I've had equally good service from UPS, FedEx, and DHL, so I can't recommend one delivery service over another. However, I can add my two cents to what Rob has said about packing. First the instrument should be wrapped in as much bubble wrap as possible and still fit in its case. In the case (NPI) of lutes, particuarly the peg head should be wrapped in bubble wrap. Many instruments are damaged in transit when the whole box takes a hit and the instrument, loose in its case, hits the side of case. Next, the case should be wrapped in bubble wrap. Finally, the instrument, in its case, should be burried in lots and lots of plastic peanuts. In fact, the box should be overfilled with peanuts, since due to shaking during transit, the peanuts will settle and the instrument may tend to settle within the peanuts until it is next to a side or corner of the box and little protection remains. The overkill version is to pack the box mentioned above in yet another box, also overfilled with plastic peanuts. Hope this helps a bit. Steve
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