TAXI.com

I'm a new member, are there any opportunities to play or showcase an instrument (acoustic guitar as example) at the Rally as a singer-songwriter? Or just bring MP3's on CDs or flash drives?

They have two rooms where acts can perform. There is a sign up sheet and you have to sign up early to get a slot. Acoustic guitar and keyboard are provided so you don't HAVE to bring a guitar to perform.

Some people like to bring their own guitar for fun jams in the lobby and other hotel areas. The place is buzzing with jam sessions all weekend.

HTH
Casey

Thanks, Casey, that helps a lot! I hope the program is released soon so we can plan our days!

Just a note to say if you plan to bring an instrument, check with the airline, I've heard stories.

I have one of my own, taking the Clipper to Seattle, my Little Martin raised no eyebrows. Coming back, they wouldn't let me on the boat with it. Even tho I had my return ticket, etc etc. Took some stress and persuasion.

FWIW, I fly with an electric guitar in a gig bag all the time without problem. It usually fits in the overhead, but if it doesn't they'll put it in the coat closet for you. There are so many nightmare stories when people put their instrument in baggage that I think they want to avoid that issue. As far as whether it's "wise" to bring it to the rally or not I've asked myself that question and I answered myself, "why not?".

My general tips based on bringing a nice electric from Philly To Vegas and back..

For me , gate check is NOT an option because 1. your guitar will still get chucked into the hold by baggage handlers and 2. I'm a little paranoid that I WOULD get my guitar back...

Depending where you're flying from, I would try to get a plane with a large overhead... long distance flights seem to have those.. so even for short hops consider a plane that has already connected from another airport far away, rather than the puddle jumper....

Find a way to get on the plane early. see.if you can upgrade to Zone 1 or 2( at the MOST) --Zone 3 may not get your baby in the overhead -- I wouldn't depend on a coat closet to be available( but it might) ..If you fly Southwest, consider paying around $20(?) to get first available seat (cheaper then a repair job)... coming back from Vegas, I initially drew B34 and was concerned that I might run out of overhead space when I got on the plane.. I upgraded to first available and drew A4 instead!! Schweeeet.. my guitar was close to me..

Don't forget no matter what ...detune your strings for flight ,and if you have a hard case ( or even gig bag..) pack your headstock (especially,and rest of guitar) with supportive bubble wrap or foam for extra safety...

Anyway, good luck transporting...hope this helped..

John

from the Gov'ment:

https://www.transportation.gov/briefing ... el-musical

In the past I only carried an instrument in a soft shell case (a gig bag) if I had multiple instruments to transport and it was an issue of me carry all my stuff to the gate (as when I played on cruise ships - I had big suitcase, effects rig, an arch top, and a solid body guitar). I usually elected to take the electric in a gig bag as it could usually fit in the garment closet - I have a Mooradian bag that actually has an included coat hook for just this purpose.

With my arch top, I would either try to carry it into the cabin (preferred) or gate check (not so bad if they do it as strollers and have it ready for you - but a horror show if it actually goes into the luggage hold and comes out on the regular conveyor belt - I watch my guitar do somersaults down the many twisty bits of the conveyor).

As many have remarked - your success with getting a bigger acoustic guitar, or arch top, or an electric in a large square case into the cabin is a function of how early you show up and can board. If you have to board after all the tourists with their 2 maximum size carry ons have already stowed, you are out of luck.

Whatever you do - good luck! there is some chance element involved in all transports of guitars - you can't make every situation work out 100% in your favor.

There will likely be jam opportunities at any Rally and bonding is a big part of the proceedings, but...you probably don't need to bring your instrument, since most of the value at the Rally is in the relationships, and odds are, you won't have to perform, unless you're artist track.

How about the Collab Rooms? I am deciding if I am going to bring my laptop and my USB keys with me.

Or is it better to hang, meet, chat instead collaborating here at the rally ...

Most of the Rally's value is in networking, so I'd say it's better to keep your focus on the people rather than your screen(s). The less time you spend checking your Facebook and Twitter feeds, the better, for the most part; the exception is if you're already well hooked up, and you can use the tech to steer.