SKB iSeries ATA Waterproof case for Classic Stingray 5

[Shedua511]

Hello,

I'll be traveling around by plane in the near future. The OHSC of my wonderful Classic Stingray 5 does a fine job in my car or in a van, but I fear it wouldn't stand airport abuse...
I'm considering an SKB iSeries waterproof case for my bass: they come in two versions, one for P/J bass and one with open cavity.
Does anybody have any experience to share on this case?
Will my Stingray fit in the P/J version (I'd prefer this one to the open version)?

 

[jlepre]

JMHO I would think that the P/J would not fit the body of the SR5. I would think the open case would allow you to custom fit to the body using foam.

 

[Aussie Mark]

A better option for plane travel, with a variety of different brand basses, is the SKB Bass Safe - your bass in a gig bag (and some clothes, cables etc) goes into the Bass Safe, which has handles and roller skate wheels. A very handy piece of gear to own.

 

[Shedua511]

Thank you for the replies.
Mark, I'm considering the Roto case as well: I've heard some reports of it coming undone that worry me a little, plus I'm not sure my Mono gig bag will fit... I'll try and find one and see if it fits.

 

[five7]

I have a case made by wolfpak that would work. If you can, check one out.

 

[Aussie Mark]

Mark, I'm considering the Roto case as well: I've heard some reports of it coming undone that worry me a little

Just buy a pair of TSA padlocks - one for each latch. Or, do what I do, which is to use a strip of gaffer tape over each latch.

 

[Freddels]

A better option for plane travel, with a variety of different brand basses, is the SKB Bass Safe - your bass in a gig bag (and some clothes, cables etc) goes into the Bass Safe, which has handles and roller skate wheels. A very handy piece of gear to own.

I have one of these and have travelled with it. Works great. I also put a little additional padding in there by bringing my own pillow from home.

 

[stingray96191]

Mono single cases work with the bass safe. Reunion blues continental cases do not.
But unless you are getting paid to bring that bass along. Leave it at home. It is a nightmare waiting to happen. A headache you do not need.

 

[Shedua511]

It is one of those strange things: on the paper it shouldn't work, the length of the Mono is 50", the internal dimensions of the SKB is 48.5"... users, like you, report it does work though, which I'm confident it does.

I wish I could leave my bass at home, but I'll need it along. I know I'm entering a world of trouble!
The worst thing is the lack of consistency: sometimes I've been able to bring a gig bag on the plane without issues, other times I really had to sweat it. I'm plain tired of the risk of not being able to bring it on board, that's why I'm going to check the bass with the baggage, hopefully in the safest way possible (and I have insurance). I'll insist to gate check it though.

Not so long ago, it was no trouble bringing a gig bag on board, I used to travel like that all the time... better times!

 

[njhammer]

My understanding is that the airlines have to let you carry your guitar on as long as it fits in the overhead: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112hr658enr/pdf/BILLS-112hr658enr.pdf

 

[Shedua511]

Yes, you're right.
That is unfortunately in theory... in the real world, even though a bass guitar in a gig bag will fit most airplanes overhead luggage compartments, I've had a lot of problems.
I've travelled extensively with my Chapman Stick, which is the same length of a bass but much narrower, and in a couple of instances it got really hairy (it fits an almost full overhead easily, only time I had problems was with a minuscule propeller plane)
Once in Paris I was almost in tears, after my usual routine of rolling on the floor and pulling out my hair had failed... they let me on board only when I told them that I'd rather loose my 25 $ ticket than my 2500 $ instrument, so just get me my checked in baggage and I'd be gone.
Low fair companies are the worst with this issue: I normally get an extra seat booked for my instrument, but that is not feasible in my upcoming US travels.

Man, it has become such a hassle! I'm even considering separating the neck and the body to fit them in a normal luggage and avoid problems...

 

[dmarotta]

I have used the SKB Bass Safe for years but always have one issue at the airports. When the TSA agents want to inspect the contents, 9 out of 10 times they don't close it correctly so you have to insist that you check the closure before it goes into the baggage system.Otherwise it works great.

A better option for plane travel, with a variety of different brand basses, is the SKB Bass Safe - your bass in a gig bag (and some clothes, cables etc) goes into the Bass Safe, which has handles and roller skate wheels. A very handy piece of gear to own.

 

[dmarotta]

My understanding is that the airlines have to let you carry your guitar on as long as it fits in the overhead: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112hr658enr/pdf/BILLS-112hr658enr.pdf

Thats true but there are new planes with overhead compartments that are not long enough for a bass.A few years ago this happened to me while returning from a gig in Hawaii.On the way over, my bass fit in the overhead . On the way back, the plane was a new 777 and the compartment was not long enough.The flight attendant insisted that my bass in the gig bag would have to be checked.I carry a take apart screw driver so I removed the neck right in front of the attendant and folded the gig bag in half and put it in the overhead.Note: to pass through security with the take-apart screwdriver, it needs to be apart.Otherwise they confiscate it.

 

[Shedua511]

That is genius! Finally a solution. I didn't think of the take-apart screwdriver... thanks, that's great!!!

 

[Freddels]

Thats true but there are new planes with overhead compartments that are not long enough for a bass.A few years ago this happened to me while returning from a gig in Hawaii.On the way over, my bass fit in the overhead . On the way back, the plane was a new 777 and the compartment was not long enough.The flight attendant insisted that my bass in the gig bag would have to be checked.I carry a take apart screw driver so I removed the neck right in front of the attendant and folded the gig bag in half and put it in the overhead.Note: to pass through security with the take-apart screwdriver, it needs to be apart.Otherwise they confiscate it.

Do you have a pic of the one that will get through security?

 

[dmarotta]

You can find them at the checkout counters at Home Depot or Orchard Supply. Its called the 4 in 1 screwdriver. 5 bucks