Step 1: Order Service Online

Browse our repair services online selecting appropriate service for your needs - snare drum repair, cymbal crack repair, kick pedal service, or other specific repair types. Add service to cart and complete checkout process. Provide detailed description of issue in order notes including photos if possible helping us prepare appropriate parts and tools. You receive immediate confirmation email with order number, shipping address, and detailed packing instructions specific to your item type.

Step 2: Pack Item Securely

Follow detailed packing instructions below specific to item type (snare drum, cymbal, or kick pedal). Use appropriate box size, adequate padding, and proper wrapping protecting item during transit. Include printed copy of order confirmation inside package for reference. Write order number clearly on outside of package along with return address. See detailed packing sections below for item-specific instructions ensuring safe arrival.

Step 3: Ship to Our Workshop

Ship to:
Angkor Music Melbourne
Drum Repair Department
4-6 Drake Boulevard
Altona VIC 3018

Use Australia Post, Sendle, or Interparcel with tracking and insurance. Retain tracking number and insurance documentation until item returned safely. Email tracking number to us at sales@angkormusic.com.au (example - verify actual email) allowing us to anticipate arrival and prepare for assessment.

Step 4: Assessment and Confirmation

We receive package and assess item within 1-2 business days confirming repair scope matches online order. If additional issues discovered or repair cost differs from estimate, we contact you via email or phone before proceeding with approval required for work exceeding quoted price. For straightforward repairs matching description, we proceed immediately without delay. Assessment includes photos documenting condition before repair for your records and our protection.

Step 5: Professional Repair Completed

Experienced drum technician performs repair using proper tools, genuine replacement parts, and professional techniques. Simple repairs (lug replacement, bearing edge smoothing, cymbal crack repair) completed within 2-3 days. Complex repairs (shell crack repair, complete restoration) require 5-7 days. Quality check performed after completion ensuring repair meets our standards before shipping back to you. After photos taken documenting completed work.

Step 6: Return Shipping

Repaired item packed securely using same careful packing standards you used shipping to us. We ship via Australia Post with tracking and insurance included in return shipping cost added to final invoice. Tracking number emailed to you when item ships allowing you to monitor return journey. Typical delivery 2-7 days depending on location. Email sent with before and after photos showing completed repair plus any maintenance recommendations for long-term care.

Snare Drums - IDEAL FOR MAIL

Perfect mail-in item: Compact size, durable construction, easy to pack safely

Common Repairs:
Bearing edge reconditioning and smoothing
Lug replacement (stripped threads, broken casings)
Strainer repair or replacement (throw-off mechanisms)
Shell crack repair and stabilization
Hoop replacement (bent or damaged)
Snare wire replacement and adjustment
Complete restoration (vintage snares)
Re-wrapping (new finish application)

All Brands Accepted: Pearl, Ludwig, DW, Gretsch, Tama, Yamaha, Mapex, PDP, Sonor, Premier, vintage and custom snares

Typical Shipping Cost: $25-50 each direction (Australia Post)
Insurance Recommended: $200-800 depending on snare value

Cymbals - EXCELLENT FOR MAIL

Perfect mail-in item: Flat profile, lightweight, ships economically when packed properly

Common Repairs:
Crack repair (stopping cracks from spreading)
Keyhole enlargement (worn center holes)
Edge smoothing (chips and rough spots)
Complete crack removal and blending
Restore cymbal profile (warped cymbals)
Bell repair (cracks in bell area)
Cleaning and polishing (cosmetic restoration)

All Brands Accepted: Zildjian, Sabian, Meinl, Paiste, Istanbul, Dream, Bosphorus, vintage cymbals

Typical Shipping Cost: $20-50 per cymbal (requires proper box)
Insurance Recommended: $200-600 for professional cymbals

Kick Pedals - GOOD FOR MAIL

Acceptable mail-in item: Moderate size, some fragile parts, requires careful packing

Common Repairs:
Chain replacement (worn or broken)
Spring replacement and tension adjustment
Bearing service (footboard and cam bearings)
Beater replacement and alignment
Hoop clamp repair or replacement
Complete pedal service and lubrication
Restore smooth action (cleaning and adjustment)

All Brands Accepted: DW, Pearl, Tama, Gibraltar, Trick, Axis, Yamaha, ludwig, vintage pedals

Typical Shipping Cost: $25-50 each direction
Insurance Recommended: $200-500 for quality pedals

Step 1: Remove Drumheads 

Remove BOTH batter head (top) and resonant head (bottom) before shipping. Drumheads under tension create pressure points during shipping causing bearing edge damage if box gets compressed or dropped. Loosen all tension rods completely removing both heads. This applies to older snares wanting restoration. Store heads separately if sending with drum (wrapped in bubble wrap) or discard if replacing during repair. Never ship snare with heads still mounted - this accounts for 90 percent of shipping damage we see from improperly packed drums. 

