hi all. In just over a month i'll be going on a domestic flight and taking my banjo. This is actually my first flight ever. Anyway - i am getting an skb flight case for it. Will this be sufficient? Also - should i loosen off the strings before the flight as well to relieve excess tension on the neck?
I fly regularly with a banjo (US domestic). If you're planning on checking it (for which you'll pay extra, probably) get the biggest, baddest case you can afford.
If you're, like me, planning on carrying it on, a hard case is impractical because it may not fit in the overhead bins.
I put my 17 fret tenor in a Gold Tone soft case and haven't had any problems. It's compact and easy to stow. You just have to be aware that someone may try to stuff a heavier item on top of it, and take care so that doesn't happen
As far as loosening the strings, I never do it, but if it makes you feel better you can.
Loosening the strings is critical for a guitar, but I don't see what advantage it would give for the banjo. No harm in it, though. You'll end up re-setting your bridge position, but that's probably a good thing. Has to happen from time to time anyway.
I have to wonder if it would make sense to just pull off the neck and make a more compact package. Depends on how comfortable you are with wrenches and stuff, I guess, but you could leave the resonator at home and travel with pot and neck in a reasonably-sized travel bag, and still have room for a few days' worth of clothes and a flimsy soft case for transport once you're at your destination. Just remember to put all the hardware in a bag and tape it inside the head so you don't arrive with pieces missing.
Jon, I visisted Tom Cussen's workshop a few years back and he had just made a prototype "travel banjo" that came apart easily like this.
I couldn't see much benefit for it myself as you'd have all the hastle with the strings coming off etc each time you put it into the case. But I'll be honest and say that the flyinga spect hadn't occured to me, I had thought of travel as foot/land etc.
Avoid checking it if at all possible. I "gate checked" mine in a good hard case with British Airways, and the dowel inside the neck broke-expensive repair! Insist on carrying it on.
When I was moving to the States a few years back I stopped into Tom Cussen's shop beforehand to ask his advice about how to pack my banjo for travel - he recommended loosening the strings and laying the bridge flat on the head, secured with tape. Before doing that I marked where the bridge was with pencil on the head so as to have a guide for re-setting it upon arrival. Then I just packed crumpled newspaper in any gaps in the case and around and underneath the peghead.
You are supposed to be able to take ONE musical instrument, within certain dimensions, on board with you, for the overhead lockers - I think the total dimensions, length + breadth + height must not exceed 75 inches. There are, of course, budget airlines that allow no such thing.
I managed to get my bouzouki, in a 5-string banjo case, on every plane of four flights to and within the US last summer. Mind you, people have got wise and carry ever larger carryons, so there's less overhead room then ever these days.
My advice is definitely, NOT to check it in or even give it to the crew.
And, remember, "United Breaks Guitars".
A 17 fret banjo in a padded gig bag will fit into an overhead locker.
I can't see the different pressure inside the cabin making much difference to string tension but it probably helps avoid impact damage to remove the bridge. I didn't bother - banjos are pretty robust
If you buy a flight case and check it in, either buy a soft fabric-covered polystyrene type case, or pad the banjo neck very firmly all around with every bit of spare clothing you can fit into the case.
"The biggest, baddest case you can afford" will not prevent the neck snapping, in fact a rigid case probably makes it more likely as primiroselass found out.
The slackening strings stuff is for putting it into the unheated unpressurised luggage hold - the coldness means that the string wants to shrink, so instead the tension rises; on a guitar already stressed by the temprature changes this can be catastrophic.
I usually get one instrument on board(guitar or banjo). If there's any questions asked I mention the value in dollars of the instrument and also flash my muso union card which seems to help the staff understand that this a professional instrument not a cheap stringy thing but.......... Just in case, I pack my instrument with foam rubber. Also make sure not to pack any cleaning fluid in the case, and remove any pliers/wire cutters, even string sets. If the only thing in the case is the actual instrument then you're not giving "them" any other reason to put it in the hold. Finally, if it is put in the hold, I say 3 Hail Marys and an Our Father!!!!!!!
Hey everyone! Thanks for your help. I'd rather not loosen the strings if avoidable in order to maintain the bridge position and my last attempt at dismantling the neck of this banjo led to a rather expensive amount of set up and service.
The banjo is around 25 years old and has dual metal co-ordinator rods so there is no dowel stick to break. The SKB case I am buying is apparently TSA flight approved and one of the best available in this country (Australia - really good banjo cases aren't easy to find here. Plenty of flimsy cheap ones but getting a good one takes some work)
** Ian - lol @ the compo claim remark! I had the banjo weighed the other day and would you believe it's only about 6 kg! I was shocked!
I managed a banjo from edinburgh to cairo hand luggage, the tricky bit was edinburgh, once in schipol nobody batted an eyelid. The only comment was from the security people who were arguing about the name in english, "it's a banjo" I said, "nice" was the reply.
Come the revolution I'll have all the baggage handlers at edinburgh airport up against the wall, they've got to be the clumsiest DGAF gits on the planet, I'd pull the trigger myself, after trampling and mistreating their personal possessions of course.
