Gig in China (flying from USA) - What Do I Need to Bring, etc?

I don't see you getting a full size bass as a carry on. There is a size specification. Bring a U-Bass.

 

Power converter for your amp?

 

Now I think about it, you could bring a Steinberger. It's either that or a U-Bass. The Steinberger will have more frets.

 

Does your bass have a Rosewood fretboard?

 

And this is just on the plane

 

Not sure about being from the USA, but you may need a work visa, which will require a letter from the employer/ venue.
A thing I like to do before visiting any new place is download a google map of the area to my phone, especially if you like exploring a bit off the tourist trail.
Also some sort of translator.
As for HOPING to take a bass in a hard case on board, I wouldn't.
Either buy a seat for it, or put it in a professional flight case.
In fact, if you're not planning on bringing one of your best basses, why not arrange a hire there and avoid the hassle altogether?

 

Work Visa info:

China Work Visa (Z), Employment Visa Application Requirements

 

Hi,

As previously said, you will need a visa, specifically a work visa. The people you are playing for know about the letter & should have no problem sending it to you.

Look for a visa expediter. Being in Maryland, there is probably one in your area. I found that to be $100 or so well spent. They can help you with the paperwork, and get it taken care of & back to you much quicker than you can on your own. And the visa is good for 10 years, so you don't have to wait until the last minute to get it.

I went to Shanghai for 3 days in mid-December. I had a great time.

The only thing I might add is: give yourself an EXTRA hour more than you might otherwise expect to get thru the customs & immigration stuff on your way out of China. You really do not want to be stranded there if you should miss your flight.

Have fun.

edg

 

Google translate will do this as well.

 

Obviously that's only a solution if the OP has access to a Steinberger, but I gotta say, the first time I flew with mine it instantly confirmed for me why I will never get rid of that bass:

They fit in the overhead bin of practically any airplane.

The whole "Should I Risk Checking It, Or Will I Be Able To Get Away With Bringing It Onboard As Carry-On?" issue just never comes up with a Steinberger L-series.

But I think OP's concerns should be less about What Gear To Bring and more about What Logistics/Precautions To Pay Attention To So That I Don't Get Stuck Somewhere. Like, I dunno, is there a US Consulate or Embassy in China? If so, make sure you have their number...and, make sure someone else that you can contact -- or who knows that if you haven't contacted them by a certain date that perhaps something is fubar -- has that number also. Maybe I'm being paranoid.

Maybe not.

 

The only thing that sucks is they are not really manufactured. I did reach out to a company that specializes in them and they are asking at minimum 3k. I told them I don't want it that bad.

 

If its a cheap passive bass, you could take the neck off and that way you may be able to get it on board?

 

Sounds like a fun trip.

Are you landing at MFM or HKG? I ask because some folks will fly to HKG for cheaper airfare then take the ferry or jetfoil to Macau.

Language won't be a problem. English everywhere, also Portuguese, and of course Chinese.

Even if you're not landing in HKG, I hope you get time to visit. Much more fun place, IMO.

Use CBIT for expedited Visa. I love those guys.

Hope you're going soon because it's going to get really hot in about two months.

Have a blast!