• 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.

Flying with a Rickenbacker 4001

C

CircleOfCrows

Mar 28, 2013
187
34
Australia
#1
Hi All
I have heard some differing info w/ regards to flying with these basses - that they SHOULD be kept AT TENSION when flying - IE. not loosening the strings due to how the truss rod system works.

Can anyone clarify if this is correct? I know this goes against common logic.

Prompt replies appreciated!
 
#3
This is taken from: Invalid Link Removed
But there are plenty of comments I have heard both ways. As it is quite a major flight (24 hours) would rather not chance it on the wrong info. ?

Air Travel

String Tension: You may be advised by airline personnel to be sure to detune your bass before air travel. Do not take this advice, leave your bass in tune. Your bass was designed to handle string tension at all times. Guitar manufacturers ship their guitars fully tuned to music stores and they arrive just fine.

Airline companies fly airplanes, they don't build guitars. If an airline worker at the airport asks you if you've already detuned your guitar, just say yes to avoid the ridiculous lecture. If you intend to do any air travel with your bass, be sure to buy it a flight case. The chances of carrying your bass onboard an airplane are extremely small unless you have purchased an extra seat for it. Even if you were allowed to take it onboard as personal luggage one time, you might not be able to take it onboard the next time, even if it is the same airline. The case for air travel should be an ATA approved fight case. Baggage handlers are moving baggage in and out of planes quickly, so they are unlikely to always be gentle with your case. The right case will hold up to rough handling and other cargo that it rides with.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DiabolusInMusic and kcole4001
#5
Why slacken the strings? Why not loosen the truss rod instead? Both have the same undesirable effect.

There are no 24 hour long commercial flights btw.

If the flight originates in the US then the airline must allow you to carry the bass onboard if it will fit in cabin stowage. Since you are on a long flight the plane is likely a dual aisle configuration and there are probably several closets so that will hold your bass. Contact the airline in advance.
 
#6
DigitalMan said:
Why slacken the strings? Why not loosen the truss rod instead? Both have the same undesirable effect.

There are no 24 hour long commercial flights btw.

If the flight originates in the US then the airline must allow you to carry the bass onboard if it will fit in cabin stowage. Since you are on a long flight the plane is likely a dual aisle configuration and there are probably several closets so that will hold your bass. Contact the airline in advance.
Click to expand...
Flight Originates in Australia- Ends in Amsterdam. There is a brief stop over where I will change planes.
Regardless I am looking to make sure instrument is as intact as it can be at the end of it. If loosening/not loosening will be advantages I will do it.
 
#7
CircleOfCrows said:
Flight Originates in Australia- Ends in Amsterdam. There is a brief stop over where I will change planes.
Regardless I am looking to make sure instrument is as intact as it can be at the end of it. If loosening/not loosening will be advantages I will do it.
Click to expand...
Sorry about inserting the flight trivia. And two flights totalling 24 hours is a pain either way.

The strings and truss rod together create a balanced and stable neck. When you remove tension from the strings the truss rod tension has nothing to counterbalance it. There is no law of physics that would explain why this is good to do.

I do recommend contacting the airline. The chill of the cargo hold versus relative warmth of the cabin is the factor you should be most concerned about.

Also, since you change planes en route I would be greatly concerned about your bass not making the connection, especially if the layover is short, or if anyone in France is on strike, which they always are, and somehow it seems to snarl up air travel across EMEA. This is especially a concern if the second leg of the flight is operated by a different carrier (aka a "codeshare" flight) because often the bass will have to be transferred to a different terminal and from one airlines ground crew to another.
 
#9
CircleOfCrows said:
This is taken from: Invalid Link Removed
But there are plenty of comments I have heard both ways. As it is quite a major flight (24 hours) would rather not chance it on the wrong info. ?

Air Travel

String Tension: You may be advised by airline personnel to be sure to detune your bass before air travel. Do not take this advice, leave your bass in tune. Your bass was designed to handle string tension at all times. Guitar manufacturers ship their guitars fully tuned to music stores and they arrive just fine.

Airline companies fly airplanes, they don't build guitars. If an airline worker at the airport asks you if you've already detuned your guitar, just say yes to avoid the ridiculous lecture. If you intend to do any air travel with your bass, be sure to buy it a flight case. The chances of carrying your bass onboard an airplane are extremely small unless you have purchased an extra seat for it. Even if you were allowed to take it onboard as personal luggage one time, you might not be able to take it onboard the next time, even if it is the same airline. The case for air travel should be an ATA approved fight case. Baggage handlers are moving baggage in and out of planes quickly, so they are unlikely to always be gentle with your case. The right case will hold up to rough handling and other cargo that it rides with.
Click to expand...

This is good advice. All major manufacturers ship their basses tuned to pitch, it keeps the neck from adjusting or twisting from the truss tension. If you are going to loosen your strings you should also loosen the truss rod but I would recommend just leaving it tuned to pitch.
 
#10
CircleOfCrows said:
Hi All
I have heard some differing info w/ regards to flying with these basses - that they SHOULD be kept AT TENSION when flying - IE. not loosening the strings due to how the truss rod system works.

Can anyone clarify if this is correct? I know this goes against common logic.

Prompt replies appreciated!
Click to expand...

the proper way is to travel with or ship a bass is in tune ... if you must detune then 1/2 or 1 step down. This is true for all basses ...
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back