Ironically I think it's almost smarter to use a small gig bag and make sure you have a ticket that lets you board early, then carry it on. Depends on the carrier and their policies but the one I work for, that's the best thing to do.
That's a common repair for Gibsons. I think it's cool that ebmm repaired the original neck rather than replacing it.
Headstock broke off in an undamaged case...I don't get it. BP said something about a big drop being the cause, but I would think the case would show some damage too...another mystery to me.
Travis said he's been flying that guitar for 9 (?) years... maybe he will change to a carry-on/gig bag or different airline.
I also saw some news blurbs yesterday about a United flight having some major problems over the ocean (I think...didn't look that close..)
Anything can be damaged inside a case if it is exposed to enough G forces. The tuners are relatively heavy, and if the guitar case is dropped flat, it probably won't make any damage to the case, but that combined with string tension can be enough to break the neck.
A Gibson style guitar with the headstock angle and big truss rod nut cavity can break a headstock just from falling over in the case. The maple necks are stronger, but given enough force, anything can break.
I wonder what the heck happened to the thing. maybe a 10 foot drop landing with the body side of the case first, which then slammed down flat on the headstock side.
A shame to see. I play trombone, and G forces can literally crush the bell sideways if they are enough.
You got that right! Dudley is "THE MAN" and everyone at EBMM is the best. The neck feels perfect and I'm heading back on tour with her next week THANKS GUYS!!!
Travis - get off the coasts and into the cornfields - I'm seriously considering a 6-hour drive to catch you in Ohio - was a 3-hour drive to Sweetwater last fall!