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Thread: Toddlers mandolins and flying

  1. #1
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    Default Toddlers mandolins and flying

    That pretty much describes my life at the moment with my son standing on the “little guitar”’s case when I play, and as I slowly drive my wife crazy with Angeline the Baker, the lilting banshee, and Irish washerwoman (more to come!).

    Currently I fly about 6 to 7 times a year sometime more but I’ve really enjoyed the relaxation my MT2 has brought me and I’ve traveled with it on a few trips so far, but none with my son. As we have a vacation coming up in a few weeks I’m considering getting a case with a carrying strap and one which I won’t be concerned about checking but I’m open to ideas.

    Of those that travel frequently and have or had a hoffee or Calton which did you like better? I am also considering the racket bag idea as the Collings tkl is pretty good IMO

    Cheers

  2. #2

    Default Re: Toddlers mandolins and flying

    I always just clip a luggage strap onto the handle rings of my (Collings MT2) case and that works fine for me. Of course I can't afford one of those fancy cases

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    Default Re: Toddlers mandolins and flying

    Embarrassingly I haven’t really thought of that. I can’t at the moment either but figured I’d keep looking for ideas or just save up and bite the bullet at some point.

    Thanks for the idea.

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    Default Re: Toddlers mandolins and flying

    I have straps on all my cases. I simply remove one or both screws that go into the storage compartment from the outside and replace them with longer screws thru a strap. The back goes onto the handle with a small chain link that is removable should I want. Been doing this for decades now and never carry an instrument by the handle.
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  5. #5
    formerly Philphool Phil Goodson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Toddlers mandolins and flying

    Let me propose a bit of heresy: consider leaving the mando home and just enjoying the family for a few days.
    Amazing how soon toddlers become adults. Just saying.
    Phil

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    Default Re: Toddlers mandolins and flying

    Nice thought Phil, but toddlers go to bed quite early so still time to pick an not loose time with the toddler. I would bring the mandolin.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

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    Default Re: Toddlers mandolins and flying

    agreed it’s more of an escape for when they are asleep for the night or napping, although I’m happy to let him help me play. At the end of the day, it’s just an instrument but I like to have it around for free time.

    Chasing a toddler through the airport is an interesting experience to say the least, so anything to free up your hands is helpful.

  8. #8
    Registered User Gunnar's Avatar
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    Default Re: Toddlers mandolins and flying

    Try chasing three toddlers through an airport while simultaneously watching your three preteens and two teenagers and also somehow managing to keep track of seventeen carryons, and not miss your international flight. My parents are superheroes
    Mandolin: Kentucky KM150
    Other instruments: way too many, and yet, not nearly enough.

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    Default Re: Toddlers mandolins and flying

    Quote Originally Posted by Gunnar View Post
    Try chasing three toddlers through an airport while simultaneously watching your three preteens and two teenagers and also somehow managing to keep track of seventeen carryons, and not miss your international flight. My parents are superheroes
    Simple answer: NyQuil smoothies

  11. #10
    Registered User Gunnar's Avatar
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    Default Re: Toddlers mandolins and flying

    Is that legal?
    Mandolin: Kentucky KM150
    Other instruments: way too many, and yet, not nearly enough.

    My blog: https://theoffgridmusician.music.blog/
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    Default Re: Toddlers mandolins and flying

    I have one of these:

    http://www.backaxe.com/

    I have had it for years. Great way to get backpack straps on a regular case.

    Cheers
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    Default Re: Toddlers mandolins and flying

    I agree that you should bring the mando - should have plenty of down time to get in some picking, as well as some picking while the toddler dances and plays. I traveled often with toddler and mando - even to China and back!

    I bought a Calton case years ago when I bought my first good mandolin. The dang thing is seriously heavy and really overkill in terms of protection (not sure if they've changed/made them lighter...). Your Collings TKL case is plenty of protection - I have a couple of those. I would attach a strap to it or buy a small dog case cover - those are really nice and have a strap attached.

    Have fun - but I have to say that I am glad to be beyond the carrying car seats, luggage, mando, etc. thru the airport!

    Kirk

  14. #13
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Toddlers mandolins and flying

    Quote Originally Posted by tiltman View Post
    Your Collings TKL case is plenty of protection - I have a couple of those. I would attach a strap to it or buy a small dog case cover - those are really nice and have a strap attached.
    I believe that Small Dog and Colorado Case Company are no longer in business. I own three of those SD case covers for mandolin and they are very nice. Look for them used but they are getting scarce.

    Many years ago I was able to use a tennis bag as a carry-on and my flatiron A in HSC fit nicely in it. I have a feeling thought that carry-on's need to be much smaller these days. Check with your airlines.
    Jim

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    Default Re: Toddlers mandolins and flying

    That car seats in the airport are the worst! We’ve been through two car seat bags already.

    Regarding small dog if they were still in shop I’d 100% go that route and I’d forgot about them but will keep an eye out in the classifieds. I like the weight and protection and size of the tkl from Collings just wish they’d put a d ring on it.
    Last edited by FarmR; Jul-31-2019 at 5:25pm. Reason: Clarification. Poor English etc

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