Traveling with my (future) 4001v63

[Charlie Goodnight]

Hey there, y'all! So here's a question for you... I'd love to get opinions from everyone!

In a matter of days I'll have my 4001v63 in my hands (thanks again, Jeff ), and I 'm certain that (once I have it) I'll not be able to put it down!!!

Well... fast forward to December of this year... I'm taking my family from Berkeley, CA to Northern New Jersey to be with my folks for the holidays. Since I never have time to practice, I REALLY want to get some Q.T. with my instrument during the vacation... AND I have a young, college age cousin who has become quite the guitar player, and has begged me to bring a bass home so we can "jam!"

My first thought is that I have a nice MIJ '62 P-Bass; and I should just travel with that one. It's a work horse... I won't really be worried about anything happening to it... decision made... right? Well...

The other day I thought "I should bring the Rick! It's kinda like my Christmas gift to myself... I want to sit in front of my folks tree, playing that gorgeous bass!"

So... questions:

1) Am I crazy?!? Am I asking for trouble taking the bass on such a trip?

2) can a bass fit on board as a carry on? I've got no flight case, so I don't think checking it is a great option...

3) See question #1

What do you guys think?!?!?

[Kopfjaeger]

Are you flying or driving? Where in Northern NJ? I'm 7 miles from NYC.

Sepp

[Charlie Goodnight]

Ah... Sorry if I was unclear... Flying.

I've actually seen people put gig bags in overhead compartments; but not all overheads are alike.

And it's a little town called Midland Park... near Ridgewood and Paramus. Bergen County.

[armybass]

P Bass.....no brainer IMHO.

[Lefty4003S8]

A couple of years ago, I brought my prized '78 J-bass on an excursion to Canada......but we drove.
I have heard that a gig bag will fit inside an overhead compartment. I don't know if I would bring the V63 though.......
In my book, it's ok to bang around/beat up a F***er, but NOT a Rickenbacker.
My vote is to bring the '62 J.


Central Jersey here, BTW. Somerset County.

Lefty4003s8



Do not drink from the toilet when taking Lyrica

[teeder]

I'd take the P-bass.

[Lefty4003S8]

OOOOPPPPSSSS I read the post wrong!!!!! You said P-bass, not J.

Bring the P



Lefty4003s8

[FretlessOnly]

Flying with instruments is a total ****-shoot. You can ask 10 people at your airline beforehand if you can carry on your bass and even if all 10 say yes you can, that's meaningless on the day of your flight. It's all up to the gate agents and the flight attendants at the time of your flight. Also, at holiday time, flights will be full and most aircraft used for intercontinental flights these days do not have room for a bass that effectively takes up room for three-four carry-on suitcases (not to mention that the dimensions of a gig bag or case exceed carry-on dimensions).

I've heard of folks stowing instruments in a closet, but that's an on-the-spot possibility. Also recognize that if you bring your bass to the airport and you cannot carry it on, you will either have to check it, mail it back to yourself, or miss your flight. The common wisdom here is that if you want to guarantee being able to bring your bass on board, buy a ticket for it.

That said, I know people fly with their basses, so maybe some will chime in with successful means of doing so. I just wanted to present some hurdles, so it's good that you're preparing early.

[bartyclue]

Not even a hint of doubt.. Let the Fender be sacrificed ... perish the thought of some airline monkey getting his hands on the V63.. or someone elses stuff on top of your bass. It doesnt bear thinking about actually..

[fran4001]

The P, hands down!

[Charlie Goodnight]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback...

The more I thought about it, the more I thought what someone wrote above...

P-Bass... It IS a no-brainer.

So, that's decided!!!

I was being a little crazy...I know...

[jps]

I wouldn't fly with either bass. Just go to Sepp's place and borrow one of his basses while you are in Jersey! Greg's basses wouldn't work for you, take my word for it.

[Charlie Goodnight]

I wouldn't fly with either bass. Just go to Sepp's place and borrow one of his basses while you are in Jersey! Greg's basses wouldn't work for you, take my word for it.

Jeff... I hope it didn't alarm you that I was considering flying with the v63! I was being a little unrealistic, perhaps...

[jps]

I wouldn't fly with either bass. Just go to Sepp's place and borrow one of his basses while you are in Jersey! Greg's basses wouldn't work for you, take my word for it.

Jeff... I hope it didn't alarm you that I was considering flying with the v63! I was being a little unrealistic, perhaps...

Oh not at all. My old 4005WB has flown a few times, just in it's original case! Of course, this was in the early '80s when it was much easier (and safer) to do this.

[Kopfjaeger]

I wouldn't fly with either bass. Just go to Sepp's place and borrow one of his basses while you are in Jersey! Greg's basses wouldn't work for you, take my word for it.

Sure, I got a v63 I can loan you while your in the neighborhood.

Sepp