Results 1 to 20 of 20

Thread: Take mandolin to Canada?

  1. #1
    Registered User CelticDude's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    West Hartford, CT
    Posts
    724

    Default Take mandolin to Canada?

    I'm planning a vacation to Montreal via train, and am considering taking my mandolin. What do I need to consider as far as CITES regulations? Has anyone done this? The mandolin is a recent Collings, so I'm guessing that it doesn't have anything on anyone's list of endangered woods (or other materials). The question is - do I need to be able to prove this, and how?

  2. #2
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Indianapolis
    Posts
    48

    Default Re: Take mandolin to Canada?

    I travel to Canada several times a year and always take a mandolin with me. I have never had a problem and don't anticipate having one in the future. You should be fine.

  3. #3
    Registered User verbs4us's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Irvington, New York
    Posts
    180

    Default Re: Take mandolin to Canada?

    Depends on how long you stay. If past the November elections, there is a good chance the Canadians will be building a wall to repel the uncivilized marauders to their south.

  4. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to verbs4us For This Useful Post:


  5. #4
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Vancouver, BC, Canada
    Posts
    188

    Default Re: Take mandolin to Canada?

    Collings shouldn't violate CITES so no problem there, however Canada is a mandolin free zone. Our previous Prime Minister had a phobia of double course instruments.
    Back as a small fish in a big, city shaped pond.

    http://www.myspace.com/stevequattrocchi

  6. The following members say thank you to mandobsessed for this post:


  7. #5
    Registered User zedmando's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    At home
    Posts
    816

    Default Re: Take mandolin to Canada?

    Actually our current government is enacting serious prison time for mandolin players--that's why I don't use my real name here.

    Would it save you a lot of time if I just gave up and went mad now?

  8. #6
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Vancouver, BC, Canada
    Posts
    188

    Default Re: Take mandolin to Canada?

    We know who you are and you have been reported...look for a few banjo players to show up at your house any moment now....
    Back as a small fish in a big, city shaped pond.

    http://www.myspace.com/stevequattrocchi

  9. The following members say thank you to mandobsessed for this post:


  10. #7

    Default Re: Take mandolin to Canada?

    Bring your bill of sale from the place where you bought it to show the currency, and origination. It's rare that they would hold you up given it is temporarily being brought in and then returned.

  11. #8
    two t's and one hyphen fatt-dad's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Richmond, Virginia
    Posts
    7,635

    Default Re: Take mandolin to Canada?

    I carry my 1920 Gibson all over the place. My Flatiron too.

    f-d
    ¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!

    '20 A3, '30 L-1, '97 914, 2012 Cohen A5, 2012 Muth A5, '14 OM28A

  12. #9
    Registered User CelticDude's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    West Hartford, CT
    Posts
    724

    Default Re: Take mandolin to Canada?

    Thanks everyone. Sounds like, if I have the room, I should just bring it. Good suggestion on the original receipt. I do note at least 3 Irish pubs in Montreal, one of which advertises a weekly session.

    I have a coworker who has been anti-Canadian based on the South Park movie. However, given the possible election results, he is revising this opinion. So yes, build that wall!

    Anti-double course instruments? I wouldn't credit our US politicians as even knowing what those are, so you're ahead of us there.

  13. #10
    Registered User zedmando's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    At home
    Posts
    816

    Default Re: Take mandolin to Canada?

    Basing one's view on anything on South Park (Well maybe one's view of South Park) is not a wise course of action.
    Would it save you a lot of time if I just gave up and went mad now?

  14. #11
    Registered User CelticDude's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    West Hartford, CT
    Posts
    724

    Default Re: Take mandolin to Canada?

    Quote Originally Posted by zedmando View Post
    Basing one's view on anything on South Park (Well maybe one's view of South Park) is not a wise course of action.
    Yes, that was mentioned. Ironically, according to my son, another SP fan, the whole Canada subplot was to make fun of people who form that sort of opinion based on meagre facts. And, to give my coworker credit, he was probably kidding (probably).

  15. #12

    Default Re: Take mandolin to Canada?

    I don't understand why you'd need the receipt. To prove it wasn't purchased there? I haven't been to Canada since 1998 or so, which we all know was a different time.

    When your coworker speaks out against Canada, nod and say "Blame Canada" and see how he reacts.
    Soliver arm rested and Tone-Garded Northfield Model M with D’Addario NB 11.5-41, picked with a Wegen Bluegrass 1.4

  16. #13
    Lost my boots in transit terzinator's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Twin Cities, MN
    Posts
    1,589

    Default Re: Take mandolin to Canada?

    We go to Canada every year, and I bring a mandolin and guitar. I usually pack a "spec sheet" in the case to show there's no brazilian rosewood or any other CITES stuff, just on the off chance someone at the border makes a stink.

  17. #14
    two t's and one hyphen fatt-dad's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Richmond, Virginia
    Posts
    7,635

    Default Re: Take mandolin to Canada?

    Nafta has removed any/all duties between Canada and the US. CITIES stuff can be a factor. Carrying in a plane is no big deal (to me). I do it all the time. Recent trip to Memphis had a few plane delays, so I got to work on my Bach.

    f-d
    ¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!

