Truss Rod Question

[akpasta]

Hi Folks,

When flying with a guitar that must be checked, it's necessary to de-tune the guitar strings, right? How much does one have to de-tune them? Also, if they are de-tuned for 15-20 hours, will the truss rod need to be re-adjusted once you bring them back up to tension again?

[touch33]

Assuming you're using a Ric case that's in good shape, I would:

a) Detune strings down to approx. "C#" to reduce neck tension a bit.

b) Take some "manilla folder" type heavy paper and wrap/tape it around the strings (as a group, not individually) to isolate them from the fretboard.

c) See if the airline offers either a "gate check" or "hatch tag" that allows you to carry your guitar to the gate (sometimes as far as the entry door of the aircraft, as if it were a child's stroller) so that it doesn't spend time on the luggage conveyor belts/carts system. On arrival it's usually hand-carried back up to the aircraft door/jetway. If they don't offer anything like that, I have at times carried my guitar to the gate anyway and just "played stupid" (as if I just assumed that of course it would be allowed on board) and then let the gate attendant tell me that it cannot go onboard and has to be checked – which sort of of accomplishes the same thing (bypassing luggage handlers as much as possible).

d) Pray. A lot...

Regardless of how you do it, your neck relief may change a bit during flight. Unless I have to deplane, head to a gig and immediately play the guitar my routine is to tune it back up and LEAVE IT ALONE (either out of the case of with the case open) for about 24hrs. so the neck can find it's way and ONLY THEN would I attempt to adjust the neck relief.

[jps]

I don't fly with guitars/basses, but if I did I would do what I do when I ship instruments. Pad the headstock well so it won't move around in the case, sideways, and up and down.

[akpasta]

Assuming you're using a Ric case that's in good shape, I would:

a) Detune strings down to approx. "C#" to reduce neck tension a bit.

b) Take some "manilla folder" type heavy paper and wrap/tape it around the strings (as a group, not individually) to isolate them from the fretboard.

c) See if the airline offers either a "gate check" or "hatch tag" that allows you to carry your guitar to the gate (sometimes as far as the entry door of the aircraft, as if it were a child's stroller) so that it doesn't spend time on the luggage conveyor belts/carts system. On arrival it's usually hand-carried back up to the aircraft door/jetway. If they don't offer anything like that, I have at times carried my guitar to the gate anyway and just "played stupid" (as if I just assumed that of course it would be allowed on board) and then let the gate attendant tell me that it cannot go onboard and has to be checked – which sort of of accomplishes the same thing (bypassing luggage handlers as much as possible).

d) Pray. A lot...

Regardless of how you do it, your neck relief may change a bit during flight. Unless I have to deplane, head to a gig and immediately play the guitar my routine is to tune it back up and LEAVE IT ALONE (either out of the case of with the case open) for about 24hrs. so the neck can find it's way and ONLY THEN would I attempt to adjust the neck relief.

Good advice here. I'm curious about point b, wrapping the strings. What is the purpose of that? To avoid strings pressing on the frets/board for long duration if someone say, puts something heavy on top of the case for many hours?

[akpasta]

I don't fly with guitars/basses, but if I did I would do what I do when I ship instruments. Pad the headstock well so it won't move around in the case, sideways, and up and down.

Ric hardshell cases are such that the guitars don't move at all within the case, they're pretty tough. The one weak point is the top is not super strong, it can compress a bit if there's a lot of weight on it.

[touch33]

[
Good advice here. I'm curious about point b, wrapping the strings. What is the purpose of that? To avoid strings pressing on the frets/board for long duration if someone say, puts something heavy on top of the case for many hours?

Yes, that — but also when the strings are loose they can slap the frets during the vibrations of travel.