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Jan 6, 2025 - 12:05:28 PM
122 posts since 12/8/2011

Due to an unfortunate development, I'm going to be relocating later this year (UK -> USA).  Entirely via airplane, probably permanently.  It seems the cheapest, and possibly safest, way to get 4 banjos from one place to the other is remove the necks from the pots and then pack them securely in a large, hardshell suitcase.   Is there anything wrong with that plan?  Is it pretty straightforward to take them apart and put them back together?  Are there any good videos on YouTube I should be looking at?  (I have watched a few but they're usually assembling something new, adding a new neck to a pot, a complete teardown, but not what I intend -- just a simple separation of neck & body, restoring a few days later). 

For background, I'm ok tightening a head, changing strings, placing a bridge, and a few other regular things but this would be new.  2 banjos are modern (like mid-range Gold Tones) with 2 rods in the pot and truss rods in the necks.  2 others are old or old fashioned w/ dowel sticks and skin heads (one a fretless Ramsey, one a mysterious no-name 18C thing). 

Is this something I should attempt?  Or likely to be more trouble than it's worth?  Are there hidden pitfalls I haven't considered?

Thanks in advance!

Jan 6, 2025 - 12:22:14 PM

Owen

Canada

16463 posts since 6/5/2011

I've never shipped a banjo.  My first thought on reading ^^ was: Oh, easy, pack the 4 pots in a crate and the 4 necks in  a separate "tube."  My second thought was: Oh, Oh .... and hope the airline doesn't lose one of them.

Dunno if either warrants further consideration ... just thinking out loud.  I trust all will work out for you.

Jan 6, 2025 - 12:31:16 PM

BobbyE

USA

3651 posts since 11/29/2007

Just be aware that customs will probably decide to open the case on arrival in the states to inspect them for whatever reason and will not care whether they wrap them up as well as you care when they have finished. I know from personal experience on handing one banjo the way you described. It all worked out well, but it did happen.

Bobby

Jan 6, 2025 - 1:40:14 PM

122 posts since 12/8/2011

Just be aware that customs will probably decide to open the case on arrival...

Thanks for the reminder, but I'm guessing that's a risk with shipping them (whole or in pieces) by FedEx/DHL/UPS too.  I haven't actually had a bag or parcel opened by customs in well over a decade+.   I've been pulled aside so the goblins at ATL can X-ray my bag in front of me, but they just wave me through w/o opening after that. 

pack the 4 pots in a crate and the 4 necks in  a separate "tube"....

I think I can get 3 or possibly all four into a extra-large (max allowable size) hard-shell suitcase.  I'll put an AirTag in, certainly, and actually buy travel insurance this time. 

Jan 6, 2025 - 9:15:09 PM

KCJones

USA

3422 posts since 8/30/2012

Not sure on UK laws and borders but domestic US flights a 'hack' for not losing critical luggage is to pack a starter pistol. It's considered a firearm, so there's some paperwork and the luggage has positive possession the entire trip and cannot be lost. Might look into if there's any similar tricks you could use for your trip.

Edited by - KCJones on 01/06/2025 21:15:53

Jan 7, 2025 - 12:50:33 PM

banjonz

New Zealand

12236 posts since 6/29/2003

Splitting the banjos is a good idea. Julian (Winnie) Winston, when he came to live in NZ in the early 2000's did this to his pre-war Gibson Mastertone when he moved here. The pot went into one bag and the neck into another. Both well wrapped in clothes. Yours is slightly problematic as you have 4 to transport. If you can get a bag big enough to place all 4 or possibly two bags, then the only other cost you may be up for is excess baggage.

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