Let's Ship a $20,000 Guitar! Tips on How To Pack a Guitar Inside of Its Case for the Best Protection

One of my "The Les Paul" guitars sold so now I have the joy of packing this very expensive $20,000 guitar up to ship out to it's new owner. I thought I would re-document how I pack guitars for transit. This video mainly focuses on how to properly prepare and pack your guitar inside of its hardshell case. I did previously make a video about how I pack a guitar inside of a box. This guitar is being sent out in a less than standard box though because I felt it was more protective.
Affiliate Links are found in this description + comments section - clicking and purchasing items from partners will help financially support the show.

[@deeplydisillusioned683]

I currently work for a courier company And I have to say those "This way up" signs are both a waste of time AND counter productive, the box will be transported in whatever way it fits best in whatever it is transported in regardless of the arrows. Even if it was always kept that way up at all times, you would be placing the package at more risk, you really want a box sitting on it's largest face, not on end otherwise it IS going fall over, (potentially off a conveyor belt) unless the bottom end was particularly heavy, Think of it as a domino. I'd add one more tip, make sure the inner package is waterproof because water damage does happen, shippers also carry all sorts of liquids and not every sender packs as carefully as you do.

[@IntoTheMystery13]

That’s the most beautiful les Paul I’ve ever seen

[@710Chri]

Into The Mystery 13 look up the Gibson The Les Paul All Wood, It’s based off of this one and in my opinion looks even nicer

[@scottiejordan1064]

UGLY. REALLY UGLY.

[@GasNBullets]

And have photographic evidence of your packing at all stages in case an insurance claim does come about!

[@silverstone3228]

GasNBullets he already made this video as evidence Sherlock

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

silver He didn’t video any guitar you are shipping... This is a how-to do it, a lesson for others to pack better.

[@Trog]

Yes, that is a good step that I also do. I send those photos to the buyer as proof of shipment and for peace of mind. Thanks for watching!

[@GasNBullets]

silver Ok Watson, my comment was refering to the fact this is a tutorial to others on how to pack and ship a guitar. The point that THEY should photo for evedince of packing. But you just keep on nitpicking pumpkin.

[@kbkman7742]

I had a guitar shipped to me for the first time ever this year. Every other piece of gear I own I bought in person. But this guitar was something unique and at a great price so I had to have it shipped between capital cities. It shipped in a gig bag. They had packed it so well it not only arrived safely, but after two days during a heatwave it was in tune. The store made their pwn foam cutouts for the headstock and other areas and stuffed the box so well i had to cut it open because i couldnt pull the guitar out. It goes to show if you take the time and you have a trustworthy courier service it's actually very convenient to ship instruments places. Changed my mind completely.

[@Trog]

If you know what you're doing - shipping isn't too scary! It's all about buying the right packing materials and not skimping out. I probably use half a roll of bubble wrap and a half roll of tape on every guitar. I don't mind the cost of the materials as long as the guitar arrives safely. Thanks for watching!

[@kazoo3434]

As someone who has worked at a postage company, thank you for putting orientation arrows and packing it well. you'd be surprised how many boxes we had where people didn't pack them well and of course the box will be busted up, or the single strip tape came undone and we had to repack them and relabel them, deal with the customer, payout claims, etc.

[@markcheetah4960]

I have a question. I received a $300 guitar case in a rainstorm. It showed up at the door in a clear plastic bag with shipping labels attached to it. I complained to the seller, and he said that he shipped it in a cardboard box with the plastic bag inside of it. Do you think it's possible that the box got drenched & the shipping company discarded the box and affixed new shipping labels to the plastic bag inside? Does that ever happen? Thanks

[@kazoo3434]

I can't say I've ever seen this happen. the place I worked at, if the box was damaged too much, we inspected the contents and reboxed them. For someone that doesn't know the thing you have, they might've just figured since it was in a bag it was fine.

[@elvis_chen]

This is professional.

[@jjdillon2007]

Excellent advice and tips, Austin. Thanks!

