Deploying with instruments

[DCTele]

I'm heading back for another tour in the Middle East in a couple months, and want to take a guitar with me (at the very least have one shipped while I'm out there). Any advice or anecdotes from people that have done this in the past?

I've got an Epi Wilshire RI that I use as my beater, but I'm thinking acoustic might be more appropriate while I'm over there.

Thanks!

[spencer31st]

I did this twice, the px has a Yahmaha acoustic that is pretty decient in their catalog, order it from the PX that is on your FOB. That way if it doesn't make it in shipping then they can just reorder it for you and you don't have to worry about one getting damaged in your foot locker or Conex. Both of mine made it to the PX fine. When I left country I just left the guitar to the next picker coming in behind me, each unit has at least one. Good luck and God Speed.

[Tonemonkey]

Doesn't the MWR at your new Unit have any loaners?...save you a few bucks....I used guitars from MWR's in Croatia and Saudi...not great but, pretty decent.

Otherwise, can't you order one from your current PX/BX for delivery at your new MOB/FOB....should be there when you arrive!

[Dave_O]

I can't help, but I want to say good luck and stay safe, brother.

[DCTele]

Thanks a lot for the support and the advice! I came across an article by a gent I recognize from the Gretsch Pages, recommending a Squier Tele and unbolting the neck to toss in an A bag. Seems the best route would be the PX Special though. I'm really looking forward to this tour, and having a guitar to bang on will really annoy the heck out of my bunkmates...which...boosts morale, right?

[MissJackson]

When I've gone on TDY, I would take my Squier mini Strat and remove the neck as well. I wrapped the neck and body in bubble wrap and placed them in between my clothes and then said a little prayer.

Thank you for your service. Best wishes to you.

[vanklomk]

I guess it depends on where you're going and what type of unit you are in. I tossed my Cyclone in a hardcase in a large box with a few other guitars and things and put in a connex with unit equipment. It helped that I'm in a small unit and my XO really wanted to bring his guitar. It made it to Iraq without a scratch.

I ended up ordering a Vox AC4TV to use here and I love it enough that I'm bringing it home, even though I had just planned on selling it on base.

I'm in an ideal situation in that I work in a small office with creative types (public affairs) and they don't mind if things get loud in the evening. In fact, we now have a drumset, PA, bass and several guitars. We have full-volume jam sessions a couple times a week.

Sweetwater shipped to Iraq and my amp made it safely, but I had to pay extra. Musicians Friend will ship here free, and many people have had good luck with that, but before the Vox I ordered a Champ 600 from MF and it never arrived.

There are always people on base selling cheap acoustics as well.

I'm at Joint Base Balad in Iraq. If you make it here by May you might be able to find a deal at my office, though it won't be my guitar.

Good luck!

[DCTele]

Awesome. Last time around I got an el-cheapo bass through MF that I ended up just leaving there. I'm thinking a reasonably priced bolt-on neck will do me fine until I figure out where I'll be. Looks like we'll be traveling quite a bit, so something I can stash amongst the rest of my gear would be ideal.

Has anyone had issues with neck/body wear from repeatedly bolting and unbolting the neck? I assume only doing it a couple times per tour wouldn't wreck it. Do you do anything to beef up the joint?

@vanklomk--how's that Fuzz Factory sound through the AC4? I've got an AC4TV that I've run my BoR and Big Muff through, and it's almost too much.

[vanklomk]

Yeah I think the Big Muff is too much, but I have used the FF with some success. Generally though, I go straight to the amp, or to my SHO and then to the amp.