Canada - US Border

[Andrew Chilcote]

I'm planning on driving my bass to Canada this summer, and then driving it back over the border before September. Has anyone ever had problems with bringing a bass into the US from Canada?

[neal davis]

yes, many times, make sure you have documentation and keep the sticker they put on your endpin on or they my try and charge you taxes on it, and sometimes you may have trouble bringing an instrument into another country because it could mean losing work for other musicians so say you are on vacation and taking you bass to practice or say you have a lesson and get a letter from someone in canada, good luck

[wallydoesbass]

I typically take the purchase receipt for the bass with me. Customs at the border usually stamps the receipt to document the border crossing. And definitely say you do not plan to work in Canada.

[bassplayer2]

I play for the International Symphony that has concerts on both side of the border and I haven't had any trouble taking my bass into Canada or bringing it back to the USA. I do have to say that I will not be leaving anything in Canada and that I am not bringing anything new back from Canada.

[Don Carrigan]

Originally Posted by Andrew Chilcote

I'm planning on driving my bass to Canada this summer, and then driving it back over the border before September. Has anyone ever had problems with bringing a bass into the US from Canada?

Only advice I have is, if your bass is over 100 years old then it qualifies as an "antique" and thus free of Custom Duty in most Countries. However, you really must have proof of ownership and value, such as a Bill of Sale, or Appraisal. Usually you luthier will be happy to provided both an "Oath of Antiquity" and PRO FORMA BILL OF SALE (sample, but not original, bill of sale -- as so stated within the Pro Forma Signed statement -- or APPRAISAL-- the luthier signs. Otherwise some wiseguy Customs Inspection could pull the rug from under you, causing you "sufferage" in storage awaiting those missing documents. Never expect your goverment to behave reasonably, particularly if your bass is "unaccompanied". I'm overstating the case, but why invite trouble?

[WarriorJoe7]

Aren't ALL doublebasses customs free (for the US)... My understanding was that any instrument played with a bow...

documentation here for free customs going into Canada:

http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/general/public...-99/ch92ne.pdf

Falls under:

92.02 Other string musical instruments (for example, guitars, violins, harps).

9202.10.00 00 -Played with a bow NMB Free

[WarriorJoe7]

OK I am wrong... it's 3.2% for coming into the US but free under some circumstances.

reference: http://hotdocs.usitc.gov/docs/tata/h...er/0701c92.pdf search for guitar or bow