Step 2: Protect Bearing Edges

Bearing edges represent most critical and fragile part of drum requiring extra protection. Cut two cardboard circles slightly larger than drum diameter (one for top edge, one for bottom edge). Place cardboard circles over bearing edges creating protective barrier. Secure with tape lightly (masking tape, not heavy packing tape that might damage finish). This prevents direct contact with packing materials potentially denting or scratching precision bearing edges.

Step 3: Wrap Shell in Bubble Wrap

Wrap entire drum shell in bubble wrap minimum three complete layers. Start with bubble side against drum providing cushioning. Wrap horizontally around shell then vertically over top and bottom. Secure with packing tape. Pay special attention to lug areas and strainer mechanism ensuring adequate padding protecting metal components from impact. For valuable snares (DW, Ludwig Black Beauty, vintage drums), use four or five layers of bubble wrap providing extra protection.

Step 4: Select Appropriate Box Size

Box must be minimum 2 inches (5cm) larger than wrapped drum on ALL sides. For standard 14-inch snare wrapped in bubble wrap, use box approximately 18 inches square by 10 inches deep minimum. Oversized box better than too-small box. Australia Post and Sendle sell appropriately sized boxes at post offices and online. Alternatively use sturdy cardboard box from retail stores (avoid flimsy boxes that might collapse during transit).

Step 5: Fill Empty Space

Place wrapped drum in center of box ensuring minimum 2 inches clearance on all sides. Fill ALL empty space with packing peanuts, foam sheets, crumpled newspaper, or bubble wrap preventing drum from shifting during transit. Shake box gently testing for movement - drum should remain completely stationary. Add more packing material if any movement detected. Bottom and top of box particularly important - fill space above and below drum preventing vertical compression reaching bearing edges.

Step 6: Include Documentation

Print order confirmation from email placing inside sealed plastic bag (protecting from moisture). Include bag inside box before sealing. Write your order number clearly on outside of box with permanent marker. Include your return address inside box separately from outer label in case shipping label damaged or lost during transit. Brief note describing repair needed helpful even if already detailed in online order.

Step 7: Seal and Label Box

Seal box with quality packing tape (minimum 2 inches wide) covering all seams. Tape bottom seams, top seams, and corners where box most likely to split open. Use H-pattern taping on top and bottom for maximum strength. Apply FRAGILE stickers on all four sides and top of box. Add THIS WAY UP arrows if applicable. Attach shipping label securely. Write order number clearly visible near shipping label for our receiving staff reference.

Critical Rule: Never Stack Cymbals Together Unprotected

Cymbal edges will cut each other if stacked together without separation. Even slight movement during shipping causes edge-to-edge contact creating new cracks or chips. Always wrap each cymbal individually before stacking or ship separately in individual boxes for valuable cymbals.

Step 1: Wrap Each Cymbal Individually

Wrap cymbal in bubble wrap minimum two complete rotations covering entire surface. Start from center spiraling outward ensuring edges particularly well protected. Secure with packing tape. For valuable cymbals (Zildjian K Custom, Istanbul Agop, vintage cymbals), use three layers of bubble wrap. Some drummers place cymbal in cloth cymbal bag first then wrap in bubble wrap for double protection.

Step 2: Create Cardboard Protection Sandwich

Cut two cardboard circles slightly larger than cymbal diameter (approximately 1 inch larger all around). For 20-inch ride cymbal, cut cardboard circles 22 inches diameter. Place one cardboard circle on each side of wrapped cymbal creating protective sandwich. This distributes any impact across entire cymbal surface rather than concentrating pressure on edge. Tape cardboard circles together along edge securing sandwich but allowing easy opening at destination.

Step 3: Position Cymbal Vertically (Critical)

Stand cymbal on edge in box - NEVER lay flat. Vertical positioning prevents weight crushing cymbal if other packages stacked on top during transit. Cymbals surprisingly fragile when compressed flat - standing on edge much stronger orientation. Use box approximately 4 inches wider than cymbal diameter allowing vertical positioning with space around edges for padding.

Step 4: Fill Space and Secure

Fill space around vertically-positioned cymbal with packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or crumpled paper preventing shifting. Cymbal should remain vertical and centered in box without touching sides. Fill space at top of box preventing cymbal from tilting over during transit. For multiple cymbals in same box, position vertically with cardboard separator between each wrapped cymbal preventing contact.