I have flown lots with an octave mando, which is about the size of a non-resonator Irish-style banjo. I carry it in a soft gig bag.
At luggage check, I don't check it, and when I get to the gate, I tell them "the baggage people told me to carry it on". At that point they either let me put it in the overhead binm, or they "gate check" it, which means they put it somewhere int he passenger compartment that's safe (usually behind the last row of seats. Never had a problem
Although I was once asked to pull it out in Calgary and play it, after it was x-rayed. The security guy said "I play bluegrass, but man that Irish stuff sounds nice"
"At luggage check, I don't check it, and when I get to the gate, I tell them "the baggage people told me to carry it on". At that point they either let me put it in the overhead binm, or they "gate check" it, which means they put it somewhere int he passenger compartment that's safe (usually behind the last row of seats. Never had a problem)"
Pete, the luggage hold on an airliner (though not always for a tiny twin prop light plane) is the same pressure as the cabin and the temperature is usually no more than slightly cooler. There are lots of things in luggage that wouldn't take kindly to depressurisation or freezing.
You have as much need to slacken your strings for checked luggage on a commercial flight as if you would if carrying your guitar or banjo to a party in a warm house on a freezing New Years Eve.
flying with a banjo
flying with a banjo
hi all. In just over a month i'll be going on a domestic flight and taking my banjo. This is actually my first flight ever. Anyway - i am getting an skb flight case for it. Will this be sufficient? Also - should i loosen off the strings before the flight as well to relieve excess tension on the neck?
Thanks for your help...
# Posted on April 21st 2010 by camwebby
Re: flying with a banjo
I fly regularly with a banjo (US domestic). If you're planning on checking it (for which you'll pay extra, probably) get the biggest, baddest case you can afford.
If you're, like me, planning on carrying it on, a hard case is impractical because it may not fit in the overhead bins.
I put my 17 fret tenor in a Gold Tone soft case and haven't had any problems. It's compact and easy to stow. You just have to be aware that someone may try to stuff a heavier item on top of it, and take care so that doesn't happen
As far as loosening the strings, I never do it, but if it makes you feel better you can.
# Posted on April 21st 2010 by Toppish
Re: flying with a banjo
Loosening the strings is critical for a guitar, but I don't see what advantage it would give for the banjo. No harm in it, though. You'll end up re-setting your bridge position, but that's probably a good thing. Has to happen from time to time anyway.
I have to wonder if it would make sense to just pull off the neck and make a more compact package. Depends on how comfortable you are with wrenches and stuff, I guess, but you could leave the resonator at home and travel with pot and neck in a reasonably-sized travel bag, and still have room for a few days' worth of clothes and a flimsy soft case for transport once you're at your destination. Just remember to put all the hardware in a bag and tape it inside the head so you don't arrive with pieces missing.
# Posted on April 21st 2010 by Jon Kiparsky
Re: flying with a banjo
Jon, I visisted Tom Cussen's workshop a few years back and he had just made a prototype "travel banjo" that came apart easily like this.
I couldn't see much benefit for it myself as you'd have all the hastle with the strings coming off etc each time you put it into the case. But I'll be honest and say that the flyinga spect hadn't occured to me, I had thought of travel as foot/land etc.
-chris
oops fire alarm!!!
# Posted on April 21st 2010 by ramblingpitchfork
Re: flying with a banjo
Avoid checking it if at all possible. I "gate checked" mine in a good hard case with British Airways, and the dowel inside the neck broke-expensive repair! Insist on carrying it on.
# Posted on April 21st 2010 by primrose lass
Re: flying with a banjo
When I was moving to the States a few years back I stopped into Tom Cussen's shop beforehand to ask his advice about how to pack my banjo for travel - he recommended loosening the strings and laying the bridge flat on the head, secured with tape. Before doing that I marked where the bridge was with pencil on the head so as to have a guide for re-setting it upon arrival. Then I just packed crumpled newspaper in any gaps in the case and around and underneath the peghead.
# Posted on April 21st 2010 by triplet upstairs
Re: flying with a banjo
You are supposed to be able to take ONE musical instrument, within certain dimensions, on board with you, for the overhead lockers - I think the total dimensions, length + breadth + height must not exceed 75 inches. There are, of course, budget airlines that allow no such thing.
I managed to get my bouzouki, in a 5-string banjo case, on every plane of four flights to and within the US last summer. Mind you, people have got wise and carry ever larger carryons, so there's less overhead room then ever these days.
My advice is definitely, NOT to check it in or even give it to the crew.
And, remember, "United Breaks Guitars".
# Posted on April 21st 2010 by Guernsey Pete
Re: flying with a banjo
A 17 fret banjo in a padded gig bag will fit into an overhead locker.
I can't see the different pressure inside the cabin making much difference to string tension but it probably helps avoid impact damage to remove the bridge. I didn't bother - banjos are pretty robust
If you buy a flight case and check it in, either buy a soft fabric-covered polystyrene type case, or pad the banjo neck very firmly all around with every bit of spare clothing you can fit into the case.
