Importing Guitar from US of A

[Lionelgee]

Hello All,

I would like to buy a Left-Hand Lapsteel guitar from the USA and order a hard carrying case an optional extra. I figure the hard case should offer better protection during freight than a soft gig bag would. I can buy the guitar from their single authorised supplier in Australia - plus be hit by the cost of freight from interstate to Queensland. However, the difference in cost that the guitar is selling for online from Amazon in the US and what the local authorised agent here is trying to sell the same guitar for is extortionary. The Amazon sellers do not freight internationally; and the guitar company itself does not sell direct to the market.

I am fortunate enough to have a mate who is an American, who has been happy to act an intermediary for situations where booksellers do not freight their books to international buyers. The item goes to my friend and they freight the item to me.

Has anyone had any experience in freighting guitars from the US of A and what sort of outcome did you have? What sort of preparation should be carried out - like putting the foam noodles or bubble wrap so there is no space between the guitar and the side wall of the hard case? Would you import another guitar again?

Kind Regards
Lionel

[ramblingboy42]

I wouldn't be too concerned if I was you. The agent you buy it from should pack it well for you. It's the case that needs to be soft wrapped, the gat will travel ok in it.
I take my guitar all over the country in the back of my 4wd in its case wrapped in an old king size doonah. I don't even detune anymore, haven't really found the need. It does not get marked in the case. It is now over 35yrs old and has flown and driven everywhere. I do detune if it goes in an aeroplane because of low temperatures in the baggage compartment.
If you want me to bring one back next year from Las Vegas let me know.

[B.S.F.]

Hello All,I would like to buy a Left-Hand Lapsteel guitar from the USA and order a hard carrying case an optional extra. I figure the hard case should offer better protection during freight than a soft gig bag would. I can buy the guitar from their single authorised supplier in Australia - plus be hit by the cost of freight from interstate to Queensland. However, the difference in cost that the guitar is selling for online from Amazon in the US and what the local authorised agent here is trying to sell the same guitar for is extortionary. The Amazon sellers do not freight internationally; and the guitar company itself does not sell direct to the market. I am fortunate enough to have a mate who is an American, who has been happy to act an intermediary for situations where booksellers do not freight their books to international buyers. The item goes to my friend and they freight the item to me.Has anyone had any experience in freighting guitars from the US of A and what sort of outcome did you have? What sort of preparation should be carried out - like putting the foam noodles or bubble wrap so there is no space between the guitar and the side wall of the hard case? Would you import another guitar again?Kind RegardsLionel 12 years ago I imported a 77 year old banjo from the US. The list price was A1500, by the time I paid all the taxes and fees it ended up costing me A$2500. The instrument was in a hardcase with every available space filled with crumpled up newspaper.The case itself was wrapped in bubble wrap and all wrapped in strong cardboard. No problems.
Would I do it again? Sure, but I'd ask a lot more questions about the instrument. .W.