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Traveling with sadowsky case (airplane).

ArwinH

ArwinH

run rabbit run
Dec 1, 2005
671
5
38
Southern California
www.myspace.com
#1
Hey there everybody. I didn't feel there was any specific forum taht fit my qquestion so I just brought it up here to the basses section hoping somebody would have experience with this scenario.

I'm flying with the high school jazz band this thursday to reno from lax with united airlines. we jsut recently added a funk tune, and it's been asked that I bring the sad for the song, since using it in rehearsal. I have a molded j bass skb case that I used last year for the fender, although it's lines aren't exactly formed to teh sadowsky, I also have a sadowsky modern case that came with the bass that's form fit, it's the one with the grey interior that you see with alot of sadowsky's. I'm thinking it would be a better choice, but do I have anything to worry about, has anybody else checked a sadowsky in the modern case on an airline, I'm pretty sure carrying the bass on is not an option. The only thing I could think of was to use a couple of belts around the case in case the zipper gives. Any suggestions?
 
#3
i_got_a_mohawk said:
You could always phone ahead of time to see if it would be possible to carry it on ?
(no harm in trying right?)
Click to expand...

Sorry, but in my experience, what you hear on the phone about instruments from any airlines is "sales," i.e., stuff they don't have to actually deliver on. When you get to the airport with the bass, it might be (and often is) very different. "Carry-on" of a bass in a gig bag is occasionally tolerated, depending on a zillion imponderable variables. I could exand on this, but have done so too often for anyones good.

I ship my sadowsky in it's case in the box that sadowsky used to send it to me. I use fed-ex. It is not cheap. I can't stand sending it in an unlocked ATA case via the airlines. And truthfully, I know that locks mean nothing to crooks. You might consider taking a less valuable instrument, as I have often done.

Also, I believe you are concerned about the protective values of the 2 cases you have described. The main thing is to make sure the bass can't shift in the case, especially from top to bottom. Avoid shocks to the headstock/neck.

Bottom line (IMHO), be prepared to check it, or ship it. :hmm:
 
#5
Hey Arwin, try and carry it on. I've carried on my Portabag, and it fits in the luggage compartment just fine. On one trip, it went up in the Captains cabin because the airline was Southwest and I was in a later boarding group. If it seems like you won't be able to carry it on, you can borrow one of my Laklands or Fenders;) . What's the funk tune you are doing?

You can also do a gate check, and that will get a little more love. A friend of mine witnessed a luggage handler throw his case into a bin. There is no way to be sure once the instrument leaves your sight. That being said, I'd check a modern case over my hard cases if I was forced to.
 
#6
Jim Carr said:
I use fed-ex.
Click to expand...

+1

Best solution really. The only way that you can pack it yourself and be SURE that it stays packed that way.

I carried on basses a lot before 9/11 -- all it took was a little flirting with the attendants and maybe showing it to them and playing something and usually I was good as gold to get it stowed in the 1st class coat closet. Since then though it is a complete dice roll and if it is something that you don't think would be easy to replace, you have much less risk in shipping it overnight via Fed Ex.
 
#7
Hey al, the funk tune is perpetual commotion by les hooper, actually a very cool tune and although i don't have a solo or anything it's a great tune to groove on and theres opportunity for a lot of dynamic nuance, fingerstyle funk, full bore slap, some chuck rainey style double stops, and palm muting.

I think I'm gonna try and see if I can carry it on the plane, but if not I'm gonna just go ahead and check it with the modern case. Shipping is a bit of a hassle when I'm traveling with a big band altogether.

P.S. Al, I figured you might wanna check out the bass in it's current state...no holes drilled or damage done too.

l_771583a0fa9633dae1238bb0edbe828c.jpg
 
#8
From experienceI have been able to have the crew put one in the pilots cabin and take it out at the end of the flight for me,call ahead and ask if they will help you with this.I have done this over a dozen times with no problems,just be as polite as possible it seems to help!
 
#11
No way I'd take that bass unless it was in an ATA flight case or an SKB Bass Safe.

I have seen Fender wood/tolex hard shell cases come down the baggage claim chute with softball-sized holes through the cases. I have seen those similar cases come out unlatched with major deep gouges in the wood of the instrument. I have seen cases come to baggage claim empty.

Security will open your case after it is checked and leaves your possession. Do you want to rely on them re-sealing it to your approval?

I realize you really want to take this bass, but go into it understanding that it is a GAMBLE under the best of circumstances. Is it worth it to you? That is the question.
 

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