About How to Ship a Guitar

Is it okay to ship a guitar in cold weather?

Many stringed instruments are constructed from wood which can be vulnerable to extreme hot or cold climates. Fortunately, DHL is experienced in transporting fragile items in temperature-controlled environments, so you can be sure your instrument will arrive in perfect condition.

How can I be sure the guitar is packed securely enough?

Do the shake test! Take the guitar case and give it a shake. You shouldn’t be able to hear or feel anything rattling around.

Should you loosen guitar strings before shipping?

Yes, always!

What happens if my guitar was damaged during the shipping process?

If your guitar is damaged during shipping, contact DHL Express immediately to file a claim. DHL Express has a compensation policy in place to cover damages depending on your delivery service. However, for added peace of mind and comprehensive protection for your valuable instrument, we recommend opting for DHL's shipment insurance during the booking process.

1 – Joan Jett, BrainyQuote, accessed July 2022