Posted by Charles on May 12, 1999 at 05:07:05:
In Reply to: Re: Packing cello for shipment posted by Steve Drake on May 11, 1999 at 08:24:40:
Very sound advice! When I moved from the southwest to the east coast, Moennig (a very reputable shop here in Philadelphia) suggested the following:
1. Tune all of your strings down one full pitch.
2. Put your cello in your hard case. Surround it with something soft, like towels. Make sure to cover the face of the instrument with a large towel or bath sheet to protect it if the bows move around.
3. Wrap the entire case in bubble wrap.
4. Put the wrapped case into a sturdy box or carton. If there is any room for the wrapped case to move in the box/carton, fill the space with towels, styrofoam peanuts, etc.
5. Ship the entire thing by an overnight express carrier (FedEx, UPS, etc.)
I followed their advice, and when I arrived my cello was waiting for me, undamaged and in tune(!)
Good luck!