Basses Broken during Shipment

[Wademeister63]

And BTW, the G&L neck that I posted with the Fracture was packed in an OHSC. It cracked on the 1" neck Support when it was dropped...I actually feel SAFER shipping/recieving in a well packed paded gigbag.

I shipped that G&L to Anthony and couldn't believe it when he told me it was damaged. It was in the original hard case, which was also inside a largish reasonably solid cardboard box. How could they do such a thing?? They rejected the claim immediately stating that it didn't have the required minimum packing thickness which of course it did. I don't know how I could have won playing against them at their own game so I refunded Anthony and took the bass back.

After inspecting everything as carefully as possible I determined that the bass had to have been dropped (or thrown) head down so it bounced off the headstock inside the case. Since that incident I've been nervous about shipping basses and have been packing around the body very tightly so the headstock can't slide down to the end of the case. So far that's the only bass I've had damaged in shipping.

 

[loend68]

I bought and early 80's BC Rich Eagle bass with the full Mockingbird electronics and the bozo shipped it in a box with a little bit of plastic wrap looking stuff in the box. (Shipped through FedEx) The headstock was snapped off when it arrived. The box looked beat up, but the fault was the packing. I contacted the seller and shipped it back to him so they could inspect it and he got nothing from them. After a year of constant emails, I got a check for the amount of the bass, but ate the shipping.

Too bad, I really wanted that bass....

 

[mcnach]

After inspecting everything as carefully as possible I determined that the bass had to have been dropped (or thrown) head down so it bounced off the headstock inside the case. Since that incident I've been nervous about shipping basses and have been packing around the body very tightly so the headstock can't slide down to the end of the case. So far that's the only bass I've had damaged in shipping.

Because a lot of hardcases won't really absorb an impact, and if the bass can move inside...

I think this thread was a great idea (thanks MaddAnthony_59!) because it's highlighting problems that would not be too hard to avoid (most of them anyway, not all, because I am sure that our friendly couriers will continue their favourite sport)

The key is packing so that there is something that can absorb the energy of an impact. Boxes are going to be dropped. We can't go crazy paranoid and protect against every possibility... but it is relatively easy to improve our chances if we are aware of the real problems. And I think this thread has probably highlighted a few.

 

[dalkowski]

Reusing exterior materials (box/cardboard/kraft) is generally considered a no-no. If you do reuse boxes, the box needs to be in good shape and any writing, labels, etc. should be concealed with brown stapping tape.

Roger that. This was our SOP at the store. When stock came in, we assumed we'd be shipping some items (did a good amount of mail order) and carefully saved the boxes and inserts intact. We didn't even break down the boxes. Never a complaint.

 

[John Bigboote]

Man, somebody had to *want* to break that bass.

If a bass has a bolt-on neck, I think it's nuts to send it in one piece. Loosen/remove the strings, take out four+ screws, and send it in a smaller box.

Of course, won't help for that neck-through Wishbass, but still...

-jb

 

[bobunit]

Because a lot of hardcases won't really absorb an impact, and if the bass can move inside...

I think this thread was a great idea (thanks MaddAnthony_59!) because it's highlighting problems that would not be too hard to avoid (most of them anyway, not all, because I am sure that our friendly couriers will continue their favourite sport)

The key is packing so that there is something that can absorb the energy of an impact. Boxes are going to be dropped. We can't go crazy paranoid and protect against every possibility... but it is relatively easy to improve our chances if we are aware of the real problems. And I think this thread has probably highlighted a few.

Totally agree! I wish the guy that recently shipped my replacement dash for my 70 GTO would've had this kind of information. For some reason, he seemed to think a box was adequate. Nothing else. Now I have to replace my replacement dash...

 

[Engine207]

2005 MIM Fender Jazz Bass V. I was so bummed out initially, because the B was floppy, it buzzed up high on the neck, the side was dinged, and I just didn't dig it. In fact, I was going to sell it, but I couldn't find a 34" scale 5er with wide spacing and a fat neck, so I got some new R. Cocco's for it and The Bass Place did a great set-up. The ding (character) is still there, but it sounds and plays great!

