That SKB Bass Safe is something I'll definitely keep my eye on! Been finally getting some fly gigs in the last year or so. Just did a date and flew with only a Mono M80 bag. Put a little extra padding on the inside; toque wrapped around the headstock, a rolled up shirt behind the neck, and some rolled up pyjama bottoms in the front pouch; didn't suffer a scratch! I only use a Nano-sized pedalboard for fly gigs, and that (in its case) goes right into my carry-on backpack. Sometimes I can get the Mono bag into the cabin (either in the double-long overhead, or behind the last row of seats), but if it gets gate-checked, I'm not stressing it!
Hey Janek, love the podcast! I'm going to see you and Vital Information at the Falcon in April, ( my second time seeing the band... I'm super excited). I've never been to the falcon before, and the concept is novel, what is the best way to support you guys though? I'm a big believer in voting with my dollar and I want to help you guys coming out to my side of the country! Also, I have an hour 45 minute drive to Marlboro, any recommended listening for the trip? What have you been digging lately? Anyways, thanks for all the work you do, and the inspiration to pickup the bass everyday you give me! ❤
I've been listening to a ton of classical music lately... mostly Chopin, Bach, Brahms, and a few more modern things. I have a hard time keeping up with what's new. I know I'm way behind on listening to albums of people I know about, never mind all the new cats that seem to come along on a daily basis.
🤷♀ I hate to be negative in a video, but honesty outdoes that every time. I gotta be honest. And perhaps they have changed/improved things since this case was originally made? But I can only go on my own experience. Again, it's a great idea that needs better execution.
@@janekgwizdala GruvGear have upgraded the grab handle, but nothing else. I'm looking at the SKB bass safe if I only travle with one bass. if I need two basses, I don't know what to use. well, take a 5 string bass I guess
Really enjoying the long form content. I don't think I've ever been so sucked in by something seemingly as mundane as a discussion revolving around cases. You're really on to something with the channel lately, and providing a huge service to fellow bassists in not only knowledge but entertainment as well.
Thank you for the rundown of cases. I've been very impressed the past few years with the Mono brand stuff and also the Pelican cases. I'm really happy that, for the most part, gone are the days of gigantic bulky heavy cases to lug around.
Thank you sir for another very informative discussion. I rarely comment but I must say the last few months I have really really enjoyed and even recommend to others that aren’t even bass players. Thank you for everything you do and coffee is good 😊
Love the episode. Not something I've spent a lot of time on, but I found it really interesting and enlightening and has made me think, thank you for your insights and sharing your experiences. I have an acoustic bass and the old (very bad) case is covered in stickers from the 80s when it went all over Europe with me. I'm also a photographer and many pros use Pelican cases for the same reasons you mentioned. They are also totally waterproof and float. Apparently.
Great video! Here’s my fly game: Bolt on instrument. Neck goes in art portfolio tube. Body of the instrument goes in bag with clothes. Pedals in monocase that ‘fits’ on the floor like laptop bag. Oh! And a very light gig bag is stuffed in with the clothes for once the instrument is back together
I always appreciate your honesty Janek! I was actually considering the capsule but I’ve changed my mind I don’t fly so I just use the moon dual case for my gigs I also have the quantum industries triple bass case I haven’t had to test it to hard but so far it’s been really cool for what I do I early use it tho mostly just to store some retired basses
Heads up- I noticed the high string on your Mayones is slipped off the bridge saddle in some of you sale pictures which gives the string-spacing on the neck a slightly strange appearance. Beautiful bass, you may want to retake a few photos though! Wish I had the extra gear $$$$
Your talking about airports brought back so many memories. I used to be a development VP for a small company. Mainly Japan, China, Thailand and most of western Europe. My year with the heaviest traveling was just under half a million miles flying. 19 entry visa stamps in my passport for that year, and I flew several trips that year where the countries didn't stamp a visa on entry exit. Most of my miles were on American... It's work a lot to have the elevated status. Because of that job, I have lifetime status on AA. As far a traveling bass, I bought one that was decent, changed out what I didn't like and have a great bass. If it gets lost or damaged, it's something I can replace... don't have to freak out losing a multi thousand dollar bass.
Tim Lefebre said in a podcast that he always checks his bass in a reunion blues gig bag, never carry on. I think he uses mostly solid basses, fender types. So no need to worry..
Exactly! I knew it was him that hipped me to that newer Reunion Blues one. Continental Traveler or something I think it's called? And yeah, he uses fender style basses for the most part that can take a real beating. I think I'd probably go the same route if that was the kind of bass I played mostly.