    '20 A3, '30 L-1, '97 914, 2012 Cohen A5, 2012 Muth A5, '14 OM28A

  18. #15
    Registered User CelticDude's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    West Hartford, CT
    Posts
    724

    Default Re: Take mandolin to Canada?

    We are going by train, so I have no idea what to expect. Will they check our documents at the border, or at the Montreal station before disembarking? How careful will they be inspecting our luggage. I guess I'll find out. Glad to hear that others have done this without any trouble.

  19. #16

    Default Re: Take mandolin to Canada?

    Quote Originally Posted by CelticDude View Post
    We are going by train, so I have no idea what to expect. Will they check our documents at the border, or at the Montreal station before disembarking? How careful will they be inspecting our luggage. I guess I'll find out. Glad to hear that others have done this without any trouble.
    It'll be sorta like the first five minutes of Midnight Express plus the part of Godfather II where Vito gets quarantined at Ellis Island, only everybody will be really polite and bilingual.

  20. #17
    Registered User almeriastrings's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Almeria, Spain
    Posts
    5,442
    Blog Entries
    3

    Default Re: Take mandolin to Canada?

    There are zero CITES issues with that mandolin. No problem. The inspectors really (honestly) know their jobs and if in the slightest doubt can contact a specialist very quickly.

    If crossing international borders, can be worth carrying a receipt, as it proves the instrument was purchased with all due taxes paid. This is rarely requested, but if you want to avoid all possible hassle, worth having.
    Gibson F5 'Harvey' Fern, Gibson F5 'Derrington' Fern
    Distressed Silverangel F 'Esmerelda' aka 'Maxx'
    Northfield Big Mon #127
    Ellis F5 Special #288
    '39 & '45 D-18's, 1950 D-28.

  21. #18
    Registered User CelticDude's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    West Hartford, CT
    Posts
    724

    Default Re: Take mandolin to Canada?

    Quote Originally Posted by almeriastrings View Post
    There are zero CITES issues with that mandolin. No problem. The inspectors really (honestly) know their jobs and if in the slightest doubt can contact a specialist very quickly.
    Interesting, as a Collings rep (I emailed them) suggested that the mother-of-pearl MIGHT be an issue. The full quote:

    "The only material that could potentially cause an issue is the mother of pearl used in the logo and fingerboard dots. We have a permit from US Fish and Wildlife and we complete an approval process for any shipment containing shell (mother of pearl and abalone) that leaves the US. We have not heard of any issues with this for individuals, however the US Fish and Wildlife Service will be the best resource for a definitive answer for your particular question. "

    This also doesn't address Canadian rules, although all of the above responses sound like that likely won't be a problem either. Too late to get the permits suggested from FWS. So, I'll take the tin whistles, and think about the mandolin.

  22. #19

    Default Re: Take mandolin to Canada?

    Quote Originally Posted by CelticDude View Post
    Interesting, as a Collings rep (I emailed them) suggested that the mother-of-pearl MIGHT be an issue. The full quote:

    "The only material that could potentially cause an issue is the mother of pearl used in the logo and fingerboard dots. We have a permit from US Fish and Wildlife and we complete an approval process for any shipment containing shell (mother of pearl and abalone) that leaves the US. We have not heard of any issues with this for individuals, however the US Fish and Wildlife Service will be the best resource for a definitive answer for your particular question. "

    This also doesn't address Canadian rules, although all of the above responses sound like that likely won't be a problem either. Too late to get the permits suggested from FWS. So, I'll take the tin whistles, and think about the mandolin.
    Collings mandolins are sold in Canada

    http://www.12fret.com/new-instrument...htop/collings/

    I doubt they make completely separate batches of mandolins specifically for export to Canada.

  23. #20
    Registered User almeriastrings's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Almeria, Spain
    Posts
    5,442
    Blog Entries
    3

    Default Re: Take mandolin to Canada?

    Quote Originally Posted by CelticDude View Post
    Interesting, as a Collings rep (I emailed them) suggested that the mother-of-pearl MIGHT be an issue. The full quote:

    "The only material that could potentially cause an issue is the mother of pearl used in the logo and fingerboard dots. We have a permit from US Fish and Wildlife and we complete an approval process for any shipment containing shell (mother of pearl and abalone) that leaves the US. We have not heard of any issues with this for individuals, however the US Fish and Wildlife Service will be the best resource for a definitive answer for your particular question. "

    This also doesn't address Canadian rules, although all of the above responses sound like that likely won't be a problem either. Too late to get the permits suggested from FWS. So, I'll take the tin whistles, and think about the mandolin.
    Nothing to do with CITES at all. No connection whatever. The MOP used on your mandolin is not covered by CITES.

    They are referring to a totally different, domestic, US law that affects imports/exports of pearl, abalone, etc. While the species involved are not covered by CITES, they are listed by the US and covered by both the domestic ESA and Lacey Act, therefore, the US (but no-one else) demands all kinds of paperwork for any kind of commercial shipment, even small shipments. However, as this mandolin was made in the US and is an accompanied personal effect, there should be no issues taking it out or bringing it back.
    Gibson F5 'Harvey' Fern, Gibson F5 'Derrington' Fern
    Distressed Silverangel F 'Esmerelda' aka 'Maxx'
    Northfield Big Mon #127
    Ellis F5 Special #288
    '39 & '45 D-18's, 1950 D-28.

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •