NGD - UPS Drama!! Should I wait!

watchingfool · #1 02-01-2023, 02:57 PM

So I just bought a Fender Strat (used here from a Forum member)!! My question is: When it gets here, should I wait to open the box for 24 hours to let the guitar acclimate to the inside temperature and humidity? I live in 20-35 degree weather this time of year. It's coming cross-country UPS.

Thanks!

GoPappy · #2 02-01-2023, 05:34 PM

I think that's more important on an acoustic guitar than an electric. I suppose it's possible that you could get some finish checking from an abrupt change in temperature, but probably not likely.

A big slab of wood on an electric won't expand and contract like a thin one on an acoustic. Plus, electrics are not a single slab of solid wood. They are at least two, and typically three or more, pieces of wood glued together, and those pieces may not expand/contract at exactly the same rate.

The safe thing is to let it acclimatize overnight. Next best would be to take it out of the box and then "burp" the case (i.e., just open and close it quickly to let a little air in and out) every hour or so for a few hours.

Me? I'd open the darned thing. Heck, even if the finish checks somewhat, the Fender custom shop charges big bucks for that.

rmp · #3 02-02-2023, 05:07 AM

Poly is tough stuff, it won't do what nitro does.

I'd open the top of the box and fan some room temp air in there. leave it be for a few hours. (3 or 4)

take the case out of the box, let it sit for another 2 or 3 hours.

then open it just enough to get your hand in there, and touch the surface. if it doesn't feel too cold to the touch, you should be ok. if you think it still too cold, close the case lid and give it a few more hours

I've done this multiple times with poly finished electrics and I've never had a problem

nostatic · #4 02-02-2023, 12:01 PM

fwiw I have never done the 24 hour thing, and often just open it up when I get it, be it electric or acoustic. That said, I live in a typically mild climate so YMMV. Have an arch top showing up today, will open it when I get it. But we're in the mid 50's at the moment and the house is mid 60's so not much of a differential.

If the shipping box feels particularly cold or hot, I'll maybe give it an hour inside the house, usually removing the case from the box. Again, YMMV and Idaho isn't the central coast of CA

watchingfool · #5 02-02-2023, 01:13 PM

Thanks for the input. I'll probably wait a few hours to open it up, or maybe not, you know, with my immediacy problem!! It'll be a bit before it arrives, and I'm already pretty excited!!

mr. beaumont · #6 02-02-2023, 01:18 PM

If it's a nitro finish, just wait til the box/case feels like the temperature of the room.

If it's poly, open up and dig in.

PTony · #7 02-02-2023, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

If it's a nitro finish, just wait til the box/case feels like the temperature of the room.

If it's poly, open up and dig in.

This…never had an issue.

GoPappy · #8 02-03-2023, 05:36 PM

So . . . . . . . What did you decide to do, and how’s the guitar?

watchingfool · #9 02-03-2023, 08:35 PM

I just bought it on Thursday. It shipped, and the UPS tracking shows it will be here next Wednesday, February 8th. I doubt that I’ll wait to open it up. I’m pretty excited to get it!!

watchingfool · #10 02-08-2023, 04:50 PM

Okay, the Fender Strat arrived today!! But not without some drama. I saw the UPS truck drive up, watched through the front door window. The UPS guy went in the back of his truck, after what seemed like a week, he came out empty handed and started to get in the driver's seat. I rushed out, asked him what's going on. He says there's nothing for me in his truck, they didn't load it. I asked him to call his supervisor, could I go pick it up, as tracking has it as arrived locally. He says yes, doesn't know why my "package" is not on the truck. I say it's not a package, it's a big box, showed him with my arms about how big. He went back in the truck, after a few minutes I heard him yell "It's here!" So all's well.

The box was a little damaged, but the case and guitar are just fine. I shut the case after I took a picture and will let it get room acclimated for a few hours. Here's the pictures I took!

Thanks to RP here on the forum for a great sale!!!

RP · #11 02-08-2023, 06:44 PM

PHEW!!!! I'm glad I read your PM before I read this thread, Ron. I'm glad that all's well and you're pleased with your purchase. As for the confusion with the UPS box in the truck, I had the same thing happen with a FedEx delivery...

rollypolly · #12 02-09-2023, 07:16 PM

I’d be careful. I bought an Ibanez as73 a few months ago when weather was cold. I took it right out of the box and noticed it had a finish crack running all around the top and side. It’s otherwise a really nice guitar and only $300 so I didn’t bother trying to return or get a refund.

Glennwillow · #13 02-10-2023, 10:45 AM

Congratulations, Ron, on a very cool Strat!

- Glenn

rmp · #14 02-10-2023, 12:14 PM

ahhhh,, yes... the Brown Truck OF Happiness!

Congrats on the Blackie...

everyone has to have at least ONE good strat..

more is gooder, but one is a must

watchingfool · #15 02-10-2023, 12:48 PM

Thanks for all the responses!! It's a great strat, plays great, sounds great!! Now onto maybe getting a better amp and a pedal or two!!

I opened it up and started playing it about an hour after it's rocky arrival. Today, two days later, I checked and everything is fine, no cracks or weather damage!! Play on!!