Re: Shipping a mandolin - odds of damage ?
I think the odds are pretty low, but variable. I received a mandolin in the case. Priority mail tape and a label. No box, no peanuts, nothing about the neck, tuned to pitch. No problem.
I've received mandolins with the strings tuned to slack and the bridge removed - spot to relocate marked with painter's blue tape.
I received a Gilchrist in a Calton, double-boxed with peanuts, etc. (packaging by UPS) and it got damaged from impact - like the whole box fell from the airplane. The actual mandolin compressed the foam sidewalls of the case, the whole instrument slid north and the tit on the top of the back (below the neck joint) knicked the underlayment of the accessory box and opened up the glue joint on the back.
Weird stuff happens. I pay for incoming insurance. I insure my own instruments and if I ship them, my policy is in force.
Any mandolin I ship, I tune down a half-step or so and fully support the neck. I also cushion from up-down and north-south movement. I box them and provide packing on all sides of the case. I use both UPS and USPS. I've used ground and air.
Overall, mandolins are much more durable then we give them credit. I've carried them in checked duffels - no case and cushioned by my clothes.
f-d
‘papα gordo aint no madre flaca!
'20 A3, '30 L-1, '97 914, 2012 Cohen A5, 2012 Muth A5, '14 OM28A
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