"The biggest, baddest case you can afford" will not prevent the neck snapping, in fact a rigid case probably makes it more likely as primiroselass found out.
# Posted on April 21st 2010 by Bren
Re: flying with a banjo
I just flew in with my banjo and boy are my arms tired.
# Posted on April 21st 2010 by Jimmy B
Re: flying with a banjo
hi Cam, sounds like the Doole is really going places
The baggage handlers chucking it around will all be putting in compo claims afterwards.
# Posted on April 21st 2010 by dogbox
Re: flying with a banjo
The slackening strings stuff is for putting it into the unheated unpressurised luggage hold - the coldness means that the string wants to shrink, so instead the tension rises; on a guitar already stressed by the temprature changes this can be catastrophic.
# Posted on April 21st 2010 by Guernsey Pete
Re: flying with a banjo
I usually get one instrument on board(guitar or banjo). If there's any questions asked I mention the value in dollars of the instrument and also flash my muso union card which seems to help the staff understand that this a professional instrument not a cheap stringy thing but.......... Just in case, I pack my instrument with foam rubber. Also make sure not to pack any cleaning fluid in the case, and remove any pliers/wire cutters, even string sets. If the only thing in the case is the actual instrument then you're not giving "them" any other reason to put it in the hold. Finally, if it is put in the hold, I say 3 Hail Marys and an Our Father!!!!!!!
# Posted on April 22nd 2010 by Tony O'Rourke
Re: flying with a banjo
Hey everyone! Thanks for your help. I'd rather not loosen the strings if avoidable in order to maintain the bridge position and my last attempt at dismantling the neck of this banjo led to a rather expensive amount of set up and service.
The banjo is around 25 years old and has dual metal co-ordinator rods so there is no dowel stick to break. The SKB case I am buying is apparently TSA flight approved and one of the best available in this country (Australia - really good banjo cases aren't easy to find here. Plenty of flimsy cheap ones but getting a good one takes some work)
** Ian - lol @ the compo claim remark! I had the banjo weighed the other day and would you believe it's only about 6 kg! I was shocked!
# Posted on April 22nd 2010 by camwebby
Re: flying with a banjo
I managed a banjo from edinburgh to cairo hand luggage, the tricky bit was edinburgh, once in schipol nobody batted an eyelid. The only comment was from the security people who were arguing about the name in english, "it's a banjo" I said, "nice" was the reply.
Come the revolution I'll have all the baggage handlers at edinburgh airport up against the wall, they've got to be the clumsiest DGAF gits on the planet, I'd pull the trigger myself, after trampling and mistreating their personal possessions of course.
# Posted on April 22nd 2010 by Solidmahog
Re: flying with a banjo
It weighs only 6kg? I 'spose the Coopers Ale stubbies stashed in the case used to make it feel heavier to lug around.
# Posted on April 22nd 2010 by dogbox
Re: flying with a banjo
I have flown lots with an octave mando, which is about the size of a non-resonator Irish-style banjo. I carry it in a soft gig bag.
At luggage check, I don't check it, and when I get to the gate, I tell them "the baggage people told me to carry it on". At that point they either let me put it in the overhead binm, or they "gate check" it, which means they put it somewhere int he passenger compartment that's safe (usually behind the last row of seats. Never had a problem
Although I was once asked to pull it out in Calgary and play it, after it was x-rayed. The security guy said "I play bluegrass, but man that Irish stuff sounds nice"
# Posted on April 22nd 2010 by chris stolz
Re: flying with a banjo
These looked interesting, and you can pack your clothes around the case, so its just one piece of luggage.
http://www.casextreme.com/
# Posted on April 23rd 2010 by banjoburger
Re: flying with a banjo
"At luggage check, I don't check it, and when I get to the gate, I tell them "the baggage people told me to carry it on". At that point they either let me put it in the overhead binm, or they "gate check" it, which means they put it somewhere int he passenger compartment that's safe (usually behind the last row of seats. Never had a problem)"
The wide boy approach. Just what I did.
# Posted on April 23rd 2010 by Solidmahog
Re: flying with a banjo
"the unheated unpressurised luggage hold"
Pete, the luggage hold on an airliner (though not always for a tiny twin prop light plane) is the same pressure as the cabin and the temperature is usually no more than slightly cooler. There are lots of things in luggage that wouldn't take kindly to depressurisation or freezing.
You have as much need to slacken your strings for checked luggage on a commercial flight as if you would if carrying your guitar or banjo to a party in a warm house on a freezing New Years Eve.
# Posted on April 25th 2010 by Bren
Re: flying with a banjo
Thanks guys!
Bren - what's a freezing New Year's Eve? Strange prospect for us down here let me tell you...
# Posted on April 26th 2010 by camwebby
Re: flying with a banjo
All right, let's say a freezing June up at Thredbo,
# Posted on May 2nd 2010 by Bren