Guitar security

Subject: Tech: Guitar security
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 10 Jan 04 - 06:25 AM

Does anybody know if there is any additional security for use on guitar cases? I'm thinking locking straps or something like that to put on the case before checking it in as baggage. It's a Martin in its original hard shell case, which I assume will stand up to baggage handlers! Any experience in this area that you care to share, would be gratefully received.
John

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar security
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 10 Jan 04 - 02:28 PM

You might want to see if someone can put some tape around the end, so it doesn't fly open unexpectedly. In the states they are requiring guitar cases to be unlocked when checked in so they can be inspected. I just flew to Ireland in November with my Santa Cruz in a Mark Leaf case and I noticed the US customs inspectors had put a tag inside saying they had opened the case to check things out, but they also wrapped tape around the end when they were finished. Guitar was in fine shape when I checked it out in Dublin. I think your Martin case should hold up all right. I'm sure you've heard the airline horror stories, so I'll leave those to others.

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar security
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 10 Jan 04 - 02:35 PM

John,

A Martin hardshell case is fine for most travelling, but for flying, I'd suggest something stronger. The Mark Leaf case is an example. You will find that luggage does not get gently treated by the airlines. In addition, your guitar will probably be exposed to extreme cold and maybe extreme heat.

There are many stories of guitars broken in flight.

Also, Phil's recommendation of not having "security" for your guitar is spot on. If your case is locked and they want to see in, they will break your case, so leave it insecure. If it you check it (and many airlines force you to check instruments) get to the baggage place on time. No one will be watching your guitar and oversized baggage is often placed in some out of the way places. In many airports, no one checks to see if the baggage you pick up is yours and someone could easily picked up your guitar.

Sorry for all the bad news.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Guitar security
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 10 Jan 04 - 03:10 PM

I bought some elastic at a fabric store and tied it around the case in a bow. It stays tight, but can be opened for inspection.

Subject: RE: Guitar security
From: Peace
Date: 10 Jan 04 - 07:31 PM

When I had to fly and take the guitar, I would pack the inside of the case with socks, underwear (tops and bottoms) and occasionally put a few shirts in the body of the guitar. Ensure that you loosen the strings. That is a must. (That's why I put shirts inside the guitar itself. Had to really loosen all the strings to do that.) The old girl is 39 years old this year (D-28).

Bruce M

Subject: RE: Guitar security
From: GUEST,Chris Newman
Date: 10 Jan 04 - 08:15 PM

Whenever I fly these days I always put plastic cable ties around the locks/zip etc. That way, the case is secure from casual prying, but easily opened by security people who always put their own plastic tage on when they're through. Works for me.

Subject: RE: Guitar security
From: Bob Hitchcock
Date: 11 Jan 04 - 02:06 PM

When I fly with one of my guitars, I usually paint "Gibson" on the case to stop anyone from stealing it.

But seriously, there is no guarantee when checking a guitar on a flight, loosen the strings, pad it as much as you can, put it in the best case you can afford then pray it does not get trashed.

Subject: RE: Guitar security
From: Maryrrf
Date: 11 Jan 04 - 05:53 PM

John, I have flown many times with my Martin in the original hard case and never had a problem except for this last trip back to the States from Scotland. The guitar was lost for over a week and there was a VERY BAD dent in the case in the case when I got it back, although the guitar was okay. I won't be able to use that case again. It might be a good idea to see about a sturdier case. I put a small lock on mine with the combination set to 000 and stuck a piece of tape under it stating what the combination was so they could open it if necessary. I once tried putting a strap around it but the airline made me remove it. They have opened the case to check it using the lock combination information I provided.

Subject: RE: Guitar security
From: Peace
Date: 11 Jan 04 - 06:02 PM

If ya paint "GUEST Martin Gibson" on the case, for sure no one will steal it.

Subject: RE: Guitar security
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 01:42 AM

Number one, I use a Calton case which is pretty much bullet proof, and like (Chris Newman) I also use cable ties on the latches.
My case has been opened numerous times, the little note of explanation left in it by the authorities and closed properly.
I suspect that the 9-volt battery and the electronics in the pick-up show up on the X-Ray and cause a few questions.
Never had a guitar lost or damaged.

Seamus

Subject: RE: Guitar security
From: mooman
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 05:10 AM

It's important to detune the strings but not to loosen them completely...leave some minimal tension in them (good reasons for this are given on Frank Ford's site under "Owner's manuals".

Two of my instruments have a Calton case and a Clarke's case, which I would trust in baggage with the hints above and a bit of extra packing. My main flattop guitar has a Hiscox case and my archtop jazz guitar an arched polycarbonate (or similar material) case and I would take a bit more care with these. Sometimes, some airlines will let you take instruments as hand baggage (I took two to the last Portastock on RyanAir this way) as long as they go in the overhead. On other occasions I have insisted on taking my instruments to the plane myself and supervise their loading into the cargo hold, and collect it from the plane on arrival. So far, no-one objected to this.

Peace

moo

Subject: RE: Guitar security
From: mooman
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 05:12 AM

A better (and working) link to Frank Ford's site.

Peace moo

Subject: RE: Guitar security
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 10:50 AM

Alaska Airlines trashed my Martin hardshell case on a flight from Anchorage to Kodiak Island. One of the back hinges was broken off, two of the latches were badly bent and two of the chrome buttons on the case were smashed completely through the hardshell and the interior foam and were touching the guitar surface. The only thing that kept the case from completely opening was the insulated "Small Dog" bag I had around the hardshell case.

After that experience, I bought a Calton case and have not had any trouble with airlines since.

Subject: RE: Guitar security
From: Big Mick
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 10:53 AM

I have a Calton and it is the best money I have ever spent. After losing a beloved guitar that had aged perfectly, had a wonderful action, and a completely unique sound, I determined that the $500 or so that the guitar case would have cost was small enough compared to losing a guitar that I can never replace.

Mick

Subject: RE: Guitar security
From: Peace
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 06:49 PM

Yeah. What's the point spending a mint for a good guitar and putting it in a cheap case. Makes no sense.

Subject: RE: Guitar security
From: GUEST,Chris Newman
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 07:36 PM

All of the above (regarding really good cases) is absolutely true. However, in August 2001 I had a guitar completely trashed in Chicago despite the fact that it was in a Pegasus case - like a Calton, but with attitude. If the prongs of that forklift are aimed at your prized instrument, it doesn't matter what it's in!

The single most important thing to have is a comprehensive insurance policy to cover the worst eventuality, because you'll get zilch from the airline.

Subject: RE: Guitar security
From: Peace
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 07:42 PM

Too true, Chris. Wise advice.

Subject: RE: Guitar security
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 13 Jan 04 - 10:46 AM

If you buy a new Martin, the first thing you have to do is dump the case and get a proper one...a Calton or, here in the UK, a Hiscox is a decent, much cheaper alternative. Hiscox will be introducing an even sturdier case soon - I saw a prototype last September and it wasn't too much heavier.

Pete