[@tallthinkev]

20 grand? I'd want to pick it up myself.

[@shanemiller2046]

no doubt. catch a plane.

[@raoulduke806]

well if you can spare 20 grand , you can spare couple plane tickets

[@ColossalTriangle6425]

Great advice! I sell guitars occasionally online and the toughest thing about it is the shipping. Nothing would be worse than the guitar showing up at the buyers door broken because of the shipping.

[@Trog]

I like to insure with Reverb Shipping Protection when possible. They are a lot more likely to get your squared away than a courier claim

[@cadpereira1]

Most beautiful LP I have ever seen, period

[@davegoldsmith173]

Love at first sight is real! What an unbelievably beautiful guitar

[@710Chri]

Dave Goldsmith Look up the Gibson The Les Paul All Wood. It’s based off of this it looks even better in my opinion

[@earthling273]

Just a side note: that neck is absolutely stunning! Probably the most beautiful neck I have ever seen.

[@willwilburn9473]

If I paid $20,000 for a guitar I would come pick it up in person.

[@justincase4925]

Fragile means Destroy me. In the federal express dictionary😮

[@-l_gavin_l-]

These are some seriously pro tips! Learned a lot here, thanks!

[@glenchoitz9497]

Great advice...and having shipped a few in that price range, it is nerve racking no matter what you do until you hear from the buyer that all is well. One thing I always do is to have the buyer send me an email agreeing that once the guitar is handed off to the shipper, it is no longer my responsibility nor am I liable for any damages that may have occurred, including being returned or refunded. I write this out in an email to them and have them copy/paste and return to me agreeing to these conditions. One 1960 ES345 I sent, the buyer did not want any additional insurance put on it (cost, $700 and change) and just the standard $100 coverage. So I included that the buyer had turned down the add on insurance in the email also. It got there with no problems, luckily. Pictures of it packed in case and in box and also taped up, plus a picture of the shipping label. Bottom line do ALL you can to protect the guitar AND yourself...or you could end up with the guitar back, no money, and now damaged so worth considerably less.

[@dirkbonesteel]

A lot of people don't mark Fragile because the shippers seem to take it as a dare

[@cdavidlake2]

It's provocation.

[@justincarbone8715]

That is such a beautiful Les Paul.

[@lmbtcs1879]

You should work in DHL so you can teach them how to not fucking destroy my guitar while shipping :(

[@filiplibuda6883]

Dude, I want to hear your story

[@geetarislife2843]

Please tell me it wasn't worth over $2000 and had no insurance

[@lmbtcs1879]

Its ok guys, its an epi goth explorer which neck snapped in the packaging. Guess maybe it was landed headstock first into sth hard and it wasnt wrapped as nice as the one in this video. Its ok the store did send me another one

[@geetarislife2843]

well at least you got a replacement for it

[@cruedevil71]

This is a mandatory watch for anyone selling on Reverb or Ebay. I have an identical shipping method as yours only because of the horror stories out there. Never once had a break or damage during shipping so that says something of your technique.

[@Trog]

The only time I ever have issues in transit is with previously repaired guitars

[@wadeguidry6675]

I routinely used to ship $3500-$7000 guitars. Most expensive guitar I ever shipped was $12,000 Breedlove Acoustic. Made mostly of Antique Brazilian Rosewood. Had a seemingly 3d/surround sound tone. Awesome!. After following Trog's advice for packing the ever living shit out of whatever you're shipping; PAY ATTENTION TO SHIPPING DETAILS. Insurance, address , tracking, insurance policy details, take detailed and dated pics before packing of instrument and take pics of your method of packing.When done start over and double check everything.

[@dakotaross6094]

Awesome video man! Keep up the good content!

[@silvermediastudio]

Just received a 1960 Regal 270. Nitro finish. Covered in little white spots from bubble wrap eating the finish in transit.

