The Cheapest Way to Ship Musical Instrument Accessories in 2026

Musical instrument accessories are one of the easiest and cheapest categories to ship — most items are lightweight, durable, and compact. From guitar strings and picks to effect pedals and drum hardware, here's how to ship music gear for less.

Rate Comparison by Accessory Type

Guitar Strings/Picks (4 oz, padded mailer)

Effect Pedal (1.5 lbs, 8" x 6" x 4")

Drum Hardware (Pedal, Hi-Hat Stand — 10 lbs, 16" x 12" x 10")

Ukulele/Violin (Small Instrument — 5 lbs, 28" x 12" x 6")

Pedalboard Setup (15 lbs, 24" x 14" x 6")

Packing Music Accessories

Effect Pedals

Wrap in bubble wrap — focus on knobs and jacks

Ship in original box if available

Without original box: small rigid box with 1-2" padding

Remove battery if installed (prevents corrosion during transit)

Drum Hardware

Disassemble multi-part hardware (hi-hat stand, cymbal stands)

Wrap metal parts in bubble wrap to prevent scratching

Secure wing nuts and small parts in a bag

Use a rigid box — hardware is heavy and can puncture packaging

Small Instruments (Ukulele, Violin)

Loosen strings slightly to reduce tension during transit

Place in a hard case if available

Wrap the case in bubble wrap

Ship in a box 3" larger on each side

For instruments without cases, wrap in bubble wrap and use a custom-fit box

Cymbals

Place cardboard circles on both sides of the cymbal

Wrap in bubble wrap

Ship flat in a box slightly larger than the cymbal diameter

Cymbals can crack from impacts — add padding on all sides

Ship via Ground — don't spend on Express for cymbals

Cables & Accessories

Coil cables and secure with Velcro ties (not rubber bands)

Ship in poly mailers — they're lightweight and durable

Bundle multiple cables together

For patch cables, ship in small rigid boxes to prevent connector damage

Selling Music Gear Online

For Reverb.com Sellers

Reverb provides shipping cost estimates — price accordingly

Use calculated shipping for accurate rates

Ship promptly — Reverb tracks shipping time

Add insurance for items over $100

For eBay/Marketplace Sellers

USPS Ground Advantage for items under 1 lb (cheapest)

Compare rates with atoship for up to 89% savings

Photograph items before shipping for dispute protection

Use original manufacturer packaging when available

For Music Store E-Commerce

Offer free shipping over $50 (builds average order value)

Use USPS for lightweight accessories (strings, picks, cables)

UPS/FedEx Ground for heavier hardware and instruments

Stock standard box sizes for common product categories

FAQ

What's the cheapest way to ship guitar strings?

USPS Ground Advantage in a padded mailer — $3.50 for a set of strings. They're lightweight and durable, making them ideal for the cheapest shipping option.

How do I ship an effect pedal safely?

Wrap in bubble wrap (protect knobs and jacks), ship in a small rigid box with padding. Remove the battery before shipping. USPS Priority Mail is the best value for single pedals.

Can I ship a ukulele in a poly mailer?

No — use a rigid box. Ukuleles are fragile instruments that need protection from impact and crushing. Loosen the strings, wrap in bubble wrap, and ship in a box with 3" of padding.

How much does it cost to ship a pedalboard?

FedEx Ground or UPS Ground typically costs $25-30 for a standard pedalboard (15-20 lbs). Detach pedals and cables if possible, wrap the board in bubble wrap, and ship in a rigid box.

Should I offer free shipping on music accessories?

For lightweight items (strings, picks, straps) — yes, build $4-5 into the price. For heavier items (hardware, instruments), use calculated shipping or a flat rate ($8-12).