packing synths for 2-way shipment

[dblondin]

Regarding the shipment of synthesizers for repair, I'm wondering about transporting them in ATA cases vs cardboard. I just double boxed an Emulator and it was quite a project. It may even be a pain for the tech to get it back in the box considering all the foam pieces I cut and taped to protect the front panel and corners. If I shipped it in an ATA it would surely be more heavy, driving shipping costs up. The ones I currently have are heavy even without anything in them! Anyone have experiences to share or recommendations?

[Z]

There's really no need to double box unless you're shipping something in its original box and you don't want that box to get all banged up and marked up during shipping.

I've shipped dozens of synths, including large ones overseas (M-12 to The Netherlands and CS60 to Italy) and have never had any damage. The main key is 2 layers of large bubble wrap. That is really all you need.

The problem with shipping in cases is that the keyboard isn't always tight and snug in the case. If there is wiggle room inside the case for the keyboard, it might get damaged. If you do ship in a case, be sure to put some bubble wrap in there to make the keyboard fit nice and tight.

[synthparts]

I've shipped probably close to 100 synths over the years. Use multiple layers of big bubble bubblewrap (I wouldn't trust just 2 layers on most of them) and then surround on all sides by several inches of peanuts. Make sure the the box is TIGHT - no room for anything to move. Don't use a flight case especially an older one where the foam has deteriorated. I've received several synths that were shipped in heavy flight cases that got damaged.

[dblondin]

Thanks for the input.

I recently sent a Doepfer Regelwerk from WI to CA. I wrapped it very tightly in bubblewrap - many layers, perhaps 4 inches on every side. On arrival it was discovered by the tech that one of the fader handles broke. Also one of the corners of the unit was dented (I found this when it got back). It seemed the box received such a heavy blow that the bubblewrap grabbed the end fader and pulled it too hard, and the corner padding completely compressed allowing the housing to get smashed. To me it seemed the packing was perfect but following that I've been taping a protector over the front of things and double boxing to help protect the corners more.

That was the post office. I'm wondering if Fedex or UPS are generally more careful.

[Z]

Yes, extra packing on the ends of synths and rack gear with permanent rack ears is always good practice. If you can remove the rack ears from gear and wrap them seperately, that's good, too. Rack ears slice through bubble wrap easily.

I have no idea who handles packages the worst. We used to call UPS United Package Smashers, but I've had good luck with incoming UPS shipments lately. FedEx seems to do a good job, too. There are always exceptions. I prefer not to us USPS for domestic since there is no real way to track their packages. I never had an issue with DHL, but they quit doing domstic shipments about 3 years ago.

Not sure what's up with the Regelwerk, but I dented one of the corners of mine just handling it in my room.

[synthparts]

You should use both bubblewrap and styrofoam peanuts not just one or the other. I will usually remove rack ears from a rack device for shipping as well.