Flying with a Carbon Fiber Cello: My Setup for Gigs and Travel
As a Nashville-based cellist working in commercial music, I’ve had to navigate amplifying my instrument and traveling frequently for gigs. Balancing sound quality with durability and portability has been essential to my career, and finding the right setup has made all the difference.
Flying with a cello doesn’t have to be stressful. My Luis and Clark carbon fiber cello is my go-to for live gigs, outdoor performances, and air travel. Durable, lightweight, and versatile, it’s ideal for amplified shows, acoustic sets, and unpredictable environments. Whether I’m on a bus tour, fly date, or performing at a conference or summer festival, this setup gives me peace of mind.
From loading the cello under the bus on touring with Martina McBride’s Joy of Christmas, fly dates out of Nashville with artists Danielle Bradbery and Benjamin William Hastings, to acoustic and classical performances like bringing this instrument Silkroad’s Global Musician Workshop, this cello has been an essential part of every performance. Here’s how I prepare for gigs and travel with a setup that works for any setting.
Why I Use a Luis and Clark Carbon Fiber Cello for Live Gigs
The Luis and Clark carbon fiber cello handles the demands of live performances and constant travel without sacrificing sound quality.
Why It’s Perfect for Gigs:
• Durability: It withstands temperature changes, humidity, and rough handling, making it ideal for outdoor gigs and travel when checked under the plane.
• Peace of Mind on Stage: I can leave it on an outdoor stage during rehearsals or between sets without worrying about weather damage. My friend Gideon borrowed my Luis and Clark cello for a national anthem outdoor performance at the Green Bay Packers game on Thanksgiving in 27 degree weather.
• Lightweight Design: Easy to play, very comfortable instrument under the fingers.
• Consistent Sound: Whether amplified or acoustic, it delivers a reliable tone in every setting.
My Gig Setup:
Every gig has its challenges, so I use a flexible gear setup that adapts to both amplified and acoustic performances.
The Realist Pickup + ToneDexter 2
For most live gigs, I rely on the Realist Pickup paired with the ToneDexter 2. The Realist pickup is mounted under the foot of the bridge, with its output jack securely attached to the tailpiece of my instrument. It captures a warm, natural tone, while the ToneDexter models the depth of a high-quality microphone. This setup ensures clarity and natural mic sound for amplified performances, even though I’m using a pickup. It’s ideal for gigs where you might not want to avoid feedback issues, such as high volume amplified band gigs, playing with drums, etc.
DPA Microphone
For acoustic and classical performances, I use a DPA microphone to capture the cello’s nuanced tone. It’s ideal for gigs where the natural sound of the instrument is the focus, string quartet or string features, songwriter gigs with an acoustic guitar, etc.
Marquise GS Cello
The Marquise GS Cello Bow is my go-to for gigs and travel because it’s both durable and versatile. Its carbon fiber design handles the demands of flying and touring, while still delivering excellent tone and response for both amplified and acoustic performances. Of all the carbon fiber cello bows I have tried, it feels the best long sessions and a wide variety of styles and articulations. It’s a bow I can trust, no matter the setting.
Flying with My Cello
Traveling with a cello is simple with the right preparation. Here’s how I ensure my instrument stays safe:
The two-case method is a great way to ensure maximum protection for your cello during air travel. When using the BAM Flight Case, combining a durable inner case with this outer layer offers double protection from impacts and mishandling. Another option is the Forte3D makes a rigid foam flight case that fits directly around the cello, while the BAM Flight Case allows for a snug fit of an inner case (like any BAM case or Musilia S1). Below is a step-by-step guide to prepare and travel with your cello safely using either setup.
1. Preparing Your Cello for Travel
Secure the Instrument:
• Remove Loose Accessories: Take out rosin, any accessories, and cleaning cloths. Place these in designated accessory compartments or pack them separately.
• Loosen the Strings Slightly: Reduce the tension on the strings to relieve stress on the bridge and neck during transit. I usually loosen a half-step.
• Secure the Endpin: Tighten the endpin to ensure it stays securely in place. Then use the strap in your case to secure.
2. Inner Case Options
For BAM Flight Case:
• Choose a Compatible Inner Case: Use a BAM cello case (or similar, like the Musilia S1) that fits snugly inside the BAM Flight Case.
• Position the Cello Inside: Place the cello into the inner case, ensuring it fits snugly. Use the internal straps in your case to secure the cello, preventing movement.
• Add Padding: Place large pieces of foam or sponges on both sides of the bridge and under the tailpiece for extra stability. Use bubble wrap or T-shirts along the sides to ensure a snug fit.
For Forte 3D Case:
• Direct Fit for the Cello: Place the cello directly into the Forte 3D case.
• Adjust for Smaller Instruments: For smaller cellos like the Luis and Clark, add bubble wrap or foam padding around the sides and under the tailpiece to fill extra space. Place large pieces of foam or sponges on both sides of the bridge and under the tailpiece for extra stability.
• Check Stability: Ensure the cello is immobilized and does not shift when the case is moved.
Close the Case Gently: Lower the lid, ensuring padding aligns properly and no pressure is placed on the bridge.
3. Outer Case Instructions
For BAM Flight Case:
• Insert the Inner Case: Place the fully packed BAM or Musilia S1 cello case into the BAM Flight case. It should fit securely with no significant movement.
• Close and Secure: Zip the case ensuring the case is fully closed.
4. Consider adding an AirTag for Tracking
• Place the AirTag: For both setups, insert an Apple AirTag (or similar tracking device) inside the case, either in an accessory pocket or taped securely to the interior.
• Benefits: Track your cello in real-time, providing peace of mind during transit, and knowing that your cello made it onto the flight.
5. Check Your Cello as Luggage
Be Polite at Check-In: Explain that the case contains your musical instrument. Most airlines will allow you to check it as a regular, some will charge you the oversized bag fee which varies for different airlines.
Kindness Matters: Polite and patient communication often ensures better handling of your instrument by staff.
Travel Hands-Free: Both the Forte 3D and BAM Flight Cases are designed have wheels for transport. But once you check your instrument you can move through the terminal comfortably and get a coffee or some food if you have time.
To summarize the above info:
Why This Setup Works (with a Note of Caution)
1. Durability: The Luis and Clark cello and Marquise GS bow are built to handle the demands of travel and outdoor gigs, but no setup is completely indestructible. While carbon fiber damage is rare, the wooden bridge is vulnerable. However, with sponges around the bridge, I’ve never had an issue with breakage or shifting.
2. Flexibility: The Realist Pickup, ToneDexter 2, and DPA mic adapt to any performance, from amplified stages to acoustic settings.
3. Protection: The rigid foam flight case, added padding, and AirTag tracking provide strong protection to keep my cello and bow secure during travel.
4. Convenience: This setup allows me to travel easily and focus on performing, without worrying about my gear.
Final Thoughts:
Flying with a cello doesn’t have to be daunting. My durable Luis and Clark carbon fiber cello, paired with a flexible gig setup and a reliable travel system, has made performing in challenging settings stress-free—situations that would have been nerve-wracking with my traditional wooden cello. This setup lets me focus on what truly matters: the music.
