Double Bass Advice needed - Transporting my Bass on a coach bus

[Chris Rakeman]

Hi! I need some advice on how to best transport a upright bass on a coach bus. I am going on a trip with my colleges jazz ensemble, and I need to bring my bass on a 5 hour bus ride. we are traveling on one of those big 55 seat coach buses. Putting my bass underneath the bus isn't a option, due to the amount of other equipment we are bringing. Several people have told me to put the bass in a seat, but im wondering how exactly i should try and do that. I've also heard people say to put it in the last row by the bathroom (the one with 3 seats in it), or to put it in the isle in the back of the bus.

Any suggestions?

 

[BobKay]

I've carried my basses in motorhomes for many years. Similar, but not quite the same, as a commercial bus. I'd opt for laying on the back row if there is a convenient way to strap it in.

 

[SAlcott]

First row behind the driver. Recline the seat back as much as possible and put a pillow between the bottom of the bass and the partition.

 

[wjl]

I've been on a rehearsal/training trip with our daughter's high school big band, and we've put several double basses underneath the big tour bus, just on top of some softer clothes bags. No problem with that at all, not even with a ~15k Pöllmann 5stringer...

 

[SAlcott]

Not to be snarky, but I wouldn't put a plywood bass in the cargo compartment unless it was in a bass trunk, and even then, I'd be concerned about temperature fluctuations. My rule is that the bass goes where I'd be comfortable.

 

[Chris Rakeman]

Thanks to all for your help! I think i should be able to get it in either the first row or the back row. Hopeful it all works out