The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: HANGARDUDE
Date: 2015-07-10 23:58
Now let's talk about instrument maintenance and mobility. While it may be easy for clarinettists to take the instrument around flights, for bass clarinettists(particularly those of us with Low C horns) it would be a bit of a problem as the horn is too big for carry-ons, thus would most likely be a checked baggage. I'd like to ask are bass clarinets(in a case of course) safe in the hold of aircrafts, and resistant to rough baggage handling(if it happens) by baggage transferring crew? And are there any safety measures needed for such cases?
Josh
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Author: BflatNH
Date: 2015-07-11 02:19
My recent experience (June) was that Low C Bass case are generally acceptable as carry-on overhead bag (discussed in a recent carry-on thread). However, the problem can be small connecting flights, where almost all overhead bags were 'gate checked' (just before you stepped foot on the aircraft), including my Low C. In anticipation of this, I secured my case with an added an ID tag and a strap with a buckle and a slip knot to secure the case from opening in case the latches failed (it made the flight OK - but drain all water containers in the case beforehand) and I cautioned the agent that a delicate musical instrument was inside. While waiting during a layover on another trip, I witnessed 'gate checked' bags (not an instrument) literally thrown down the ramp (bouncing off the sides of the slide).
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2015-07-11 18:15
It's been a while for me but this is what I used to do. I own a Wiseman case, great case, and would put it over my shoulder so it didn't look as large and just walk on as though it's not a problem. Don't bring it to the attention of the attendent. Make sure you not only take any water out but any screw drivers and reed knives as well. One time, many moons ago, when I had a regular case carrying it in my hand I had a problem but convinced the attendent to put it in the pilots closet by explaining how delicate it was and that I needed it in perfect condition when we arrived for a concert, It worked that one time. There's usually a place the attendants keep their stuff on some planes as well but it's best to try to just walk it on as if there's no problem. Today though, some airlines are making that more difficult because so many people are carrying on as much as they can so they're cracking down to make a buck.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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