Hi,

I am returning to the UK soon to collect two guitars that I didnt bring with me when I originally moved over.

Does anyone have any advice regarding a) how these are transported on the plane (i.e do I just put them as cargo and hope that they are treated with some sort of respect, or is there an alternative?) b) what I might expect at customs when arriving laden with two guitar cases!?

And a possible c) Does anyone have any experience of shipping a musical item over from the UK and what did it cost. Seems ParcelForce worldwide could do the job for me, but again Im concerned that Ill get stung a ridiculous amount of money at customs.

Cheers

I'm sorry, I do not have any personal experience with this BUT I can offer that as we head toward summer, there are plenty of "buskers" (traveling musicians who play for pocket change) who come over from the US even with their instruments... so (I assume) it can't really be sooooo expensive or difficult.

Good luck!

Provided we're not talking about priceless, irreplacable guitars, I'd probably be inclined to check them as luggage and not bother declaring them when I entered the country. I doubt you'll have any problems at all.

checked them in as cargo using some solid hard cases and don't declare them

If you've owned them for more than 6 months, there is no need to declare. If they're new, then cough up, smuggler...

Do this all the time, with keyboards/computers etc when on tour/recording elswhere & never had a problem coming into CH at all.

Any fuss just give them a rendition of smoke on the water, everyone loves that!

Haha! Genius idea...

As for the guitars, they are not 'new' as they are vintage, so second hand (or more). Thanks for the advice though. It will teach me to continue 'splurging' on guitars at will...