So I am trying to get to Ann Arbor, MI for ISB next summer and I'm in New Mexico and saw some excellent options for trains from ABQ to Ann Arbor, then after the convention, I plan to go to New Jersey to visit some family and then come back. So the plan right now is ABQ to Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor to NY, NY to NJ, NJ to NY, and NY to ABQ. I'm trying to see if I need a hard case, or should can I buy another ticket for my bass, I've read some forums here and I figured that I should just ask the community instead.
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Double Bass Planning a Summer Trip via Train
- Thread starter nicoplaysdabass
- Start date
I've taken a few long train trips, and have found it to be a very relaxing way to travel. The one thing that I've learned is that if your travel lasts through the night, you'll be a lot happier (= more comfortable) if you get a sleeper. I'm pretty sure that you could fit into a sleeper with your double bass. I suggest it'd be worth a call to Amtrak to see how management feels about you dragging the bass along with you. Sleepers aren't cheap, but it can't be much more that paying for a 2nd coach seat for you bass (which probably won't fit into the seat anyway).
Good luck. Have Fun!
Good luck. Have Fun!
Plus, unless things have changed, you get meals included of you get a sleeper. And of course there's no hotel fee for the duration of the train trip.
Sleepers aren't always available, they require reservations. Also, they might be tight with a double bass.
Oh, and don't forget car rental arrangements at your destinations. Need something that can carry the double bass and everything else.
EDIT: One other consideration... Might want to look into the cost and practicality of renting a small RV and driving it. Don't get me wrong, driving an RV is work and aside from the expense there is some degree of liability, but you get to see a lot of country, you set your own schedule, and especially if the musical venues are camping venues, you frequently get to be centrally "in the jam" with an RV. And this also opens the possibility of bringing along a friend.
Sleepers aren't always available, they require reservations. Also, they might be tight with a double bass.
Oh, and don't forget car rental arrangements at your destinations. Need something that can carry the double bass and everything else.
EDIT: One other consideration... Might want to look into the cost and practicality of renting a small RV and driving it. Don't get me wrong, driving an RV is work and aside from the expense there is some degree of liability, but you get to see a lot of country, you set your own schedule, and especially if the musical venues are camping venues, you frequently get to be centrally "in the jam" with an RV. And this also opens the possibility of bringing along a friend.
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As a fantastic as that would be, it’s for a bass convention, and I’ve figured out that most Uber/Lyft XLs can hold my bass and then I can walk my bass to the university where it’s being held. Thank you though! I appreciate! The sleepers are incredibly expensive sadly.
A train trip with a large instrument like a double bass can be a logistical challenge. From my experience, calling the train company is key. They might help you with your situation,in my case, this was the solution. This year, I am planning to go by train with my family to Branson, Missouri. We have been there three times, and we have always liked it. We found a resort, and three years in a row, we stayed there. If you are planning to go to Branson, Missouri, I recommend spending a night here: Branson Hotels & Resorts | Westgate Resorts in Branson.
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