Mail In Guitar Repair Instructions
Mail-In Guitar Repair Instructions - Ship Your Guitar to Angkor Music Melbourne
Quick Answer
Mail-in guitar repair process: Book service online and pay (return shipping calculated at checkout). We email packing instructions. You ship guitar with insurance and tracking to 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018. We repair (3-6 days), email photos, then ship back insured with tracking (2-5 days delivery). Total timeline: 7-16 days. Important: When booking multiple services on one guitar, add first service with postcode shipping, then select "Local Pickup/Free" for additional services to avoid duplicate shipping charges.
Booked a mail-in repair service? Follow these step-by-step instructions to safely pack and ship your guitar to our Altona workshop. We've received hundreds of guitars by mail with zero damage when these packing guidelines are followed.
Quick Overview - What to Expect
Pack your guitar following our instructions below
Ship with insurance and tracking to our Altona address
Email us your tracking number
We repair (3-6 days) and email photos
We ship back insured with tracking
How to Book Your Services Online
Important: Booking Multiple Services on One Guitar
If you're booking multiple services for the same guitar (for example: Setup + Output Jack Replacement + Pickup Installation), follow these steps to avoid being charged return shipping multiple times:
Step-by-Step Booking Process:
Step 1: Add Your First Service (Primary Service)
- Choose your main service (e.g., Guitar Setup, Fret Dress, etc.)
- Select options (string type, gauge, etc.)
- At checkout: Enter your postcode to calculate return shipping
- Return shipping will be added automatically based on your location
- Add to cart
Step 2: Add Additional Services (If Needed)
- Add any additional services (e.g., Output Jack Replacement, Nut Replacement, etc.)
- Select options for each additional service
- At checkout: Select "Local Pickup" or "Free Shipping" for these items
- This avoids duplicate shipping charges
- Add each to cart
Why this works: You only need ONE return shipment for your guitar, regardless of how many services we perform on it. By selecting "Local Pickup/Free Shipping" on additional services, you avoid being charged multiple return shipping fees. We'll complete all services and return your guitar in one shipment.
Booking Example: Setup + Output Jack + Pickup Installation
SERVICE 1 (Primary)
Guitar Setup
$155 + strings $21
Shipping: POSTCODE ENTRY
(Return shipping: $45)
SERVICE 2 (Additional)
Output Jack
$70 all-inclusive
Shipping: LOCAL PICKUP/FREE
(No additional shipping)
SERVICE 3 (Additional)
Pickup Installation
$120 install
Shipping: LOCAL PICKUP/FREE
(No additional shipping)
TOTAL: $155 + $21 + $45 + $70 + $120 = $411
Three services, one return shipment, one total price
What's Included in Your Return Shipping Cost
When you enter your postcode at checkout, we calculate return shipping cost based on your location and guitar size. This return shipping cost includes:
Full Insurance
Your guitar insured for its full value during return shipping
Signature Required
Delivery requires your signature - won't be left unattended
Tracking Number
You'll receive tracking to monitor your guitar's return journey
Professional Packing
Hard case if sent, or triple-boxed with extensive padding
Quality Materials
New boxes, bubble wrap, packing materials - never reused boxes
Photos Before Shipping
We photograph packed guitar before shipping for documentation
Typical Return Shipping Costs by Location
Return shipping cost is calculated automatically when you enter your postcode at checkout. Here are typical costs to help you estimate:
Victoria
Melbourne Metro: $30-40
Regional Victoria: $40-55
Far Regional: $50-70
New South Wales
Sydney Metro: $50-65
Newcastle/Wollongong: $65-80
Regional NSW: $70-95
Queensland
Brisbane Metro: $60-75
Gold Coast/Sunshine Coast: $60-75
Cairns/Townsville: $130-160
Far North QLD: $160-230
South Australia
Adelaide Metro: $50-65
Regional SA: $75-95
Western Australia
Perth Metro: $95-120
Regional WA: $140-170
Remote WA: $170-250
Tasmania & NT
Hobart: $70-85
Regional TAS: $85-120
Darwin: $200-240
Remote NT: $210-260
Note: These are estimates only. Your exact return shipping cost will be calculated automatically when you enter your postcode at checkout. Costs vary based on your specific location, guitar size (acoustic guitars larger than electric), and current courier rates.
