Flying on airplane with Axiom 49?

jrathkopf · Post by **jrathkopf** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 7:12 pm

I need to fly international to live for awhile. I want to bring my axiom 49 keyboard, but was wondering two things.
1)can you carry on-board axiom 49 or is it too big?
2)what would be a strong enough case for it if i had to put it in cargo?

has anhyone travelled with theirs?

Tone Deft · Post by **Tone Deft** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 7:13 pm

what firmware version are you using?

mac or pc?

earsmack · Post by **earsmack** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 7:43 pm

Some simple googling finds the following:

Your keyboard specs: 10 lbs.; 4.5 kg and 31.9 x 11.2 x 2.6 inches; 81 x 28.5 x 6.6 (cm)

Since the minimum an airline will allow is usually 11 lbs (but up to 15) you will probably be fine there.

The maximum size measurement is 45 inches (total number of inches) but can go up to 55 so add 31.9 + 11.2 + 2.6 and you get 45.7 so you're probably OK there. A soft case will add another few inches but you could probably squeak it past.

Mind you, it all depends on the airline so get your measurements together and call them to be sure.

Hope this helps.

fatrabbit · Post by **fatrabbit** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 7:57 pm

If you plan to take any expensive instrument, you have to really demand that you take it onboard. I have no confidence in putting an instrument in the hold, and not just due to the handling of it (i once saw a baggage handler actually make an effort to throw what was obviously a flute or some such up into the air so it landed with a thud on the conveyer onto the plane!), but also due to the extreme temperatures whilst airborne.

jesso · Post by **jesso** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 8:06 pm

AAAARG!
Speaking of axiom 49s, i just broke the a slider off, AGAIN!
Any bright ideas for stickin em back on? It seems almost impossible,,,,, i tried superglue but no cigar.
Flimsy Flimsy Flimsy.

djastroboy · Post by **djastroboy** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 8:20 pm

You probably want a hard case even if most of the time you're going to squeak by and carry it on.

Why?

1. Because eventually you're gonna end up on a smaller commuter jet or turbo-prop and then they will take your keyboard and gate check it.
The carry on limits for commuter flights are very close to zero.
2. People will shove stuff on top of your keyboard in the overhead bin and break your knobs if you have a soft case. I don't think that a 49 key will "fit under the sear in front of you".

Look up Gator or SKB for those plastic hard cases.
Gator first cuz they're cheaper and just as good as SKB as far as I can tell (I own some from each).
They are indestructible and very light compared to a wood & metal case.
Don't buy anything from ProDJcase.com.

Tone Deft · Post by **Tone Deft** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 8:21 pm

if you're looking at buying a case, why not look at buying a smaller keybaord to begin with, couple that with a FaderFox or UC33, a small controller. Personally, I like to travel light, 1 bag, grab and go.

mwingerski · Post by **mwingerski** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 10:15 pm

I just broke 5 sliders off my Axiom 49 yesterday by holding under my arm as they rubbed against my pants pocket...

I too, would love to know how you re-attach the damn things (couldn't find one of them either... )

Perhaps somebody who reads Make Magazine has a hack on how to attach more interesting and sturdier sliders for it instead?

jrathkopf · Post by **jrathkopf** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 10:27 pm

well, now I have two new questions..
1)what should I expect to be a reasonable price to pay for a case?
2)is there a company that will ship an axiom to central europe where the price won't be obsene?

the problem tonedeft is that I am living in two countries now, czech republic and america. so i want the 49 key so I can really play, this is not about portability for travel. it is about having the gear I need for my homestudio.
the problem is that in czech it is almost impossible to find a music store that has anything resembling modern midi controllers, let alone for the retail price suggested.
however, there must be a company in Germany that ships to Prague . . .
anyway thanks for suggestions

Tone Deft · Post by **Tone Deft** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 10:31 pm

could you ship it to yourself?

jesso · Post by **jesso** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 10:54 pm

yes. We need to put the word out....

DOES ANYONE HAVE A SOLUTION TO THE PATHETICLY FRAGILE AXIOM SLIDERS ISSUE?

In fact, i feel a new thread coming on....

Lord Kahn · Post by **Lord Kahn** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 11:00 pm

jrathkopf wrote: 2)is there a company that will ship an axiom to central europe where the price won't be obsene?

Thomann should?

http://www.thomann.de/ie/maudio_axiom_49.htm

Anything over €200 qualifies for free shipping to Ireland, I can only assume that it's similar for the Czech Republic.

monkeyboy · Post by **monkeyboy** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 1:01 am

If you've got a fairly large, sturdy suitcase/bag then you could just wrap it up in your clothes for some cheapo padding and protection? Also less obvious that you've got something fragile/nickable. I flew an external HD, X session and MPD16 transatlantic in my big duffle bag in the hold with no ill effects. Just made sure they were snugly cushioned in the middle of the bag with clothes all around it.

cosmosuave · Post by **cosmosuave** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 1:10 am

Just watch out for these bastards when you are on the plane...

Tone Deft · Post by **Tone Deft** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 1:13 am

He'll need to bring snakes onto the plane.