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Post by archtopeddy on Jul 26, 2024 23:31:59 GMT
Okay, probably a crazy idea here, but here goes...
Travelling by plane soon and want to take a small guitar. The best case I have is a soft case with fairly ridged sides. The top however isn't as stiff as I'd like. The case has a large pocket on the frontside covering most of the upper and lower bouts. I've been thinking maybe I could put a stiff piece (sheet) of material in the pocket to stiffen it and maybe help protect it from sharp objects. I can get a sheet of carbon fibre cut to the right size for just a few bucks.
Do you think this might help, am I crazy, or is it just wishful thinking?
(Update: Okay, I found a 1/4 inch thick hard synthetic kitchen cutting board that fits just as well. I'm going to use that for now. Nonetheless, interested in what people think of the carbon fibre idea...)
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Post by Michael Messer on Jul 27, 2024 9:48:17 GMT
Hi Ed
I have flown hundreds of times with guitars.
It is crazy and wishful thinking, but if you are taking a guitar and checking it in as baggage, you do need to do all you can to protect it. Maybe wrapping the guitar in bubble wrap in the case and reinforcing it with carbon fibre will be enough. The thing is, if it gets thrown around by the baggage handlers, or gets a stack of cases put on top of it, or...gets something fall on it, nothing apart from a Calton case or a metal flight case will protect it.
If it's a small guitar it might just come within the size they will allow in the cabin? It is worth checking those details.
Shine On
Michael
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Post by archtopeddy on Jul 27, 2024 12:52:27 GMT
Thanks Michael. You're correct about ultimate protection of a guitar from airline travel hazards. To hedge against those hazards, I'm travelling with a less valuable and more expendable guitar. If damaged, I'd be disappointed but not devastated. If I were taking one of my truly precious babies I'd put it in a Calton case (which I have). I've travelled to Europe and around the US dozens of times with the Calton and thumbs up every time. No damage to the guitar ever. I just hate carrying the weight, and usually lose time at the airport waiting for them to unload the guitar to the oversized baggage pickup area. In this case, I don't have the time to lose. Nonetheless, I know you are right so I may opt to take the Calton. If I do, I may just as well bring a better guitar. Something for me to think about anyway. (I will check about the cabin size option first before travelling. I think another option might be to "green tag" it so I can carry the guitar to the boarding area of the plane and have them return it to me there. That minimizes handling by airline employess.)
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Post by snakehips on Jul 27, 2024 16:34:12 GMT
Also, f you heavily modify your guitar case, the airport security might think you are stashing/hiding drugs within the case !
So, maybe not a great idea once you see it from their potential angle ??!!
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Post by Michael Messer on Jul 27, 2024 17:22:45 GMT
Also, f you heavily modify your guitar case, the airport security might think you are stashing/hiding drugs within the case ! So, maybe not a great idea once you see it from their potential angle ??!! Many years ago, sometime in the mid 80s, I was stopped coming in from the US with a National Style O that I had just bought from George Gruhn. They started shining torches (flashlights) in it and then started to loosen the strings. I said to them that if they have to go inside looking for drugs, could I be the one to open the guitar. There was much discussion and I kept on at them saying how valuable it was. So eventually they take me into an interogation room and with four customs officers around the table and their tools, I removed the strings, the coverplate and the cone. They fished out a nice dust bunny and a few dead bugs and I ended up explaining all about it to them. When it was all back together I played them a couple of tunes and they sent me on my way. I don't think they would be alerted by an adapted guitar case. They know what they're looking for and so do their dogs. Shine On Michael |
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Post by archtopeddy on Jul 27, 2024 18:31:23 GMT
haha. Thanks Michael for the story, and thanks Richard for the thoughts regarding overly-modified cases. I decided I'll take the Calton and deal with lugging it around. Figured I might as well take a better guitar too, so taking a Fraulini parlor which is far cry from the guitar I was planning to take.
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Post by Michael Messer on Jul 27, 2024 19:18:25 GMT
haha. Thanks Michael for the story, and thanks Richard for the thoughts regarding overly-modified cases. I decided I'll take the Calton and deal with lugging it around. Figured I might as well take a better guitar too, so taking a Fraulini parlor which is far cry from the guitar I was planning to take. Always take a good guitar! Safe travels Shine On Michael |
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Post by mitchfit on Jul 28, 2024 18:48:52 GMT
if it comes in a case you don't mind modding-- take it to a {fiberglass} boat repair shop. have them put a glass fiber "patch" on entire case with handle and latches taped over?
MM said:
"I don't think they would be alerted by an adapted guitar case. They know what they're looking for and so do their dogs."
kinda shoots the "reasonable cause" rule in the buttoxes?
mitchfit
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Post by Pickers Ditch on Jul 28, 2024 19:52:32 GMT
Yup Mitch, you're right in your assumption - they don't care. 2007 I walked through Orlando International followed by Chicago O'Hare on the same journey with my '31 Triolian in a hard case and they didn't even ask me to put it through the X-Ray m/c or even open the case. However, 2005 Charlotte Douglas I was threatened with confiscation and a fine even after I showed them the Fender Bullet Mic.. new in box with receipt.. in my carry on bag. Luckily the head honcho TSA man who was called over and he knew what it was - "Hey, Muddy Waters man uses one of those!" with a big smile on his face. It's the luck of the draw and the house always wins.   |
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Post by mitchfit on Jul 28, 2024 21:02:20 GMT
^^^^
"the house always wins"
because the odds are set up entirely in their favor. here in USA there are over a million federal laws showing the right way for ALL US citizens. then state laws. then county laws. then city laws. yet ignorance of the law is NO EXCUSE.
GUILTY AS CHARGED!
consider that no lawyer could know all of those laws. theoretically, the best legal minds in the nation become supreme court judges. one of nine ultimate judges. very rare for all of them to agree on any single ruling. (?)
"Show me the man and I’ll show you the crime"
Lavrentiy Beria--Stalin's head of the secret police
mitchfit
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