| Author | Message | ||
| ox_junior
Junior Username: ox_junior Post Number: 49 Registered: 3-2004 |
I may soon be in a situation where I will have to fly to an out-of-town gig with my Alembic Spyder. I am certain the case will be too big for me to attempt to bring the bass onboard as a carry-on. It's been a very long time indeed since I've had to check an instrument in as baggage, so I kinda forget the procedure as far as what to do to the bass itself. Are you supposed to detune the bass? Has flying ever knocked your intonation out? Also - since 9/11 you cannot lock your luggage. This makes me very nervous. Has anyone attempted to fly with their Alembic recently? What has your experience been? Can anyone share advice? Thanks! Mike | ||
| keavin
Advanced Member Username: keavin Post Number: 331 Registered: 12-2002 |
Yes, Yes, Yes!!!,by all means d-tune your bass and if you can, carry it on ,because the last time i flew to vegas from chicago i checked (alembic#12) in baggage & when i got to vegas the head stock was totally brocken off!,and the neck was almost severed from the body,and the airline people didnt give a damn obout it!,,,,(i was pissed!!!),so now when i travel my alembic is in a gig bag in my lap,because airlines wont insure high priced items, but be very careful espicially if you dont have a flight case.baggage people dont give a damn about your stuff.they will toss it around like it aint,,%@#!*&!!! | ||
| 811952
Intermediate Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 167 Registered: 10-2003 |
Mike, I flew with a Conklin 7-string in 2002. I had it in a hard tolex case, and had that packed in bubble wrap (the big bubble variety) in a rather longish cardboard box taped shut with clear packing tape. I had it marked "fragile" in large letters on each side, and insured it. It was tuned to pitch. The box (and bass) survived nicely (and unopened). I assume it was a best-case scenario. I have consistently had worse luck flying with instruments pre-9/11. You might want to call the airline well in advance to get their recommendations. There is no such thing as too much preparation. Good luck! John | ||
| ajdover
Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 62 Registered: 11-2003 |
Mike, The black tolex case your Spyder will come with measures 57" X 22" X 4.5". If I had to travel by air with my Spyder, I'd pay for an extra seat if I had to. If I couldn't do that, I'd definitely do as John mentioned about bubble wrap, etc. I just don't trust airlines when it comes to high value items. You could, of course, get a flight case, but you'd probably end up bubble wrapping it anyway, so it might not be worth the expense. When I bought my Exploiter, the gentleman I bought it from worked for an airline in Atlanta. He actually shipped it to me via the airline, and had it packed like John did. Came through without any problems at all (and saved me $50 shipping!). Looks to me if you can't travel with it, shipping it as John stated might be your best option. Best of luck, Alan | ||
| goatfoot
Junior Username: goatfoot Post Number: 41 Registered: 12-2003 |
I recently flew my '96 Custom from Baltimore to Louisville via Southwest. I spoke to the airline before hand and they said that I could possibly carry the bass on if they weren't too crowded and if I arrived early enough. Well ... that was my plan anyway. The incompetent movers (whom I didn't trust to move my bass) made me late for my flight. So I come running into BWI fifteen minutes before my flight with two huge bags and my bass in its case. I had to check my bass and my bags. The case was unlocked (I never lock it ... afraid I'll loose the key). The airlines put "Fragile" stickers all over the case. But you can bet I was pretty worried that my bass would even arrive in KY - let alone in one piece. My bass was opened and checked. Imagine, terrorist planting a bomb inside an Alembic. HA! They'd use a Squire for sure. There was a note inside my case from the Homeland Security Administration saying that they had opened my bag and had broken the locks if it was locked. All's well that ends well. My bass arrived safe and sound. If I were do this again, I'd buy a ticket for my bass, as Alan suggested. Get your band to pay for it, Mike. Kevin | ||
| ox_junior
Junior Username: ox_junior Post Number: 50 Registered: 3-2004 |
Yeah, I was afraid of that. Buying a seat for it is not an option, as I'm already losing money having to fly to this gig (as opposed to driving). Alembic (nor anyone else) makes a soft-shell case for an Exploiter-shaped bass. I'm afraid the regular black tolex case will be too big to carry on. Looks like bubblewrapping the thing might be the way to go. Anyone experience any issues (besides poor Keavin's example) of the instrument being out of whack after flying? Won't stay in tune, truss rods out of adjustment, etc.? Keep those suggestions coming in! Thanks, Mike | ||
| ox_junior
Member Username: ox_junior Post Number: 51 Registered: 3-2004 |
Looks like this gig is a lousy deal. I'm already losing money by having to fly (as opposed to driving) - my profits are already $0. So....buying an extra seat isn't really an option. I doubt there would be room on the flight to take the chance - this is a Southwest Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Las Vegas on a Friday night at 8pm. The flight will undoubtedly be packed - that flight is a shuttlebus for weekend drunks. Alembic does not make an off-the-rack soft-shell case for an Exploiter shaped bass (although Mica has indicated that I can, of course, have one made). Noone else makes one, either. I'm sure handling has improved post-9/11, as I'm sure someone will open my case. I won't be leaving anything in there besides the bass, that's for sure. Bubble wrap looks like the way to go! Anyone have any post-flying problems such as intonation issues, bass won't stay in tune, etc.? I'm assuming my bass will arrive slightly more intact than poor Keavin's #12. Keep those stories coming! Thanks for everyone's advice. Mike | ||
