Mujitsu and Tairaku's Shakuhachi BBQ

Hi Kel,
I traveled to Australia last year in March.  I took three shakuhachi with me in a case that is 23 inches long.  I carried in the cabin with me and was asked no questions by Australian customs.  I'm not sure if things have changed since then, but that's my story.

That all sounds encouraging.
I am not bringing a large suitcase, the 1.8 will fit in diagonally without the shoulder case. Shoulder case might be handy walking back and forth from the hotel. This is for the 'Down Under Camp' classes. Plus I would like to bring one or two of my own flutes in my suitcase.......ho hum.

Kel.

janemukei wrote:

Tairaku, I hope you are not suggesting that I pack my Shiro in the checked luggage...I shutter at the thought! It never leaves my sight.    Jane

I'm glad you love the flute. But it's nobe, so THEORETICALLY it could fall into the category of "baseball bats or similar items" which our beloved TSA doesn't allow. However the only time I had problems was with very long flutes. When I travel and do recording sessions or gigs I need 4 or 5 flutes and I usually carry on the 2 piece flutes and pack the 1 piece ones. Ironically the only time I lost a flute in travel was the time I idiotically left one in the overhead compartment, so I would have been better off packing it. I felt like a fool about that until I heard that (one of the most famous Japanese players who shall remain unnamed) drunkenly left one on the train in Japan with similar results. It came back to him years later but someone had worked on the bore and holes and ruined it.

My favorite time was when a TSA dude in Milwaukee asked, "What's this?" I said, "Bamboo flute". He said, "Oh shakuhachi! Do you know John Neptune? He used to be a neighbor of mine in Japan." Small world.

I'd suggest contacting the airline (via the travel agent if need be) to express the nature of the concern and see if the airline can issue a letter he can flash at airport security if the question comes up. The airline may pass the buck to the airport security itself in which case a letter to the effect should clear everything up.

Zak -- jinashi size queen

Josh wrote:

He's worried they might make him put it underneath, where the air pressure could cause a minor bamboo explosion.

For the record, the pressure within the entire fuselage of commercial aircraft is the same, including the baggage compartment below, which is even heated, although not to the extent of the passenger compartment.

If the pressure weren't the same everywhere, there'd be severe structural problems.

The pressure is standardized at about 8,000 feet above sea level.

eB

Last edited by edosan (2008-05-21 12:50:42)

edosan wrote:

he pressure is standardized at about 8,000 feet above sea level.

8,000 feet and _I_ get pretty dizzy.

I remember David Darling saying that a very precious cello of his disintegrated inside a hard case after being shipped in a cargo hold. I've heard a lot of bass and cello players buy an extra seat for their instruments.

Thanks for all of the info guys.  Exploding doesn't seem to be an issue huh. That should be enough to ease his worries. Brian, Shimura sensei would definately let you play the 3.4, not sure he'll be into selling it though. It's not a Gyokusui though, if I recall correctly it's made by a maker named Kobayashi in Tokyo. He has been talking recently about some various muscle pains here and there do to its size, so that might work in your favor

No problem, that's what I figured. Nobe and jinashi all the way, that is definatley his thing. I'll see if he can bring some other goodies too. I'll introduce you guys in Sydney, he's good fun.

Tairaku wrote:

Josh wrote:

No problem, that's what I figured. Nobe and jinashi all the way, that is definatley his thing. I'll see if he can bring some other goodies too. I'll introduce you guys in Sydney, he's good fun.

I have met Shimura san before, definitely have a lot in common. I recommend for a long flute like that going to a fishing store and finding a nice hard case. That's relatively cheap and very sturdy. It's a good way to carry around a single long flute.

For long flutes or people that carry a lot of flutes like you Tairaku I suggest getting a hard case for golf clubs with rollerblade wheels at the bottom. When I used to travel a lot back and forth from Japan carrying old swords that were going to Japan for restoration or coming back with me I would always use that case. I would use Bubble wrap around the swords or just pack the swords with all my clothes that did not needed any ironing. That case was the best thing I could ever get. I was able to pack a lot of blades and most of my clothing at the same time.

I recently flew from Taipei, Taiwan to Denver, Colorado, USA. I had my 2-piece 3.3 in my huge suitcase and carried my nobekan 2.8 on the plane. I was surprised to have no problems with the carry-on. In fact, when I was going through security in a transfer in Japan, a security guard asked me what it was as he handed it to me... the word "shakuhachi" brought a big smile to his face. I also had two 3-hour layovers both ways and found more secluded/unoccupied spots in the airports to practice.

Zak

Tairaku wrote:

Australian Customs do not care if you bring shakuhachi into the country. Regarding bringing a 1.8 onto a plane. I would not worry about it. I've only been denied when I was carrying LOTS of huge 2.7's and 3.0's onto a plane. However why bother? Just stick it in your suitcase and not have to worry about it.

Are you sure about this? When I traveled to Australia about 10 yrs ago Customs went absolutely bonkers about the fact that I was carrying wooden items. I was told that NO WOODEN ITEMS are allowed in the country from abroad--period--and everything had to be left in the airport for the time I was there. They are, of course, afraid of termites and other bugs which infest timber. I also had a bamboo flute from Papua New Guinea, which they were none to happy about. It was incarcerated along with the drums and carvings. These guys also went nuts about the fact that I was carrying sea shells, which they said are animal products (verboten), and coffee beans in sealed bags (no food items).

This is obviously extreme, but the Australian laws on importing are about the strictest in the world.

I suggest that the OP contact the nearest Australian Embassy to get the official line. Of course you might get through, but then again you might hit guys like mine.

Toby