View Full Version : Instrument Safety at Festivals
I'm thinking ahead to my trip to Telluride this year. It just hit me - what will I do with my mando while I'm not around? I don't feel comfortable leaving it in the tent - and I'm not sure I want to leave it in a hot car.
What are my options? Is there some sort of "Mando Check" I can drop it off at? What have you guys done at festivals?
I'd like to bring my new mando if I can be reasonably confident I'll still be able to bring it home in good shape. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
When I do a large festival, I pack it in the Travelite and tote it around with me.
Brian Aldridge
Dec-29-2004, 1:42pm
I agree with Alan. I take my Travelite with the backpack straps, and strap in on my back. The only time I feel comfortable about where my mandolin is is when it's with me.
I'll also park it in one of the performer's buses - usually a comfortable, controlled environment on hot or wet days, but then I run the risk of Wayne or Dempsey or Alan driving off with it http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
ironlionzion
Dec-29-2004, 2:01pm
When you guys say "Travelite"?? is this a specific kind of super light mando case or mando? i have also posted this topic at the begining of last summer before a few festivals and someone here reconmended leaving your mando in a large cooler in a locked car. cooler for temp control and car for security.
~Steve
Super light mando case.
Never did the cooler thing, that's for Budweisers http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
duuuude
Dec-29-2004, 2:59pm
Steve - The Travelite case is made by Travelite and has detachable backpack straps. I happen to have an extra one to get rid of, drop me a line if interested.
biscuit
Dec-29-2004, 3:07pm
Is the travelite case like a gig bag?
duuuude
Dec-29-2004, 4:10pm
Sturdier than a gig bag, kinda like a soft hardshell, lotsa foam inside with a cloth cover.
glauber
Dec-29-2004, 4:10pm
Is the travelite case like a gig bag?
Use the Google (http://www.google.com/search?q=travelite+mandolin+case), Luke!
John Flynn
Dec-29-2004, 4:46pm
Another option I've used is a Pac Safe net. It is a metal net that goes around your case and then secures to any solid object with a cable and lock. Hikers and explorers use them to secure thier backpacks when they are traveling to remote places. I have a medium-sized one that just covers my rectangular case. When not in use, it folds up quickly into a surprisingly small carrying pouch that fits in the side pocket of my case cover. A shaped case might take a small, but you should find a camping store that carries them and try them out for fit. They are very handy. See them at the link below, NFI of course:
http://www.pac-safe.com/viewallproducts.aspx
wbcohen
Dec-29-2004, 5:13pm
In past years there has been a secure instrument check near the festival gate. Safe?, and out of the weather.
earthsave
Dec-30-2004, 7:57am
I just got a Travelite for myself for Christmas from Folkmusican.com (http://www.folkmusicians.com). $54.95. It's not a gigbag. I'd recommend one of those as well for festivals. Has two straps that can serve as a backpack. It is a bit larger than a HSC, but much much lighter and has more storage space inside. Mine has a built in analog hygrometer, which I need to test to see if it is accurate or not.
It also has a velcro flap that covers the metal latch and can be zipped too. I'd recommend zipping when carrying but the velco and latch will hold in a pinch, plus you can velcor the carry handle together to prevent unwanted opening of the case.
It says it is only for the F-style, but my Performer A fits in there better than my cheapo thick MM Beanblossom.
earthsave
Dec-30-2004, 8:00am
Oh yeah, just carry it around with you. I've left my instruments in the tent, under sleeping bags, but found myself worrying about them too much. Definitely dont put them in the car, even in the shade and with windows cracked it can get ungodly hot in there.
Some people get those large 100-150 quart coolers that will hold a mando... they are insulated and who would look for an instrument in the cooler??? I suppose you could but a false cover over them so if opened looks would look like a full cooler???http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
acousticphd
Dec-30-2004, 3:01pm
I just got a Travelite for myself for Christmas
I have two A-style Travelite "copies" (made by Johnson, the Asian budget instrument company). They have the same basic features (good protection, backpack straps, inside and outside gear pouches) and go for $40-50. They are the only cases that I use to ferry instruments around on a regular basis, and I can really recommend them.