Step 5: Box Selection for Cymbals

For standard crashes and rides (16-22 inch), use square box minimum 18 inches on each side by 6 inches deep. Music stores often sell dedicated cymbal shipping boxes perfect size. Alternatively construct custom box from flat cardboard sheet cutting and folding to appropriate dimensions. Avoid using excessively large box creating unnecessary shipping cost - box should be just large enough for vertical cymbal positioning with 2 inches padding all around.

Step 1: Remove Beater and Loose Components

Remove beater from pedal preventing bending or breaking during shipping. Remove any auxiliary components that might break, bend, or separate during transit including slave pedals for double pedals, auxiliary springs, cymbal attachments. Store removed components in sealed plastic bag labeled clearly for reassembly reference. Include any adjustment keys or tools that came with pedal.

Step 2: Protect Moving Mechanisms

Wrap footboard in bubble wrap preventing scratches to playing surface. Wrap chain or strap mechanism protecting from tangling or bending. Wrap cam and bearing areas ensuring adequate padding. For direct-drive pedals, extra care around delicate linkages and bearings. Goal is preventing metal-to-metal contact during shipping that might bend or damage precision components.

Step 3: Box and Padding

Place wrapped pedal mechanism in box with minimum 2 inches padding on all sides. Position pedal to minimize height reducing shipping cost - fold footboard if design allows or position base vertically. Fill empty space with packing peanuts preventing shifting. Place bag of removed components (beater, springs, etc) in box with pedal clearly labeled. Include note identifying components for reassembly if mechanism partially disassembled.

Double Pedals - Special Considerations

Double pedals ship as two separate items to avoid damage from components contacting each other. Remove connecting rod or U-joint before shipping. Wrap main pedal and slave pedal separately in bubble wrap. Place in same box with cardboard separator between pedals preventing contact. Include connecting hardware in labeled bag. Take photo of pedal setup before disassembly helping with reassembly configuration if complex linkage system.

Australia Post - Most Common

Best For: Most repairs, non-urgent timing
Cost: $20-45 depending on size and distance
Tracking: Included with all parcels
Delivery Time: 2-7 business days

Australia Post regular parcel service provides reliable economical shipping with tracking included standard. Drop off at any post office convenient for most customers. Delivery times consistent though not express. Insurance available for declared value protecting valuable drums and cymbals. Most cost-effective option for non-urgent repairs when saving $10-20 shipping matters more than 2-3 day delivery difference.

Sendle - Competitive Pricing

Best For: Home pickup convenience
Cost: $18-35 competitive with Aus Post
Tracking: Included
Delivery Time: 2-6 business days

Sendle offers easy online booking with home pickup available in most metropolitan and many regional areas. Pricing often competitive or cheaper than Australia Post for similar service. Carbon-neutral shipping appeals to environmentally conscious customers. Good option for customers unable to visit post office easily or shipping multiple items requiring pickup service. Insurance available for valuable items.

Interparcel - Business Accounts

Best For: Regular shippers, business accounts
Cost: Discounted rates for account holders
Tracking: Included
Delivery Time: 1-5 business days

Interparcel aggregates multiple carriers (TNT, Couriers Please, others) offering competitive rates particularly for business accounts or regular shippers. Setup requires creating account though offers discounted shipping for customers sending items regularly. Good option for drum shops, teachers, or drummers shipping multiple items for repair. Compare rates online before selecting carrier option.

Complete Timeline Breakdown

Shipping to Us: 2-7 business days depending on location
Sydney/Melbourne: 2-3 days
Brisbane/Adelaide: 3-4 days
Perth/Regional: 5-7 days

Assessment: 1-2 business days from receiving package
We contact you if additional issues discovered or pricing differs

Repair Work:
Simple Repairs: 2-3 days (lug replacement, bearing edge smoothing, cymbal crack repair)
Standard Repairs: 3-5 days (strainer replacement, shell minor crack, pedal service)
Complex Repairs: 5-7 days (major shell crack, complete restoration, multiple issues)

Shipping Back: 2-7 business days same as inbound shipping

Total Timeline Examples:
Simple repair Sydney to Melbourne: 7-13 business days total
Complex repair Perth to Melbourne: 14-21 business days total
Standard repair Brisbane to Melbourne: 10-16 business days total

Rush Service Available

Need faster turnaround for upcoming gigs or recording sessions? Rush service available for additional fee prioritizing your repair. Contact us at (03) 8360 7799 before ordering discussing timeline requirements and rush fee. We assess feasibility based on current workload and repair complexity. Rush service typically reduces repair time by 50 percent though shipping time each direction remains same regardless of priority level.

Communication Throughout Process

We email you when package arrives confirming receipt. We contact you within 1-2 days after assessment if any additional issues discovered or pricing changes required. We email you when repair completed with before and after photos. We email tracking number when shipping repaired item back to you. Clear communication throughout process ensures you know status at each stage without needing to call for updates.