If you've ordered a guitar from us, you will see an important sticker we place on all of our outgoing packages that states "Do Not Open for 24 Hours." Depending upon the season and weather conditions, this wait time is strongly recommended due to potential changes in temperature that can occur between the shipping facility, truck and your environment. Obviously, this change in temperature can be more pronounced at different times of the year, so it is not necessarily a firm rule, although some common sense measures should be taken before unpacking.
First... feel the outside of the shipping box. Is it cold? Hot? After allowing the box to acclimate to your interior climate, place your hand on a wooden table in your office or living room for comparison. Does it feel like it is the same temperature as the shipping box? If so, open the box and feel the case through the protective plastic bag. Does it feel cold or hot? Once again, compare to some wooden furniture in the same room. If it does not feel like it is the same temperature, wait to open the case. If the temperature feels the same, it is safe to remove the plastic and open the guitar case. Feel the guitar itself... if it still feels warm or cold, close the case immediately and let it sit awhile longer, otherwise it is now safe to play!
Sudden changes in temperature can cause devistating damage the lacquer or varnish finish on instruments... With these common sense measures, you can be assured that your new guitar will be unpacked in the same condition that we sent it from our shop.
This is a good time to also mention, we "de-tune" most instruments prior to shipping, to reduce tension on the headstock during transit - so don't be surprised to find your new guitar has arrived out of tune. It's just a safety precaution. (Note: This does not apply to resonator instruments, or those with a floating bridge, such as mandolins and some archtops).