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Flying with this case

O

Overflow

May 13, 2009
93
0
www.timothyandrew.net
#1
I'm planning on buying a Fender Am. Std. Precision V. From MF, it comes with a SKB Fender-exclusive Hardshell Case with TSA locks. That sounds impressive and all, but I'm going to be flying soon, and I'm just wondering if that case would stand a flight as check-in baggage. I know about the SKB Bass Safe, but money's tight, and I don't think I could manage another $150.

What do you guys think? Have any of you flown with a hardshell case, or better yet, this hardshell case?

Any replies appreciated.
 
#2
I've gone through two of these cases in a year. The first one lasted for about eight months before it was unusable. The second made it one flight (and after inspecting it, they locked it with the keys inside). The feet crack immediately, but it's still usable.

That said, the bass has always been fine.
 
#4
If you're on a budget, there's another good alternative.

Go to a used sporting goods store and pick up a used "SKB-like" golf club case for around $40. Place your bass inside with either a gig bag or wrapped in a thick blanket.

Great protection, and airlines don't question the golf club cases at all.

Be sure to get a case that can fit your bass, though. Some fit, some don't. The varied-width cases tend to fit just fine.
 
#6
Overflow said:
Any replies appreciated.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't do it. No way.

But then, I've been behind the scenes at an airport baggage handling conveyor system and seen what happens.

If you are comfortable taking the instrument and case and throwing it into a cement block wall as hard as you can from a distance of about 10'....go for it.
 
#13
It *should* be okay, but I'd invest in a real flight case as soon as your budget allows. I had a SKB case that lasted a few flights but eventually died. The flight case I bought as a replacement has been thrown around, booted (yes, there is a boot mark from a baggage handler) and endured countless other perils that would bring any of us to tears. That case is indestructable and my bass has been cozy and protected.

+1 to the down tuning before flying.
 
#17
So some years back when we toured in Japan I had to bring my EBMM SR with me. I went to Musicians Friend and picked up a SKB keyboard case. I then put my Bass case inside the keyboard case packed well and checked it in. I did not have any problems. The keyboard case actually survived no damage. I then turned around and sold it on Ebay for pretty much what I gave for it. Now our guitar player brought his Les Paul on with him. He had one of the addendents put it in a closet. This might be an option.. But a bass is going to be a bit larger than a guitar.
 
#19
Overflow said:
Thing is, I don't think I'd need to fly with my bass again in the near future…that's exactly why I'm hesitant to invest in a flight case just for one flight.
Click to expand...

You could always buy it, use it once, and then resell it here; take a bit of a loss but that cost seems reasonable for the protection.


dmusic148 said:
If possible, you'd be better off shipping your bass ahead of time, Fedx.
Click to expand...

Yep. In a good sturdy box surrounded by packing material.
 

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