Robben Ford Discussion

[bossguitar]

I will be attending Robben 's clinic on Jan 21st clinic and I can't wait!
I was wondering if anyone had any tips on traveling with my guitar. I will be flying on Southwest and a gigbag is too big to carryon and I don't
want to check it as baggage.

Is there a local music store in Ojai or near that perhaps rents guitars?

I thought that might be easier than risking the damage to one of my instruments.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[bluenote]

Ahhhh, your a lucky man. You will enjoy that clinic for sure. I flew Southwest from chicago....before i left there was a heated discussion on this forum about travel with guitars, some guys talked the airline into letting them hang a gigbag in the coat closet, southwest has no coat closet, another guy posted a letter from the american federation of musicians stating that airlines are to allow the guitar as a carry on, southwest strictly forbid this also. (i have a copy of it if you want to see it just for snicks)so i used a anvil flight case and checked it. It made the round trip without a problem except it was fairly bulky trying to manuever around the airports, almost pain in the ass bulky, especially at LAX. I thought i did see a small music store in downtown Ojai...but that part is a little fuzzy, good luck and enjoy!
________
universal health

[leftyguitar]

For a clinic you probably don't need an electric...all you need is a fingerboard and a body so you can hear what you are playing. So, you could easily rent a cheap acoustic locally. I did that once when on vacation..cost a whopping $10 for a week rental!

[Red Suede]

I know it sounds blasphemous, but some touring professionals like Jerry Donahue take the neck off (if it 's bolt on) and put the two pieces in their suitcase.

[JohnnyZ]

While it's preferable to have a guitar with you at the clinic, it's not absolutely necessary. I found myself mostly just holding mine in my lap or laying it down on my case, and just watching and listening attentively to the master. If I go again, which is probable, I'll considering going without a guitar. And, the next time, I'm hoping the group is more considerate by not constantly plinking away while Robben's talking and playing...

[JackD]

I traveled from Michigan to the clinic. I did bring my guitar and had no trouble traveling with it on Northwest Airlines. I just bought a gig back and it was the kind you can hand on your back like a backpack. It fit fine in the overhead compartment. Just to play it safe, I brought one of my robust guitars (i.e., I would not travel with a valuable vintage or my PRS Hollowbody).

For me, I'm really glad I brought my guitar since I was able to play with Robben!

[bossguitar]

Thanks for all your input guys !

I will be sure to post a report from the clinic.

[Bluelobster]