mandolin care when flying?

[natnee]

I do a lot of plane traveling (probably 4 times a year, minimum), and I noticed that every time I have flown, my mandolins land with a buzz. I always have it as a carry on, but is there a way to prepare my mandolins for travel, and any possible pressure/atmosphere changes occurring in the cabin? I know that loosening guitar strings before a flight is a myth, but should something similar be done with my mando?

Also, does anyone else have this problem? If not, I guess it could just be a strange coincidence.

Thanks in advance!

[cutter]

Hi natnee
Does the buzz go away on it's own or do you have to make adjustments? I don't travel on planes so I'm not sure about pressure change when flying. I assume your keeping the humidity in check. I keep a fairly close action on one of mine, although it's kept in a controlled environment I still have to make a very minor rod adjustment this time every year (usually for neck relief). I really should raise the action a very slight tad and need for rod adjustment would probably go away. I just really like the feel where I have it set.

[Fred]

I've flown with my mandolin a number of times: to Canada, California, Tennessee, England, Ireland, and one or two other places I've forgotten. Unless it doesn't go away, I wouldn't worry about it. It's probably the dry air and pressure causing the wood to change shape slightly. It should spring back once it's in normal pressure and humidity. Now if the buzz stays with you I'd go to a good repair guy and check his/her recommendations.

Since you didn't specify, I'm assuming you have it in the cabin with you as carry-on but if you don't, you should. Don't check it; it fits in the luggage bins just fine.

[natnee]

I definitely carry it in the cabin. And, it seems like the buzz has lessened a little bit, but its not completely gone. It's been just under 2 weeks that I've been where I am. I think the humidity could definitely have an affect on it, something I never thought of before!! It's a lot dryer where I'm staying compared to where I usually am, where it's always raining this time of year
Thanks for the suggestions!

[Dub Martin]

natnee, I've added a thread on making your own instrument humidifier. The link is here ==>http://tinyurl.com/ybssthw

[natnee]

thanks for the info! this is great