[@1337million]

Something else you can do for old barcodes and stuff is to get a sharp knife and scrape the old info off. Works wonders for presents where you don't want the receiver to see what their gift costs, you can usually make out the numbers and letters undernesth the marker

[@michaelgupton2210]

I fill the void around the head stock with shock absorbing stuff like crushed paper or bubble wrap because it may help absorb shock before it touches the peghead snapping it like kindling. Also, only detune the strings one to one and a half whole notes. Any looser than that and floating pinned bridges may become dislodged from their posts digging a nasty hole in the top of you guitar. Unpinned floating bridges should be taken off and packed separately in the case, making sure you wrap the strings or otherwise protect the neck and body from nut to tailpiece. Always assume your valuable parcel will be tossed into the back of a truck with complete disregard for its contents. Always over pack and over tape.

[@contrabandjoe7974]

Business cards on the neck is a good idea (for marketing purposes). I use tissue paper under the strings and tucked around the neck.. I also put bubble wrap around the headstock and secure it with a hair tie.....

[@adamscottv]

Good stuff, and a sweet guitar

[@rebfloyd4088]

My 74 Gibson 20Th Anniversary Les Paul had a messed up tuner when delivered to me. Thanks for the great info. Reb Floyd

[@billwilenski]

Hey Trogly’s I dig your channel you kind of remind me of something from king of the hill with that song that comes in you give a lot of good information man thanks

[@crashsvault]

I just followed this step by step, thank you!

[@jeffreybiscoe6]

I am not 100 % sure about this model but remember the Paul and Les Paul recording guitars before I expanded my knowledge of what I know today that were available to me for around $950 to 1,100 around 02. Glad I know my ax's better now.

[@jeffreybiscoe6]

Thank you for packing info.

[@BruceBurger]

Great tutorial! I sent an ibanez s5570 to someone, and I double boxed the guitar with the original Ibanez box plus a Reverb box. The guitar case arrived damaged with a broken case handle. The guitar was fine, but I’m shocked how my package can still be damaged even with careful packing. 🍔😍

[@Foxonian]

Very informative as always!

[@patrickmulder2450]

I don't know why, but I really like those bridges. I've seen them on a few of the 70's SG's you've done on your channel. Can you still get those new as a replacement part for a tun-o-matic bridge?

[@Trog]

The originals use a larger stud than a tune-o-matic, but I do believe these are still made!

[@patrickmulder2450]

Thanks. Should have a look if I can find those.

[@Toimi]

9:30 if they don't own a screwdriver it's time for them to buy one! Whatever keeps the guitar safer is the way to go

[@kennethluebberke8216]

Beautiful guitar.

[@Spencerguitarplayer]

That guitar is absolutely beautiful 😍😍😍

[@710Chri]

Gibson remade this in 2014. It’s called the Les Paul All Wood. It’s very nice

[@Trog]

Yes, the All Wood was a tribute to this. Honestly, that guitar just looks like a suped up studio though so I don't think that did this guitar any justice. I'd like to compare them one day though!

[@710Chri]

It has maple binding on the neck, it’s more similar to a standard. I have one and it looks and sounds so good. It’s a piece of art

[@710Chri]

It’s a lot nicer than a studio

[@johnnyangel69]

Great video. Nice tips. Typically I use Reverb safe shipping but they now only insure up $2500 value. So, what’s the best method / courier to ship and insure a $20,000 guitar? Also, any advice on sending such a valuable guitar internationally? I’ve successfully shipped many guitars all across the globe but most were under $5000. Would love to know your thoughts on shipping a $20,000+ guitar internationally.

[@andysaucedo3226]

Hey Austin, what bubble wrap are you using because I shipped a 2022 Classic just like you mentioned in this video, and customer recieved a guitar with melted bubble wrap on the neck and body.

[@Swinbad]

Great video and very nice tips! I like to use paper towels or toilet paperAs I’ve heard stories of bubble wrap making nasty imprints all over certain finishes. I think it only happens in hotter weather and the soft tissue paper won’t scratch and

[@gitarmats]

Stunning guitar!

