Shipping costs from USA?

racman

I can't seem to find specific answers to my question but would like to know what couriers forum members have used to import a guitar from USA to SA. Electric and acoustic will obviousley have different prices.

Any suggestions and prices?

AlanRatcliffe

I've done it once with a guitar (about 3 years ago), but not for a while. USPS is cheapest, but have size limitations and some cases exceed their maximum length. FedEx and UPS are twice the price and half as reliable. The guitar I brought in would have cost $150 with USPS, but I ended up paying $350 with UPS and FedEx would have been even more expensive. My speakers recently cost $240 with FedEx.

racman

Thx Alan, UPS and Fedex quoted $800-$1000 for a Strat (granted it is in a vintage type square case) !!!!

We are currently looking at possibly sending the neck and body split in a box or seperate boxes - quote on this is $120. Only problem is that I don't get the case. Benefit is that we can possibly stipulate it as parts as it will in fact be such.

AlanRatcliffe

USPS have a shipping calculator on their site, so if you have dimensions and weight you can check and see.

racman

Thx Alan. Checked with USPS and cost options are approx $470-$520. If we remove the neck and place body and neck in one box (but leave the case behind) the cost is $110. The sller is prepared to include this cost in the price and will recover some from the sale of the case. The cost of the Strat is $1200 so $500 postage does not make it viable. Would like the case but essentially I will be paying $500 for it!

What do you think guys?

Strat is a one month old 62 reissue Strat:

Wizard

Wizard whispers so no-one can hear: "I'd do it ..."

racman

Yeh, but with the case or without ☹

AlanRatcliffe

Do it without the case. You can get good Fender branded cases locally and AFAIK, those guitars come without case anyway.

Wizard

I agree. A case is a case. Freely available.

racman

Thx for the advice guys.

One more question - anyone got any advice on or played the 62 reissue?

I am also looking at the following used strats:

1) 2009/2010 Fender 62 Reissue - Pics above $1200

2) 2004 American Deluxe (3-tone sunburst) - $900

3) 2010 G&L s-500 (also sunburst) - $985

Any ideas/comments

guitarboy2828

racman wrote: Thx for the advice guys.

One more question - anyone got any advice on or played the 62 reissue?

I am also looking at the following used strats:

1) 2009/2010 Fender 62 Reissue - Pics above $1200

2) 2004 American Deluxe (3-tone sunburst) - $900

3) 2010 G&L s-500 (also sunburst) - $985

Any ideas/comments

I didn't you were into electrics too Racman? ? That's great!

That 62 reissue looks absolutely fabulous, really nice looking guitar. I don't enough about the 3 guitars to compare them, but I've heard a lot of good stuff about G&L's.. But never played one ☹

racman

Well, used to be into electrics but really I mainly attempt acoustic......player is not a term I use to describe what I am ?

The 2004 USA Deluxe and the 62 Vintage Reissue appeal to me.

singemonkey

I don't like 3 tone sunbursts, but I do like vintage reissues of Strats '68 and earlier.

guitarboy2828

singemonkey wrote: I don't like 3 tone sunbursts, but I do like vintage reissues of Strats '68 and earlier.

Yeah, godda admit.. If it were about looks, the '62 would take it hands down for me!

Also, from a resale point of view, the fenders will sell faster than the G&L i reckon. Not that you're thinking of selling before you've bought, but just so ya know! ?

Reinhard

I'm importing some stuff as well.
Weber speakers: $75 per speaker
Gibson in hardcase: $150 USPS

racman

Reinhard wrote: I'm importing some stuff as well.
Weber speakers: $75 per speaker
Gibson in hardcase: $150 USPS

Are you sure that is the shipping cost. The Fender 62 case is 44"x7"x17" and 25lbs and USPS is the lowest at $470 as per their website calculation. Looked at Elderleys for an example and they quote the same for a Strat.

Please let me know how you do this as I would love to bring the case as well.

BMU

I looked into getting an Ibanez from the States recently. Something called "postal Fedex" would have been $625 apparently. Pretty steep.

I did get one from Japan via EMS (Expedited Mail Service?..something like that) which was $350 I think. Not sure if EMS is an option from the States.

MoJo-JoJoe

Racman, I sent you a PM.

Ray

racman wrote: Well, used to be into electrics but really I mainly attempt acoustic......player is not a term I use to describe what I am ?

The 2004 USA Deluxe and the 62 Vintage Reissue appeal to me.

I think you're spinning but anyway buy number 2. What fretboard options? you set on rosewood?

racman

Ray wrote:
racman wrote: Well, used to be into electrics but really I mainly attempt acoustic......player is not a term I use to describe what I am ?

The 2004 USA Deluxe and the 62 Vintage Reissue appeal to me.
I think you're spinning but anyway buy number 2. What fretboard options? you set on rosewood?

"spinning" ? - what do you mean Ray? (genuinely would like to know)

I prefer rosewood fretboard, and am not particularly keen on HB in the bridge. But then I also find the standard SC pup in the bridge a little anaemic as well but at least it helps give a decent position 3 sound.