| The USPS changed many of their shipping guidelines for shipments outside the U.S. in early June, 2011. The size guideline now puts most bass and guitars into Global Express only, their most expensive service. I shipped a guitar to Russia for $72 before the change, but just had a request for a quote to Australia and it was $400. If the neck is a bolt on, you can remove it and ship with no case most of the time. It is going to change everything for musicians abroad.
FedEx and UPS fees are usually higher and they often have huge fees for collecting and reporting duty, in countries where it is due. You can sell a $500 bass with $100 shipping and the buyer might have to pay $300 more just to receive it. | 
