new owner and travel question

[beanboy]

Greetings all. I'm relatively new here and have a question for you all. I just acquired a lovely Guild DV62 SB for $800 which I'm real excited about. I've shopped for a long time for a player guitar that I consistently enjoyed playing. I'm also on the verge of moving out of the country and wanted something that would project well, record well, but wasn't so valuable that I was afraid to take it with me. That being said, this is the first real reputable guitar I've ever owned.

We're moving for 1-2 years, and I don't intend to travel with the guitar a lot, I just have one long trip over there (to India) and one long trip back. We're on a bit of a budget, too, so I'd welcome your feedback on what you think would best protect her:

1) use the original guild flat-top hardshell case that came with it, pack it up in a guitar box with lots of bubble wrap and check the guitar at the luggage counter.

2) buy a cheap fiberglass case (like Guardian or Humicase Metro), pack it in a guitar box with lots of bubble wrap, and check it at the luggage counter

I've also thought to try to gate-check it. for a three-legged trip, would this be like basically asking them to lose it? would they gate check it through to the final destination? or would i have to claim, then re-gate check at each airport?

I guess the main question is which offers better protection: the OHSC (no archtop) or a cheap fiberglass case (which may not fit perfectly). Any input you can offer would be helpful, thanks.

 

[taabru45]

I like the Tric case a lot....good protection from bumps and climate. That wouldn't be the one from Alabama, or Georgia would it???? there was one that many of us were very much coveting.... :lol: Steffan
http://www.artandlutherieguitars.com/tric.htm

 

[killdeer43]

Bboy,

Welcome to LTG, the best place to be for anything relating to Guild guitars and a few other things, as well.
Heck, the Guild Guru even 'lives' here! :wink:

You'll get lots of good advice here about packing your guitar for traveling. Just find something that works for you.
My own best advice might seem somewhat selfish, but you might consider just leaving it with me while you're gone. :lol:
TLC is my forte so if all else fails, be sure to take me up on my offer.

Safe travels when you go,
Joe

 

[taabru45]

Ah Joe......you're helping hand is always open for an occasion like this..........what a guy! :wink: Steffan

 

[JerryR]

Hi beanboy - have a good trip and may the Guild travel safely too

 

[bluesypicky]

Welcome Beano!

The issue of guitar travel was threaded extensively before, and to sum it up, no matter how well you pack your guitar (and that's from experience) if you are going to check it, there is no telling how it will look like at the other end, as it depends on how carefully they will take it out of the case to look for whatever it is they are looking for... and it is usually done NOT carefully at all.
Best option is take it with you in the cabin as your hand luggage, most airlines will let you do so and store it in the wardrobe compartment if it doesn't fit in the overheads.
Good luck and safe travel!

 

[beanboy]

Thanks for your responses.

My wife and I will be teaching music at the woodstock school in Mussoorie (NE India). The climate will present some challenges, so we're taking a dehumidifier and I'll have to figure out what to do with her during the two dry winter months while we're stateside.

This was a guitar that was on craigslist here in Atlanta. I wasn't familiar with the model number but from what I gathered here on LTG it's not real common. It's in the shop getting set up at the moment because the action was high, but my goodness did it sound good.

Right now I'm leaning towards getting a hiscox and checking the thing straight through to Delhi. Anybody use a hiscox with a guild dreadnaught?

 

[Taylor Martin Guild]

Be sure to pull the end pin out of the guitar.
Also pad the neck so it can't move at all.

Call ahead to see it you can carry on the guitar.
If you can, any case will be fine.

What about insurance?