I’m considering a move to a country with, let’s say, less reliable or sophisticated infrastructure. I’d be allowed only five suitcases (!) free on one flight if I wind up approved for the destination as my main residence (bureaucracy and fees are endemic there). Problem is said location no longer has any postal service post-2020 ( !) and only DHL serves it, or couriers, at exorbitant rates.
Now, my J bass and Rumble 40 Studio amp would go with me if I do (as foreign products can be far costlier to buy over there, and aren’t likely stocked, at least at reasonable prices due to tariffs and more “fees”). I guess they’d count as a suitcase each? I have a gig bag. Is that good enough for travel abroad? Or should I invest in a hardshell? As for amp-safe travels, any suggestions for safe and secure transport on smaller planes to less frequented places? Purveyors? Brands? Workarounds? (P.S. If I overlooked past posts on this hard shell transport query, my apologies.) Thanks.
Will you have clean and/or consistent power where you’re going?
I ask because something like a Zoom B1Four and headphones might be more practical since it can run off of traditional power or AA batteries and is considerably smaller and lighter.
I think this is significantly different enough it warrants it own topic. Specifically since it involves more than travel but a full move to, from your description, a fairly remote place.
Having worked security at a major airport in the UK and seeing first hand how baggage is sometimes treated I cannot emphasise too much how much heartache a hard case will save
+1 to this. Get a hard case for the bass and wrap it in shrink-wrap before handing over to check-in. Self serve shrink-wrapping has been at every international airport I’ve travelled in so hopefully it’s at yours. Cheaper and easier than trying to lock it. Discourages the unscrupulous from tampering with your luggage.
And … travel insure it. I think I once paid $30AU for insuring a bunch of special items (motorcycle race- wear) worth $3K. Cheap piece of mind
I think the safest thing to do, if you are comfortable doing your own setups, would be to remove the neck then pack both the neck and body in a large suitcase full of clothes.
I strongly recommend a very rigid hardshell for your bass when travelling by plane. I have been in aviation for decades and learned cargo loaders are a rough breed doing their job as fast as possible. They will throw your bass into a cargo hold or a flight container, stacking a ton of suitcases on it.
Your amp will travel safely in a solid flight case with aluminum structure and reinforced edges. You’d better pay for the protective equipment than having a new bass and a new amp shipped to your remote location.
Thanks, fellows, for wise advice. The shrinkage suggestion never occurred to me, but as you may surmise, I’m not a “frequent flyer” type. As to Eric’s question, power is reliable, but I will look into that portable amp. I have a headphone one, but given I may be able to count the Rumble as permissible luggage, I am looking for an amp travel case that costs less than the amp itself~
They don’t seem to have my model in mind, which is nearly 17 x17 inches and a foot in depth. I see some cases for 16 and some for 22 up, but the latter would be too large unless I stuffed packing material around it. BTW I do have the original amp cardboard box, it I don’t trust that to withstand multiple planes, taxis and a longer haul van after arrival. Korrigan makes a clever suggestion but I am not skilled at a solo setup!
As Sharky, REPA, and Thomas concur, even if I can take on my I as hoped, I’d opt for a hard shell travel case as you never know about capricious air personnel in officious situations abroad. So, any recommendations for a hard J-compatible bass case, and a flight case able to cradle my amp securely? I appreciate your help once more.
Apparently popular myth among Texans - and I have known Texans that thought this - is that Texas can just leave if it wants and is set up to do so, including being on its own power grid. Which is apparently a big piece of shit given the widespread power outages this summer.
California can’t talk there though, either - it has a strained power grid too.
@DrJLMurphy depending on your budget you could pick up the Zoom and an ok pair of headphones for less than $200. They can be battery powered. So you’d have a workable back up plan re power
Just a thought.
I would pack your amp in the box it came in.
Flight cases are going to cost more than replacing the amp at your destination, no?
Very clever packaging engineers have designed your original packaging go to around the world.
If you are still worried, get a larger box and double box it with packing peanuts surrounding the amp’s original box on all sides for a few inches. Save the money on a flight case for that amp. The double box method has shipped delicate saxophones around the world safely for years.
The bass in a very good hard shell case that fits it properly is best. If it moves at all in the case (ie/ not a a custom designed case) I’d also surround it by socks and other soft clothing as well, but not too packed, just enough to stop movement.
I ship instruments all over all the time.
I have learned a lot about what not to do (like use the USPS to ship anything to Hawaii).
If you have a decent bass, consider a Calton case. They are virtually indestructible and are made for touring musicians. I have one for my J45 and you could back a truck over it and do more damage to the truck. They are expensive, though.
Ha! I haven’t looked at the website in a while. They throw one off the roof and then set it on fire. It’s fine, and the guitar inside is still in tune.