After two years of use my Kapsule’s zipper broke. A week before international travel. Service left a LOT to be desired. A LOT. Luckily I discovered at home and not with my bass on a tarmac.
Absolutely. Henrik Linder uses them, and I've also checked them out in-store and they seem like an incredibly sturdy solution. What they are not though is compact. At least the double cases I've checked out. And they don't actually give you the same functionality as the SKB bass safe where you can ditch the hard shell and leave the hotel with just a gig bag. They are what appear to be an incredible large scale touring option, but not the smaller touring situations I find myself in as a jazz musician, especially when I'm using a hybrid of trains, planes and vans to move around. Lugging something that huge on a daily basis is not conducive with a streamlined touring setup. I used to use something very similar by Fender back in the day, so I do have a bunch of experience with these kinds of dimensions. Again, it was awesome when someone else was dealing with it on a large tour, but it never once left the house with me when I was a band leader.
I love this kind of content. I am particularly interested right now in the logistics of being a musician, and hearing about the real life experiences of someone who has literally "been there and done that" is invaluable to those of us who aspire to do the same, or at least be prepared to, even if on a smaller scale. I think the limitations of travel are a good set of constraints that can help a lot of people understand that we can get far too bogged down in "more gear".
LOVE THE PICTURES! I very much appreciate the inclusion of all of the pictures near 36 minute mark. Makes it feel like an actual story, and not just vague recollections :D
I actually have a rifle case for one of my basses. Did a great job for the trip from LA back to NZ. Definitely got some looks though walking into hotels in San Fran, LA, and Vegas. :) I opened the case in San Fran airport as security asked what was in it so I asked if I could open it for them and I showed them. They loved the bass almost as much as me ;)
It never ceases to amaze me about the firearms thing. I get it literally every single time I check in at the airport. Where in NZ are you based? I'm working on bringing the trio out there later this year. Always good to have suggestions of where to play from someone on the ground there! I heard the Wellington Jazz Festival is happening in November which is when I had planned to be in that part of the world...
@@janekgwizdalaI’m in Christchurch. I wish I could give you some pointers here in town but I’ve been a bass hermit since I started playing again. I really need to change that and get out so, watch this space and I’ll get back to you well before September/October just in case you wanted to play a bit down here and see the sights. As for Wellington, that town loves live music from my experiences there. If you’ll be playing that will be the reason I hop on a plane and spend a day or two in Wellington :) With the rifle case thing, it was the easiest solution for the previous owner to package the bass up for me since he knew I had to travel back to NZ with it (long story 😂). Anyways, this is motivation for me to get out and scout some places here in Christchurch. Thanks for that 😊
I’m a traveling cinematographer, so I’ve never related more to one of your videos. I use an SKB tripod case for tripods and light stands that has those same plastic buckles, and they really are complete garbage. I replaced one of the broken buckles with a heavy carabiner and it’s been holding ever since. FYI, REI sells replacement factory style buckles that are threaded for easy replacement. Totally worth it to throw a few extra in your luggage, just in case. It’s also interesting to hear that the Fender style hard cases don’t hold up to travel. A LONG time ago when I was in a band, those are what I’d throw in the back of the van because they held up to smaller stuff getting stacked on top. Admittedly, I’ve never flown with a bass, though. I love the travel tips, so here’s another, TSA is supposed to replace any zip ties they cut in the process of opening your cases. If you use zip ties in unusual colors, they cut it and replace it with a standard black zip tie, you’ll immediately know if they went through your luggage. If you check over the cases in the airport, you’ll be able to make a damage claim before you leave. I almost exclusively fly Delta, and their customer service is truly excellent when it comes to damaged Pelicans.
Thanks for a great comment. I JUST found out about that zip tie thing after all these years, and plan to start doing that on my pelican case with the pedalboard in. It always takes the worst of it when being "inspected" by TSA.
@@janekgwizdala I've heard the stories of TSA completely tearing apart pedal boards. That would make me so uncomfortable right before a show! Another tip is upgrade to the Pelican Air style locking TSA latches (I think they might fit on a regular 1510). With 1510s in particular, I've had issues with TSA not securely latching them after they look through, and camera gear has been damaged because of it. If they're locked, they are legally supposed to lock them back up after inspection. Zip ties also make sure the case won't "spontaneously" open but I'm neurotic about travel and like having redundant systems in place.
