best way to ship a bass overseas

pfschim · #1 09-06-2010, 09:34 PM

thought I would try the basses forums first.

I am planning a business related (not gigging) move overseas and want to take my bass so I can keep playing for the 2 years I plan to be away. I am trying to figure out the best way to get it over there. The bass in question is a Lull MV4 (bolt on Jazz style bass)

- I could ship it intact (not broken down)
- I could break it down and ship it
- I could take it with me as checked baggage (intact or broken down) on one of my planned flights (there will probably be at least 2 trips over before I settle in).

So, what does the collective wisdom of TB have to offer on this question. Whats the best way to get this done ? The Lull is a great bass and I'd really like it to arrive in one piece.

David1234 · #2 09-06-2010, 09:41 PM

Check with your airline to be sure you can, but carrying it intact as checked baggage is my preferred method. My experience is having it marked "fragile or inappropriately packed" gives it special treatment but makes it last to come of the baggage belt. Well worth the wait.

MIJ-VI · #3 09-06-2010, 09:42 PM

I'd take the neck off.

lowfreq33 · #4 09-06-2010, 09:45 PM

Rondo has flight cases for $100 if you plan to check it.

pfschim · #5 09-07-2010, 12:33 AM

MODS, I intended this to go in the Basses Thread, but apparently I put it here in the Amps thread.

Please move as needed.

thanks

tijuana_bass · #6 09-07-2010, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowfreq33

Rondo has flight cases for $100 if you plan to check it.

wow! i paid almost 300 for a used anvil, including re-foaming it. those rondo flight cases look great, what an unbelievable price! has anyone had any experience with them?

carlc64 · #7 09-07-2010, 01:14 PM

I'd say check it in as luggage with at least a hardshell plastic/ATA case (not the wooden or "board" sort of hard cases). There's also flight cases you could use for it in a gig bag; this one had mixed reviews but I've heard they've fixed the latch problem (so you won't see it come out the conveyor belt in three pieces ;-)

PJSShearer · #8 09-07-2010, 01:27 PM

I'd send it airfreight in proper flightcase. I've done this many a time in the past when travelling toand from a gig and never had any problems. That way you don't have to take with your luggage and the worry/aggravation of carrying (and have it eat into your weight allowance) and it'll be there when you arrive.

Luckie · #9 09-07-2010, 01:39 PM

I ship basses overseas all of the time, and I just ship it in a well fitting HSC wrapped in bubble wrap. No problems so far.

pfschim · #10 09-07-2010, 06:23 PM

thanks for the insights. Sounds like most who have experience with this just ship in a Hardshell/ATA type case. So, I suppose I will take a look at the Rondo deal that lowfreq33 suggested. I may look on local c-list for one of these as well.

funkydjembe · #11 09-07-2010, 06:29 PM

Never had problems with my trustworthy fender p and j. Normal factory case,,just mark fragile and remember to loosen your strings, cause the cold tightens up the tension.

lindseyp · #12 09-07-2010, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pfschim

...

- I could ship it intact (not broken down)
- I could break it down and ship it
- I could take it with me as checked baggage (intact or broken down) on one of my planned flights (there will probably be at least 2 trips over before I settle in).

So, what does the collective wisdom of TB have to offer on this question. Whats the best way to get this done ? The Lull is a great bass and I'd really like it to arrive in one piece.

I have shipped basses overseas in household goods shipments, and I have mailed them to myself. I had only one stolen (the first time) but it was easy to tell it was stolen from the California port; the shippers were looking for my Strat, figuring I'd get the insurance money anyway.

Eric Moesle · #13 09-07-2010, 07:44 PM

Having flown with a full heavy duty flight case, the airline is going to charge you a chunk extra to check it as baggage since it is "oversized luggage". I've paid between $100 and $150 extra . . . each way.

I would highly recommend getting a used SKB golf club case, and putting your bass in a gig bag, then in the golf club case. The airlines do NOT charge extra for golf club cases as "oversized baggage" as a matter of consistent policy.

This will save you $100 to $150 and your bass will be well protected. Used SKB golf club cases (the kind that are wider on the bottom and thinner at the top) are easily found used for $40 to $50.

tijuana_bass · #14 09-08-2010, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Moesle

Having flown with a full heavy duty flight case, the airline is going to charge you a chunk extra to check it as baggage since it is "oversized luggage". I've paid between $100 and $150 extra . . . each way.

hmmm....I've never been charged an oversize fee for my flight case. I regularly fly United, US Airways, or Hawaiian. The only disadvantage I've found with my case is the hassle involved in hauling a 47 lb. "anvil" through the airport with me. The advantage is that I know my bass is protected as well as it possibly can be. Plus, the case serves pretty well as a portable couch to sit on while waiting on the airport sidewalk for someone to pick me up.