My husband has recently taking up playing the guitar and he loves it.
But he has become reluctant to travel for more than a week or two since he can't practice and he loses his calluses and his progress.
Any ideas how to best travel with a guitar? We otherwise are always carry-on only packers.
Or any ideas how to access a guitar if he doesn't bring his own? Rent one? Buy a simple one?
Appreciate what anyone can share!
(From my BIL who was a musician back in the day) Assuming you won't want to buy the guitar it's own seat on the plane, you would need a good quality hard shell case, and properly prepare the guitar before travel. Make sure the airline will allow you to gate check it, and have it returned at the door, and not at the baggage carousel.
I'm going to gently suggest giving consideration as to where and when the practicing will take place in hotel rooms, or apartments, to avoid complaints from neighbours who may not appreciate being serenaded by your DH.
I understand how your husband feels, as someone whose guitar/bass is never far from their hands. Unfortunately, I don't think there are many good solutions. I've had to fly with my guitar a few times and it makes me incredibly anxious. Airlines are notorious for damaging musical instruments. The best you can do to protect your instrument is buy a very heavy duty case (like a good Gator hardshell case) and request to gate check it. Sometimes they will let you put it in the little locker/cupboard they have on bigger planes but you won't know if they have space until you're actually boarding. I know they also make smaller travel sized guitars but I don't know if they're small enough to be a carry on. You could, if you are desperate, consider something really small like a ukulele.
Renting could be an option, depending on where you are going. Or if he just wants some time to practice every day he can walk in to any guitar shop (we have many here on Denmark Street) and just start playing. You don't even have to pretend like you want to buy something, many guitar shops will just let you play!
Good luck and hope you are able to find a solution.
perhaps something like this?
All good thoughts!
If he brings or get one will also be a good neighbor. LOL
Or maybe he can busk and earn enough to pay for a meal.
Martin Guitars offer a Backpacker Guitar for around $300 (new) and half that used. Although I have never flown with one, I have witnessed many of these in overhead bins flying just out of reach of their owners. No busking in the aisles, por favor.
I offer no advice to you, but I must say I applaud your husband! I have always wanted to learn how to play and I am hoping to start classes through our county’s adult education program in January. I’m 64 and hopefully it’s not too late to teach this old dog a new trick or two. Hope you’re able to find a solution! Rock on! :)
If you go to Amazon and search for "Guitar Practice Tools" and "Finger exercisers" you will find many portable devices that will help to keep his calluses and finger flexibility.
They aren't guitars but will help keep him at his current level.
And, you could stop at music stores along the way to play a real guitar.
If he insists on bringing a guitar, let him first watch this video:
Snapdragon Guitars from the UK: https://snap-dragon-guitars.com/
I took the bass model with me on a stay in South American and a friend of mine used the guitar on a three month wander around southern Europe. Good quality, super portable - and the folding feature makes it very companct.
Someone above mentioned busking and I will warn you that I’ve heard that if you show up at certain European airports carrying a guitar, expect to go to grilling at customs as yiu walk through with it. It does raise the flag of what you’re going to be doing with it in the country. The person I know is a professional musician and was meeting a buddy of his there and after they finally convinced themselves that he was not planning to stay he had wife kids, etc. in the United States they let him go, but he could tell it was the guitar case that started the whole discussion
