Travelling with a bass

[fivestringgecko]

Hi Doug!

I recently saw you at a clinic at Mojo's in Longmont, CO and brought up the subject of traveling with a bass. Seems like there are people here on Talkbass that could use advice on the best way to bring a bass with you (like in this thread for example), so I thought I'd start a thread.

In that clinic, you had a gig bag (Reunion Blues I think?) and talked about bringing it on the plane with you. You also mentioned that if you HAD to check it, you keep a $20 in your wallet to tip the gate check person with a smile after politely explaining that the instrument is your livelihood.

You travel all over the country and seem to have flying with a bass down to a science! Can you post any further suggestions/tips on traveling with a bass or which airlines seem to be more musician friendly?

Thanks in advance!

5sg.
(Ross, the guy with the 3/4 tribal sleeve )

P.S. Great clinic and really looking forward to your upcoming DVD!

[Doug Johns]

Great subject Ross, that you know is dear to my heart
Check this link:
Slap Basics With Doug Johns: Traveling Bass-ics | Bass Musician
As of 2012, I'm proud to announce I'm endorsing reunion Blues Continental gig bags!

[fivestringgecko]

Thanks for the article Doug, some great tips!

5sg.

[JimmyM]

Doug, that is an awesome article, and so right on. I'm one who finally gave up on carrying my bass on and I check it in a Bass Safe and gig bag, and so far no damage, but I can't say I'm filled with warm fuzzies about it. But whether they let you carry a bass on or not is so amazingly random that you absolutely have to resort to trickery and sleight of hand. I've pulled gate check tags off my bass the second I turn the corner down the ramp if nobody's looking. I've tried to be pleasant with flight attendants who insist I gate check, and I've tried not being pleasant with them, and they will do what they want and you can either accept it or not fly and they don't care one way or the other.

But I will admit that I've yet to have any damage to a gate checked bass in a decent gig bag, and as I'm forced to surrender it, I make a big deal about how this is an expensive and fragile musical instrument and I'm a professional musician and if it breaks I can't work and all that, and I think the baggage handlers actually are sympathetic to my plight. So if trickery and deceit don't work, don't be afraid to resort to begging

[sayman]

I concur with the rest - that is an article full of hard-won experience and very useful advice. Thanks for sharing!

[Joshua Phelps]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_qPi...e_gdata_player


Gig bags freak me out

[Joshua Phelps]

I wish someone would make a super slim-line bad shaped hardcase with straps.

[Joshua Phelps]

Bass

[sayman]

Originally Posted by Joshua Phelps

I wish someone would make a super slim-line bad shaped hardcase with straps.

Hey, maybe you should pursue it - you never know, could be a money-maker. Build a prototype and maybe get on Kickstarter.