I've been asked this question before endless times so I thought I'd bring it up in this new forum. *How do I safely transport a guitar?
1. Ship it! *Your guitar was shipped originally was it not? *Hopefully you saved your shipping box. *If not, go to your
local music store and beg them and they just might have one for you. *Package your guitar well in the case. *I use foam around any 'loose' spots where the guitar might slide around a bit. *Insure your guitar for the value it's worth and add a little more. *I recommend removing/covering any reference to a guitar printed on the box. *make it look generic. *Ship the guitar to the Hotel and make sure you call the Hotel to arrange the delievery in case it gets there early. *Plan the delievery for your arrival date.
2. *Carry it on! *I've done this countless times in the past. *Don't let anyone give you sh!t about 'oh - it's too big to carry on!'. *Not true if you use a gig bag - a well
padded gig bag. *Good luck trying to get closet space for your guitar on the airplane unless you're flying 1st class or made special arrangements with the airline (ie. bribed or payed for the space). *Get an isle seat. *Look for a near full overhead compartment and slide your guitar on top of all the baggage. *Close the compartment door and keep an eye out for people digging through the bin after take-off. *You know they'll grab their bag and down comes the guitar! *When the plane lands, jump up out of your seat and get your guitar.
I don't recommend checking your guitar in. *You'll have to pay for oversized baggage and it won't be treated real nice.
Gabe
