I know this is a common problem, I see many similar discussions out there. I'm having a bouzouki made for me in Ireland and it won't be ready for about a year. But the luthier said that shipping may be a problem due to expense, insurance, etc. I've had similar instruments shipped in from England and Austrailia and I know things will change over the next year. Any advice on who I could contact for safe shipping from Ireland to the States? And who I should avoid? Sure hate to fly there and have to pay to have the bouzouki as my seating neighbor on the flight back!
Fedex brought my Phil Crump Bouzouki to me from CA. USA a few years back...only took a few days...and got here safe and sound. It wont be a problem so dont worry too much about it.
Sounds like you are flying there anyway true? You said on your way back. If that is the case, you can hold the intrument. I got on the plane in Ireland with my instrument and they said I would have to hold it. I put it on the floor standing up and between my legs. It wasn't uncomfortable and I didn't have to pay to have it shipped. If you want to ship it, pay a few bucks more to insure it. I had a fiddle shipped UPS without any problem.
Thanks to all for the comments so far. Joe Foley is making the bouzouki for me and certainly has extensive experience making instruments. Plenty of time to work out transport. The lutiers I've dealt with in the past have used different carriers, both with excellent results. Guitar shipped from Australia on a Monday arrived in my NYS town post office by Friday. I've been going to Ireland every March and I've heard that carriers (Aer Lingus in this case) frequently let you store the instrument in some other part of the cabin, but that is "iffy" and won't know until I board the plane. I'm sure they wouldn't let me hold an instrument of this size and certainly exceeds parameters for the overhead.
My weapons always fit in the overhead bins on flights....
In my passed experience you are better off NOT to ask at the check-in desk if you are allowed to bring it onboard...they will most likely say no, as they are not that sure of its size at a glance...
Your new Foley will more than likely come with a custom fit Mike Mullan hard case....He has been supplying Joe for years now.
They are strong enough wooden cases, but if you have to put it in the cargo loosen off all of the strings, and I always mark around the bridge with a bit of masking tape, just in case it moves, saves you the hassle of setting it up again after flight.
No harm to pack it up with bubble-wrap, or even a t-shirt around the neck and neck joint.
All the best, and let us know when you get it!
Seanie.
Bubble wrap...a useful invention indeed. When Stefan Sobell sent a cittern to me several years back it arrived as a mass of bubble wrap with a handle sticking out of it. Stefan probably had it layered at least 5 inches thick. Seemed odd at the time but sure was a safe and effecient way to ship. I've also packed crumpled newspaper around headpieces to provide just a little more cushion support when sending instruments. Thanks for the input.
Ham
Need advice on instrument shipping.
Need advice on instrument shipping.
I know this is a common problem, I see many similar discussions out there. I'm having a bouzouki made for me in Ireland and it won't be ready for about a year. But the luthier said that shipping may be a problem due to expense, insurance, etc. I've had similar instruments shipped in from England and Austrailia and I know things will change over the next year. Any advice on who I could contact for safe shipping from Ireland to the States? And who I should avoid? Sure hate to fly there and have to pay to have the bouzouki as my seating neighbor on the flight back!
# Posted on March 23rd 2008 by Ham
Re: Need advice on instrument shipping.
What about an overnight carrier - but with a slower service to save on cost. DHL comes to mind as well as FedEx.
# Posted on March 23rd 2008 by grumblingoldwoman
Re: Need advice on instrument shipping.
Hi,
Fedex brought my Phil Crump Bouzouki to me from CA. USA a few years back...only took a few days...and got here safe and sound. It wont be a problem so dont worry too much about it.
Who is making it for you?
Seanie.
# Posted on March 23rd 2008 by seaniemcg
Re: Need advice on instrument shipping.
if this person that is making is a "business", they should have their own insurance, and the instrument should be covered under their insurance..
usually, the cost of shipping goes through the roof with the insurance, not the "shipping"
# Posted on March 23rd 2008 by Sunnybear
Re: Need advice on instrument shipping.
Sounds like you are flying there anyway true? You said on your way back. If that is the case, you can hold the intrument. I got on the plane in Ireland with my instrument and they said I would have to hold it. I put it on the floor standing up and between my legs. It wasn't uncomfortable and I didn't have to pay to have it shipped. If you want to ship it, pay a few bucks more to insure it. I had a fiddle shipped UPS without any problem.
# Posted on March 24th 2008 by t4kne
Re: Need advice on instrument shipping.
Thanks to all for the comments so far. Joe Foley is making the bouzouki for me and certainly has extensive experience making instruments. Plenty of time to work out transport. The lutiers I've dealt with in the past have used different carriers, both with excellent results. Guitar shipped from Australia on a Monday arrived in my NYS town post office by Friday. I've been going to Ireland every March and I've heard that carriers (Aer Lingus in this case) frequently let you store the instrument in some other part of the cabin, but that is "iffy" and won't know until I board the plane. I'm sure they wouldn't let me hold an instrument of this size and certainly exceeds parameters for the overhead.
# Posted on March 24th 2008 by Ham
Re: Need advice on instrument shipping.
Hi Ham,
My weapons always fit in the overhead bins on flights....
In my passed experience you are better off NOT to ask at the check-in desk if you are allowed to bring it onboard...they will most likely say no, as they are not that sure of its size at a glance...
Your new Foley will more than likely come with a custom fit Mike Mullan hard case....He has been supplying Joe for years now.
They are strong enough wooden cases, but if you have to put it in the cargo loosen off all of the strings, and I always mark around the bridge with a bit of masking tape, just in case it moves, saves you the hassle of setting it up again after flight.
No harm to pack it up with bubble-wrap, or even a t-shirt around the neck and neck joint.
All the best, and let us know when you get it!
Seanie.
# Posted on March 25th 2008 by seaniemcg
Re: Need advice on instrument shipping.
Bubble wrap...a useful invention indeed. When Stefan Sobell sent a cittern to me several years back it arrived as a mass of bubble wrap with a handle sticking out of it. Stefan probably had it layered at least 5 inches thick. Seemed odd at the time but sure was a safe and effecient way to ship. I've also packed crumpled newspaper around headpieces to provide just a little more cushion support when sending instruments. Thanks for the input.
Ham
# Posted on March 25th 2008 by Ham