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Gen 1 Protector Case Question

SimonBarSinister

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Aug 24, 2003
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1,874
Happy holidays to all..

So in taking the advice of many on this board, I was able to score a Gen 1 Protector case. I wanted to ditch the huge anvil case I use when going to Europe for shows. I figured with the protector case I may be able to gate check it on the plan itself and if not it the case would be good enough to check as luggage if need be.
I have one important question though. I knew from reading Tom’s posts that the headstock angle is different and people mention padding it in the case. I just want to make sure I have this right…

I tried the 2 guitars I am contemplating taking for my bands gigs in Germany. 1 is a 2012 Les Paul Custom. The top of the headstock touched the top padding of the case as well as the headstock making direct contact with the bottom of the case in the padding. I also tired an R8. The R8 didn’t touch the top or the case’s padding but it did touched the bottom of the case under the top of the headstock.
Now I have seen several say they just pad them but where do you put the padding? At the top under the top of the headstock or when the neck sits in the case to life the neck? I wasn’t sure and being that at some point I may have to check it in, I want to get this right.

Thanks
SBS
 

Xpensive Wino

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Nov 3, 2012
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I have seen several say they just pad them but where do you put the padding? At the top under the top of the headstock or when the neck sits in the case to life the neck? I wasn’t sure and being that at some point I may have to check it in, I want to get this right. Thanks SBS

I have the same question. Maybe Mr. Wittrock could post some pictures of said padding and the placement?

A cautionary note: although I have a variety of "flight cases" including a Gen I Protector, I refuse to trust a Les Paul to the tender mercies of baggage handlers and the harsh rigors of air travel in a cargo hold.

Buy an additional seat for Les. I do. Totally worth it.

You can fit multiple guitars in 1 seat with a seat belt extender, available upon request from the flight attendant.
 

J T

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Oct 20, 2005
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The towel goes over the flip up compartment behind the neck
 

Xpensive Wino

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SimonBarSinister

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Aug 24, 2003
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I will try these suggestions thanks... The case is awesome... 40 years old, no smell no rips.. Outside is marked a little but totally usable $120 and all 3 latches appear fine.

Love it...
 

Tom Wittrock

Les Paul Forum Co-Owner
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Aug 2, 2001
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Some pros put these cases inside anvils for heavy cartage, then take them out for ease in carrying at the gig, hotel and other times.
 

SimonBarSinister

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Aug 24, 2003
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Some pros put these cases inside anvils for heavy cartage, then take them out for ease in carrying at the gig, hotel and other times.

Tom should I take that to mean that you wouldn't check a guitar in just using the protector case? I am going to try and bring it on the plane with me, but if they make me check it I am worried. Every time I use my large road cases the guitar gets lost and then shows up at my home weeks later with no explanation. This has happened to me 3 out of the 4 times I have used them.

Thanks
SBS
 

Tom Wittrock

Les Paul Forum Co-Owner
Joined
Aug 2, 2001
Messages
42,567
Tom should I take that to mean that you wouldn't check a guitar in just using the protector case? I am going to try and bring it on the plane with me, but if they make me check it I am worried. Every time I use my large road cases the guitar gets lost and then shows up at my home weeks later with no explanation. This has happened to me 3 out of the 4 times I have used them.

Thanks
SBS

I don't fly with Les Pauls.
You need answers from those that do. :)
 

JBLPplayer

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Sep 29, 2010
Messages
1,136
My trick is to put the Gen 1 Protector case in a gig bag that holds an acoustic guitar. Euro transport allows for soft bags only. Also Pack towels around the case not to expose its hard exterior and your secret is safe with me.. Also.. if carrying Rosewood de Brazil?, go to bed the night before saying out loud that the guitar is a brand new reissue.. Joe Ganzler does not work at customs... Remember its not a lie if you believe it.. :salude
Joe B
 

J T

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Oct 20, 2005
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Wow great idea! As long as they don't open up the soft case.
 

