Double Bass transport / Rucker's Rodeo

[james condino]

From reading the constant threads regarding shipping issues for double basses, I'd like to suggest that the site think about the idea of adding a new thread category- one specifically designed to ask for and open up the availability of transporting basses among members.

It may seem like a bit of a stretch for some folks, but I spend a fair bit of time over at the OWWM.com site- old woodworking machines. It is an uber-dorky site for folks who have a fetish for vintage woodworking machinery. They have a specific forum titled "The Rucker's Rodeo". The basic idea is that a fellow in Connecticut has a nice old vintage tablesaw and there is a fellow in Mississippi who wants it but doesn't have a truck. Well, among their nerdy community, there is regularly someone else going down south with an empty ride to pick up a tool from another party. The two folks are able to work out private deals for gas and such and it usually works out quite well.

The system over there is great- I've used it three separate times this year and had FANTASTIC results. I think that among the community here, we could develop a similar system to our advantage. I have way more faith in the locals here than I do with the shipping companies; as well there is a huge price difference between fuel costs vs trying to make a commercial profit. Not to mention the fact that along the way I've met some other very nice people and found some unexpected deals as a result of it all. Any thoughts from the crowd?

j.

[singlemalt]

I've spent a number of hours over the last couple days trying to work out the logistics of getting a DB from Hattiesburg, MS out to Hood River, OR.

Might I suggest a sticky dealing just with shipping issues, shipping services and supplies? Perhaps even a whole section.

The "ride share for DB " idea is excellent as well.

I've been all over the DB forum looking for shipping advice.

I've seen the Greyhound nightmare stories. I'm still thinking that over. Anybody have any Greyhound success stories?

Upton quoted me over $500 to ship from CT to WA. Ouch.

If you were going to pack and ship from coast to coast, how would you do it? And what would it cost?

Anything from Greyhound to air freight to Fed X.

Thanks!

[MollyKay]

I like James’s idea if you can get enough folks traveling that can transport a bass safely.

If you are looking for shipping success stories I can offer good results with U-Ship. I just received a bass from Wichita, KS to PA for $200 door to door blanket wrap service.

[MR PC]

Originally Posted by james condino

From reading the constant threads regarding shipping issues for double basses, I'd like to suggest that the site think about the idea of adding a new thread category- one specifically designed to ask for and open up the availability of transporting basses among members
j.

Plus, I don't think there's anything nerdy about buying/selling/restoring/recycling old tools/machinery/parts, ect.

[singlemalt]

Thanks, Molly Kay, your Greyhound story was a cautionary tale.

I've shipped lots of stuff via the dog, but its all been bombproof, tough stuff.

I wouldn't want to ever ride one again.