• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Air travel with a bass

#21
JimmyM said:
OK, here's the deal...I fly on the average twice a month with a bass and have been to most major airports. There are some airlines that will let you carry on a bass in a gig bag, but many won't. Some will make you gate check it, some will make you box it up in a cardboard box and send it as baggage. I don't even take the chance anymore. I bought an SKB Bass Safe and check my bass with my luggage. [snip]

Bottom line, there is no 100% safe way to fly with a bass. And shipping a bass by FedEx or UPS is no better, either. Either get used to it or don't fly with a bass.
Click to expand...

There you go. It's a crapshoot. If you want to be sure it gets through, here's another vote for the cheap way: buy a hardshell golf club case with wheels (used, at a sporting goods store). Pad the inside and put your bass in it, inside a stout gig bag. Check it. There will be plenty of crush room and padding to protect the instrument, and no uncertainty about carrying it on. Want to know if the bass fits? Take it with you when you hunt a used case.
 
#22
meev991 said:
Because of the change in pressure...if you keep them at the same tension, supposedly, the strings break/neck snapping.

one may argue, if it's inside the cabin...it's pressurized and everything, but i would do it anyways.
Click to expand...

There is no change in pressure.The cargo hold is pressurized just the same as the cabin.Otherwise they wouldn't be able to transport animals and such in the cargo hold.
 
#23
I'm going to be flying out to Japan in September and I have been doing some research on the SKB ATA cases. From what I gather, the golf staff case is the best route. That in mind I have a few questions...

1. Would it fit a Sadowsky portabag as well as various other personal belongings (clothes and so on)?

2. Would it be safe with the other checked baggage? Any horror stories with SKB golf cases and travel I should hear?

3. Any other suggestions?
 
#25
meev991 said:
buy an ESP bass when u get to the land of the rising sun:smug:

Marcus, U like l'arc en ciel?

Try some Good old Dir en Grey

or Kra

I didn't know the Nihonjin from Kra could have so much funkiness:D
Click to expand...

Laruku is one of my favorite bands :)
Its a shame that I missed their USA show. I did see Hyde though in California last July.

I also really enjoy Dir en Grey... in fact, I saw them live in February and I'm going to see them twice in June.

Never have I heard of Kra.. but after seeing some videos on YouTube... totemo hen... demo omoshiroi. A little too fashionable if you ask me, but their bassist has an interesting style.

As far as buying an ESP... I wish! I'm paying already for a Sadowsky NYC... not to mention my airfare and tuition to study @ Nagasaki Daigaku

BTW, I noticed you listed Reita as one of your influences. Gazetto is interesting, but their PVs are... too fashion/visual kei for me. Have you ever listened to D'espairsRay? I saw them last year, they're really good!
 
#26
I have been on flights with my bass in a gig bag for the last ten years and never had a problem. I get on the plane with my bass in a gig bag and no other carry on. Never had a problem. Also in January I did a tour of the Pacific Rim, for that I had my bass in a road case, that I checked and there was no problem. I think the key is to be nice to everyone that works for the airline, they can make or break your trip.
 
#27
Marcus said:
BTW, I noticed you listed Reita as one of your influences. Gazetto is interesting, but their PVs are... too fashion/visual kei for me. Have you ever listened to D'espairsRay? I saw them last year, they're really good!
Click to expand...

i'm also meev991 on youtube, under my favourites, i have the two bass lessons from Kra's bassist...he's so fast!

Interestingly enough, he doesn't use one finger per fret, and frankly, I don't mind doing that either, I have joint problems already, and I'm only 18 xP

As far as Gazette, and Reita...Reita is a one trick pony. I've seen vids of him play upright, but beyond that, he's so reliant on a plectrum (and his bottom two strings), like many Japanese bassists are.

oohohohhahah D'espairsRay, of course I love them. I can play Maverick and Garnet. U know, his lines are simple, in terms of notes, but he has the weirdest strum patterns:D

ROCK ON FELLOW JROCKER:bassist:
 
#29
#30
Wow, why couldn't SKB make their Bass Safe like that instead of this stupid two halves thing with flimsy locks that always come loose? Hell, I had a wheel come off mine! If it wasn't for that nice old guy at the hotel, I'd be waiting for SKB to send me a new wheel. I like the idea that it's lightweight, but it really needs improvement.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back