A) Shipped By: UPS Ground

B) Shipped in: Gig-Bag, Other, then guitar box with (minimal) bubble wrap

C) Damage: 1/2" x 1" dent on rear-left body (about where your forearm covers). Paint intact, but 2 mm depression.

D) Insurance Amount: $100

E) Result of Claim: Transacted on eBay, and after a few months of waiting for UPS to pay the claim, the seller just said he would cover the $180 it would take to fix it. Didn't seem to make sense to drop that cash on a cosmetic blem when the instrument isn't even really a collectible, so I wound up just keeping the dough and spending it on the strings and Joe's kick-ass set-up.

I may use the leftovers for an Audere.

F) Pictures!!!

 

[Serek_Basses]

I shouldn't have read this thread... I've got a bass on the way.

UPS ground, in a gig bag.

I can only hope the seller did a marvelous job packing it...

No sleep til Friday for me..

 

[ProfGumby]

I worked for UPS. Words cannot express my loathing for that company.

Oh the stories you could tell....

I learned my lesson early on with the Brown Note Shipping Company. The douched up a computer tower that was boxed in it's original packaging and then boxed inside another box, padded with sheets of polystyrene! They still dropped it hard enough to damage the corner of the case and knock most of the cards halfway out of their slots. maybe they thought Fragile meant it was from Italy?

When I ship anything it is almost packed bullet proof! Ask Scott in Dallas (TB'er ) how the neck box I made looked after shipping it back and forth from Michigan to Texas 2 times (four trips via UPS) still works!

And I have decided if I ever ship a whole bass, it will be double boxed at the very least but most likely I will drop the coin for a cost effective case and double box that with the bass inside!

It is so bad sometimes that I have the feeling if I ever ship anything of any real value, I will videotape me packing the item, at the UPS counter myself, and video me buying insurance and try to get a UPS employee to say something positive about the packing job. Let's see how that gets declined when your lawyer lays that sucker on them!

 

[bui]

A) Shipped By: UPS Ground

B) Shipped in: Guitar box, inside of a larger box
C) Damage: Broken neck, strings, and stomped in control plate/knobs.
D) Insurance Amount: No idea.
E) Result of Claim: I got a refund and some store credit through MF. Thread explains it all :-/
F) Pictures: Check the thread...

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=568888

I'm over it now

 

[cassius987]

No one has mentioned it so far but the strings need to be seriously loosened before a guitar is shipped - regardless of how well it's packed. Then some type of cloth like flannel needs to be placed between the strings and the fretboard.

There are advantages and disadvantages to doing this--regarding the health and safety of the guitar--and my understanding is that the only instruments that really require this are Gibsons or other guitars with similar headstock angles (Gibsons have the most pushed-back headstock). Fender, RIC, practically all the guitar companies ship their guitars tuned to pitch to counteract the truss rod properly. I refuse to ship my instruments tuned down--and having done it several times and sold several instruments, have never had the slightest problem because of it.

 

[Nightlyraider]

There are advantages and disadvantages to doing this--regarding the health and safety of the guitar--and my understanding is that the only instruments that really require this are Gibsons or other guitars with similar headstock angles (Gibsons have the most pushed-back headstock). Fender, RIC, practically all the guitar companies ship their guitars tuned to pitch to counteract the truss rod properly. I refuse to ship my instruments tuned down--and having done it several times and sold several instruments, have never had the slightest problem because of it.

+1 here.

While the climate changes that can occur in shipping can be awful on instruments, an instrument that has been strung for 40 years shouldn't be unstrung longer then a string change I'd think.

 

[kjpollo]

Wow, just wow!

Looking some of the carnage in this thread makes me wonder how ANY basses make it through the meat-grinder that is commercial shipping!

I guess I've been very lucky because 5 of my 6 basses were shipped to me and all arrived safely. My T-40 and my Carvin shipped in hard cases but my SX, Schecter and Clement were in boxes with no gigbag or case. Just good double-boxed packing.
I remember seeing a few marks on the box the SX came in but there were no problems with the bass itself.

Like I said, wow......................

 

[GML]

I respect the opinions given. Especially since they are based on experience. However, I will stand on my belief that an instrument should have the bulk of the string tension released before shipment. The idea of having 200 to 250 lbs of loaded spring tension being thrown around by the shipping company is just too scary.

