Flying with your resonator

[thebluesbear( al)]

hi everyone

before i begin i only recently joined this forum and its been great reading about all things resonator ..... so here is something

Flying ; i have to go to Japan for some gigs in April and to see the family ...sorry my wife is Japanese ... ;D

I'm paranoid about my resonator being damaged as well like all resos its something that is lovely

in past years we have taken the train via Russia but i think this time i may have to fly ....so

1..Has anyone got any tips about flying with resonators ??

2...has anyone here ever had one damaged etc

id be interested to hear of anyones point of view on any issues regarding this subject

3 what is the sturdiest cases any one knows of

BTW i must say how i have enjoy reading all your posts on all subjects

al.....

[Gerry C]

Hi al - I'm in a similar position as I'll probably be flying to the USA in April to meet up with a pal and visit Nashville, Memphis, the Delta, N'Awlins and then over the deserts and the Rockies to his home near Seattle. I've heard from a number of pro musicians (including Michael and Martin Simpson) that the best cases for travelling (ESPECIALLY with our oh-so-careful airlines ) are made by Calton. These are supposed to be virtually indestructible! The drawback is that they are a bit expensive. Visit www.caltoncases.co.uk to see their stuff. I'm debating whether to take my reso (MM Lightning) or my 000-28; the advantage of the latter is my having a pal who already has a 000-28 size Calton and is willing to loan it to me!

Cheerily,

Gerry C

[Michael Messer]

Hi Al,

I have been flying with resonator and electric guitars for 30 years. So far I have never had any damage to a guitar in transit. The reason for this is that I always put my guitars in CALTON cases. They are expensive, but you will never need another.

I have known Keith Calton and his wondeful cases for all that time and I can only say that they are without question the best cases for travelling with guitars. Unless of course you have a rectangular metal flight case, but that will cost double to check in and is enormous. That is not necessary. But the Calton is the only safe guitar case to travel with.

I never worry about my guitars at airports - I put them in Calton cases, lock them and collect them at the other end. The cases have been bashed and soaked in the rain on the runway, but I have NEVER had any damage to a guitar.

When (if) you order one, make sure Keith knows what guitar it is for. Back in the early days he & I worked out the best way to pad a case for a National or Dobro guitar.

Almost every professional guitarist I know use Caltons to fly with acoustic guitars.

www.caltoncases.co.uk/

Glad you are enjoying the forum

Shine On
Michael.

[thebluesbear( al)]

Michael ,gerry

Many thanks ill take this option much appreciated

al

[Michael Messer]

My pleasure Al. They appear expensive, but when you consider the quality of them, the peace of mind, and the fact that a Calton will last you a lifetime. It is well worth the money. My Calton cases are still going strong with over twenty years regular flying. That ain't bad!

Shine On
Michael.

[melp]

Hi,

I noticed that Bob Brozman had some advice on travel with guitars. You can find it at www.bobbrozman.com/tip_packfly.html

One bit that I would certainly echo is to cover the catches with gaffer tape. Having spent a lot of time traveling I have lost count of the times that cases, of all kinds, have come back with the catch open or broken.

Mel

[Michael Messer]

Mel, you are right about covering the catches with tape.

With a Calton 'locked on all catches' I never worry. Often when I am travelling I don't have the time or patience to pack & tape a guitar case. I just put the guitar in and lock it. Job done!

The new Calton cases have counter-sunk catches and hinges. Over the years Keith has improved the designs and materials to make his cases so good. They have no flat surfaces, corners or produding catches, so they are about as airport-proof as one can get.

I don't work for Keith Calton. I like his product and I believe it's the best.

Shine On
Michael.

[SoloBill]

Hi Michael and all,
I see that Bob Brozman specifically says he uses the extra heavy duty Calton cases, is that the same with yourself Michael?

[Michael Messer]

Hi Bill,

I have various models of Calton cases. My main ones that I have used for many years are just the regular ones. The ones Bob is talking about maybe the ones with the counter-sunk catches.

Shine On
Michael

[snakehips]

Hi there !
I have two - both for Nationals, but one is the next sized case up, for my baritone necked Triolian, but it fits any regular National.

I'm sure there has been a thread about cases before, on this forum - do a search - I told some stories about my cases being thrown about. In fact, I'm still of the opinion that some baggage handlers have games with each other to throw guitars about and see who can make one make a god-awful smashing sound.
One of my Calton's has got a hole in it's side - 2cm diameter - I don't know HOW the hell the baggage handlers managed it - I'm damn sure they were trying their best to smash it !!!!
My 1934 National Duolian totally intact inside though !!!

Calton cases - all the way - the ONLY case you can transport your beloved guitar(s) without worrying. Well, actually, my only worry is this - if you see a guy carrying a Calton case, don't you think - "wow ! I wonder what cool EXPENSIVE guitar is in there ?".

Exactly !

I'd worry the guitar plus case would get nicked !!!!

I had a National shipped back to me (courier postage) from repair in London, in its Calton case, with address label stuck on the case lid - no eff 'in shipping box ! (despite me sending it down there in one !). It arrived unscathed, with the lid unlocked (sent like that !).
For pity sake !
A courier personel could have removed the guitar for themselves and swore blind only a guitar case was being sent !!!!!!!!!!!
Luckily, the guitar was still inside !

[blueshome]

I have a Calton for my resos. I got Keith to make it with a bright red gel coat so that at least you have a chance to see it at baggage reclaim and also if anyone is walking off with it.

[Michael Messer]

The brightly coloured Caltons are very good for spotting them across airport terminals. Not so much to spot a thief, but to see them come up at the oversize baggage claim area which is often stacked up with stuff. The yellow Calton is the brightest.

Having said that, all my Caltons are black!!!

Shine On
Michael.

[Stevie]

Another vote of confidence in Calton cases. I have four, the first dating back to 1980 and the more recently, about 6 years back, a mandolin model for my Fylde. Sadly, the best does incurr a higher burden on the wallet. Ironically, the dreadnaught model is worth substantially more than the "Takamine" "lawsuit" model it is cossetting! I can confirm that they are virtually bomb proof, but mine are not battle weary if you know what I mean ;<D BTW, Keith is a great lad to deal with. Stevie.

[Deleted]

This is interesting.

I always use Hiscox cases. I haven't flown with one but I've dropped cases down stairs and onto pavements with nearly £2,000 of Fylde inside them and no damage.

My Beltona came by air from New Zealand in a Yamaha guitar cardboard box and a gig bag.

I'm interested in how Carlton are better.

[Stevie]

Hiscox cases are great. I have one that came with my Yamaha LS400vt. It does what it says on the tin and for my purposes is just fine. The Caltons are simply overkill for me. But I'd swap any case for a Calton in a heartbeat- at least I will when Euromillions comes up! With the edge seals they are pretty much waterproof as well (but not immersion proof!) The manufacturers say that you can stand on a Hiscox case. I tried it with mine and it survived just fine but it sure was flexing in the middle and I didn't dare leave the guitar inside.... I wouldn't waste the energy lifting my legs up to do that with one of Keith's cases. Keith licenses the design to a Canadian company as well. Have a look at how much the Americans seem prepared to pay for a licensed Calton, the mind boggles. Stevie.