Shipping Your Instrument

How to ship an instrument with your own packaging

Please never send an instrument to Joseph Curtin Studios using foam chips of any kind – there will be a $15 service charge for cleaning them off the floor and disposing of them!

If you are sending us an instrument, please use FedEx or UPS. FedEx and UPS have standing instructions to drop instruments off at Joseph Curtin Studios without being signed for. DO NOT request a signature, or the instrument may not be delivered.

NEVER use the US Post Office! If we need to go to the Post Office to pick up an instrument, there will be a $30 charge.

Before you ship any instrument, it's a good idea to double-check with your agent that your instrument is covered in transit. Although the carrier itself will usually insure your instrument at the requested value, it is far more economical to do it on your own policy. Our studio has worked extensively with Heritage Insurance.

When shipping a violin or viola in its own case, make sure to secure the neck with the case's neck tie and place some padding on either side of the bridge and under the tailpiece. After the case in closed and zipped, place it in a sturdy box padded with at least 2 inches of bubble wrap. The case should not be able to move within the box. PLEASE DO NOT USE FOAM CHIPS! (There will be a $15 charge for cleanup and disposal of chips of any kind.)

Another option is to take your case to a shipping store and have them package it for you. Keep in mind that these places can be somewhat expensive; it may be worthwhile having them pack it, and then shipping it yourself, the reason being that some shipping stores mark up the shipping charges substantially.

We have found Federal Express to be the safest, most reliable carrier for our instruments. To schedule a pick-up, weigh your package and then call 1-800-463-3339 for all shipments within the U.S.A. or 1-800-247-4747 for shipments to Puerto Rico and all non-U.S.A. locations. Have your check, VISA, or money order ready for the courier – they will bring all the necessary paperwork.

If you have received an instrument in one of our cases

When you receive one of our violins or violas, please:

When unpacking, note how the instrument is packed, as you may need to return it.

Look the instrument over for any damage that might have occurred during shipping, then call (734) 665-1303 or e-mail us to let us know that it arrived safely.

If you return the instrument, place it back in the case, secure the neck with the tie, and replace the foam pads on either side of the bridge.

Close the case securely, and zip it shut.

Place the case in the foam insert in the shipping box, then seal the box shut with shipping tape.

Please send the instrument back by FedEx only! Do not use UPS, the U.S. Postal service, or any other carrier.

We have paid for shipment to you and ask that you pay the return. For your convenience, Federal Express accepts payment by credit card.

A preprinted airbill is enclosed for return shipment by FedEx Standard Overnight service. Please fill out the “sender” section, then put you’re your credit card number and expiration date in the space provided on the lower right hand side of the airbill.

Leave the “value” box on the airbill blank. You do not need to insure the instrument for shipping – it is covered by our policy.

FedEx will pick up in most areas, so there is no need to go to a FedEx station. To arrange a pickup, call Federal Express at 1-800-463-3339.