ltbetty
Active Member
As a shipping and receiving clerk for a number of years in my younger days, I learned a lot about how to pack items for safe transit. I know there's already instructions here and on the internet already, but many of them, IMHO, give bad advice or lack important details. So here's my take on how to pack a turntable for safe shipping. I can add some photos later but will add a few photo's now of what NOT to do.
Packing a Turntable:
Remove dustcover
Remove counterweight, headshell/cartridge (and other loose parts)
Remove platter and mat
Secure cords
Secure tonearm (twist tie)
Secure transport screws (if the turntable has them)
1. A layer of Peanuts (about 2") in bottom of box
2. Wrap platter and mat in bubble wrap and place in box
3 . Add another layer of Peanuts then a piece of cardboard the size of the box
4. Wrap turntable in bubble wrap (like 2 layers) and put in box
5. Surround and cover with Peanuts
6. Add another piece of cardboard and layer of Peanuts
7. Wrap dustcover in a couple layers of bubble wrap, put in box and cover and surround with Peanuts
8. Pack small parts in small box and/or bubble wrap and place in larger box
9. Overfill with Peanuts and seal box (Peanuts will settle during transport)
10. Write "FRAGILE" all over the package and "THIS END UP" with arrows pointing to the top.
Note: In my opinion, it's extremely important for a dustcover to be able to move around a little in the package. If it's too tight, any pressure applied to the package will snap the dustcover.
Note 2: It is extremely important to remove the platter and pack in the bottom of the package. Otherwise the platter may come off during shipping and smash the dustcover.
Note 3: Use packaging tape - not duck tape, not painters tape - just packaging tape. Do not let tape touch any part of the turntable - the residue it can leave behind is difficult to remove!
Packing a Turntable:
Remove dustcover
Remove counterweight, headshell/cartridge (and other loose parts)
Remove platter and mat
Secure cords
Secure tonearm (twist tie)
Secure transport screws (if the turntable has them)
1. A layer of Peanuts (about 2") in bottom of box
2. Wrap platter and mat in bubble wrap and place in box
3 . Add another layer of Peanuts then a piece of cardboard the size of the box
4. Wrap turntable in bubble wrap (like 2 layers) and put in box
5. Surround and cover with Peanuts
6. Add another piece of cardboard and layer of Peanuts
7. Wrap dustcover in a couple layers of bubble wrap, put in box and cover and surround with Peanuts
8. Pack small parts in small box and/or bubble wrap and place in larger box
9. Overfill with Peanuts and seal box (Peanuts will settle during transport)
10. Write "FRAGILE" all over the package and "THIS END UP" with arrows pointing to the top.
Note: In my opinion, it's extremely important for a dustcover to be able to move around a little in the package. If it's too tight, any pressure applied to the package will snap the dustcover.
Note 2: It is extremely important to remove the platter and pack in the bottom of the package. Otherwise the platter may come off during shipping and smash the dustcover.
Note 3: Use packaging tape - not duck tape, not painters tape - just packaging tape. Do not let tape touch any part of the turntable - the residue it can leave behind is difficult to remove!