slazman

I am so proud of my new USA L2K that I would like to share her with you all. I bought her from a guy on Talkbass in the US in March with delivery to a close friend who lives on the East Coast. We were due to visit soon after but illness prevented my trip. My friend brought it back with him on a visit to the UK last week .... what is more ... he was not stopped and so no duty ... which equals even better VFM! What a great bass.

I think you have alerted everyone to a potential bargain here! (not me). Good luck with your bidding.

[quote name='Mike' post='137978' date='Feb 11 2008, 09:33 AM']I flew back direct from Phoenix Skyharbor, Arizona to London Heathrow with BA, and they were absolutely terrific. Going through customs Stateside, I attracted only amused glances and a few questions from staff, including an "Oh, I love Paul McCartney" ! When I got on the place, the staff ushered me to First Class (I was obviously travelling cattle class!) and put the bass (in a hard case) in the coat cupboard. 9 hours later as I exited it was waiting for me by the door. Fantastic, easy service from BA, despite the idiots on the phone not having a clue what to suggest to me before I went to the airport. Good luck![/quote] Interesting ... my original plan was to go to Phoenix as my Daughter lives there. Generally I have found airline staff more accomodatingthere than Philadelphia whic is where I am coming from this time. Oh well ... I must learn a few Beatles songs then and hope forthe best, but this is encouraging.

[quote name='bassaussie' post='137293' date='Feb 9 2008, 08:33 PM']If you pack the bass right in the case, it should be reasonably safe. What I tend to do is pack a lot of clothing around the bass to stop it from moving in the case - underwear, socks and t-shirts work perfectly, as you can pack the bass in very tight. And make sure the neck is well supported. On top of this, if your friend in the US can find a cardboad packing box to put the case into, that's even better. Finally, when you check the bass in, get it put into oversize packages, don't let it go on the luggage belt with all the other luggage.[/quote] Really good advice thanks. The bass was delievered in a cardboard case with additional packaging so I will use that. Only slight issue is that US Immigration tend to open up cases to check contents - especially those with any electrical type stuff in them. Shouldn't be a problem though. Everyone has been really helpful ... so glad I posted the question.

[quote name='s_u_y_*' post='137191' date='Feb 9 2008, 06:01 PM']I don't if this helps, but using BA to and from Austria I had to put it in hold. Even with my guitarist's guitar, they insisted we put it in the hold when flying back from Austria, even though we told them what we saw on the website. Just use a Hiscox case mate and it should be fine.[/quote] That's what I thought ... it has the original hard shell case so should be OK

Anyone out there had any recent experience of bringing a Bass back into the UK from the USA on a BA flight? I called BA Customer Relations and the responder referred me to their website that states: [i]Hand baggage You may take a musical instrument on board as hand baggage as long as the item is guitar sized or smaller. When travelling from or via the UK, a musical instrument is permitted on board as an additional free piece of hand baggage. When travelling into the UK it is considered part of your hand baggage allowance.[/i] I asked if a bass guitar qualified ... unfortunately this was one question too far! I read the advice as 'Yes' but, being a glass half full person expect some hassles await me in Philadelphia. BTW bought the Bass - a G&L USA L2000 off TalkBass ... fortunately I have a friend over in Philadelphia - can't wait to get my hands on it and bring it home in March -

[quote name='obbm' post='113929' date='Jan 5 2008, 10:24 AM']If you are hand-carrying something back it is best to have the invoice receipt with you to prove value unless you are going to chance your arm. There are plenty of ideas here about how to try and dodge the duty.[/quote] Thanks ... I agree - I am hand carrying back and I will not chance my arm .... it brightens up their day to find someone who does!

[quote name='obbm' post='113800' date='Jan 4 2008, 10:21 PM']There is no difference between new and used. You still have to pay.[/quote] OK I accept that but what do they base the charge on ... a Paypal invoice for example?

My daughter lives in the US and we are going to visit early March so I was thinking about bringing back a bass with me, taking into account the VAT & duty I think it would be worth it (I travel light BTW). However I am thinking deeper. Looking at the classifieds on Talkbass I guess I will get a better deal with a used bass and am tempted to start making offers, getting it delivered to Phoenix to await my arrival and return. Anyone know where I stand on duty and VAT if I buy a used guitar and bring it back? Thanks in anticipation! Peter

Thanks for the endorsement of OBBM guys. I will be in touch with him when I get back from hols in a couple of weeks.

Just what I am looking for ...

[quote name='Buzz' post='77040' date='Oct 20 2007, 05:19 PM']Give a holler to OBBM on this forum, he'll wack you up a professional cable (top quality lead and jacks) for cheaper than all retailers, makes them however you want in reference to jacks and lengths. Edit: Link to the Special Offers section for more details: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=502"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=502[/url][/quote] Thanks for that, will do ... tried a bit of searching on the site and came up with nothing ... guess I need to hone my search technique!

Time to buy a new cable for my Bass to my combo amp ... any advice for one who hasn't bought before? Value for money/quality compromise?