Before You Pack - Critical Requirements
Insurance is MANDATORY
You MUST insure your guitar for its full replacement value when shipping to us. This protects both you and us if damage occurs during transit. Most shipping services offer insurance as an add-on during checkout. Minimum coverage should equal your guitar's current market value. We cannot accept liability for guitars damaged in transit that were not properly insured by the sender.
What You'll Need:
- Hard case (if you have one) OR bubble wrap (minimum 4 layers)
- Strong cardboard box (NEW box recommended)
- Packing material (newspaper, bubble wrap, foam peanuts)
- Packing tape (strong tape, multiple rolls)
- Marker pen for labeling
- Your booking reference number
NEVER Do This:
- Ship in a gig bag only (insufficient protection)
- Use old/damaged boxes (weakened structure)
- Leave strings at full tension (neck stress)
- Pack guitar loose in box (movement = damage)
- Forget to insure (you're not covered)
- Ship without tracking (can't locate if lost)
Step-by-Step Packing Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Guitar
Detune the Strings
Turn each tuning peg to lower string tension by approximately 2-3 full turns (about 2-3 semitones). Strings should feel loose but not completely slack. This reduces neck tension during shipping, especially important for temperature changes in transit.
Secure Loose Parts
If your guitar has a tremolo arm (whammy bar), remove it and place in case pocket or tape securely to body. Place small pieces of cardboard or foam between strings and fretboard near the nut to prevent string movement. Use painter's tape (low-tack) if needed - never use strong tape directly on finish.
Include Information Inside Case/Wrapping
Write on paper and place INSIDE the case or taped to wrapped guitar:
• Your Name
• Booking/Order Reference Number (from your order confirmation email)
• Phone Number
• Return Address
• Services Booked (e.g., "Setup + Output Jack")
• Special Instructions (if any)
Step 2: Pack Your Guitar Securely
Method A: With Hard Case (Recommended)
If you have a hard case, use it! Provides excellent protection.
- Place guitar in hard case, close and latch securely
- Place case inside sturdy cardboard box
- Add 2-3 inches padding on all sides (bubble wrap, foam, newspaper)
- Fill all gaps - guitar case should NOT move when box shaken
- Seal box thoroughly with strong packing tape on all seams
Box Size Needed: Minimum 120cm x 50cm x 20cm
Method B: Without Hard Case
No hard case? Wrap very carefully with multiple protection layers.
- Wrap headstock separately in 3-4 layers bubble wrap (most vulnerable)
- Wrap entire guitar body in 4-5 layers bubble wrap
- Place wrapped guitar in center of sturdy box
- Fill ALL spaces with padding - minimum 3 inches all sides
- Add cardboard sheet between strings and fretboard for extra protection
- Seal box thoroughly with packing tape
Box Size Needed: Minimum 115cm x 45cm x 20cm
Critical Headstock Protection: The headstock is the most vulnerable part during shipping. If it breaks in transit, it's extremely costly to repair. Wrap the headstock separately with extra padding before wrapping the entire guitar. Consider placing rigid cardboard against the back of the headstock for additional support.
Step 3: Label Your Box Clearly
Ship To (Write Clearly on Box):
4-6 Drake Boulevard
Altona VIC 3018
Australia
Phone: (03) 8360 7799
ORDER REF: [Your order/booking number]
FRAGILE - MUSICAL INSTRUMENT
THIS WAY UP (with arrow pointing to headstock end)
Important Labeling Notes:
- Write your return address clearly on the box
- Write "FRAGILE" on all sides of the box
- Write "THIS WAY UP" with arrow pointing to headstock end
- Include your order/booking reference number prominently
- Take photos of the packed box before shipping (proof of condition)
Which Shipping Service to Use
You're responsible for shipping your guitar to us (return shipping is included in your order, calculated at checkout). Choose a courier service that accepts your guitar's size, includes tracking, and allows you to add insurance.
Australia Post Length Restriction
Important: Australia Post has a maximum length of 105cm for standard parcels. Most electric guitars in hard cases are 110-120cm long, which exceeds this limit. If your guitar is over 105cm, you'll need to use one of the alternative courier services below. Acoustic guitars and some shorter guitars may fit within the 105cm limit.
