Packing a violin bow in checked luggage
I will be traveling by air pretty soon, and this time I decided not to take my violin with me, but rent one at the destination instead, as the hassle of traveling with a violin with multiple stops is too great to be worth it. However, I would like to take my backup bow with me because rental bows are usually pretty crappy. The bow in question is inexpensive, but plays well, so I don't want it to be damaged en route. I would rather not have to buy a bow case (and it probably won't arrive in time anyway). I thought that an acrylic/plastic tube would work, but I just don't know where they sell that stuff locally. So if you have to pack your bow in checked luggage, what would you do to protect it? Thanks in advance for your ideas!
Replies (10)
Get the pipe large enough so you can wrap the bow in foam or bubblewrap and put THAT inside the tube.How the tube ends are closed off I'm not sure.
I just received a new CF bow I bought on-line; it came packaged in a thick cardboard tube, with closed cell foam wrapping it at both ends; the middle was just suspended.
This would also work with the PVC tube mentioned above. I know you can get fittings for the PVC, and i douls suggest something like I did for a fly pole (for fishing) I did some years ago (I still use it).
Cap one end, and on the other end, put a fitting to mate to a threaded connector.
Use the threaded connector to close the tube. I would also suggest a coupld small pinholes, so pressure never makes it difficult to open.
Returning from a trip to higher altitude, I was perplexed on time why I needed a wrench to remove the end; when it DID open, the pressure hiss reminded me that I closed it at 3500', and was tryong to open it at 350' altitude, so the air in the tube had some vacuum pull.
I'll bet you can pick something up if you visit the local violin shop. They ship bows all the time, and they don't always ship them in bow cases. Another idea, UPS and FedX have long triangular boxes that are made of strong cardboard. Just pick up some bubble wrap and you should be good to go. You might also try a local shipping company, like Mailboxes, Etc. They should have shipping tubes of varying sizes. They will also have "FRAGILE" stickers.
Visit your local art supplies or poster shop where they sell these sturdy tubes for posting/transporting posters. They usually have plastic stoppers at each end. You can wrap the bow in bubble wrap, put it in the tube, make sure you secure the stoppers with some sticky tape and the bow should be absolutely fine in transport.
The last time I checked luggage onto a plane, my bag was opened and thoroughly searched. That bag only contained clothes and personal items.
I would think twice about checking any luggage that had anything remotely suspicious.
A bow stuffed into a cardboard or PVC pipe just might attract some attention...
It turns out that my bow (29.5 inches) would not fit in my luggage, so I have to scrap the original plan. I would still like to hand-carry my bow if possible (it will stick out from my bag, but who cares!). In that case, though, a PVC pipe will attract too much attention. I like the triangular box idea as it will not roll off like a tube would. Thanks everyone for your suggestions!
My bow maker once sent up a bow to me in a PVC pipe, but it was probably around 3 inches in diameter or more, not 1 1/2 inches as mentioned above - that might risk bending. It was packed with several layers of bubble plastic sheets so it didn't move inside the tube. The ends may have been plywood taped on.
BAM make a bow tube to go with their BAM high tech overhead case. The high tech overhead case, although expensive, means that you never have to go to the airport wondering if you are going to be able to take the violin on the plane as it dimensions fit the carry on restrictions. The bow tube doesn't fit these dimensions as any bow is too long. Violas will also not fit!
http://www.bamcases.com/new/english/string/violinH.php?recordID=34
Have the exact measurement of your bow. At any hardware or plumbers shop, buy a length of PVC piping about 2 inches or so longer than your bow...with a diameter of about 2 1/2 inches...
To transport, wrap your bow in bubble wrap or newspaper to prevent it moving around in the tube...also buy 2 rubber or plastic plugs that will fit into the end of the pipe...there should be no reason why this should be a problem taking it on-board a plane....have it ready for inspection at the airport though
Quite often your post office will have cylindar shaped firm cardboard tubes that are used to post large photos and posters...
This discussion has been archived and is no longer accepting responses.
Violinist.com is made possible by...
Dimitri Musafia, Master Maker of Violin and Viola Cases
Johnson String Instrument/Carriage House Violins
Subscribe
Laurie's Books
Discover the best of Violinist.com in these collections of editor Laurie Niles' exclusive interviews.
Violinist.com Interviews Volume 1, with introduction by Hilary Hahn
Violinist.com Interviews Volume 2, with introduction by Rachel Barton Pine
September 13, 2010 at 08:11 PM ·
The classic solution to this problem is a length of PVC pipe, 1 1/2" or so in diameter. Have it cut to be at least a couple of inches longer than the bow on either end, stuff both ends with foam, bubble wrap, etc., and you're ready to go. A hardware store of plumbing supply will have it. A small, local shop will be more cooperative about cutting it for you than a big-box store will.