Shipping a tuba without a hard case

[Josh deVries]

The title says it all...

Does anyone have any advice/experience on shipping a tuba without a hard case.

The only two options I've heard are:

Flying with the horn

or

Packing it in a box with the gig bag and LOTS of packing peanuts.

Any stories/suggestions?

Thanks!

[Euphtub]

When my King 2341 came from Baltimore Brass in its Chronkite bag it was in a huge box full of packing peanuts. The DHL delivery guy actually rolled it to the door…I was horrified, but it was just fine.

You might call Dave Fedderly at Baltimore Brass and ask him. He ships quite a bit more than most people.

-Michael

[Dan Schultz]

The ultimate answer depends on what carrier you plan to use.

- If going with Greyhound Package Express... use a U-Haul 'wardrobe box' that's at least 6" larger than the bell and about 6" longer than the horn. Fill the voids around the horn with foam rubber from old mattress pads, old blankets, or several layers of bubble-wrap. This will also work if you go with a truck line IF you put the box on a skid.

- If you are going with UPS, USPS, or FEDEX... you'll need a carton that will allow at least 3" of padding all the way around and in another carton with an additional 3" all the way around just to comply with their packaging requirements... just in case there is damage that they probably won't pay for, anyway.

Actually.... I prefer to ship a horn NOT in a case. Just putting the horn in a case without additional padding inside a large box is just asking for trouble.

[Rick F]

Norm Pearson showed the correct way to pack a tuba for shipment with lots of pictures. Here's a link:

Packing a tuba for shipping (lots of pitures)

[Josh deVries]

Norm Pearson showed the correct way to pack a tuba for shipment with lots of pictures. Here's a link:

Packing a tuba for shipping (lots of pitures)

Wow!! Thank you! This should be bookmarked somewhere, that's perfect.

Thanks to all replies.