Xpensive Wino

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Nov 3, 2012
Messages
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Tom should I take that to mean that you wouldn't check a guitar in just using the protector case? I am going to try and bring it on the plane with me, but if they make me check it I am worried. Every time I use my large road cases the guitar gets lost and then shows up at my home weeks later with no explanation. This has happened to me 3 out of the 4 times I have used them. Thanks SBS

I would never, ever check a guitar, at the gate or otherwise.

Check the empty case.

Put the guitar in a gig bag and buy it a window seat next to you. (In the USA you'll have to - per the FAA; also it needs to be in a bulkhead row). I've gotten 3 guitars in gig bags into one seat.

Repeat after me: "Buy a seat for the guitar. It's cheaper than replacing it. Buy a seat for the guitar. It's cheaper than replacing it. Buy a seat for the guitar. It's cheaper than replacing it."

If the flight is to/from/between gigs, the additional ticket is a business expense.
 

SimonBarSinister

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Aug 24, 2003
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My trick is to put the Gen 1 Protector case in a gig bag that holds an acoustic guitar. Euro transport allows for soft bags only. Also Pack towels around the case not to expose its hard exterior and your secret is safe with me.. Also.. if carrying Rosewood de Brazil?, go to bed the night before saying out loud that the guitar is a brand new reissue.. Joe Ganzler does not work at customs... Remember its not a lie if you believe it.. :salude
Joe B

Thanks Joe.. Timm Kummer was telling me you flew with the Protector cases...

That sounds like a good idea...Do they put it in the closet on the plane or right in the overhead?

When deciding on which guitar to take I was aware not to bring anything like a 2003 Brazilian or a 2011 CS... I decided to play it safe and take my LP custom. It is replaceable and non debatable. I recently bought a Brazilian PRS that came with a letter warning me not to attempt to leave or re-enter the country with the guitar.

Thanks Man...
 

SimonBarSinister

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Aug 24, 2003
Messages
1,874
I would never, ever check a guitar, at the gate or otherwise.

Check the empty case.

Put the guitar in a gig bag and buy it a window seat next to you. (In the USA you'll have to - per the FAA; also it needs to be in a bulkhead row). I've gotten 3 guitars in gig bags into one seat.

Repeat after me: "Buy a seat for the guitar. It's cheaper than replacing it. Buy a seat for the guitar. It's cheaper than replacing it. Buy a seat for the guitar. It's cheaper than replacing it."

If the flight is to/from/between gigs, the additional ticket is a business expense.

Thanks ... I have checked guitars in large road cases many times and while they do tend to get lost for a few days (especially coming back from Europe), they have never been damaged... But those cases are total PITA to lug around... As far as replacing it... Heritage Insurance is a good investment... ;)
 

Tom Wittrock

Les Paul Forum Co-Owner
Joined
Aug 2, 2001
Messages
42,567
Thanks Joe.. Timm Kummer was telling me you flew with the Protector cases...

That sounds like a good idea...Do they put it in the closet on the plane or right in the overhead?

When deciding on which guitar to take I was aware not to bring anything like a 2003 Brazilian or a 2011 CS... I decided to play it safe and take my LP custom. It is replaceable and non debatable. I recently bought a Brazilian PRS that came with a letter warning me not to attempt to leave or re-enter the country with the guitar.

Thanks Man...

Probably not for long.
Ebony is likely next. :dang
 

T.Allen

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Sep 11, 2014
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2,662
I have only carried a guitar on the airlines one time. It was Continental Airlines (now UAL) and had no issues carrying it on. I put in the overhead bin. But, I had options. That guitar was NOT going in a cargo hold. If I was playing shows where I had to have my gear, I would do Joe's trick. If anybody knows, it is guys like him that have had to stand at gates and debate with the evil gate agents. Otherwise, I would only take guitars I could easily replace.

If all else fails, you could ask to speak to the Captain. He may sympathize with a road musician. He is the boss and what he says, goes.
 
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