Hi.
In january i leave my lovely seaside town to go travelling for a couple of months in europe. I am loathe to leave my fiddle behind as i fear that if i do ill get home and will have forgotten everything i know and have start over. So im thinking ill take him with me. I plan to get a proper hard case with a lock to make sure he's protected and safe when i fly and stuff.
I was just wondering if anyone has any experience travelling with an instrument? Did you find it helped or hindered you?
On the one hand it's another thing to carry.
But on the other hand it may open doors, make you friends, cheer you up when you are sad........
It's a tough call.
A light case, [shaped] and a cheap fiddle and bow.
Sleep with the fiddle as your pillow,A good thief will be able to take it from just about anywhere else, but not from under your head. A lock wont stop your fiddle being robbed, only your observation can do that. And dont leave it on the bus/taxi!
Count your bags. whenever you enter/exit somewhere.
Oh and get a chain for your wallet.
"I'd want to figure out how to put a shoulder rest on it"
The "chin rest" is a shoulder rest too. It's a little ring of bicycle inner tube that fits around the end of the fiddle. Crude but it works. The only other option I can think of is to use a piece of foam and some rubber bands.
The good news is, I believe many airlines (check on this) will not count an instrument toward your total of carry-on baggage, so you should be able to keep it with you on the plane with little hassle.
Hey novicefiddler, travel with your fiddle! I fly quite a lot with my fiddle and have had no problems except that you might have to pack your spare strings in with the checkin baggage as an airport security man once told me that i might use it as a garot! also i am in the process of getting a presto case made here in aust. its a fibre glass case, shaped rather than oblong and it is brilliant, if you want let me know and I will give you the mans details though there is a long waiting list (at least three months). Also have a look at the Hiscox fiddle cases, they are pretty good for their price. I think the canvas covered plywood shell cases are fine but they dont last as long and are prone to tearing. Anyway give me an email and will be more than happy to help!
oh and dont take the old "you wont be able to take that on as checking" from the checking staff, just say it is an instrument and you wont check it in. never had any problem at all taking on as hand luggage!
QUOTE A light case, [shaped] and a cheap fiddle and bow.
MY ADVICE: YES:
A shaped case that is a beater and has lots of storage for doodads, etc.
And get a travel fiddle, something cheap, yet basic sounding, that you won't mind losing, or getting damaged,
too much.
Take this fiddle with you everywhere you travel out of town. You should practice traveling with a fiddle so that you are used to having a playable instrument handy at all times. At ALL times.
Practicing traveling is essential to practicing playing and being ready to play.
Take the fiddle and carry it on. I have a sturdy wooden case that the plane could probably run over without breaking, but I wouldn't want to risk damage to an instrument, even to my sister's old student violin that I carry when I fly, by checking it. Pack light --- just one small tote or backpack or purse plus the fiddle to carry on; check your pilot's case or duffel.
Depending on where you're staying, as a courtesy to your neighbors in the hotel or whatever, you might want to consider taking a practice mute. I had a metal one that security at D/FW asked to see. They accepted my explanation and declined my offer of a demonstration. I've seen rubber ones, but they don't seem to dampen the sound quite as much.
You will find that traveling with an instrument will likely open doors and afford you instant friends, as Guernsey Pete says. Some of my fondest memories of my travels involve playing: the beautiful morning by the stream at Yeats' Tower in Ireland this past spring, with just one couple and some birds as an appreciative audience; a visit with a fiddler in a ceili band; standing on a cliff overlooking the Pacific in California and playing my heart out at sunset with the waves crashing all around; not to mention the friends my sister and I made in France, Spain, etc., during a summer in Europe in 1976, and being invited into their homes to play.
I carried a jumbo bodied guitar all over europe along with all my bags and my tent etc. It borke my heart so many times. When the sun is burning you at 30dec C + and your loosing litres of sweat just to lug this thing around, well it can annoy you... but its not just an instument is it??? No its more like your carrying around an opportunity... to meet new people, make friends. Its also great to pass the time on a 6 hour ferry or a 28 hour delay at the airport.... You wont regret bringing it.
