Friday Open Mic(s) - Can anyone lend me a guitar?

[adambarkeruk]

Hi all,

So I wrestled for many many hours with the thought of bringing my guitar from the UK. We're flying United, and the story of that guy who complained about the handling of his guitar and the subsequent loss of $180m of United stock has been flying (!) around my mind. I read some good tips about flying with the a guitar, and I know a lot of you guys will be trusting the airlines with your pride and joy.

Bottom line for me though is: I'm not feeling it. Thing is, I love my guitar too much. It's a nice one, it's a Taylor. Not only that but it's an anniversary edition. It's staying on the stand, no question.

That leaves me with a problem because I badly want to attend and potentially perform at one of the open mics on the Friday. I've looked into renting for the day from an LA shop but to no avail.

So I'm calling on my fellow Taxi members and see if anyone could reach out. Note: it doesn't have to be a Taylor There are some posts on here saying guitars were supplied in previous years, and if that's the case then fine, but if not, it would be nice to know there was someone I could count on.

Looking forward to meeting you all next month!

Adam

[Casey H]

I know at the smaller, alternative open mic guitars and a keyboard are supplied, so no worries there. I'm pretty sure instruments are also available at the larger open mic... So it's fine to keep the good guitars safe at home. I usually bring my Guild acoustic for jams, practices, and just plain fun. (Risking it being turned into a set of toothpicks by airline baggage folks)... I have loaned it to folks who needed to practice for an open mic, work on a co-write, etc so if you need to borrow one and I'm not needing it at that time, I may be able to help...

Casey

[hazineju]

Definitely no need to stress about it. In years past they have had a guitar and keyboard at the big open mic too. And if for some strange reason they don't, it won't be hard to find someone willing to lend theirs as you go up on stage. It's a nice group of people, most -if not all- of whom will be happy to help out!

[adambarkeruk]

Excellent, thanks for your replies guys. It certainly sounded like something would be provided from previous years but I thought it would be a good idea to hook up in case that changed, for whatever reason.

Thanks again

Adam

[neilzim]

Adam,

My singing partner Elizabeth & I will be running the Theater Open Mic. Since we have been doing that (several years now), we have always been lent a guitar from one of the vendors who sponsor and/or display their wares at the Road Rally. So I would expect that there will be a loaner guitar this year as well.

Both Open Mics are walk-up sign-up this year, so keep that in mind. We start taking names at 7:30pm each night, and the line begins to form some time before that.

We look forward to seeing you!

--Neil Z (and Elizabeth) of Pairadeux
www.pairadeux.com

[adambarkeruk]

Neil,

Fantastic news - thanks for your post.

Looking forward to seeing you guys soon.

Adam

[T&V Marino]

It's sometimes tough to play an instrument that's not your own, but they always have great guitars and keyboards at the Road Rally. You really run the risk of damaging your guitar, it can get in the way, or you might worry about storing it if you go out to lunch with your new TAXI buddies. Our vote is for leaving it home!

~ T&V

[dynamicalan]

Hello,

I am also having a hard time with bringing my bass on board. I am flying Delta and all I get when I call the airlines is this specification stuff. The tell me the length can only be 28 inches. My neck through is about 43 inches. I want to bring it because you never know when you need it. I am wondering if there's an organization out there that helps people with the airlines that guitar players can talk to. You would think if you can see it's a piece of wood we would know it can't turn into a different type of object but the seems government would. I may be better leaving it at home but you never know.

Thanks,

Alan

[fret17]

I know at the smaller, alternative open mic guitars and a keyboard are supplied, so no worries there. I'm pretty sure instruments are also available at the larger open mic... So it's fine to keep the good guitars safe at home. I usually bring my Guild acoustic for jams, practices, and just plain fun. (Risking it being turned into a set of toothpicks by airline baggage folks)... I have loaned it to folks who needed to practice for an open mic, work on a co-write, etc so if you need to borrow one and I'm not needing it at that time, I may be able to help...

Casey

I don't know if the airlines still do this, but I had to fly with a really expensive guitar and they let me place it in the plane's closet....It was decades ago...but I don't see why not today...unless they've stopped making closets....

[dynamicalan]

Hi Tom and Casey,

I think Guitars are a little different. I am not sure if anyone will be bringing a Bass. It would be cool if the hotel had an upright for people to use while staying there. If I don't bring the bass it may not be missed or there may not be a bass. I don't have another one to bring. I think your right though I will hold on to your advice.

Thanks,

Alan

I know at the smaller, alternative open mic guitars and a keyboard are supplied, so no worries there. I'm pretty sure instruments are also available at the larger open mic... So it's fine to keep the good guitars safe at home. I usually bring my Guild acoustic for jams, practices, and just plain fun. (Risking it being turned into a set of toothpicks by airline baggage folks)... I have loaned it to folks who needed to practice for an open mic, work on a co-write, etc so if you need to borrow one and I'm not needing it at that time, I may be able to help...

Casey

I don't know if the airlines still do this, but I had to fly with a really expensive guitar and they let me place it in the plane's closet....It was decades ago...but I don't see why not today...unless they've stopped making closets....