Train/Subway with Double Bass? Safety concerns

[natselection]

Hey,

I need to travel from princeton, nj to the upper west side in manhattan every weekend...with my double bass.

I currently play on a carved instrument.

Would it generally be safe for me to take my bass on the NJ transit and then on the NY subway system?

If not, what would be the best way to get me and my instrument to the city from princeton?


thanks a bunch in advance!

[mheintz]

No problem. Just watch the scroll, particularly while entering and exiting. Avoid rush hour, if possible. The west side trains aren't as bad as the east side trains, but you don't want to squeeze on and bump your bridge. Finally, you may want to take the trip once without the bass and find out which car to get on and which exit to take. Depending on the time of day, some exits use only those tall vertical-style exits, which (believe it or not) can fit most basses, but it's a pain. Much better to find a manned booth, where you can exit the "emergency" door or the smaller turnstyles.

[Slapfiddle]

there are so many of us that take our bass on the subway everyday. after some time and patience it's really no big deal. you would probably be more relaxed if you took the trip once w/o the bass and took note of the stairs closest to your exit, and which car to be in, and locate the emergency gate (thank god for those). you'll figure out little tricks pretty quick. like for me and where i live, it's much better to take a local train along central park west during rush hour than express train, way less congested. one thing i know that makes the subway much easier for everyone is the kc strings bass buggie. much better than the endpin wheel since it does not add any extra length to the bass, and you never have to take the endpin out again. plus the bass does not roll away while standing. i am always totally relaxed on the subway thanks to the bass buggie.

[Phil Rowan]

All letter trains are a bit wider than number trains.

I always remove my Gaines wheel when I get on the platform and wait for the train (it may sound like a pain in the ass, but to me it really isn't a big deal at all). I always go to either end of the car, and go for the corner. I lean my bass against the corner or the door leading to where you walk from car to car (while the train's in motion). The center of gravity of the bass makes it so that all I have to do is keep a strap in my hand just in case the bass moves around (usually not a problem).

Could you tell us where on the UWS you'll be heading?

[Kevin Hsieh]

My main train is the 1 2 3 line, so I do this quite a bit. I've taken NJ transit without a bass and it seems like there'd be enough room there.

The 1 2 3 line gets quite crowded during weekdays particularly during the rush hours. If it's too crowded, I usually wait for the next available train, which is usually less crowded.

You'll be fine -- just be careful for any bumps from closing doors and busy people.

[salcott]

After almost getting stuck in one of the tall turnstiles, I just go through the emergency gate if there's no clerk to open it. No one pays any attention at all to the alarm. I take the wheel off and use a short spike endpin; it makes the bass easier to control. Beware of escalators-always look at the overhead clearance before you get on. I almost got knocked over a while back, and I've been taking the subway with the bass for 30 years. Also, leave a few steps between you and the person in front; this gives you a little extra time as you step off. Be aware that there is usually an idiot behind you who thinks he/she will die if he/she is delayed for even a few seconds. This applies to stairways as well. I always have the handrail in my left hand going up, and I wait til the exiting crowd thins out before I make my move. The MOST important thing, though, is to leave enough time to get where you're going so you don't have to hurry.

[Dr_Atomic]

It is definitely safe to travel on LIRR, NJT, and MTA with a bass.

Unless the train is pretty close to empty, don't try to sit down on the subway with the bass. If you do take a seat, try to get one on the end of a row with your bass facing the door you're going to get out of. That way, when people start piling in, you'll be able to get through the crowd without having to turn around and maneuver too much.

As for entering/exiting the subway stations, use the emergency exit door regardless of whether or not someone is there to open the door for you. Swipe your card, turn the turnstile with your hand, and just open the door with the emergency exit bar if someone can't open it for you. Make sure if there is an attendant at the booth though that they see you swipe your card, otherwise they won't let you through the gate.

[Martin Sheridan]

Anton Krutz told me that when he worked at the David Gage shop a bassist came in with damage to his bass caused by getting caught in the turnstile. I think it happened during rush hour.

I used to travel via Amtrak from Galesburg, Illinois to Chicago with my bass on occasion. The ticketmaster made me buy a ticket for it once and the conductor thought that was rediculous and refunded my money!

[Eric Hochberg]

Originally Posted by Slapfiddle

one thing i know that makes the subway much easier for everyone is the kc strings bass buggie. much better than the endpin wheel since it does not add any extra length to the bass, and you never have to take the endpin out again. plus the bass does not roll away while standing. i am always totally relaxed on the subway thanks to the bass buggie.

Or the Kolstein Stroller, the endpin stays in and the wheels are attached to your bag with velcro.

[Phil Rowan]

Originally Posted by Dr_Atomic

Swipe your card, turn the turnstile with your hand, and just open the door with the emergency exit bar if someone can't open it for you. Make sure if there is an attendant at the booth though that they see you swipe your card, otherwise they won't let you through the gate.

Definitely.. always make eye contact with the booth worker, and show them your metro card (add a swiping motion and roll your hand around to simulate the turnstile for spice). If there's no one there, I open the e-door just a crack before swiping just to make sure it's not locked.

[CamMcIntyre]

I take the subway here in Chicago regularly. It's not the same, but some of the advice applies.

The biggest thing to watch out for are the turn styles that go all the way up. Most of our stations have a gate that you can go through. What is even better, are the handicap accessible stations. The short turn style is replaced by a gate. Easy.

I leave my wheel in, it's no big deal. If the train is crowded, I wait for the next one. There have been nights after the gig where I'll wait 3-4 trains. I've learned that if there's a Sox home game the same night as my gig in the Loop-going home will take about double the time.

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Another plug for the Bass Buggie. It is quick, easy, secure and doesn't stress the block.
I know KC Strings is selling a bazillion of those things. No-brainer.