Double Bass Moving Bass (and everything else) from Oregon to NYC?

[Koyeah]

I am moving from Oregon to NYC for grad school and am trying to figure out the best way to move with my upright bass. I don't have a flight case and don't want to buy one because I will be in a tiny apartment. I can't rent one because it's a one-way trip. That kind of leaves out flying.
Is taking the train an option? If so, how does that work with my bass?
I have looked into driving as well, but since I won't have a car out there, I would have to rent a car or have someone drive me there and then drive back.
I'm trying to find the most affordable way.
Any thoughts or ideas?

 

[mdcbass]

I am moving from Oregon to NYC for grad school and am trying to figure out the best way to move with my upright bass. I don't have a flight case and don't want to buy one because I will be in a tiny apartment. I can't rent one because it's a one-way trip. That kind of leaves out flying.
Is taking the train an option? If so, how does that work with my bass?
I have looked into driving as well, but since I won't have a car out there, I would have to rent a car or have someone drive me there and then drive back.
I'm trying to find the most affordable way.
Any thoughts or ideas?

Could you rent a flight case and ship it back empty?

 

[Door County Bass]

Can you remove the neck and visit FedEx or another shipper?

Or a shipper of your choice. I’ve never had a problem with FedEx shipping my bass around the country.

 

[Groove Doctor]

If you book a rental car >1 month away, the one-way fee is significantly less. You'll have to phone up as this info isn't usually on websites.

Sometimes car rental companies actually WANT someone to return a car across country. Much tighter time frame though.

 

[Jeshua]

Can you remove the neck and visit FedEx or another shipper?

Just my two cents...be very wary of FedEx for shipping instruments. They don't have a good track record IME. UPS is the way to go if you decide to ship.

 

[Leo Smith]

You could rent a flight case from David Gage's shop in NYC, have them send it to you, then send it back to them with the bass in it.

Another option- rent a Uhaul van one way. Pack your things in it so there's room to sleep in the back. Drive to NYC and take your time with it. Sleep at rest areas along the way, see some of the country along the way. When you get to NYC, return the van to the Uhaul place on 4th Ave in Brooklyn.

 

[Leo Smith]

What school are you attending?

 

[Koyeah]

What school are you attending?

NYU

 

[Koyeah]

These are all really helpful suggestions. Thanks so much!