• 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.

Double Bass To Fly or To Rent? (That is the question)

hepcatbassist

hepcatbassist

May 8, 2013
56
2
Midwest
#1
Hi all,
I'm very excited to be performing in a student group at January's JEN Convention in Dallas. I will be flying to get down there.
I've heard horror stories about flying with a bass, but I'm worried about borrowing one when I get to the convention to play on. I'm still a beginner on double bass, and if the action is too high I have a lot of trouble playing jazz with it. I'd feel a lot more comfortable on my own bass.
I'd love to hear some opinions on if I should bring my own bass or just rent one at the convention.
Thanks!
 
#3
I want to play double bass because that's all I use for jazz now. I consider myself a beginner because I've only been playing for a year, but I got into All State for classical and only use my double bass on gigs around town. That said, I'm worried that my intonation would be messed up on another bass.
 
#4
OK, if you bring your bass, you have to find a trunk for it and be prepared to pay extra $$$ to the airlines. Could be a little, or a lot. You won't know until you get to the airport in most cases. And they may not take it at all. Make sure your bass is insured, as many have experienced big $$$ damages with flying. You also have to get it from the airport to your hotel… If you can deal with all of these things, then go for it if you want.

Is a teacher arranging this for the group? If so, have him make inquiries about getting you a bass there. If you can rent one with a similar string length to yours, and adjustable bridge, you'll probably be ok. Even if the SL is different than yours, you'll probably adjust quickly. I have rented my bass to students in your situation through their band directors and it works out well.

I know this is important to you, but keep in mind that it is one 45 minute student performance at an educator's conference, and in the big scheme of things what ever you decide will probably work out fine.
 
#5
Hi,

A couple of things that will hopefully be helpful:

* You will definitely need a flight case. The cheapest ones are around $3,000. If you can find a place to rent one in your area, you're probably looking at $50 to $100 a day. Your school should pay this rental cost, not you (I'm assuming you're a student and going to JEN with a school ensemble)

* A flight from Des Moines to Dallas will probably be a fairly small plane. The chances of it accommodating a double bass flight case are not that great, so you'll need to call the airline to find out. Before you call, make sure that you have the weight and measurements for the case with your bass in it. If the airline says that they can accommodate your bass, then schedule a time to take the flight case to the airport so that they can see it and, if possible, try putting it on a plane. If all of that goes well, you should still be prepared to miss your flight because someone won't let you on the plane with your instrument. This is fairly common for domestic flights within the US, so don't book your flight the morning of the performance

* If you decide to rent or borrow, you shouldn't sweat the action. I can't really remember the last time I saw a bass without an adjustable bridge. Even so, you can make demands. Ask for an adjustable bridge, adjustable endpin (none of that Rabbath stuff!), the specific size (5/8, 3/4, 7/8, full size), and a pre-installed pickup. Bring your own bow.

* If the action is too high, adjust it. If you're renting, this is acceptable. Really make an effort to get the instrument for the entire day, not just have someone hand you theirs before you play.

* Playing on other people's instruments is how it goes for us. If someone asks you to sit in, do it! This is a great way to see how more experienced players set up their instruments. If you're worried about your action being too low, start raising it now. A little extra effort now will pay off later.

Hope this helps
 
#7
Thanks for the advice, guys. I know a few of the pro bassists performing there, so I'll contact them and see if they can hook me up with a bass. It's actually my own combo (not a school affiliated one) that is going, but it seems like paying a rental fee would be easier than lugging it around at the airport.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back