Bass in a pickup truck

[tplyons]

I've got a 1987 Chevy El Camino and an upright bass. How should I transport? Laying it on it's back isn't a good idea right? Should I leave it on it's side against one of the sides in a bag and tie it down? How should I transport this bass?

It will only be going about 5 miles in this vehicle in any situation. I will be using a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder for any greater distances.

[anonymous0726]

I shudder at the entire picture.


Put it in body toward the cab on its back and in such a way that it's not going to move from side to side. You're more likely to stop really quickly than have to accelerate and you don't want all of that abuse on the neck. See if you can get some huge piece of foam or something as the bed of a truck (El Camino? That's a Caprice / Bel Air with the back chopped out!) can be pretty bouncy. If you have the space and wherewithal, perhaps you could fashion a trunk to put in the bed. Keep an eye on the thing at speed, you may get an unexpected lesson in vacuum and things with high-surface area and low density...

Use the PathFinder.

[Trevorus]

see if you can get a good case for it. Preferably hardcase. Otherwise get some kind of flexible foam, and wrap it around the thing. Pack well.

Or get a topper, and pack it the same way.

[tsolo]

I have a '89 ford ranger that i drive to practice. I have a padded case on my bass and just put it in the bed with a folded shipping quilt under the back at the heel of the neck and stretch a bungee across the bed - wheel well to wheel well. I haven't lost it yet. I do keep my eye on it so i can watch it hit the road it if happens to come flying out. the bungee gives me some comfort.

[tplyons]

Unfortunately using the Pathfinder for lessons isn't an option. The Elkie is mine, the Pathfinder is my mom's and she works. I was planning on getting a very supportive soft case and bungeeing it down while supporting the neck. It's all pretty solid roads with a speed limit of 30 so there won't be too much bouncing. It's a soft ride. And no, the topper isn't an option either. Can't afford one. Neither is a hardcase.

Should I be safe like this? It's an Engelhardt and so far pretty solid.

[anonymous0726]

Make sure that when you support the neck that you're not supporting the weight of the bass on the neck. Just make sure then neck isn't going to whack on the bed when the bass rocks back and forth.

Keeping it around 30 on a smooth road shouldn't present you too much problem.

[tplyons]

Originally Posted by Ray Parker

Keeping it around 30 on a smooth road shouldn't present you too much problem.

Just what I wanted to hear.