[@thomasmuniz4769]

Thanks Trog you're the greatest.

[@Woods_Hiker]

I was wondering if you were going to detune, which is good. Can't remember where I heard that before but the neck can change shape going to different regions so loosening the strings is good. I like the large box method you used. That did not occur to me. Definitely worth the extra material to ensure safe delivery

[@Trog]

If I were to custom order boxes - I'd definitely go with these square-shaped ones over the traditional rectangle-shaped ones. Yes, they might be a bit more expensive to ship due to the Dim-weight, but it's worth it. On a regular style guitar box, I bend the edges with additional bubble wrap

[@TempoDrift1480]

You would be amazed at how many people are incapable of screwing in an end pin. Its so staggering that I'm not even shocked by it before. Most guitar players can't even sand their necks which is easier than fucking tuning so I can totally agree with it "inconvenience" the buyer. These people are the reason for warning lables on bubble wrap.

[@Bruce-1956]

I've had LP's shipped (from a Dutch music store) to me without a case and wrapped in bubble-wrap loose in a big box. Of course I sent it all back and explained that this was not a good idea. I ordered another one and loo and behold they did exactly the same thing again. Luckily the laws in Europe are very much on the side of the customer.

[@cruedevil71]

why did you send a perfectly good guitar back? You could have just told them it was a bad practice and kept the guitar.

[@kierenmoore3236]

You sold this for $20k?

[@710Chri]

Kieren Moore that’s what they sell for

[@jackmanbussey]

Great Stuff Austin , Thanks !

[@stratocaster1greg]

I sent a 1964 sg jr to Florida and had a carpenter build a crate from 1/2 plywood.

[@TempoDrift1480]

You couldn't build a crate out of 1/2 inch plywood? You had to have someone do it for you?

[@gregputman]

Very informative. Almost exactly how I pack guitars, except I've never turned the tuning keys to where their horizontal with the case bottom. That's a very good tip. I have to admit though, I would still be very nervous about that bubble wrap touching that Nitro surface, with the thought of the whole guitar getting fairly warm inside some container somewhere. I would probably wrap the guitar in some sort of sheet to keep the plastic bubble wrap off of the Nitro, but of course I'm usually pretty paranoid when shipping guitars

[@Trog]

It depends on your bubble wrap - they are not all created equally. I've never had issues with this kind

[@gregputman]

The Trogly's Guitar Show Thanks man. I am a big Les Paul fan and dig the hell out of your channel. You get some of the craziest Les Paul's I have ever seen. Just amazing stuff. I like collecting Les Paul's, but currently have only two Gibsons....both pretty average Les Pauls.... A 1981 Standard and a 1999 Classic. Right now my latest obsession get getting some of the 70's-90's Japanese replicas, which some of them are quite amazing. It's just a bit easier on my pocketbook. I would love to have that Steve Howe The Les Paul, or the Brazilian Rosewood Les Paul, or expecially a Artisan Les Paul.....but I really can't afford stuff like that. It's still nice to watch your vids and dream. You have done amazingly well for yourself with that stuff, and I learn new stuff every time I watch a video. Thanks

[@JonathanccTCG]

@@Trog would you mind telling me which kind of bubble wrap you're using. And if I'm shipping a fender poly finish strat i shouldn't worry so much right? thanks!

[@raytsh]

Filling out the space around the headstock could prevent whiplash damage. I'd prefer that.

[@Trog]

It would actually allow for the headstock to absorb more of the hit - so while it might seem like a good idea, it is not.

