The celesta is a keyboard instrument, similar to a piano, but instead of having hammers hitting strings, the hammers in it hit metal tubes suspended over wooden resonators. It comes in a variety of models like the four- or five-octave types which look like a small upright piano. There is also the three-octave variety which is a large wooden box without a stand and is usually played on top of a table.
Because of its size, a celesta can be quite easily boxed or crated for shipping. Nevertheless, proper packing precautions must be observed to ensure that it arrives intact and without any damage especially if it’s an antique. Here are some tips on how to properly pack and ship a celesta.
A four- or five-octave celesta is best shipped in a crate. This will ensure that it remains upright and stable during the duration of transportation. Prepare the celesta for crating by making sure that the keyboard cover and cabinet doors closed. Then, wrap the entire device in bubble wrap, making sure that corners and edges are given extra padding as these parts are prone to damage due to impact. Place the celesta in its crate and use foam pads on spaces between the musical instrument and the crate. Use extra pieces of wood to brace the celesta into the crate and prevent movement. Just make sure that the wooden braces are padded to avoid damaging the instrument’s finish.
Seal the crate with its lid and use screws to secure it in place. Address and label the crate with “This Side Up” and “Handle With Care.”
The smaller three-octave celesta can be double boxed with sufficient packing materials all around it. First, wrap it generously in bubble wrap and place inside a sturdy cardboard box that can snugly accommodate the musical instrument with a couple of inches of extra space on all sides, top and bottom. Pack the instrument such that is is in the center of the box with packing materials on the bottom, all four sides and top. The box should be well packed to keep the instrument from moving. Close the box and seal with heavy-duty packaging tape.
Get a slightly bigger shipping box and fill the bottom with packing materials. Place the boxed celesta inside the box and fill the spaces on the sides and top with more packing materials until there is no movement. Close and seal the box.
Address and label the package and take to your local post office or preferred shipping company.