This information is provided as a public resource. Houghton Horns LLC assumes no liability for damage incurred during shipping or damage claims denied by your carrier.
We recommend shipping French horns (with or without a case) in a double-walled corrugated box (at least 250 lb. test). It should be sized at least 28″ x 18″ x 18″ (72 x 46 x 46 cm) for fixed bell horns. A “dishpack” box will suffice. It can be found at most truck rental locations, self storage centers, and home improvement stores. Use a new box, it will be stronger. When packing the horn, make sure there are at least 3″ (8 cm) of space between the instrument/case and the wall of the box to allow for peanuts or bubble wrap. If these guidelines are ignored, the carrier may deny any damage claims. No matter who you are shipping the horn to, be sure to include a “packing slip” inside of the box with a detailed list of the items being shipped, the value of the items, your address, email, phone number, and the recipient’s address, email, and phone number. Make sure to place your shipping label on the top/side of the box where your bell is located. This will increase the chance of your horn being placed with the heavy side down during transit, and decrease the risk of bell damage.
Fixed Bell French Horns
Use bubble wrap or peanuts inside of the case to make sure the instrument is secured tightly, with emphasis on the bell flare and leadpipe. If the horn is being shipped without a case, be sure to wrap it multiple times with bubble wrap. The wrap you use should have large bubbles (at least 5/16″ (8 mm)). Fill the bottom of the box with 2-3 inches of peanuts or bubble wrap. Pack the horn upright, with the bell towards the top side, and centered for adequate room on all sides. If expanding foam bags are available, place one each on the bell side and leadpipe side. Fill all remaining space with peanuts, including covering the case around the handle. The more peanuts you can squeeze into the box, the better.
Detachable Bell French Horns
When shipping a detachable bell French horn in a case, make sure it is positioned so that the corpus of the horn is not on top of the bell flare. Use bubble wrap or peanuts inside of the case to make sure the instrument is secured tightly. When shipping without a case, wrap the corpus of the horn with bubble wrap multiple times. Wrap the bell flare separately. Make sure the wrap you use has large bubbles (at least 5/16″ (8 mm)). Place the corpus toward the bottom of the box and stack the bell flare above the corpus, being sure to allow at least an inch between the two. The more peanuts you can squeeze into the box, the better.
For step-by-step photos of a detachable bell horn being packed for shipping, click here.
Insurance
You should always insure the package with the carrier for at least the dollar amount you paid for the horn. Note: The United States Postal Service (USPS) will only allow you to purchase $5000 of insurance.