I always end up regretting not taking my accordion with me, even when I *know* theres no chance on earth I'll need it. Take it with you, some of the best times I've ever had have been through random musical encounters and you will make lots of friends.
I always carry a musical instrument, they are invaluable.My preferred traveling instrument is a tin whistle. Music is a balm to the soul, and can open doors, and get you out of trouble.
If you are a beginner though it can be a pain fending off all the requests for tunes, and if you just want to get home from a long day.
However being 'forced' to actually make music, will show you a different approach to the fiddle, playing on the mid/low strings with plenty of droney stuff.
Air France decided one day that I could not take my accordion as carry on, I explained it was worth £5000 at the time (very white lie), still she demanded it be checked in so I handed it to our piano player Fintan to "take back home" I told her she wrecked the trip for me as i was without my beloved box. She just smiled and handed me my boarding card. I noticed her name Mary xxxxxxxxx. I met Fintan at the gate as planned and took the box off him, at the door of the plane an air hostess stopped me demanding I go back and check it in! I told her that it was ok that Mary xxxxxxx said to approach the door and give her name! IT WORKED
Thank you so much for your adice everyone i really appreciate hearing peoples opinons. I am definatly going to take my fiddle with me, and while im out there ill let you all know how it goes
I spent three and a half weeks in the outer hebrides with just my tent, guitar and feet and survived! It is something extra to carry, but it is worth it in my opinion. I made lots of new friends by playing in hostels and pubs, and even performed live on BBC Radio nan Gael during the Hebridean Celtic Festival this year!
i made this biscuit-tin banjo earlier this year to take camping with me - couldn't bear having the fiddle trampled by dogs/rained on/dropped off rocks while whiskey-drunk
it was about two days' work, figuring out how as i went. heaps of fun!
in my experience if you don't travel with your instrument you'll miss it terribly... it is good to have a compromise that you don't mind getting trashed, depending on your travel style (which for me is hitch-hiking and sleeping under bridges)
even if you're not confident, encounters on the road are some of the best places to learn tunes, gain skills, meet people. you won't regret it.
I make a travel fiddle that is somewhere in size between the wiplstix and a fullsize fiddle-more the 'kit' or 'pochette' size. I also make a composite break-down bow that folds in half so that you dont have to carry a dinky little bow with your travel fiddle, yet it keep the packed size nice & small.
Travelling with an instrument
Travelling with an instrument
Hi.
In january i leave my lovely seaside town to go travelling for a couple of months in europe. I am loathe to leave my fiddle behind as i fear that if i do ill get home and will have forgotten everything i know and have start over. So im thinking ill take him with me. I plan to get a proper hard case with a lock to make sure he's protected and safe when i fly and stuff.
I was just wondering if anyone has any experience travelling with an instrument? Did you find it helped or hindered you?
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by novicefiddler
Re: Travelling with an instrument
On the one hand it's another thing to carry.
But on the other hand it may open doors, make you friends, cheer you up when you are sad........
It's a tough call.
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by Guernsey Pete
Re: Travelling with an instrument
That's why I bought one of these:
http://www.wiplstix.com/ws/
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by Marklar
Re: Travelling with an instrument
Is it any good Screetch?
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by novicefiddler
Re: Travelling with an instrument
It does what it's meant to do.
I posted some comments on it here:
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/15286
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by Marklar
Re: Travelling with an instrument
Worth thinking about, thanks for the info
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by novicefiddler
Re: Travelling with an instrument
Just had another thought. Which would you say is the best type of fiddle case for travelling with, a shaped or an oblong one?
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by novicefiddler
Re: Travelling with an instrument
That wiplstix thing looks like fun. I'd want to figure out how to put a shoulder rest on it (the inflatable chin rest is a nice touch).
