Selected: Clarinet

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How to pack and ship an instrument

When you ship your instrument, these are a few things to consider:

1. Preventing damage:
a. When you ship an instrument, ensure it can't get damaged while in transport. The instrument has to lie safe and firm inside the box. If necessary, wrap the instrument in some extra paper to make sure that it can't move.
b. Silver may tarnish and turn black when in contact with sulfur. Some plastic wraps contain sulfur, and you will be surprised how old your instrument suddenly appears. To avoid this, it is best to wrap a sheet of paper or cloth around the instrument before you use bubble wrap.

2. Proper assembly:
a. You could ship it in a case, but have the case inside a solid cardboard box.
b. If you only have to send a body part, consider sending it by itself without a case, just make sure it is well protected.
c. Large instruments like bass clarinets could be sent without a case if they are well protected with bubble wrap or something similar.
3. Postage expenses:
a. The smaller the parcel, the cheaper the shipping costs. Most instruments have a very low per-inch weight, so instead, you end up paying for volume. You can save considerably if you ship without the case, but always ensure it is well protected.

4. Insurance issues:
If the instrument gets lost or damaged, it might become an expensive experience. Luckily it happens very infrequently. That said, taking some precautions and purchasing shipping insurance is still wise.
a. Shipping company's shipping insurance can be very expensive, therefore;
i. Check with your home insurance or credit card company to see if your parcel might be covered when shipped.
ii. Lohff & Pfeiffer offers inexpensive general shipping insurance for all parcels sent to or from them.
iii. Air tags are small devices that can be sent together with the instrument. It will allow you to follow the shipment with the Find My Phone app,

5. Shipping time:
a. Express: International shipping can sometimes be cheaper if sent express
b. Ground

6. Always request a Signature and tracking No.

7. Clear Documentation:
Include the following important information:
1. Your sender and receiver's full address including the telephone and e-mail address, and the best time and method (Email, phone, Facebook) to get in contact with you.
2. A complete packing list of the instrument such as:
a. Buffet R 13 B-clarinet No 123456 including
i. 2 Barrels 65mm and 66mm Moennig
ii. Top joint
iii. Lower joint
iv. Bell
v. Ligature
vi. Mouthpiece - Vandoren B 40 Lyre
vii. Brown original case (if there is a number lock, include the code)
Your case should always have your contact information inside!

*If you send an instrument for repair, we advise you to send only the parts being worked on. Usually, the mouthpiece, ligature, and other accessories don't need to be sent.

Remember:
**If your instrument has different numbers for different joints or none at all, indicate that as well.

Finally: Inform the receiver that an instrument is on its way.

3. If it is a
a. Repair: Describe the issues you have with the instrument
b. Sent for a Service: Describe what you would like to get done.
c. Returned instrument from a trial: Describe your opinion about each instrument, what you liked or disliked, and what you still need to make a decision.

International shipments:
This can get complicated if not done the proper way. We can arrange a trouble-free door-to-door pickup if needed. You are very welcome to contact us for advice.


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Comments, additions or questions are always welcome at: info@clarinet.dk
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