| 811952
Intermediate Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 168 Registered: 10-2003 |
Mike, I find that transporting the instrument tuned to pitch keeps everything pretty stable. Detuning it will introduce all of the stability issues one would expect from the significant change in neck tension from detuning/retuning. Wood sometimes takes a little while to adjust to changes you can't control (temp/humidity), so I try to limit the factors that I can control. John | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1630 Registered: 6-2000 |
Leave it tuned - the bass doesn't really know it's travelling, but it will notice the loss of tension from the strings. The big concern is insurace - checked baggage generally has a maximum insured value of $300, so you should have your own private policy in case something happens, and make sure your agent knows you'll be flying with it so the coverage is complete while you travel. I'd suggest packing in the box your bass arrives to you in. There's some high density foam blocks around the outside. Mark it fragile and ask politely if they can load it last and remove it first, like they do with other bulky or odd-shaped items like skis. | ||
| ox_junior
Member Username: ox_junior Post Number: 52 Registered: 3-2004 |
Excellent suggestions all, thank you. Mica, I will contact you separately about a custom gig bag for this bass. Thanks, Mike | ||
| ajdover
Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 63 Registered: 11-2003 |
Mike, One other thing ... I'm not sure how you paid for your instrument, but I paid for mine with a Master Card (still paying it off, but worth every penny!). Master Card will insure certain things if you used the card to pay the entire purchase price. I'm sure this varies between banks, etc., but it might be something worth looking into if you used a credit card of some type to pay for the whole thing. That way, you don't have to insure it above and beyond what you already have available. Just a thought. Best of luck, Alan | ||
| ox_junior
Member Username: ox_junior Post Number: 54 Registered: 3-2004 |
Hmmmm that's a good thought. I used American Express to pay for this instrument. I will contact them to see what they cover, since their insurance policy is one of the best. Thanks for the tip! It's a good one! Mike | ||
| gbarchus
Member Username: gbarchus Post Number: 60 Registered: 6-2002 |
sorry for the duplicate post (Message edited by gbarchus on May 04, 2004) | ||
| gbarchus
Member Username: gbarchus Post Number: 61 Registered: 6-2002 |
When I flew back from Japan, my Alembic was checked, tuned in it's hard case in a heavy gauge cardboard box tightly fitted around the case. I carried my Martin guitar onboard in a soft (shelled) case. Everything went smoothly without a scratch. But I miss the days they would let you carry a hard case on board and put it in a clothes bag closet. Sometimes I would have to successfully argue to take it onboard, but post 9/11 I don't even try. Thell'll just tell you to walk if they don't arrest you for disagreeing. By the way, since then my Alembic made another trip to Japan and back with another member of the club, again no problems. | ||
| dnburgess
Advanced Member Username: dnburgess Post Number: 255 Registered: 1-2003 |
After you check in your regular luggage and get your boarding pass you will have to take your instrument to the large luggage counter - so allow a little extra time for check in. I had a custom aluminium flight case made for my S1 with a foam insert cut to the shape of the instrument. Went on many flights (tuned) with no prob.s - appart from the fact it weighs a ton (or tonne). Recently traveled with an Essence in a regular Gator hard shell case - no prob.s. The important things are that the instrument can't move inside the case and the case itself is relatively impervious. I'm looking at getting a custom flight case built for the Spyder. If you lie the instrument diagonally and contour the case to the body (i.e make the case trapezoidal) it can be a lot smaller than the standard rectangular case. | ||
| jet_powers
Intermediate Member Username: jet_powers Post Number: 163 Registered: 2-2003 |
I bought my Rogue 5 while on my way to the airport in Phoenix. I had no time to do any special preparations for it and had to put it below on a plane bound for Philly then on to Hartford. (They wouldn't let me carry it on.) The thing I was most concerned about was changing planes in Philly. They have been known to lose an entire plane load or two of luggage there. It got through all right and the bass has never experienced any sort of intonation or neck problems. I'd say don't worry about it but I know that's not possible. Until I saw mine come out in the baggage claim in BDL I was scared s***less... I was so happy to see it I pushed and shoved and elbowed my way through the crowd, plucked it off the belt and almost went home without waiting for my dirty socks and underwear to come out! JP | ||
| alemboid
Member Username: alemboid Post Number: 62 Registered: 5-2003 |
Here is a great idea- Not many people know this, but request to "gate check" your bass. What does this mean? It means you carry your bass to the boarding area, and let the ticket agent know you would like to gate check your bass. They will tag it and give you a receipt. Just prior to departure, they will load your bass in the bag bin. Upon arrival, you'll need to wait at the door of the plane, where a baggage agent will run up the stairs with your baby- never having to send it through ape-man central. Be sure to mark it "extremely fragile" and "fragile instrument inside". This way, you can accompany your bass to the max, if not all out carry it on altogether. Bryant | ||
