A guitar amplifier is a bulky item with many breakable parts. It should be properly packed prior to shipping to ensure that it survives the rough handling it will encounter during transport. Here are some tips on how to properly pack and ship an amplifier to ensure that it arrives intact and in good working condition.
The best way to pack an amplifier is to double box it. You can use its original box if it’s still available and sturdy enough to provide protection for the amp. If you don’t have the original box anymore, any sturdy cardboard shipping box will do. The inner box should snugly fit the amp and provide ample space for smaller parts that will be packaged separately. The outer box should be large enough to provide at least 3 to 4 inches of extra space between it and the inner box.
Remove the power cord and rectifier tubes and wrap them individually in bubble wrap. Then place them in a smaller box and fill extra spaces with more bubble wrap so they don’t move around the box.
Wrap the amplifier generously in bubble wrap, making sure that all sides, edges, and corners are well protected.
Place the amplifier in the inner box. Also, insert the small box with the detached parts at the back of the amp. Fill remaining empty spaces with bubble wrap to prevent movement. Close and seal the box with packaging tape.
Layer some packing peanuts in the bottom of the outer box. Place the inner box in the center and fill the sides with more packing peanuts. The packing peanuts should be well-packed up to the top, leaving no space for the amplifier to shift or move around.
Close and seal the outer box with heavy-duty packaging tape. Make sure to secure the box with sufficient packaging tape and reinforce all the seams, including the ones on the bottom of the box so it will not burst open while in transit.
Address and label the box and take it to your choice of the shipping company. Consider buying insurance for the amplifier to protect you in case it gets broken or lost during shipping. Taking pictures of the amp at different angles and while being packed will come in handy in case the need to file a claim arises.