Shipping in Europe

I think the normal postal services will do just fine. In the Netherlands you’d have to look for a PostNL shop. The shipping in Spain will propably be handled by Correos.

 

Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention. We’re talking double basses here. That’s something else.

 

the post service would still be a possibility. I’ll take a look for you

 

Based on weight alone it would be somewhere close to 60€ when insured to max 5.500 €. But the size fall outside of the standard pricing. And if you’re traveling all the way to Rene for a bass, you might also want a higher insurance?

 

I can’t find any clear online answers on the size limits. You might need to hire a specialised courier between Rotterdam and Spain. There are lots of those traveling between the Rotterdam harbour and Spain. Finding one you trust with your bass is the hard part. Maybe Rene Zaal has a suggestion?

 

And if you’re bass-shopping in the Netherlands: also pay Lucas Suringar a visit.

 

I'd move it by train.
You'll need to get a case, but won't you want one anyway?

 

Glad you found a solution. Now I hope you have fun testing them and find the perfect one!

 

and you could take a look to the basses in the shop of Jürgen Preyer..

 

Since i have moved basses around Europe for fifteen years here's my (barely) $0.01.
The first rule is to have a robustly made box to transfer the bass. In the box you will put the instrument with the strings detuned, the bridge off the strings and the soundpost down. The bass has to be well stabilised in the box, with rolled carton reinforcements placed properly and with foam bubbles in the sensitive places (mainly the neck).
It is understood that the box must be easily inspected by any authorities in border crossing, so the closing of the box has to be safe but easily opened and closed.
If you plan to travel with the bass the best solution is any bus service which operates around Europe (is FlixBus).
The instrument will be placed in the baggage compartment and you will take it safely out in Spain.
From the other hand if you plan to send the bass alone please choose any decent cargo company which operates between the two countries. Make clear to them that the are going to carry an extra fragile instrument and buy an insurance higher than the instrument's cost giving them the insurance's details.
They are going to be extra careful.
Following these simple rules you'll have your bass safe in your country.
If you opt for the bus service the cost of transporting your bass is very low, since it is considered a bulk baggage of the passenger.
If you choose the cargo service the cost is going to be less than 200 euros. As i remember transporting a bass from the Czech republic to Greece i paid 150 euros.
Best wishes from Greece
Mike

 

I'd rent a van, drive there, buy bass and drive back with it, taking in the French scenery on the way

 

I haven't tried taking a bass on Flixbus, but did use them in an emergency this summer when our car broke down in Bordeaux. It was surprisingly civilized. The guys were super friendly and professional, although we didn't have any languages in common. I think they are mostly Eastern European. I doubt they would let you buy a seat for the bass - the interior is comfortable, but crammed to maximize efficiency. But, unlike with a plane, you can stand there with them while they load and unload the hold. I would feel comfortable letting the bass go into the luggage compartment in a soft case, but first spend some time with the crew and build a rapport. At their prices, if you felt like you were catching attitude, then just book yourself on the next one! Naturally get insurance.