Flying overseas, ata cases?

vyse933 · #1 07-31-2011, 10:40 AM

Hey guys,

I'm going to be going overseas for a semester of school and I'm taking my Stambaugh with me. I'm going to check the bass in on the flight so I need to get a solid case for it.

I'm leaving on the 26th of August and money is not an issue (as long as the case doesn't cost more then the ticket!)

What cases would you recommend? I know the SKB Bass Safe is a popular choice, but I wouldn't mind spending more if a better option exists. I have an IGIG single gig bag that I'm going to use as the soft case inside.

Now, I do realize that there is no such thing as a case that is completely safe, but your advice is greatly appreciated!

hover · #2 07-31-2011, 11:21 AM

Make sure it's ATA rated, safest bet, if there's to be one. Personally I still wouldn't trust a roto-molded ATA case, but it's your call. I would definitely opt for shell in a shell construction, vs. gigbag in a shell, just me.

the Gator G-Tour series is nice, but imo, I'd prefer something a bit more form-fitted to maximize protection / minimize movement. Stambaugh offer an ATA style case specific for their basses?

bassbrad · #3 07-31-2011, 01:45 PM

You really will want to get a full on ATA case: Anvil, Calzone or other. Check local music stores for a used case or there may also be local ATA case builders. Gator, SKB and others advertise their cases as "road worthy" or "Airline Safe" but I 4 1 would never trust my beloved bass to them in the hands of any air line baggage handler.

I use cases from Keal and Opticase that are as bullet proof* and gorilla proof as possible.
*The Opticase actually has a layer of Kevlar that was done as a marketing ploy and half joke but a great case.

vyse933 · #4 08-01-2011, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hover

Make sure it's ATA rated, safest bet, if there's to be one. Personally I still wouldn't trust a roto-molded ATA case, but it's your call. I would definitely opt for shell in a shell construction, vs. gigbag in a shell, just me.

the Gator G-Tour series is nice, but imo, I'd prefer something a bit more form-fitted to maximize protection / minimize movement. Stambaugh offer an ATA style case specific for their basses?

Shell in Shell is absolutely the way I intend to go, the only option I've found however for that is the Bass Safe.

bassbrad · #5 08-01-2011, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vyse933

Shell in Shell is absolutely the way I intend to go, the only option I've found however for that is the Bass Safe.

Keep looking, I got a Bass Safe when they first came out made exactly 1 round trip before the case folded in half with the bass inside. Going I was able to 'carry on' but on the return trip had to be checked. My semi-precious instrument got bumped so some yuppie could keep his golf clubs from being checked. Even the airline folks were amazed by the damage but there was no explanation or apology or recompense for damage. I got refunded for the case and was able to replace then neck taking a chunk out of my pay.
If it ain't traveling in my hands it goes in a "Sumo Tested" Opti-Case Eagle II, that has made over 100 of trips with no casualty yet.

vyse933 · #6 08-01-2011, 04:15 PM

Do you know how long it would usually take a custom case builder to build a case?

Tat2dHeart · #7 08-01-2011, 05:41 PM

You could buy a ticket for your bass and then it could ride in the seat beside you. They're doing that here in the US for things like musical instruments, wedding gowns, and other large and valuable items.

**Pacman** · #8 08-01-2011, 06:03 PM

I got a case from Rondo for 100 bucks. It's been all over the Pacific and I never worry. Best 100 bucks I've ever spent.

edit: this one: http://www.rondomusic.com/product1071.html

vyse933 · #9 08-01-2011, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tat2dHeart

You could buy a ticket for your bass and then it could ride in the seat beside you. They're doing that here in the US for things like musical instruments, wedding gowns, and other large and valuable items.

I wish, but sadly with how late in the game I am at this point I won't be able to get a ticket at a price that's worth it, especially if the plane ticket is 1/2 the cost of the bass.

bassbrad · #10 08-01-2011, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vyse933

Do you know how long it would usually take a custom case builder to build a case?

