How do you mail a violin?

Answer 1

First of all, you don't mail one. Stringed instruments are far too delicate to be transported by any commercial shipping carrier. You would want to either hire an instrument currior or take the instrument there yourself. If not the person you are sending the instrument to could open the case to find a total disaster inside, including a dislodged sound post, a crushed bridge or heaven forbid a broken back or face.

If you absolutely have to ship your violin using a carrier, take the following steps:

1. Loosen the bow to the point that the hair looks like it is going to fall out. This is especially important if the instrument is going to be flown as differing air pressures can cause the bow to become taught

2. Loosen the strings a tad. Roughly a quarter turn for each string. This will help reduce the pressure placed on the face and back of the instrument during transit.

3. be sure to wrap the instrument in plenty of insulation such as a towel, and then place it securely in the instrument case.

4. Take the case to a reputable shipper, prefferably one that has expirience shipping Musical Instruments. And have them provide you with packaging to place the case in. Be sure to have them place fragile stickers on the packaging and make sure the instrument does not stay in temperatures below 32 degrees f (0 degrees c) for more than a few hours as this can damage the instrument. Freezing water can cause cracks in the wood and split seams in the instrument itself.