Sending Large Musical Instrument (VEENA) from India to USA

dimklosser · Sep 30th, 2009, 14:40

Could someone give me any information on shipping a veena, which is quite a large musical instrument, from India to the USA?

I am planning to buy one in Chennai or Madurai and ship it to the USA but I can't find out much information on the price. It is quite large and I hope it won't cost too much.

Also, where could I ship it from? Should I use something like FedEx or are there cheaper and/or better options?

trooooon · Sep 30th, 2009, 16:00

The vendor who is selling you would be the best one to tell you the freight logistics and charges . . . insurance and good packing are the two things which could cost you extra I figure.

A friend shipped a royal enfield motorcycle to america for $500a few years ago, and that's way heavier so somewhere in the range of $200 i figure?!?

Nick-H · Sep 30th, 2009, 16:23

Are you buying it from a shop, or direct from the maker?

If it is from a shop, I think they may be able to advise you. They should be able to arrange the necessary packing too.

I guess that it will add quite a lot to the cost of the instrument; but then, the shipping is one of the reasons that instruments are so much cheaper to buy here, I guess.

dimklosser · Oct 2nd, 2009, 03:29

I'm planning on buying from a shop but I'm not sure if they know about shipping or not as they don't really deal with international orders like some other shops. I know shipping will make the instrument cost a lot more but a good one should still cost less if i were to get it there compared to getting it over here!

crvlvr · Oct 2nd, 2009, 04:04

1. However you decide to ahip -- GET INSURANCE
2. If you want to avoid the shipping hassles and customs delays, use FedEx (or similar service). May be a little more experience.But, atleast your veena will arrive and hopefully in one piece.

Nick-H · Oct 2nd, 2009, 04:08

You have a specific shop in mind? You sound as if you do, although earlier you spoke of Madurai or Chennai --- of course, you may have decided since then.

Are you in touch with any veena players here?

Are you learning from a carnatic musician back home? If so, they may be able to guide you or refer you to a touring musician in Chennai who can advise on how they get their instruments around the world (always tough with a veena).

Of course, my questions are partly prompted by pure curiosity!

I'm always, by the way, happy to share a concert/dosa/chai etc with musically interested visitors to Chennai.

Oh! I see you are the gentleman who was also looking for some Thavil lessons!

Sep 30th, 2009, 14:40	#1
dimklosser Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Houston Posts: 15	Sending Large Musical Instrument (VEENA) from India to USA Could someone give me any information on shipping a veena, which is quite a large musical instrument, from India to the USA? I am planning to buy one in Chennai or Madurai and ship it to the USA but I can't find out much information on the price. It is quite large and I hope it won't cost too much. Also, where could I ship it from? Should I use something like FedEx or are there cheaper and/or better options?

Sep 30th, 2009, 16:00	#2
trooooon tj Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Vasant Kunj, New Delhi Posts: 850	The vendor who is selling you would be the best one to tell you the freight logistics and charges . . . insurance and good packing are the two things which could cost you extra I figure. A friend shipped a royal enfield motorcycle to america for $500a few years ago, and that's way heavier so somewhere in the range of $200 i figure?!? __________________ what if . . . maybe . . . say . . . suppose!

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Sep 30th, 2009, 16:23	#3
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,213	Are you buying it from a shop, or direct from the maker? If it is from a shop, I think they may be able to advise you. They should be able to arrange the necessary packing too. I guess that it will add quite a lot to the cost of the instrument; but then, the shipping is one of the reasons that instruments are so much cheaper to buy here, I guess.

Oct 2nd, 2009, 03:29	#4
dimklosser Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Houston Posts: 15	I'm planning on buying from a shop but I'm not sure if they know about shipping or not as they don't really deal with international orders like some other shops. I know shipping will make the instrument cost a lot more but a good one should still cost less if i were to get it there compared to getting it over here!

Oct 2nd, 2009, 04:04	#5
crvlvr Guru Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Hollywood Posts: 4,667	1. However you decide to ahip -- GET INSURANCE 2. If you want to avoid the shipping hassles and customs delays, use FedEx (or similar service). May be a little more experience.But, atleast your veena will arrive and hopefully in one piece.

Oct 2nd, 2009, 04:08	#6
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,213	You have a specific shop in mind? You sound as if you do, although earlier you spoke of Madurai or Chennai --- of course, you may have decided since then. Are you in touch with any veena players here? Are you learning from a carnatic musician back home? If so, they may be able to guide you or refer you to a touring musician in Chennai who can advise on how they get their instruments around the world (always tough with a veena). Of course, my questions are partly prompted by pure curiosity! I'm always, by the way, happy to share a concert/dosa/chai etc with musically interested visitors to Chennai. Oh! I see you are the gentleman who was also looking for some Thavil lessons!