To hear one in action, go to: http://www.wiplstix.com/ws/articles/wipplstik.mov
Worth watching even if you're not in the market for a travel fiddle.
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by Will Harmon
Re: Travelling with an instrument
A light case, [shaped] and a cheap fiddle and bow.
Sleep with the fiddle as your pillow,A good thief will be able to take it from just about anywhere else, but not from under your head. A lock wont stop your fiddle being robbed, only your observation can do that. And dont leave it on the bus/taxi!
Count your bags. whenever you enter/exit somewhere.
Oh and get a chain for your wallet.
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by piobagusfidil
Re: Travelling with an instrument
"I'd want to figure out how to put a shoulder rest on it"
The "chin rest" is a shoulder rest too. It's a little ring of bicycle inner tube that fits around the end of the fiddle. Crude but it works. The only other option I can think of is to use a piece of foam and some rubber bands.
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by Marklar
Re: Travelling with an instrument
The good news is, I believe many airlines (check on this) will not count an instrument toward your total of carry-on baggage, so you should be able to keep it with you on the plane with little hassle.
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by fuzzygreen
Re: Travelling with an instrument
Hey novicefiddler, travel with your fiddle! I fly quite a lot with my fiddle and have had no problems except that you might have to pack your spare strings in with the checkin baggage as an airport security man once told me that i might use it as a garot!
also i am in the process of getting a presto case made here in aust. its a fibre glass case, shaped rather than oblong and it is brilliant, if you want let me know and I will give you the mans details though there is a long waiting list (at least three months). Also have a look at the Hiscox fiddle cases, they are pretty good for their price. I think the canvas covered plywood shell cases are fine but they dont last as long and are prone to tearing. Anyway give me an email and will be more than happy to help!
# Posted on November 8th 2007 by fiddly dee fiddly doo oh how all take it so seriously!
Re: Travelling with an instrument
oh and dont take the old "you wont be able to take that on as checking" from the checking staff, just say it is an instrument and you wont check it in. never had any problem at all taking on as hand luggage!
# Posted on November 8th 2007 by fiddly dee fiddly doo oh how all take it so seriously!
Re: Travelling with an instrument
QUOTE A light case, [shaped] and a cheap fiddle and bow.
MY ADVICE: YES:
A shaped case that is a beater and has lots of storage for doodads, etc.
And get a travel fiddle, something cheap, yet basic sounding, that you won't mind losing, or getting damaged,
too much.
Take this fiddle with you everywhere you travel out of town. You should practice traveling with a fiddle so that you are used to having a playable instrument handy at all times. At ALL times.
Practicing traveling is essential to practicing playing and being ready to play.
-dogma
# Posted on November 8th 2007 by dogmageek
Re: Travelling with an instrument
Take the fiddle and carry it on. I have a sturdy wooden case that the plane could probably run over without breaking, but I wouldn't want to risk damage to an instrument, even to my sister's old student violin that I carry when I fly, by checking it. Pack light --- just one small tote or backpack or purse plus the fiddle to carry on; check your pilot's case or duffel.
Depending on where you're staying, as a courtesy to your neighbors in the hotel or whatever, you might want to consider taking a practice mute. I had a metal one that security at D/FW asked to see. They accepted my explanation and declined my offer of a demonstration. I've seen rubber ones, but they don't seem to dampen the sound quite as much.
You will find that traveling with an instrument will likely open doors and afford you instant friends, as Guernsey Pete says. Some of my fondest memories of my travels involve playing: the beautiful morning by the stream at Yeats' Tower in Ireland this past spring, with just one couple and some birds as an appreciative audience; a visit with a fiddler in a ceili band; standing on a cliff overlooking the Pacific in California and playing my heart out at sunset with the waves crashing all around; not to mention the friends my sister and I made in France, Spain, etc., during a summer in Europe in 1976, and being invited into their homes to play.
Have a great time.
