Packing a Shobud guitar IN the case for shipping---Ideas??

James Morehead · From: Prague, Oklahoma, USA - R.I.P.

Ok, I'll start. I mention Shobuds, because I am unfamiliar with other brands of guitars and thier cases. Brace the compartments. Really, we can talk about any brand, if it lends itself to good ideas. I cut 2x4 to just barely fit, then wrap the blocks with painter's tape to protect the material in the case from splinters. Keep the blocks tight enough so they do not migrate in the compartment. Place the blocks at the compartment joints for the best advantage. Here's some pics to this effect.

With out using blocks, you will likely be rebuilding and re-upholstering your case. These cases are ment to pick up and carry by hand from car to gig and back. Shipping is a whole different matter--where hard shock is likely. Most of these old cases are just not made for the shipping rigors and abuse.

What ideas can you add to the final "closing of the lid". (This thread is about packing the guitar IN the case, not packing the case in a box etc.., so save those comments for Larry's thread going, please, at this link.)
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=268692

Please include pics if you can, of your ideas. Smile

_________________
"Good judgement comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgement"~old cowboy proverb.
shobud@windstream.net

Lane Gray · From: Topeka, KS

Here's a coupla thoughts:
1) block the volume pedal bulkhead like you did the pedal rack bulkhead.
2) check for ANY movement of guitar in case. Wrap axe in T-shirt or similar soft cloth to take up any slack.
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects

Larry Waisner · Posted 20 Jul 2014 1:59 am **Packing a steel guitar**

James I have shipped quite a few pedal steels over the years and I have found for me the best way to secure them in thier case is. Take a two by four and cut four pieces. Two pieces that slip in the pedal bar compartment one on each side of the legs, pedal bar and pull rods. The other two cut to where they slip in the volume pedal compartment if it's empty. I make them to slip in place not forced. I take a piece of cloth, sheet or pillow case material and wrap the guitar once then I use small bubble wrap and wrap the guitar two full times and tape it together. The guitar slips into the case firmly not tight. The wood pieces keep the compartment walls from coming loose and damaging the guitar if the case is dropped during shipping and the bubble wrap and cloth do the same for the guitar.
Kind Regards,

Lane Gray · From: Topeka, KS

If you've read my other posts on the subject, I apologize for the repetition: a pedal steel won't ride the conveyor belt at FXG, UPS or USPS. Instead they ride stuff bouncy flatcarts, and the stuff on carts has roughly a 1 in 4 chance of dropping 2 feet to concrete 6-7% per ride, four rides per shipment). The plus side: they don't stack the carts.
Larry's method sounds adequate.

PS: I drive for FedEx Ground, I derived those numbers from observing practices at 4 hubs. Chatting with UPS and USPS drivers indicates they treat big and heavy stuff the same.
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects

Tony Prior · From: Charlotte NC

excellent ! I am adding this to my packing procedure ! I have never experienced a damaged Instrument in shipping, this year alone 6 Steel guitars, but I don't want to start now either...

great idea ! thanks
!

t
_________________
Emmons L-II , Fender Telecasters, B-Benders , Eastman Mandolin ,
Pro Tools 12 on WIN 7 !
jobless- but not homeless- now retired 9 years

CURRENT MUSIC TRACKS AT > https://tprior2241.wixsite.com/website

Andrew Roblin · From: Various places

Thanks for your wisdom guys.

What about protecting the mini toggle coil-tap switch?

Andrew Roblin
International Sho-Bud Brother & Sisterhood
Member #79, Janitor

Lane Gray · From: Topeka, KS

I think the blocks at the corners of the endplates should be adequate. I think an added measure could be to remove it and tape it to the deck/inside of endplate. Sure, that's another 5 minutes of work, but the consignee has HOURS of work ahead.
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects

Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

Years ago I worked for a Jukebox and Background music company. One of the vendors the company bought equipment from was (I think) Browning Labs, who made a specialized FM receiver for background music.

Their package testing was to drop a packaged unit from a 3 ft high bench to a concrete floor, several times so it landed in different parts of the box. They then opened it and checked for mechanical damage and then tested it for electronic damage. If there were no problems, they considered their packaging adequate for shipping.

Lane Gray · From: Topeka, KS

Jack, I'd read that account of yours before and had thought it was overkill.
After Mr. Brabant's tale, I spent several mornings watching the hub operations. I now think that nothing other than prudent. That drop is surprisingly likely at 25-30%
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects

Tom Gorr · From: Three Hills, Alberta

I found an airline with a cargo sideline and a direct flight between the seller's city and one close to me, 2000 miles, half a day between dropoff and pickup, package went from shipping warehouse at the seller's airport to plane and to receiving warehouse at mine. The warehouses were set up at the periphery of the runway in the airplane service sector of the airport. I can't imagine anything other than a carry-on luggage could be better than this, I would even trust general passenger baggage as much as the cargo option.

