How to Ship a Harp

Great care must be taken when shipping harps.

Because modern concert harps are so large and so fragile, the issue of how to ship the instruments safely concerns most harpists. If you must ship your harp for repair, maintenance or sale, correctly packaging and preparing it will ensure that it arrives safely.

Things You'll Need

• Harp box
• Heavy-duty bubble wrap
• Permanent marker

Instructions

1. Keep the strings on your harp tight. Unlike other stringed instruments on which the strings must be loosened before they are shipped, harp strings should be kept at full tension, providing support and structure across the frame.

2. Secure your harp in its case. Although it is cheaper to ship your harp without its case due to its decreased weight and size, your instrument is safer in the case.

3. Purchase a harp box from a harp manufacturer, or make one yourself from large sheets of heavy-duty cardboard. Do not ship your harp in a standard-sized rectangular box. They leave far too much room around the base of the harp, which can lead to shifting or torquing during transit.

4. Pack your harp with heavy-duty bubble wrap. Avoid packing peanuts, crushed newspapers or other packing material that can shift or settle.

5. Write "fragile" on every side of the box in black permanent marker. Clearly write on each side which end of the box is up.

6. Insure your harp for its full appraisal value. Keep an up-to-date copy of your appraisal handy.

Tips & Warnings

• Most major U.S. shipping services can ship harps.

References

• Thormahlen Harps: Boxing A Harp in Your Thormahlen Shipping Box