Ship musical instruments from the UK to 185 destinations. Guitars, keyboards, amplifiers, orchestral instruments. We collect from your door. Clear quote before collection.
Yes — we ship musical instruments internationally. Guitars, keyboards, amplifiers, drum kits and orchestral instruments are all accepted. The key is correct packaging — instruments are valuable and often irreplaceable. Call us before booking if you have questions about a specific instrument.
Instruments are sensitive to impact, humidity and temperature changes. Professional packing significantly reduces risk. Here is how to do it correctly for each type.
Guitars and stringed instruments. Place in a hard-shell case — soft gig bags are not sufficient for air freight. Loosen strings slightly to reduce tension during transit. Fill any empty space inside the case with bubble wrap or foam. Place the hard case in a second outer box with 5cm of foam padding on all sides. Mark clearly as fragile.
Keyboards and digital pianos. If you have the original manufacturer's box and foam inserts, use them — they are designed exactly for this purpose. If not, wrap in 2–3 layers of bubble wrap, then box with foam padding on all sides. Remove and pack sustain pedals separately.
Amplifiers. Amplifiers are heavy and robust but the speaker cone is vulnerable. Use the original box if available. Otherwise wrap in multiple layers of bubble wrap and box with solid foam corners. Remove any tubes (valves) from valve amplifiers and pack separately — tubes break easily in transit.
Orchestral instruments — cellos, double basses. These are large, fragile and high value. Use a professional flight case. For double basses, call us before booking — these may require specialist oversized freight advice.
If the instrument is irreplaceable — a vintage guitar, a family heirloom violin, a custom-built instrument — use a professional hard flight case and declare the full replacement value. The packaging cost is small compared to the instrument's value. Call us on 0800 096 38 39 before booking any high-value instrument shipment.
Musical instruments are shipped for three main reasons — touring musicians, students relocating abroad, and musicians moving overseas permanently. We have handled all three for 28 years.
Touring musicians. Flying with a guitar or keyboard as airline hold luggage is risky — instruments are subject to rough handling and airlines frequently refuse oversized cases at the check-in desk or gate. Shipping ahead with confirmed timing is a more reliable solution for professional musicians.
Music students studying abroad. Conservatoire students, music degree students and year-abroad students regularly ship instruments from UK universities to destinations in Europe, the USA and Australia. We are an established supplier for this route.
Relocating musicians and music teachers. Moving abroad permanently with instruments — as part of a wider personal effects shipment — is handled as part of our standard service.
Tell us what you are shipping, your UK postcode, destination and collection date. Clear quote before we collect.