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11-12-2008, 01:56 PM
| | | | Flying with a bass question
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I'm flying with a bass next week for the first time in ages (the last time I did I actually carried on a hard case if you can believe that. That's how long ago it was). I have a nice Gator ATA case that I will be checking. I don't want to run the risk of getting there with just a gig bag and not being allowed to carry it on. So, my understanding is, loosen the strings by a whole step or so, and put in extra packing if necessary to make sure it doesn't move around at all. Otherwise, that's about it, right?
One other silly question, unrelated: I use a nice Zaolla cable for my bass cable to my stomps or amp. The thing is, and it drives me nuts, is I guess I'm winding it wrong, or too tight, or something when I pack---when I go to play I lay it out on the floor, but after a few moments of even just moving around a little, the damn thing is all curled up again like a cobra, and I have to try and shake it loose (but it doesn't give up the curly cue that easy). How do you guys "loosen up" a cable?
Last edited by bassybass : 11-12-2008 at 02:01 PM.
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11-12-2008, 02:10 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Westchester County NY | | | Being tightly wound is never a good idea, in cables or in life.
Don't worry about the bass. No need to detune. Just make sure it doesn't rattle around when you lock up the case. Put some of your socks, underwear and t-shirts in there. |
11-12-2008, 02:20 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Filthydelphia, USA | | | The guy who sets up my guitars advises loosening all the strings plus taking all the pressure off the truss rod. I don't know if the latter is necessary or not, but that was his advice. |
11-12-2008, 04:01 PM
|  | Dr. Jim | | Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Denton TX, Kailua HI, New York | | Quote:
Originally Posted by daveman50  ... Just make sure it doesn't rattle around when you lock up the case... | NO!!!
If you LOCK your case and it does not have "TSA" locks, they will break it open. Guaranteed.
Don't lock it. Yeah. It is not cool. TSA = Performance Art 
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11-12-2008, 04:02 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Westchester County NY | | | Guitfiddle0409: Please, no. I have read that if you have a Gibson or other instrument with a sharp headstock angle (i.e., prone to breakage), you might want to de-tune a step and make extra sure you have a good case & that the bass will not slide around. Otherwise, you can leave the instrument tuned up and the truss rod under tension. If you do a google search on this topic there is a lot of info out there. The idea that you need to tune down has no basis. Loosening the truss rod means a new set-up at your destination... pointless. Not to mention any loose parts on your bridge floating around & scratching the finish. There is just no reason to do this. OK, I'm done, everyone else chime in.
Jim Carr: my meaning was, when you "close" the case make sure the bass isn't moving around inside. Whether to lock it is a whole nother topic.
Last edited by daveman50 : 11-12-2008 at 04:09 PM.
Reason: responding to additional post
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11-12-2008, 08:56 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Sacramento, CA / Missoula, MT | | Flying with a basss eh?  . I once tried to air ship an upright, that was a barrel of fun  , and united still hates me.  . I sugest that you get a really strong case, make sure every thing fits snug, and pray.
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11-12-2008, 10:59 PM
|  | Registered User | | Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Denver, CO | | Quote:
Originally Posted by bassybass One other silly question, unrelated: I use a nice Zaolla cable for my bass cable to my stomps or amp. The thing is, and it drives me nuts, is I guess I'm winding it wrong, or too tight, or something when I pack---when I go to play I lay it out on the floor, but after a few moments of even just moving around a little, the damn thing is all curled up again like a cobra, and I have to try and shake it loose (but it doesn't give up the curly cue that easy). How do you guys "loosen up" a cable? | there is a way to roll cables, ropes, etc... called under over. first rap is normal, then you twist and roll it underneath itself, normal, underneath, etc. sounds inconsequential, but you asked. it is considered the "industry standard" in pro-audio, film, sound system, grip worlds. http://musicthing.blogspot.com/2006/...-properly.html |
11-13-2008, 11:29 AM
| | | Quote:
Originally Posted by thombo there is a way to roll cables, ropes, etc... called under over. first rap is normal, then you twist and roll it underneath itself, normal, underneath, etc. sounds inconsequential, but you asked. it is considered the "industry standard" in pro-audio, film, sound system, grip worlds. http://musicthing.blogspot.com/2006/...-properly.html | That's very helpful! I will try that.
I'm just gonna loosen the strings a whole step or so, and my case is a nice ATA case and the bass is in there TIGHT. And no I wouldn't lock it.
(I do have one of those TSA locks on my misc. gear case, only because I'm afraid of it opening up--not to try and prevent someone getting in, which I figure if they really want to, they're gonna!)
Fortunately, there's a backup bass waiting for me on the other end, should something really horrifying happen. |
11-13-2008, 11:38 AM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Tampere, Finland | | Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Carr NO!!!
If you LOCK your case and it does not have "TSA" locks, they will break it open. Guaranteed.
Don't lock it. Yeah. It is not cool. TSA = Performance Art | Actually locking is not a bad idea at all - but only to keep the case from accidentally opening by itself when thrown around. I have the key hanging in a short chain connected to the case handle so nobody needs to break the case to see what's inside.
On the other hand, a flight case with good butterfly latches would be nice but can't afford one yet...
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11-13-2008, 01:15 PM
| | | Quote:
Originally Posted by atheos Actually locking is not a bad idea at all - but only to keep the case from accidentally opening by itself when thrown around. | Exactly--my misc. gear case is a slightly smaller one of these: http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...oam?sku=544811
Great case, very handy and light, certainly seems sturdy enough but the latches are really easy to open if you simply grab 'em with your fingers underneath. I got it 'cause it was light and the price was right, but I do wish it had butterfly latches. So, I have two TSA locks on there. We'll see how it goes--hopefully they just hack 'em off anyways! |
11-13-2008, 05:01 PM
|  | Registered User | | Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colorado | | | If you lock, use TSA approved locks. Every luggage store has them, and they have a special mark on them. Chances are they'll break any lock you put on and won't bother with a key.
Aand yes, learn to coil cables properly. Using the correct over/under technique, a cable of any length can be coiled with no knots and no kinks. Use velcro cable keepers to keep the coils secure.
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