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Flying with a Fiddle
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Flying with a Fiddle |
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Subject: Flying with a Fiddle From: KT Date: 20 Jun 06 - 12:32 AM For those of you who fly with a fiddle, or a guitar for that matter, do you tune the strings down for the flight? I usually do tune down a little with my guitar, but with fiddle I'd be a little nervous about the bridge. Whatya think? KT |
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Subject: RE: Flying with a Fiddle From: GUEST,chris Date: 20 Jun 06 - 03:43 AM use an aeroplane it's safer and doesn't need de-tuning :-) |
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Subject: RE: Flying with a Fiddle From: Rasener Date: 20 Jun 06 - 04:12 AM Has Harry Potter hit the folk scene now :-) |
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Subject: RE: Flying with a Fiddle From: GUEST,catsPHiddle@work Date: 20 Jun 06 - 04:20 AM Hi KT I've flown with my fiddles many times and I've never tuned down the strings. I've never had a problem with the fiddles. One fiddles does need to be retuned but another fiddle doesn't. The only advise I can give is to have a good case and keep your fiddle with you at all times. Do not put it in the hold. My double fiddle case fits nicely in the over head lockers. Hope this helps Khatt |
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Subject: RE: Flying with a Fiddle From: Grab Date: 20 Jun 06 - 06:04 AM The soundpost came through the front of mine on a flight. I thought it was just the pressure of the strings forcing the bridge down, but the repairer I took it to said that he thought it had been hit. It was travelling in a plastic hardshell case (which was undamaged and didn't seem to have had any impact), but it did go in the hold so there's no guarantee. I've learned from that. My guitars have serious flight cases, and if possible then I travel with a mandola instead (which fits into the overhead locker as carryon luggage). Graham. |
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Subject: RE: Flying with a Fiddle From: derryman Date: 20 Jun 06 - 06:21 AM Keeping it with you would be the main thing. Many airlines don't even seem to notice it. (Disgruntled guitarist) |
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Subject: RE: Flying with a Fiddle From: GUEST,sharon g Date: 20 Jun 06 - 11:46 AM I haven't flown a lot with my fiddle (6 times or so in the last few years) , but have never tuned it down- Just plan that it will be your carry-on baggage! Don't ever let them check it. There is a case available that fits the official carry-on luggage dimensions, but it requires using a detachable bow case (which is longer than the regulation size). I have a lightweight compact case from Southwest Strings that is almost crescent shaped, so it is fairly easy to get into in overhead bin. Also, if there is ever any hassle, be sure to use the term violin and not fiddle- it just gets a bit more respect, and emphasize how valuable and fragile it is. And for Derryman- last time my husband flew w/ his guitar he took it up to gate check it and the flight attendants found a place to stow it inside the plane. On the way back, he sweet-talked his way into getting on with the passengers with small children... and was able to get it in the overhead bin. I don't know how often the stars align for that to happen, but it the airline staff were really accommodating! (Southwest). |
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Subject: RE: Flying with a Fiddle From: John MacKenzie Date: 20 Jun 06 - 12:17 PM Gee Mom look, a broomstick with an overhead locker! G ☺ (Sorry Khatt) |
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Subject: RE: Flying with a Fiddle From: Pauline L Date: 20 Jun 06 - 07:03 PM If you care about your fiddle, carry it on board rather than check it. Delta may give you trouble about it, and lots of violinists have had misfortunes with Delta as you can see from this discussion. |
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Subject: RE: Flying with a Fiddle From: Greg B Date: 20 Jun 06 - 08:13 PM Number one, get a really good case. One that appears really good, as you have to understand the mentality of airline employees...if the case looks expensive, the violin is. If they give you trouble, say something about a Stradivarius and it being priceless, right after you've taken the trouble- giver's name. Everyone knows that name, and they don't know a Strad from a Suzuki. But they do understand they're worth millions and they DON'T want to be the person responsible for losing or damaging one! Also don't forget that for all their bullshit about dimensions they routinely allow business travelers to hang their garment bags in the closet...the bottom of which where your fiddle can rest. As for tuning down the strings...the passenger compartment in airliners is kept at a pressure lower than that of many high mountain resorts. And unless your fiddle is blaw oop wi air, it's not going to feel the altitude. |
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Subject: RE: Flying with a Fiddle From: Greg B Date: 20 Jun 06 - 08:16 PM Just a follow up...yes, I'm saying it...lie. There's nothing wrong with saying, 'Well, it's a Stradivarius and I hope you understand that if anything were to happen to it Lloyds of London would come after the airline and YOU PERSONALLY for the millions of dollars in loss. Can you afford a better lawyer than Lloyds of London?' Airlines do it regularly to satisfy your concerns and to get you to cooperate. There's only one letter difference between 'airline' and 'airlie.' |
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Subject: RE: Flying with a Fiddle From: Ebbie Date: 20 Jun 06 - 09:36 PM I've also been advised to put my mandolin overhead across the aisle from me rather than above my own seat so that I can see what is happening to it. |
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Subject: RE: Flying with a Fiddle From: KT Date: 20 Jun 06 - 11:14 PM Thanks, all, for your suggestions. I will never check my fiddle in as luggage. It goes with me onboard. In fact, I carry a letter from the president of the American Federation of Musicians that says TSA instructed aircraft operators to allow musical instruments as carry-on baggage in addition to the limit of one bag and one personal item per person. If you fly with a musical instrument, check this out KT |
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