A week or two but shipping time is often the drag. Shop local builders or used where bargains can be had. All my cases except the custom Opti-Case were purchased used for 1/4-1/2 retail price.
Looks like you have a home town case maker American Road Case in Grand Haven.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Americ...e/253240506068

JimmyM · #11 08-01-2011, 10:22 PM

Your Bass Safe folded in half??? Gee whiz, I've been using one for 6 years at least 3-4 times a month, and the locks suck but I wrap some sort of tie around the handles on each half and it's been rock solid and I never got so much as a scratch on them. A nicely padded gig bag is a must, but I've flown some basses in it that I probably shouldn't have, and I've never had a problem. I think custom cases, while nice, are insanely heavy and really hard to navigate through an airport. Bass Safe is light, rolls, and ATA approved.

Alternately, a lot of times you can carry it on. Just keep a low profile with it, and use a nice gigbag with padding in case they make you gate check it. Most musicians I know carry theirs on, but sometimes they'll fight you on it, so I stopped.

bassbrad · #12 08-01-2011, 10:40 PM

Yep folded back on it's self, dunno how. Snapped the neck and truss rod at the 9th fret. I had jumped up and down on it several times to test it before buying, it stood up and I'm a big guy so I trusted it pretty well. But after that I went back to the Opti-Case, it's heavy and i hate carrying that bugger but whatchagonnadoaboutit?
Crazy stuff happens behind those doors at airports, I have seen a perfect 2" hole punched clean thru a fiberglass upright bass case and the bass inside with no shattering or debris. Twilight Zone.

TuckLM · #13 08-01-2011, 11:00 PM

I use one of these when I fly. It's an ATA golf bag from SKB

http://www.skbcases.com/sports/produ.../duo+latch.jpg

It holds a gig bag for 2, couple of cables, etc. Usually winds up weighing 49 lbs.

So far so good.

johndough247 · #14 08-02-2011, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TuckLM

I use one of these when I fly. It's an ATA golf bag from SKB

http://www.skbcases.com/sports/produ.../duo+latch.jpg

It holds a gig bag for 2, couple of cables, etc. Usually winds up weighing 49 lbs.

So far so good.

Don't know why I didn't think of this before...This combined with a tough gig bag (like a sadowsky portabag for example) would be amazing...and you get your gig bag to use after the flight. Couple questions though:

1) Is there any foam/padding on the inside?
2) is there a handle at the front to pull it or is it more of a push design?
3) how heavy do you think it is when empty?

jerry · #15 08-02-2011, 01:55 AM

My bass-safe has made it back & forth over the Pacific a bunch, so far so good.

martinmcfly · #16 08-02-2011, 02:02 AM

Cases are good protection, but last time I flew with my Bass I picked it up and it was upside down in the case with 4 out of 6 latches undone.

vyse933 · #17 08-02-2011, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassbrad

A week or two but shipping time is often the drag. Shop local builders or used where bargains can be had. All my cases except the custom Opti-Case were purchased used for 1/4-1/2 retail price.
Looks like you have a home town case maker American Road Case in Grand Haven.
American Road Case | Facebook

Thanks for the link! I left a message, we'll see what he quotes me.

Do you guys think it would be better to have the case be simply a rectangle, or should it be shaped more the gig bag, in that the two long sides are not parallel, but the short sides are but are not the same length?

Any suggestions on specifications to ask for?

bassbrad · #18 08-02-2011, 11:13 AM

Go rectangle easier for the baggage handlers to stack and use the additional space for partitioned storage. I have a cutout in my case for cables, strap, strings, tools and my Zoom.

bassbrad · #19 08-02-2011, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerry

My bass-safe has made it back & forth over the Pacific a bunch, so far so good.

I just seem to have bad luck, if it's gonna happen it's usually to me.

bassbrad · #20 08-02-2011, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TuckLM

I use one of these when I fly. It's an ATA golf bag from SKB

http://www.skbcases.com/sports/produ.../duo+latch.jpg

It holds a gig bag for 2, couple of cables, etc. Usually winds up weighing 49 lbs.

So far so good.

Good idea and it's probably easier to get "golf clubs" on a flight than it is to get an instrument, but don't you hate wearing plaid pants