By comparison, the steel would have traveled by cargo van across who knows what kind of roads, and likely at least three terminal sorts at major centers and four travel legs, minimum.

James Morehead · From: Prague, Oklahoma, USA - R.I.P.

There's a $5 fine for not posting pics to illustrate your descriptions. $10 fine if you are off topic. Evil Twisted

Really, the idea behind this thread is to compile useful information to help those who have done little shipping. Some day this will be archived for the benefit of many.

Please confine your comments to the topic at hand---PACKING THE GUITAR IN IT'S CASE. Thanx for your cooperation here. It will help many future shippings arrive safe and sound. Smile

_________________
"Good judgement comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgement"~old cowboy proverb.
shobud@windstream.net

Jason Putnam · From: Tennessee, USA

When I packed my stage one to ship, I took an old pair of pajama pants that my kids had and slid the pedal bar into the leg to protect it. Then I packed the inside of the case with old t-shirts. So tight I had to force the lid shut. When I picked up the case and jostled it around some, there was zero movement inside the case. I think that is the key to success!
_________________
1967 Emmons Bolt On, 1995 Mullen PRP 3x5,Nashville 112, JOYO Digital Delay, Goodrich Volume Pedal, Livesteel Strings

James Morehead · From: Prague, Oklahoma, USA - R.I.P.

John Swain · From: Winchester, Va

No one's mentioned supporting the pickup coils. I received my new Carter in 2002 with one BL XR16 broken off it's base. You might remember a
posting by Joseph Barcus of his Emmons with the single coils unwound across the guitar. Just need some foam, cloth or cardboard between the pickups and strings for support !

Lane Gray · From: Topeka, KS

John, if it has the original Bud pickups, the mounting screws address that. The screws go through the top plate.
James, I didn't intend any topic drift; but I thought it a good idea to address the likely source of transit damage.
If you know the forces involved, you can plan for them.
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects

Lane Gray · From: Topeka, KS

John, if it has the original Bud pickups, the mounting screws address that. The screws go through the top plate.
James, I didn't intend any topic drift; but I thought it a good idea to address the likely source of transit damage.
If you know the forces involved, you can plan for them.
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects

James Morehead · From: Prague, Oklahoma, USA - R.I.P.

Lane, would you mind posting a link for that? Then folks could see where to go for the next "stage". Thanx, Buddy!! Smile

_________________
"Good judgement comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgement"~old cowboy proverb.
shobud@windstream.net

James Morehead · From: Prague, Oklahoma, USA - R.I.P.

Also, not all Shobud pickups have srews all the way through the pickup.

John Swain, great point. How about demonstrating that with a picture of how you would do that?
_________________
"Good judgement comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgement"~old cowboy proverb.
shobud@windstream.net

Lane Gray · From: Topeka, KS

Unfortunately, they wouldn't let me video the carts or their process. In fact, they stopped me. There are signs all over prohibiting pictures, video or audio recording. But I have watched the process. Again and again.
I don't think there IS a link to anything detailing their process for handling the NC (non conforming) packages.
Or is that not what you meant?
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects

James Morehead · From: Prague, Oklahoma, USA - R.I.P.

No, I ment link to the thread you had made all those comments to.
_________________
"Good judgement comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgement"~old cowboy proverb.
shobud@windstream.net

Lane Gray · From: Topeka, KS

I've recently commented in this one:
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=268692

And also this one:
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=266007
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects

Lane Gray · From: Topeka, KS

For what it's worth, I just talked with a friend who works in operations at our Hagerstown hub.
He likes your packaging, says the bulkheads are well braced, and just make sure the guitar can't move at all when you close the case (including the up and down). But he approves.

Further comment from him:
"brace the movables if they can be bent a little blue foam goes a long way, and styrofoam to reduce impact shifts helps a lot" [blue foam means the camping mattress pad that Walmart sells. We use this for making foam weapons. Since the movables means the pedal bar and pedals, I don't think they're subject to bending, so I don't know how much effort I'd put into bracing and padding them. Probably just roll up an old towel or other large garment (Surely you have a garment that's nasty stained that your other half says "you're NOT wearing that outside!", use that) to keep pedals and bar from migrating.].
And:
"anything that qualifies as an IC needs at least 2 layers of packing, from outside in carboard box, styrofoam with cardboard corners or bracing, cardboard box with soft inner packaging."
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects

James Morehead · From: Prague, Oklahoma, USA - R.I.P.

Cool enough.
_________________
"Good judgement comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgement"~old cowboy proverb.
shobud@windstream.net

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