How to Pack a Cello
We at StringWorks have been perfecting our instrument packing techniques for over 25 years! We cry anytime there is damage to an instrument and, due to their size, cellos are unfortunately damaged most often.
We have put together a step by step guide for packing your cello, whether for a rental return, upgrade, or your own travel.
| 1. Begin by wrapping foam or paper towel around the bridge, and secure it with tape. This will prevent the top from being scratched or damaged should the bridge come down in transit. | |
| 2. Then wrap the tailpiece, going around the fine tuners with another piece of foam or other soft material, again securing it with tape. | |
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3. Next, put the instrument in the case or bag. Be sure there is no movement of the instrument within the case (side to side or top/scroll to bottom). Foam sheets or other soft cloths can be used to fill in any open space; take great care with this step. If a bow is also being sent, DO NOT put the bow in the case using velcro/snap/spinners (wrap in foam/plastic and place right on top of the case among the peanuts. |
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4. Make sure 3-4 layers of bubble wrap strips are centered on the bottom of the box before placing the bag/case on top of the bubble wrap. Tape corner post reinforcement to corner where scroll end of the cello will be |
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| 5. Place folded bubble wrap at top/bottom/sides to ensure no case contact with the box. Again, there should be very little movement of the case in any direction - if you can hear or see much movement, add another layer of bubblewrap or thinner styrofoam. | |
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| 6. Fill the entire box with packing peanuts, shaking gently to settle a few times. Be sure the closing sides of box do not "give in" when pressing gently on the peanuts. If they seem to compress too easily, add a few handfuls of peanuts or other packing material. Do not overfill the box- the box/flaps should not “bulge” when closed, either |  |
| 7. Lastly, place one strip of bubble wrap on top of the peanuts, then a long, flat piece of cardboard on top. This will absorb and disperse potential impacts from above, so they do not press on the bridge. |  |
| 8. Seal the box using a strong packing or strapping tape, pressing the sides/top together snugly so there is very little gap at the middle seam. Look to ensure the box is not contorted; the edges should line up evenly with the sides of the box, or you may need to gently pull the box corners to align properly |  |
| 9. Use extra tape on the sides of the box, if the top does not seem flush with the box. |  |