Stephen had an interesting method for packing a horn for shipping. He mentioned some good reasons for doing it this way. I'd like to get other ideas too? If you have packed one up yourself or received one and were pleased with the results, I'd like to hear about it? The cost of materials and actual shipping charges would be useful info too.
Please consider sharing your method here? Comments and suggestions are welcome.
I've had good luck packing them in wardrobe boxes (from Lowes, Home Depot, etc) and lots of peanuts. The wardrobe boxes are heavy duty and large enough for most horns. If you want to save on peanuts, shrink wrap the horn first so they don't get inside.
I would like to know how Eduardo ships his horns from Peru to the US for 65.00? I always use a 2 ply box and bubble wrap and the fill with peanuts. It really matters that you use a heavy made 2ply box.
When shipping a horn, the VERY FIRST thing you do is wrap it in a plastic garbage bag... this way if when your taping the bubble wrap and the tape sticks places it isn't supposed to, the horn will be protected from the tape. Bubble wrap around the bell and tip and then box in a box. while this may be a little pricey, there isn't a collector that wants to peel packing tape off a horn taking the paint with it...
I mailed an oak spear point horn to Don Gfell early last year in a cardboard cylinder normally used to ship large spools of wire. The horn went in a garbage bag. The top and bottom edges of the cylinder were reinforced with metal, so the offered great protection. I cut some cheap paneling in a circle to make the lid. Then filled with peanuts, used Styrofoam spacers to hold the horn in the center of the package, padded the narrow end, taped the paneling on and shipped it. Memphis, TN to Don G. was about $75-$85 via USPS with tracking and $1k insurance. Don shipped it back in the same cylinder and I kept it should I ever need to use it again-very durable.