Anyone used a courier to send a musical instrument?

[crouchingpheasant]

I need to send an oboe to Howarth's in London, and they've suggested I use a courier service.

Has anyone successfully sent a musical instrument via courier? I obviously have a hard case for the oboe, but would it need any further packaging? Is there a company anyone would recommend?

Thanks in advance

I’ve done the same thing. Used the service they recommended - think it is a “sweep up” of courier capacity. Was UPS who came for it in the end; all pretty efficient. Just make sure you pack it securely in a box.

Fab, thanks @WimpoleHat

We borrowed a few flutes from a dealer to try for a week or so.

It was considerably cheaper for them to organise the courier to come to us to collect and return than it was for us to arrange to send (due to value of the items). I seem to remember that it was Fed Ex.

We put them back in their (hard) cases with some bubble wrap and then cardboard around the outside (then a plastic bag).

Thanks @Madcats

My DS harp came by courier! I was so anxious about it but everything was fine.