[@tenniswilliam]

Is it possible that a minimal capo that can be fixed near the nut might dampen any vibration from impacts

[@daniwest1370]

very good video

[@MOAB-UT]

Good job but on something this expensive, I would not chance it by putting relatively hard plastic (even bubble wrap) in direct contact with the guitar. Soft rubber, non-stick sheets like you see inside of shelves (has holes in it and is very soft) would have been better. Inside the case, if you used anything, you could have wrapped it up in a a few microfiber towels. If you wanted to bubble wrap over that, fine. This way, the paint does not get any minor scratches. It also secures and cushions and supports the guitar very nicely and softly. The bubble wrap should go outside of the case and use lot's of it! The inside of the case is made of very soft material- never plastic. Your idea was good- air cushioning, you just forgot that plastic like that can be mildly abrasive. On a $100 item, no big deal but not on a $20k guitar!

[@iii978]

wow.. This is the most beautiful Gibson i've ever seen

[@captainamerica9353]

But it's the ugliest I've ever seen, except for maybe a Recording model.

[@iii978]

@@captainamerica9353 Tanks - found it again. Was wondering what vid I saw this beutiful Gibson.

[@druidavey]

And do you take phone pics of the packaging just in case for insurance?

[@francisd2386]

If you worry about bubble wrap/nitro/poly action, why not wrap it into this kind of synthetic plasticy silk?

[@TheDogPa]

Ah, 'pre-Henry' Gibson when they made good guitars! But $20 grand? You could make 2 custom ones that would be night and day better, for that.

[@yardenzloof6526]

With maple pickguard and wooden binding

[@caveman1586]

Very professional

[@rickenbacker40011]

Oh man.. a the les Paul Holy :O Breath Taking

[@driven9863]

Just wondering, do you use Insurance with UPS and how much does it cost for Insurance?

[@Trog]

Yes, I insure my packages. The cost varies depending on how much you're insuring the guitar for. I think it is 90 cents per $100.

[@driven9863]

thanks for your response, I enjoy your channel and keeping us informed the Gibson's Guitars.

[@papaporkyl.l.c.2061]

So helpful!

[@ericthompson3551]

Dude, use great stuff aerosol foam after wrapping in plastic. THE best way to ship anything fragile.

[@IanOPadrick]

You should work for Gibson to actually package their stuff. You'd increase the quality control.

[@Trog]

It is scary how minimalist their pack jobs are - most times it is just a cardboard insert. What I do is likely considered 'overkill' but after watching the UPS lady literally throw my delivery out of the truck today - I wouldn't pack them any other way haha!

[@jeffleonhardt7173]

What carrier is recommended and what about insurance?

[@joker71172]

How about a video of your personal collection? Cheers

[@Trog]

I don't have one. I sold my collection of spotlights to finance my home unfortunately

[@troutvalleyguitars]

Nice Video!

[@RoseUnseen]

What time is it in idk? Go to sleep haha glad i was up to catch this video!

[@sethride9042]

TherealGeorgeSt-Pierre struggling to sleep

[@Trog]

My videos go up everyday between 12-1:30am my time

[@frankm6711]

Funny how a brand new Gibson doesn't come as securely packed as this. They stick a soft gig bag in a card board box on the entry level models. No packing materials padding or anything.

[@marciabujold9235]

I'm returning a new Fender acoustic today, it arrived with a big crack on the bottom.. looking at how to pack it to avoid further damage. It came in a soft case, a cardboard box with two measly pieces of cardboard on each end! (It wasn't shipped from Fender.) It's the first time I've bought a guitar online, and maybe the last.

[@ViviSectia]

You're better off not marking your packages as fragile or marking which side is the top. Popular Mechanics shipped a bunch of sensors across the country through different shipping services and methods multiple times to see how packages are actually treated. They found that packages marked as fragile or had "This side up" written on the side were treated much rougher on average than unmarked packages. They were flipped over more and experienced more drops that were over two and a half feet.

[@jatna77]

Where is a good place to get boxes like that?

[@therock1232100]

How much was the shipping for this?

[@BibleStorm]

How much did you buy this $20000 guitar for?

[@megatrends]

Nice job packing that, you must be using a poly bubble wrap safe for nitro finishes because there are bubble wraps that will damage a lacquer finish. There's a PVC type wrap which is probably the worst offender, you also have poly ethylene and poly urethane. Obviously whatever you're using is the good one but be careful if you change brands. Here's an example of wrap damage on a guitar. i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s395/jasonayres/image-2-1.jpeg.html

[@brianwalker6849]

Great job packing now take some photos from different angles just in case !!

