Is it safe shipping an LP with a cracked headstock?

[LPguy]

First time using this forum so sorry if this is not the right area.

I've got my eyes on a Les Paul Custom with a cracked headstock but in otherwise great condition that's for sale in Japan for a killer price. I'm confident I can fix the crack, but if it breaks off fully in shipping to a nasty uneven break then it'll be a bit of a headache. What are the odds?

 

[garywright]

welcome …all depends on the shipper and how well they pack ..check their feedback history ( if eBay/reverb etc.) and cross your fingers

 

[GlassSnuff]

Welcome to the LPF!

If they pack above and below the headstock with nitro safe materials, it shouldn't be a problem. Mahogany is a tough, yet resilient wood.

 

[gitmohair]

welcome …all depends on the shipper and how well they pack ..check their feedback history ( if eBay/reverb etc.) and cross your fingers

This, exactly. You can ship *anything* safely if it's properly packaged. Sometimes the cost of suitable packing will render it pointless, but guitars (even broken ones) aren't that problematic in theory. But it's down to the shipper and, from a buyer's perspective (especially if they're well distant) your trust in them. "Cross your fingers" sounds about right.

 

[MarcB]

Stipulate you want the headstock bound to prevent further cracking/breaking.

 

[charliechitlins]

The question is, is it safe to ship a Les Paul with an un-cracked headstock.

 

[Wilko]

de-tune the strings for sure.

Sick of people saying that's not needed. Slack them strings.

Maybe more important: Don't put anything behind the headstock. Pad in FRONT of the headstock.

 

[LPguy]

Thanks guys, I'll see if I can get the message across to make sure to slack the strings and pack it extra safely around the headstock. Japanese sellers seem to have a good reputation of packing guitars well so I'm not too worried about that.

I'm not too worried about the crack enlarging. As long as the crack doesn't turn into a nasty splinted break it doesn't make too much of a difference in repair anyway.