Posted by Steve Drake on May 11, 1999 at 08:24:40:
In Reply to: Packing cello for shipment posted by Christine on May 11, 1999 at 05:39:25:
Do you have a hard case? Anyway, you should probably loosen down your strings a little, but not so much that the bridge moves, or the soundpost drops. Leave the A and D close to pitch, and only lower the bottom strings a few half steps. Cover the cello with a soft cloth if you can, and then a layer of fine bubble wrap - the kind U-Haul sells is great. Make sure you put some around the bridge, so that if it does get jostled enough to fall, it won't scratch the instrument. Also bubble wrap your bow. Put all this in your hard case if possible (if not possible, rewrap the bubble wrap so it will fit). Cram balls of bubble wrap into any empty spots in the case before closing it - the idea is to keep the cello from moving around in the case. Then take the whole mess to one of those packing/shipping services that have become so popular, like Mailboxes, etc, and have them make a foam lined box for the whole thing, and have them fill the empty spaces with peanuts. The only way to ship it is Federal Express overnight - the other carriers probably won't take a box that big. If it's not already insured, buy insurance - it's expensive, but it's a good idea.
: What would be a good way to pack my cello for shipment??
: I will probably ship it UPS, but as for what kind of box,
: space fillers, etc. I haven't a clue.
: Thanks for any help.
: Christine