Packing an S10 Emmons for a plane trip.

Charlie Wallace · Post by **Charlie Wallace** » 18 Feb 2005 11:58 am

I usually don't travel by plane for my music jobs but next week I need to go to Seattle for a Friday night gig. I'm planning to check my Emmons and would appreciate any feedback on packing methods.
My Emmons is a 1966 S10 and came with the original "keep you fingers crossed so that it doesn't rain" case . I'm using a newer S12 Emmons case that I purchased a few years ago through the forum. My plan is to wrap thin foam around the steel, legs and pedal bar before putting them in the case and to also use foam on top of the legs/pedal bar to keep them from bouncing around. Then wrap carpet around the outside of the case and secure it with straps, leaving the handle sticking through. I used this method once before but that was many years ago. I'm not sure of the weight of an S10 Emmons but I'm guessing at around 50lbs. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
[This message was edited by Charlie Wallace on 18 February 2005 at 11:59 AM.]

Joey Ace · Post by **Joey Ace** » 18 Feb 2005 12:12 pm

I had a flight case made for my Emmons S-10.
It's expensive but considering the heartbreak of damage it was worth it for me.

The airlines (actually the Homeland Security people)insist on opening the case to inspect the contents. They do this in the back room, where you can't assist. If you have any locks they will cut them. Pack it in way that allows them easy access.

Have it insured by your home owners policy. With my flight case I still worry about it being lost. So far, I've had no problem, other than a dented corner in the case.

If your airport has a Skycap meeting you at the curb, you should let them check the instrument. A $10 tip usually saves you an overweight charge. It's always works that way for me at the Nashville airport.

Dave Grafe · Post by **Dave Grafe** » 19 Feb 2005 12:32 pm

The airlines (actually the Homeland Security people)insist on opening the case to inspect the contents. They do this in the back room, where you can't assist.

Be sure to keep your picks, bar, pedal etc. with you in your carry-on bags and pack only the steel itself in the case. TSA has a way of losing, breaking and/or crushing anything that can be lost, broken or crushed.

From one who has found out the hard way -- dg

Joey Ace · Post by **Joey Ace** » 19 Feb 2005 1:09 pm

I put my bar in my suitcase, not carry on.

I'm afraid they might consider it a weapon and not allow me to board with it.

Sounds stupid, but nail clippers are considered a weapon.

Given my choice of weapons in a fight, I'll take my BJS Bar, my opponent can have the nail clippers.

[This message was edited by Joey Ace on 19 February 2005 at 05:01 PM.]

Eric West · Post by **Eric West** » 19 Feb 2005 4:22 pm

What Joey Said about the skycap.!!

My Marrs weighed every ounce of 100 pounds in the flight case. it was 4" over the total allowable dimensions.

I tipped the gentleman at the curb 15$, and somehow the airline forgot to charge me about 170$ in excess fee.

No problems from Nvl to Ptld.

"They let my bar go through carry on but I had it and my picks inside a GHS string package that had a picture of a PSG on it. They asked if it was a "roll of quarters" and I explained what it was to them."

I saw where they opened it, but they see them all the time at BNA in Nvl. You might give them a heads up and tell them what to expect.

Don't store your case in a closet that has black powder, ammunition or dynamite, or you might be a long time getting back to us about how it went.

Also a little extra foam and make sure NO loose parts are in there to jangle around and wedge between the case and your finish.

(Since they check it, I'd cut pieces to fit rather than roll it up in a sheet of it for the inspectors.)

Good luck.

Go to the bathroom the very LAST thing before you board.

EJL

[This message was edited by Eric West on 19 February 2005 at 04:27 PM.]

J Hill · Post by **J Hill** » 20 Feb 2005 7:17 am

Speaking of packing up a guitar, I've got a PRS to pack up and send far away and I need some good advice. I've never mailed a guitar before. It 'appears' that the well cushioned case will hold the guitar securely inside w/o the guitar bouncing around but should I cover the top of the guitar with more padding, like soft towels or something. Any advice on the packing of a guitar will be much appreciated. Thanks.

Leila

Charlie Wallace · Post by **Charlie Wallace** » 21 Feb 2005 3:51 pm

Thanks for all the responses! I'll remember to bring some extra cash for the Sky Cap.................

Dave Grafe · Post by **Dave Grafe** » 21 Feb 2005 9:10 pm

Joey's point about packing the bar in your checked bags is noteworthy. I never had trouble carrying mine on, but the TSA does keep trying to take apart my volume pedal -- one look at it on the X-Ray machine and they're SURE it's a bomb, all those wires and springs and such!