Moving Drum Gear

[shedder]

i've taken my 22in cymbal bag on the plane as a carry on many times. it fits nicely in the luggage compartment. it usually gets a lot of attention at the check point but once they see that its an instrument they're cool with it. i've seen some funny reactions.

[CLWarunki]

Heythere... your name reminds me of a band I was asked to join a few years ago! (Annihilator)

Anyhow... my advice to you would be to contact the airlines for rates and options, they would know best. I once (many years ago) took my cymbals right onto the flight as a carry-on, and they have closets in the plane where these things can be stashed... no worries. Though since 9/11 everything has been pretty messed. Cymbals now could be considered deadly weapons, sadly enough! Hardcase is the way to go.

Are you touring or just moving? Because if you are touring then the label should cover all this!

[Tom Hipskind]

I've done both tons of times: brought my cymbals on board in a soft case as a carry-on, and checked them as luggage in a hard-shell case. Any more, I really prefer to check them, because who the hell wants to carry a heavy bag around the airport on their shoulders? After a few times I said "screw this" and just checked them, even in my Pro-Mark cymbal bag. I know some guys who would shudder at that idea, but I've been doing it now for years and years and (knock on wood) have never, ever had a problem. I mean, I know they can crack once in a while, but they're very well-protected. I really don't worry about it. I've even checked a snare drum in a hard case (with foam!) and it was totally ok.

The one thing I always do at check-in is make sure they put plenty of "Fragile" stickers on my cases. Don't know if that makes a difference, but I always do it.

As far as a kit, I've never even bothered to try. It's just too many components and cases (even with a relatively modest 5-piece kit). You'd get charged extra for all the pieces, especially with all of the post-9/11 restrictions. I always go with a rented kit. Now, that's a whole other set of issues, but still less of a headache than trying to fly your own kit around. Trust me, you'll have enough to deal with being on the road. That's just my perspective anyway! [img]wink.gif[/img]

-Tom

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ July 31, 2004 03:35 AM: Message edited by: Tom Hipskind ]</font>

[Tom Hipskind]

Oops, you may have actually meant "moving" it as in relocating yourself! If so, I couldn't tell you what your best options are--probably to pack them in a moving van and have someone drive them...Sorry if I misunderstood!

-Tom

[Randy walker]

I always carry my cymbals on, you can put as large a bag as 24". Snares in cases or other drums I just check on thru.

[XNavyDrummer]

I've carried them on in a Zildjian hardshell safe and stowed them in the overhead...no problems.

[hanayalator]

Hey all,
What methods have you used and/or recommend for moving drum gear across the country? I'd like to take my cymbals on the plane with me, but I'm not sure it'd be allowed (for space or security reasons), and I'm not sure how safe I feel with putting them in a hard case with the rest of my luggage. Also, for drumsets, what options are available? Thanks.

[hanayalator]

Ya I'm thinking cymbals are going to be the easy part. I'm actually moving, although it'd be nice to be going on tour [img]smile.gif[/img] I don't think I'm gonna bother bringing an acoustic kit, but I'd really like to bring my electric set. I would just throw them in a bunch of suitcases, but there's some large bars for the rack that definetly wouldn't fit (ddrums). Any ideas?

[likedachuch]

to add to andy, (just an idea) i'd bet it'd be great to have one of those hard cymbal safes w/ the built in wheels and telescoping handles! so you don't have to carry the heavy cymbals you'd just wheel them in! also, i'm sure you could hang a bag or two off of the case.