| hollis
Intermediate Member Username: hollis Post Number: 172 Registered: 11-2003 |
Also, another good thing about gate checking is that you get to see the people handling your instrument(s)....and way more gratifying...They get to see you. There's a lot to be said for eye contact. | ||
| ox_junior
Member Username: ox_junior Post Number: 65 Registered: 3-2004 |
Hmmmmm that's the most efficient option I've heard yet. Would you recommend this treatment without an ATA flight case? | ||
| hollis
Intermediate Member Username: hollis Post Number: 174 Registered: 11-2003 |
One of the pieces of paper that the airlines have always had me sign (with a hard shell case) states that I am aware that the packaging of the instrument does not meet FAA requirements and they are therefore, not responsible for any damages incurred. Or something to that affect..... I have always reluctantly signed it... I mean, what choice do you have? I guess what I'm getting at is, if it were my Spyder, I'd get the flight case. | ||
| ox_junior
Member Username: ox_junior Post Number: 67 Registered: 3-2004 |
Good point Hollis. For this particular trip I may follow Mica's advice and put the bass and case in the original cardboard box it came in, and ship it that way. If flying to gigs becomes a commonality (pray that it does), I will invest in a flight case. Gracias! Mike | ||
| dnburgess
Advanced Member Username: dnburgess Post Number: 257 Registered: 1-2003 |
Does gate checking work in large airports where you enter the plane via aerobridge and can't see any of the action on the ground? | ||
| hollis
Intermediate Member Username: hollis Post Number: 176 Registered: 11-2003 |
I've done it at Ohare, LAX, Heathro..... Do those qualify as large airports?.... Hard to tell these days. I'd imagine that if you call your carrier they can tell you their policy. | ||
| oggydoggy
Junior Username: oggydoggy Post Number: 34 Registered: 3-2003 |
Mike, I recently flew to Japan, with my alembic and was able to carry it on. I had it in an alembic gig bag, (which is not small) and I just didn't take no for an answer. In evry plane their is space on- board somwhere, whether it is in the bulk head, a closest, or a flight addendant can find some place for it. Do be hostile, be polite, and if they still say no, again be polite. This is my experience. Most airlines are very accomodating to your needs, when you are pleasant. Also say you called ahead and they said it was OK. I guess you really could call ahead but I didn't want them to be warned ahead of time. Best Wishes, -Ed | ||
| oggydoggy
Junior Username: oggydoggy Post Number: 35 Registered: 3-2003 |
Hey Gale, I wonder if your 20th that we both took to Japan, has more miles over the Pacific than any other Alembic? By the way I felt safe of the flight because the bass was a vetern Flier to Japan. I flew American Airlines. MIKE, I didn't realize their wasn't a gig bag for your body style. sorry. -Ed | ||
| ox_junior
Member Username: ox_junior Post Number: 70 Registered: 3-2004 |
Yes there is no gig bag for the Spyder. It would be cheaper to buy a flight case than to have Alembic custom-make a gig bag, according to my research. I am a platinum member of American Airlines frequent flyer club and will be taking American to this gig in Vegas, so they'd probably be cool about certain things. But there's no way they'd let me carry on a Spyder in a hard-shell case. Thanks! MB | ||
| kata3901
New Username: kata3901 Post Number: 6 Registered: 5-2004 |
Mike, I would say bite the bullet and get yourself an ATA Category 1 flight case. They don't get any better than a Category 1. I special ordered a case like this with a company here in Texas. My suggestion: Instead of having them design the inside of the case to form fit a particular bass, have them design it such that the inside would fit a common bass case (like Alembic type Bass Cases). This not only provides for additional protection for the bass, it allows flexibility should you use the flight case for another bass. Yes, it is heavy, but I had them build into the case heavy duty wheels on one end of the case with multiple handles for ease of transport. If I remember correctly, I think I paid around $500.00. A small investment for great peace of mind. Another option. Find yourself a bass that you can travel with without worry of damage or misuse. Tim B. | ||
| bsee
Junior Username: bsee Post Number: 47 Registered: 3-2004 |
Mike- While you still own it, would you consider flying with the Exploiter to limit your potential pain in the event of a mishap? Or, is the Spyder too fabulous to consider performing with a meager Exploiter again? If you do this, then maybe you can solve the flite case question in time for the next trip. | ||
| ox_junior
Member Username: ox_junior Post Number: 72 Registered: 3-2004 |
Bob, Yes, if I still have it at that time, I'm considering taking the Exploiter rather than the Spyder on this trip. In fact, although my wallet is telling me otherwise, I may end up keeping the Exploiter as a "replacement" for the Spyder for this and other questionable gigs such as outdoor shows. Of course I still love the feel and sound of the Exploiter! Hardly a "meager" instrument. Of course, now it's my Fenders that are in jeopardy of replacement.... | ||
| gbarchus
Member Username: gbarchus Post Number: 65 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hey Ed, If the bass could get frequent flyer miles, it might be due a free ticket! Gale |
