Double Bass in a train or black cab ?

rhunt · #1 04-08-2008, 11:20 AM

Hello

I have a gig tomorrow night and would prefer not to drive this time so I can have a drink afterwards! I just wondered if anyone has attempted to take a 3/4 double bass (soft case) on a London train and/or London black cab? Does it fit?! I imagine getting it on the overland train ought to be do-able, but not sure about the underground. Black cabs look spacious in the back but not convinced that there's room enough for a bass. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated

Cheers
Rupert

Martin Beer · #2 04-08-2008, 01:05 PM

Hi Rupert, I often catch taxis with my bass, and a 3/4 bass fits with no problem. I sit on the left hand side (where the cab is slightly longer), supporting the bass with the body in front of me, scroll at my right shoulder. Enter the cab scroll end first, it's easier that way. I'm not familiar with the trains down in London, but I find the trains up here in scotland are fine as long as it's not the rush hour. The best spots are the cycle/wheelchair areas, but be willing to move if someone gets on with either. Hope that helps!

oliebrice · #3 04-08-2008, 03:38 PM

I regularly take my bass on trains, buses, tube and black cabs... no problem with any.

droo · #4 04-09-2008, 07:24 AM

I've used tube/train/taxis without any problem, though my bass is quite a small 3/4.

Trains in and out of London are OK as long as you use the "slow" sort. There's not much room on the new intercity types, unless there's a free wheelchair spot you can use. Most of the ones within London (e.g. south from Charing Cross etc) are fine as long as they're not busy.

rhunt · #5 04-09-2008, 10:49 AM

thanks everyone for your tips and experiences, much appreciated!! Looking forward to joining the others in a drink after the gig for a change!..

Jools4001 · #6 04-09-2008, 10:53 AM

You can do it, but be prepared for the inevitable "you'll never get that under yer chin mate" comments.

And if you've really had a good drinking session, don't leave it on the train

coreybass · #7 04-09-2008, 12:50 PM

I've taken black cabs in London and Glasgow and works great. Much easier than taxis in the states! I've ridden the subway in Boston and New York hundreds of times too, so I can't imagine that London is any different. Good luck!

toman · #8 04-10-2008, 03:08 AM

Dunno about cabs, but trains (streetcars) in my city are no problem, other than annoying looks and comments. The bus can be a pain if the driver decides to be a jerk; I've had issues there with both basses and (large breed) dogs in crates. No problems with either on the train.

droo · #9 04-10-2008, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jools4001

You can do it, but be prepared for the inevitable "you'll never get that under yer chin mate" comments.

And if you've really had a good drinking session, don't leave it on the train

Haha
+1

I've never left my DB on a train and hopefully never will, but I almost left my BG on the overhead rack once.
I just saw it through the window as I was on the platform and thought "f***"...