Suggestions for how to pack a HEAVY tube amp for shipping?

rockdoc11 · #1 10-23-2010, 11:29 AM

I'm doing some garage cleaning, and have decided to sell my 1973 Fender Bassman 100 head. This thing is a heavy monster, weighing 42 pounds without any packaging materials.

Anyone have any suggestions on how to best to prepare and box up the amp for shipping in a secure way? I had thought of removing the tubes and securing them in a separate package, wrapping the amp head in a plastic bag, and then putting it in the middle of a sturdy box filled with shipping peanuts.

I'd sure appreciate any other suggestions on this.

Thanks!

will33 · #2 10-23-2010, 11:33 AM

Yeah, peanuts or several wraps with bubble wrap. And yes, remove the tubes and wrap them separately. Sounds like you've already got it figured out. It will get tossed and shoved around so maybe a box within a box?

rpsands · #3 10-23-2010, 11:33 AM

The best I have done yet is:
Take all the tubes out, individually wrap them. Fill the chassis with a layer of bubble wrap, then a layer of peanuts, then a layer of wrapped tubes, then more peanuts, then bubble wrap.

Bubble wrap the amp, peanuts around that, double brace the corners with folded cardboard, put closed cell foam (the softer stuff) around the outside. Wedge the closed cell foam against the amp chassis on all sides between the outside of the box and the amp.

edit: Its also a good idea to cut out some closed cell foam to put over the knobs and any protrusions before you wrap the chassis in bubble wrap.

waleross · #4 10-23-2010, 11:55 AM

Copying on how my svT-cL was shipped new: The original box would be great if I saved it but its long gone. When you have a box within a box + foam and then shipping corners you are safe. I used a local shipping pak store that I paid close to $80 to ship a new svT-2 pro back. After the head was enclosed steadied in the original box it was set in foam peanuts. Since I was sending back a new amp, I didn't take out the tubes which I think is an option. I went Fedx and not UPS and insured it . Mine was only going up-state in Florida so everthing was good...................