Fascinating video - great information as always. Cupla questions - where/how do you check in...normal desk or at Large Size Objects? And what about TSA inspections in US/customs abroad?....ie when they want to open your wheeled coffin? I have some gigs at a distance coming and flights look unavoidable. Best J
My status with the airline/alliance I always fly with allows me to check in at the first class counter no matter what class of service I'm flying, and almost always leads to some extra help from the check in agents when it comes to getting the checked gear to the right place on time. Regardless of your status though, it's pretty straightforward for most flights around the world. You check everything in at the same place, and then you more than likely have to hoof it to "oversize baggage" to drop off the bigger pieces. TSA checks are always done after you've checked the bags in so you have no control over that, nor do you get to see it or re-pack the gear once it's been "checked". I recently found out that TSA agents, at least in the US, are required to replace any zip ties you use on your luggage should they need to open anything. I'm going to start using them on my pedalboard case because TSA are notorious for not closing cases the right way after they take them apart. I've tried everything from leaving them little notes inside, to providing full on instructions about how to re-pack the bags. None of it works. So you have to make sure your stuff is bullet proof before you hand it off. Simple is better. Gig bag, flight case, done. It's almost impossible to screw that up. I use dual lock on my pedals now, and very high quality pedalboards and cases. That seems to have worked as of late. No matter what you do though, just through the sheer strain of traveling, things will work themselves loose on a regular basis. I constantly have to make sure I'm tightening screws and bolts on my gear so I don't lose anything. For customs, it's a really good idea to have copies of receipts for anything you're traveling with. it really depends on the country, but some of those customs agents can be assholes when it comes to an inventory list of your gear, what it's worth, and where and when you got it. I guess they're trying to cut down on people bringing stuff in and selling it without paying tax. Also, research the heck out of work permits/visas for everywhere you travel. Don't ever agree to a gig unless that stuff is iron clad long before you leave. I've seen too many musician roll the dice and be banned for a decade or more from some countries as a result.
Janek: many many thanks for long + detailed reply. Seriously appreciated. I was hip to the TSA issues, hence the (implied) questions...what to do if they don't shut the case properly? Your solution...gig bag+external case (essentially) = defense in depth. But you use a shorter scale (33 in?) instrument in this way, no? I'net reviews (yeah I know) indicate that longer scale instruments (F Jazz?) in g bag don't fit in a Bass Safe. Comments? Also thanks for the work permit point. That might not have significance for my playing long term, but certainly might affect my day gig. And the need for gear receipts is completely new - so serious thanks for that alone. All best Jonathan (Brit in DC. A TEA drinker (PG Tips!) - who remembers seeing a certain L Cottle somewhere in Dartford in '93-ish.....) @@janekgwizdala
Love this! I’ve been needing to figure out what to put my very one off 80s Fodera in, as the case is not excellent. Thank you for the brilliant video! Also, side note, totally surprised which Mayones bass you’re selling and which you’re keeping. Very cool!
I have had the SKB iSeries ATA case for almost two years now, after my Kapsule broke as yours did, and it has been the best case I've come around. I fly a lot, over 100+ flights a year, and it has proven its worth. Our guitar players have been using Enki cases and they are nice, but many times their cases would show up on the carrousel with the lid wide open. So, I would not recommend those to anyone. SKB is the best.
Loving the lighting, now i can see what's going on. this was great. and helpful for me trying to figure out what would be a good easy way to travle with my bass
@@janekgwizdala ahhh interesting, I’ll definitely get that. Thankfully SKB sent me another case for free. Thanks for the reply man I’m a massive fan! Any chance you’ll be coming back out to Berklee anytime soon?
@@diegopayan1909 that’s something you should talk to steve about. I’m always down to come if there’s a clinic slot available. And I’m actually going to be on the east coast a bunch soon, so it could be a real possibility if steve is down.
Thanks for the Grūv Gear insight. Those had caught my eye, but pricey. Don't mind spending big if it's going to last... maybe they'll improve over time.
I definitely hope they do. It’s such a good idea, but needs improvement in execution. I heard from someone in the comments that they have changed the grab strap which is a good sign. 👍
Haven't used the Enki, but I know they're a fantastic case. Just a little too bulky for what I need, and they don't really have a good option for a single case that allows a gig bag inside.
Did I miss it. Or did you speak to it… When checking into a flight are you comfortable checking your bass and your pedalboard or do you do gate checks and Cary your gear to the airplane?