Interparcel (Recommended)
Best for most guitars - no strict length limit
- Maximum Length: Up to 270cm (fits all guitars)
- Weight Limit: Up to 22kg
- Insurance: Available (add at checkout)
- Tracking: Included
- Delivery Time: 1-5 business days
- Cost: Often cheaper than Australia Post for large items
Sendle
Eco-conscious option with good guitar capacity
- Maximum: 120cm cubic weight
- Weight Limit: Up to 25kg
- Insurance: Included up to $100, additional available
- Tracking: Included
- Delivery Time: 2-7 business days
- Special: Carbon-neutral shipping
Australia Post
Only if your guitar is under 105cm
- Maximum Length: 105cm (STRICT LIMIT)
- Maximum Girth: 140cm combined
- Insurance: Available up to $5,000
- Tracking: Included
- Delivery Time: 2-6 business days
Aramex / Fastway
Fast metro delivery option
- Maximum Length: Up to 2m
- Insurance: Available
- Tracking: Included
- Delivery Time: Next day metro, 2-4 days regional
Our Recommendation
For most guitars (over 105cm): Use Interparcel - they accept longer parcels, often have competitive pricing, and include tracking. Compare quotes on their website entering your guitar's dimensions and weight.
For shorter guitars (under 105cm): Australia Post is convenient if you have a local post office and your guitar fits the size limit.
Always add insurance for your guitar's full replacement value regardless of which service you choose.
After You Ship Your Guitar
Email Your Tracking Number
Send tracking number to:
repairs@angkormusic.com.au
Include your order/booking reference
We'll Email When Received
You'll receive confirmation email when your guitar arrives safely at our workshop
We'll Email When Complete
Photos of completed work sent before we ship back with tracking number
Expected Timeline
Total time: Approximately 1-3 weeks from when you ship to when you receive it back, depending on locations and services booked.
Mail-In Service FAQs
Why do I select "Local Pickup" for additional services?
When booking multiple services on the same guitar, you only need ONE return shipment. By selecting "Local Pickup/Free Shipping" on your 2nd, 3rd, 4th services (etc.), you avoid being charged return shipping multiple times. We'll complete all services and return your guitar in one package. The first service you book should have return shipping calculated (enter your postcode), and all additional services should be set to "Local Pickup."
What if my guitar is damaged during shipping to you?
This is why insurance is mandatory. If your guitar arrives damaged, we'll document it with photos immediately and contact you. You'll need to file a claim with the shipping company using your tracking number and insurance policy. We'll provide all necessary documentation and photos to support your claim. This is why taking photos before shipping and insuring for full value is critical.
Can I track my guitar during shipping?
Yes! All recommended shipping services include tracking. You'll receive a tracking number when you ship, which lets you monitor your guitar's journey. We also provide tracking for the return shipment when we send it back to you.
My guitar is over 105cm - can I still use Australia Post?
No. Australia Post has a strict 105cm maximum length limit. Most guitars in hard cases exceed this (typically 110-120cm). You'll need to use Interparcel, Sendle, or Aramex that accept longer parcels. These services often have competitive pricing and better suit musical instruments.
What about strings - do I need to purchase them separately?
Yes. String installation is included in most services (setup, fret dress, etc.), but strings themselves are purchased separately. We stock all major brands - Ernie Ball, D'Addario, Elixir, and more. You can either: (1) Purchase strings from our strings page when booking, or (2) Call us on (03) 8360 7799 for string recommendations based on your guitar and playing style. Not sure which strings? Check our String Selection Guide for help choosing the right strings for your needs.
What if you find additional problems during repair?
We'll email you with photos and a detailed quote for any additional work needed. You can approve or decline - we'll never proceed without your permission. If you decline additional repairs, we'll complete only the originally booked services and ship your guitar back as scheduled. No surprise charges ever.
Can I send multiple guitars at once?
Yes! Book services for each guitar separately, then pack each guitar individually within the box (or use multiple boxes). Email us at repairs@angkormusic.com.au letting us know you're shipping multiple guitars. For return shipping, you'll be charged based on the number of guitars being returned - book each guitar's primary service with return shipping calculated.
I made a mistake booking - can I change my order?
Yes. Call us on (03) 8360 7799 or email repairs@angkormusic.com.au before shipping your guitar. We can adjust your order, add additional services, change string preferences, or answer questions. Once your guitar is shipped, let us know via email and we'll coordinate any changes when it arrives.
Questions About Mail-In Repairs?
If you're unsure about booking, packing, or shipping, call us before you send. We're happy to answer questions and ensure your guitar arrives safely.
Angkor Music Melbourne
4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018
Professional Guitar Repairs - Melbourne & Australia-Wide