GL

 

[MichaelScott]

I respect the opinions given. Especially since they are based on experience. However, I will stand on my belief that an instrument should have the bulk of the string tension released before shipment. The idea of having 200 to 250 lbs of loaded spring tension being thrown around by the shipping company is just too scary.

GL

I actually got into an argument at a UPS store with the manger there. I was shipping a bass I had sold on ebay and the manger (who wasn't servicing me he was just waiting at the counter) asked if I had loosened the strings.

Me: Nope
Him: You really should so the neck doesn't break during shipping.
Me: No I'm fine. I'm buying insurance and your clerk is packing it.
Him: But the neck will get ruined if you don't loosen the strings.
Me: Well, if I loosen the strings what is going to keep the truss rod from bending the neck the wrong direction?
Him: What's a truss rod?
Me: The piece of metal in the neck that keeps the neck strait when hundreds of pounds of string tension try to pull it like a bow.
Him: Oh... I don't know.

Shipped about 6 basses and no problems leaving the strings tuned. And then when my buyers get them they are ready to play without them having to do a set up.

 

[your idol]

I actually got into an argument at a UPS store with the manger there. I was shipping a bass I had sold on ebay and the manger (who wasn't servicing me he was just waiting at the counter) asked if I had loosened the strings.

Me: Nope
Him: You really should so the neck doesn't break during shipping.
Me: No I'm fine. I'm buying insurance and your clerk is packing it.
Him: But the neck will get ruined if you don't loosen the strings.
Me: Well, if I loosen the strings what is going to keep the truss rod from bending the neck the wrong direction?
Him: What's a truss rod?
Me: The piece of metal in the neck that keeps the neck strait when hundreds of pounds of string tension try to pull it like a bow.
Him: Oh... I don't know.

Shipped about 6 basses and no problems leaving the strings tuned. And then when my buyers get them they are ready to play without them having to do a set up.

i typically go a step low for shipping..thats it ..ships fine every time

 

[Ryan L.]

I've shipped my fair share of basses (and other gear). Some basses had hard cases, but a lot didn't. And I've NEVER detuned a bass before shipping it, and most all of the basses that have been shipped to me have been in tune as well.

I guess I've always been very particular about the boxes I've used, and about how I've packed them.

So far, I've had no problems, other than a BBE B-Max that had the rack ears slightly bent in shipping, which ended up getting fixed for free at BBE anyway (great customer service there!!).

 

[tjclem]

I have shipped over 150 instruments with no issues so far from Florida to as far away as Norway and Singapore and now I am scared to death... Thanks guys.

Shipping another to Norway today.

In case anybody is getting ready to ship these are the boxes I get.

http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail...-Loading-Corrugated-Guitar-Boxes?model=S-4922

They are just small enough to ship to most countries and give you lots of room to stuff with bubble wrap.

 

[bobunit]

I have shipped over 150 instruments with no issues so far from Florida to as far away as Norway and Singapore and now I am scared to death... Thanks guys.

Shipping another to Norway today.

In case anybody is getting ready to ship these are the boxes I get.

http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail...-Loading-Corrugated-Guitar-Boxes?model=S-4922

They are just small enough to ship to most countries and give you lots of room to stuff with bubble wrap.

Tom, you are a lifesaver and I fine bass builder I might add. I forgot I have an account with Uline (grabbing catalog off of shelf). I'm always stressed about finding the right box.

 

[MaddAnthony_59]

A) Shipped By: UPS

B) Shipped in: Other, Wraped in Bubble-Wrap, Shipped in Box STUFFED with Foam Peanuts, Box labled This Side UP/Fragile!

C) Damage: Body Damage

D) Insurance Ammount: $400.00

E) Result of Claim: Pending.

F) Pictures!!!
This is a WishBass JB Model...

Claim denied on this one! Reason: Box shows no signs of Damage. BS! The box was dropped, and the damage came from the bottom of the box! The bottom is distorted/Distressed. It was dropped or thrown, and landed badly.

I am disputing their denial, but I'm sure this will be an exercise in futility.

Oh well...