You definitely missed it… I spent a pretty significant portion of the video talking about my traveling process. Always check my pedals and bass, never carry on, never gate check. The only exception is if I have a tight connection and there’s a slight chance of delayed baggage on the same day as a show. I’ll still always check the bass, but will carry the pedals on as they’re more important to my own music than the bass.
Interesting watch, I am old so Ironically I have just sold my "Tank" case to a lovely person who wants an earthquake-proof case. They now have one! The basses you sell were they deals? as I had a nightmare in the early 90s when all basses were mine till they wanted them back for quote a "Photoshoot" then I was shown the contract, of wild youth!!"!! More debt to the band sad face!
I had to fly a greco rickenbacker clone out of Japan once and they gave me a warwick rock gig bag (super crap flimsy thing) I filled the entire bag with shipping padding to composite and it survived a 2 flight trip home 😅
@Janek I totally agree with you on the low cost companies like EasyJet or RyanAir, they charged me huge fees for carrying musical instruments. Air France always allowed me to carry a gigbag with me without charging more.
That's one of the big issues with those airlines. They're designed for two kinds of traveler: The tourist who is looking to get somewhere for the cheapest ticket price possible, or the "travel-light" tiny carryon-only type of traveler who needs to fly to some random destinations that only those airlines serve. Musicians, and I think people in general, are so afraid of a connection somewhere. I don't get it. Unless you're flying private, your day is completely gone when you fly somewhere. Unless your flight is under two hours and you are a fan of being at the airport at 4am for a 5:30am flight, you're simply not losing any significant time by adding a connection. And the reason for the connection? Most good airlines don't fly direct to every destination FROM every location. If I want to get to Madrid from Prague, I'm either flying some bullshit Ryanair flight with a 100 options for being charged up the ass for everything extra plus a horrible experience... Or I'm flying Lufthansa through Munich where I can stop off at the lounge and have a relaxed free lunch, a glass of champagne, and not be charged anything extra for my bags. This only applies if you have status with the airline or the alliance, but that's the whole point I was making in the video. Understand all the benefits of sometimes paying slightly more for a ticket, or not flying direct, vs the dozens of downsides to flying shit airlines from awful airports. I will admit that I can remember an instance in the past couple of years, on a tour I was actually tour manager as well as bass player on so was in charge of flights and routing, that there literally wasn't an option other than to fly Ryanair out of Milan Bergamo. But this was totally avoidable had the booking agent for the tour seen a map of Europe once in their lives. As a band leader I would have simply avoided having those two shows back to back at all costs, and made sure I was flying the right way, and keeping everyone moving in the most comfortable situation possible.
I’ve had the same Levy’s leather gig bag since 2008. The straps are fading on mine too (also the bottom bass strap button has carved a bit of a hole through the fabric inside the case). I retired it last year however I would love to get it repaired at some point. I went to a leather repair shop in LA last year and they quoted me $250 to repair the straps. Havnt pulled the trigger yet but it would be awesome to put some mono style backpack straps on it.
@@janekgwizdala pasquale shoe restoration, 5616 San Vicente blvd… their idea was to put nylon seat belt straps on it (doesn’t sound too comfortable). I didn’t get far enough in the conversation to get other options but they did tell me that I could source other material out at a place called “international silk” at kings rd & Beverly. Might be a bit of a process to get it done but would be worth it in my opinion.
The change you mention about the Gruv Gear Kapsule handle is now standard, I’m flicking between mine and the SKB Bass Safe. So far I prefer the Kapsule, it’s been a great one bag solution, great for flying, great for dragging across a city (I just did Houston - Frankfurt - Istanbul - Barcelona - Tbilisi) often on public transport with mine. But for zipping around a city with it on your back it is heavy. If you travel with the Kapsule you might get away with just the 1 checked item, with the bass safe you’re always going to have to check a second bag. With status and US airlines that’s not a problem but in Europe that gets expensive really quickly. But it’s really good to know Slickbag fits in the Bass Safe (because all monos, gruv gear edge or Gigblade), Serek do not fit)
The baggage situation is why I chose United/Star Alliance. When I get to Europe I have Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, Turkish, LOT, Austrian, TAP, Aegean, Croatia Airlines, and SWISS. Never an issue to take 2 or 3 bags, and I always have the option to carry my pedals on if I'm cut down to 2 bags for some random airline-specific rule. The slickbag is great. And my Levys leather bag fits in the SKB Bass safe also.