Best,
Carol
# Posted on November 8th 2007 by carolsviolin
Re: Travelling with an instrument
I carried a jumbo bodied guitar all over europe along with all my bags and my tent etc. It borke my heart so many times. When the sun is burning you at 30dec C + and your loosing litres of sweat just to lug this thing around, well it can annoy you... but its not just an instument is it??? No its more like your carrying around an opportunity... to meet new people, make friends. Its also great to pass the time on a 6 hour ferry or a 28 hour delay at the airport.... You wont regret bringing it.
Enjoy yourself.
# Posted on November 8th 2007 by session savage
Re: Travelling with an instrument
I always end up regretting not taking my accordion with me, even when I *know* theres no chance on earth I'll need it. Take it with you, some of the best times I've ever had have been through random musical encounters and you will make lots of friends.
# Posted on November 8th 2007 by Daniel Gott
Re: Travelling with an instrument
I always carry a musical instrument, they are invaluable.My preferred traveling instrument is a tin whistle. Music is a balm to the soul, and can open doors, and get you out of trouble.
If you are a beginner though it can be a pain fending off all the requests for tunes, and if you just want to get home from a long day.
However being 'forced' to actually make music, will show you a different approach to the fiddle, playing on the mid/low strings with plenty of droney stuff.
# Posted on November 8th 2007 by piobagusfidil
Re: Travelling with an instrument
Air France decided one day that I could not take my accordion as carry on, I explained it was worth £5000 at the time (very white lie), still she demanded it be checked in so I handed it to our piano player Fintan to "take back home" I told her she wrecked the trip for me as i was without my beloved box. She just smiled and handed me my boarding card. I noticed her name Mary xxxxxxxxx. I met Fintan at the gate as planned and took the box off him, at the door of the plane an air hostess stopped me demanding I go back and check it in! I told her that it was ok that Mary xxxxxxx said to approach the door and give her name! IT WORKED
# Posted on November 8th 2007 by conormccarthy
Re: Travelling with an instrument
Nice one conor, great little story. Ah the devious things us musos get up to in the name of safeguarding our instruments.
# Posted on November 8th 2007 by piobagusfidil
Re: Travelling with an instrument
Thank you so much for your adice everyone i really appreciate hearing peoples opinons. I am definatly going to take my fiddle with me, and while im out there ill let you all know how it goes
# Posted on November 8th 2007 by novicefiddler
Re: Travelling with an instrument
I spent three and a half weeks in the outer hebrides with just my tent, guitar and feet and survived! It is something extra to carry, but it is worth it in my opinion. I made lots of new friends by playing in hostels and pubs, and even performed live on BBC Radio nan Gael during the Hebridean Celtic Festival this year!
# Posted on November 9th 2007 by TheBlueBandana
Re: Travelling with an instrument
i made this biscuit-tin banjo earlier this year to take camping with me - couldn't bear having the fiddle trampled by dogs/rained on/dropped off rocks while whiskey-drunk
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenjencam/420879908/
it was about two days' work, figuring out how as i went. heaps of fun!
in my experience if you don't travel with your instrument you'll miss it terribly... it is good to have a compromise that you don't mind getting trashed, depending on your travel style (which for me is hitch-hiking and sleeping under bridges)
even if you're not confident, encounters on the road are some of the best places to learn tunes, gain skills, meet people. you won't regret it.
# Posted on November 9th 2007 by aliceinalice
Re: Travelling with an instrument
I make a travel fiddle that is somewhere in size between the wiplstix and a fullsize fiddle-more the 'kit' or 'pochette' size. I also make a composite break-down bow that folds in half so that you dont have to carry a dinky little bow with your travel fiddle, yet it keep the packed size nice & small.
Heres the link to the page & info on it:
http://www.seatoskyinstruments.com/TRAVELINST/FIDDLE/index.htm
Rory
# Posted on December 5th 2007 by rdguit
Re: Travelling with an instrument
"I make a travel fiddle ..."
Looks like a nice bit of engineering. Beautiful.
# Posted on December 6th 2007 by Trevor Jennings