travelling and guitar practice

Dear all,

I need some advice and guidance please. Anybody travel and take their guitars with?
In my work I do a lot of international travel ie flying. This kinda interferes with regular practice and whilst I can look at the tutorials on the site, work with Tab to figure out songs or read the various theory books etc I'm just not getting enough hands on time!
So, the question is - how risky is it taking your geetars a travelling?
I have a very solid case for my (large) acoustic but it would have to go hold luggage and I don't care how solid it looks that worries me! I know you can put these items in for special handling but does anybody have good/bad feedback on this?
Alternatively my SG [copy only!] has a smaller a more user friendly case that would go cabin luggage. Now the issue is I don't fancy lugging even a small amp around so anybody have suggestions for a nice playing experience when I get to the other end? I know you can play them unplugged but if there is an alternative! I've seen some interfaces for plugging the guitar into a PC via USB so any comments on these.
Last - and least - I have seen some wacky folding 'portable' guitars - both acoustic and electric - but forking out for more kit would not go down well with the 'CFO' and anyways I'm saving for a nice Les Paul so I need the budget!
your thoughts and comments are welcome
rgds
Lawrence

check this out www.pocketstrings.com, it may help.

Originally Posted by: sixties_kidAnybody travel and take their guitars with?

All the time. I typically take a cheap Fender Squire. Lately, it's this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83h7C8P734A

And a micro amp. I have two: a Marshall & a Fender.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MS2/
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MiniToneM/

There are some neat headphone options available these days, too!

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/amPlugTwin
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/amPhoneAC30

So, a cheap electric & a micro amp or headphones that fits in the gig bag & you're good to go.

Since you travel with a laptop, there is a whole other world of playing, practicing & recording options.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AmpliTube3/

Hope this helps. Have guitar, will travel. :)

How about an iPad,mac with apogee setup? Less to lug around.

Check out the Vox Amplug that Chris mentioned.. It's smaller then a tuner..
I use one for late at night.. they have several with different amp tones, so you'll want to check out each one..
If you have side mount jack on your guitar, you''ll want a rubber band to hold it from swinging out of sight and in harms way..
I not real keen on the controls, "Vol, Tone and Gain" but it's better then nothing.
Mine is an AC 30..
good luck

Originally Posted by: CSchlegelAll the time. I typically take a cheap Fender Squire. Lately, it's this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83h7C8P734A

Nice! I really liked the tasteful sweep-picking you did right at the end, nice touch!

I bought a Little Martin acoustic for travel. It's a carry on and it goes into the overhead. Never had a problem with any domestic or international flights. The sound isn't the greatest but it gives me something to play in the Hotel room. I like it, the gig bag holds a lot of extra stuff. I also have a Martin Backpacker .... whew .... a boat oar there but even more compact!

I travel all over doing NDT and live in hotels. I take my guitar everywhere. I use my POD for modeling and effects. Make sure the guitar is insured.

I have a travel guitar! Love it.
http://www.travelerguitar.com/

Maybe I shouldn't show you this link!

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/vintage-gibson-guitar-delta-baggage-leevees-214634001.html

I'm sitting in a hotel bar right now in Helsinki, about to go back upstairs and practice some "Thunderkiss '65." I bought a Stealth Plug from IKMultimedia, and am running Amplitube3 on my laptop. I carried my GLP studio onto the plane, and it fit in overhead nicely. Amplitube took a while to dial in, but for roughly $100 bucks total (not including guitar or laptop) I have an amazing variety of sounds and recording capabilities.

Of course now that I recorded myself playing Thunderkiss, I realize how crap my rhythm is. But the guitar sounds great (mesa boogie head and cab models). Better get to practicing...

Just make sure you take it as cabin luggage, never check it in. I do carry an expensive guitar aroung, but don't use a hard case. I've found that the correct amount of soft--case quality and care makes wonders!

And I travel around with it a bit.

Originally Posted by: Goncalo CrespoJust make sure you take it as cabin luggage, never check it in. I do carry an expensive guitar aroung, but don't use a hard case. I've found that the correct amount of soft--case quality and care makes wonders!

And I travel around with it a bit.

And that is why the travel guitars are so damn nice. They actually fit in the overhead compartment of an airplane. I've taken mine on one and it fits great!

I intend to fly with a guitar and was wondering what is the best way to go about it. I was planning on taking Korean Air and have called them asking if I could bring a musical instrument on board the plane. Their reply was that the height + width + depth should add up to no more 115cm and should not exceed 12kg in weight. A guitar case obviously exceeds the first condition. Asked if it was possible to store it in the coat cabinet and their reply was no; they said that I would have to buy a seat for my guitar if I wanted it on the plane.

Is there any way around this or would I have to check my guitar in? I do not mind checking it in if safety wasn't an issue. If they break it, are they liable? Hoping to hear how some of you managed to pull this off! Much appreciated.

Heck with all that flying, we RV and I take my Tele, Spark mini, and headphones. Wouldn’t travel any other way:)

I fly all the time with travel guitars from traveler. I put them under the seat in front of me or in the overhead bin. I also have a electric guitar from Journey instruments that comes in a back pack. I use a spark mini I pack in my  luggage. US carriers have to allow you to travel with your guitar by law but international carriers do not.