[@nalukeko]

the top left tuning peg on my '18 R9 touches the case when I pack it. I'm not impressed with these current cases. I'm much more at ease with PRS cases.

[@hadtodoit2647]

That's kick ass I would trust you with my baby's that's guitar's that is

[@Alanoffer]

I would invest in a proper flight case on a twenty grand guitar

[@eli.rez_music]

Can you try getting a Gibson widow?

[@Trog]

If one ever comes up at the right price - definitely.

[@psiklops71]

i turned 8 when this guitar was made

[@drewjohnson4794]

Something that valuable, a work of art really deserves better than this even. I'm not knocking your packing job it was great. I feel though to chance something so nice is testing fate. The wrong accident occurs or negligence and all that packing isn't gonna protect anything. When a fork truck runs it over or a worker drops it from the top of the warehouse because it's funny, it's destroyed, period. It needs its own flight case and special type of shipping for extremely valuable cargo.

[@Masterfighterx]

For 20K unless it's out of country, I'd probably bring it home personally, or have someone I trust bring it, rather than having it shipped.. For what I know a plane ticket within the US shouldn't be that expensive, especially not if you can shed out 20K for a guitar..

[@alexbalintjr.6091]

Guitar prices are heading way low, that 20K guitar is probably about 13K right now and still heading down.

[@Masterfighterx]

3:24 It's a black toggle switch cap.. Big deal?....

[@tavicotavio]

It still is an incovenience

[@黒人-m3w]

I think you would be surprised by how many people not only do not own a screwdriver and also, Do not. Know how to use one.

[@eli.rez_music]

I would have liked it even better if it had trapezoid inlays

[@keithgray5525]

Get some cheap screw drivers and include then in the shipment, buyer love free stuff

[@TempoDrift1480]

If you take 10 people and stand them in a row, 6 of them will be incapable of operating a screwdriver. You can make them attempt to and 2 of them won't even attempt to run a screw into an end pin. People are seriously THAT incapable.

[@TempoDrift1480]

@@stevestevestevesteve6466 Well you are aware that they have a need to print warning lables on bubble wrap arent you? And they have to print instructions on Pop Tarts also.

[@a64tbird]

Tragoknific!

[@277southtombob]

I saw a mistake in shipping this. It didn’t have my address on the shipping label 🤪😜

[@lic.josechavez8837]

Tard

[@justincase4925]

I hope Sweetwater can learn how to ship a PRS guitar properly .fed ex can and will destroy tje box by dropping it 8 times.

[@chrischappell2072]

0:12

[@TheMetalmachine467]

When you put fragile on it they will definitely use it as a spear and chuck it in the truck lol

[@bobstump463]

Never use bubble wrap on any guitar that has a nitro finish - it can completely ruin the finish

[@Trog]

Depends on the bubble wrap. Cheap stuff, definitely. High-grade, nope

[@donaldschumacher3683]

I had a bicycle shop and it surprised me how many people do not know how to use a screwdriver

[@Trog]

Never assume anything! haha

[@silverqumera]

If I had 20 grand to spend on a guitar, I would probably have a large business and very little time to play guitar, nor to go an pick it up... or I would probably be a quite successful guitar player, but then I would probably be touring... or I am a museum... in any case I would had that guitar hung up at some wall or something, which is kind of stupid anyways.

[@Old_School69]

For 20,000 dollars, you should hand deliver it

[@philusschwiftikus]

Welcome back Troggle at aids 😅

[@joker71172]

Need my address? Honestly I would fly there and pick it up, make a trip out it.

[@Trog]

You won't find much to do around these parts haha

[@craigusselman546]

20000 bucks-BELLY SPLASH!!!!!! kidding.

[@kierenmoore3236]

First