By: Danielle Russell
Fly-dates in the touring world are something of a status symbol. You’re finally trading in a cramped van for a cramped airplane — and it’s kind of a big deal. But, there’s a huge drawback: now you have to worry about transporting your gear without the use of a trailer.
What’s best way to get your gear safely from your hometown to a venue halfway around the world? Shipping? Carrying it on the plane? Checking it and hoping to get it back in one piece later?
Shipping Your Guitar: The Pros and Cons
Shipping your guitar instead of taking it with you could be a good option if you have the time to prepare it for shipping and then wait for it to arrive when you get to your destination. But, if you’re crunched for time — it’s probably not your best bet. Let’s check out the pros and cons.
Pros:
Cons:
If you decide to ship your guitar, loosen the strings to relieve tension on the neck and body and to account for air pressure changes during shipment. Don’t loosen the strings too much or they may become detached or flop around during shipping and scratch the guitar. Two tuning turns should be just enough. Be sure to add extra cushioning around the neck, the most fragile part of the guitar. Support the underside of the neck with crumpled newspaper or bubble wrap.
Take a picture of your guitar before locking it into the case filled with crumpled newspaper to prove that it is, in fact, in one piece. Obtain a shipping box from your local music store and line the inside bottom of the box with insulated foam. Insert the guitar case into the box, then fill in the empty space in the box with more insulated form before securely taping the box and label it with the correct address. As added precautions, you may want to insert a copy of both the “to” and “from” addresses inside the box and inside the guitar case. Finding an address to ship it to overseas may require a bit of footwork beforehand. If it’s to a hotel, contact the hotel prior to shipping to find out exactly where to ship it and any other handling advice they may have for you.
Obtain shipping quotes from reputable companies. Now is not the time to try to cut corners by choosing a shoddy shipping brand. The weight of your guitar and the size of the exterior box determine the cost of shipment and it’s probably a good idea to go ahead and pay the extra fees for insurance to cover any damages the guitar may sustain during the trip. The photos you took while packing your guitar for shipment will prove its condition if it is damaged for any reason during the shipping process. Be sure write fragile on your box — several times, in the biggest writing you can muster. As I mentioned earlier, put both the “to” and “from: addresses in conspicuous places both the inside and outside of the box to double the chances that it’s returned to you if lost in shipping. And, another address note in the case since the box could get mangled.
Flying with your Guitar, Like A Rock Star
Carlton Flight cases
If you decide to go the more classic route and fly with your guitar, it’s probably best to carry it on with you. But, before you can carry it on, you’ll need to be sure it will fit in the overhead compartment. Airlines are strict about sizing rules, so call your airline beforehand to ask for measurements. Do not try to arrive and carry-on. If it doesn’t fit, you’ll be forced to check it. And, check out TSA’s guidelines for traveling with your guitar well before you plan to travel.
Storing it in the cabin ensures it stays protected from pressure changes and physical damage. Try to board the plane as early as possible and choose the seat in the very back of the plane. The back of the plane typically boards first, so you’ll have your pick of all the overhead compartments. If you sit near the front, you’ll board last — and you’ll most definitely be the guy re-arranging everyone’s carry-ons. When you call to check about the size of the overhead compartments, ask your airline how they typically organize boarding. Let them know you plan to carry-on a guitar and would like to board first to secure overhead space.
If the airline cannot accommodate your guitar in an overhead compartment, ask for it to be stored with the pets. Here, the pressurized cabin, humidity control and gentle care will protect your instrument from damage. You can also check your guitar at the gate, right before you board. Your guitar will bypass the conveyer belts and rough handling.
A Case for a Case
When it comes to day-to-day travel, choosing the right case is crucial—weather and physical pressures can damage your guitar during travel. High humidity and water can cause the metal strings and hardware to rust. Extreme temperature changes affect the guitar’s body and playing potential. Heavy objects placed on top of your guitar can break the instrument beyond repair. Ensure your guitar stays in top playing condition and remains protected during travel when you store it in a protective case.
Lightweight and affordable, soft cases work great for light travel or home storage. While they do not protect your guitar from direct impact, many soft cases have backpack straps that allow for easy carrying. You will appreciate this light case if you have to carry your guitar for long distances.
More expensive than soft cases, hard cases offer better protection for your instrument. The weight of these cases is a disadvantage if you need to carry your guitar during travel. But a damaged guitar means costly repairs, if you’re lucky enough that it doesn’t become an expensive pile of firewood, so the extra protection may save you money.
Extremely durable, a flight case provides maximum protection for your guitar during serious travel. They’re expensive, but they can withstand most physical abuse and includes a built-in hygrometer to protect the instrument stored inside. Additional room in the case allows you to pack and protect gear like picks, strings, amps and pedals. If you plan on flying with your guitar, this is the best way to ensure it will go through baggage claim unscathed.
Before your next trip, carefully pack your guitar for travel. Invest in a sturdy guitar case that provides protection from physical and weather damage. Ship your expensive instrument to ensure it arrives unharmed at your destination. Protect your guitar and be ready to play and entertain audiences worldwide when you pack it securely before traveling.
