Never Check Your Pedalboard When You Fly

Baxter and Jonathan talk about getting your pedal stolen from TSA or them Jacking up your pedal board when you fly with it. Have you ever had any horror stories flying with gear?

[@D1570R73D]

You guys are way too nice to the TSA.

[@TheOlesarge]

I saw Paul Gilbert either on Sweetwater or Josh Scott's youtube show how he made this huge wooden pedal board and simply put a serial number on the pedal board and that kept TSA from having to unhook every pedal to inspect them.

[@GuitarBillCurran]

What do you mean by a serial number on the pedal board?

[@tomperkins6389]

Back in the late 60's a friend of mine traveled to England with a Fender Villager acoustic 12-string. The guitar got smashed, the neck was fine. Later, when he and I were in a band in the early 70's, he had a Strat. I had the crazy idea to put the Villager neck on the Strat - the screw holes were identically drilled - and I built the world's first 12-string Strat. It took some work on the bridge to get it right but he played that guitar for a few decades.

[@WillyWonkenobi]

It's that jihadi beard that gets that pedal board searched😅

[@jonjones655]

More pedals...Don't fly...Rock On!

[@brentbeltz8968]

Just made the journey to your shop! Fantastic place and Sean was awesome. My 4 year old broke nothing and I left with a sweet early 70s Princeton, that Sean demo’d for me. We will be back!

[@MatthewBaron]

Are you guys feeling alright? More than 7 minutes without digressing onto a side tangent. Either you're sick or you're Skrulls.

[@dw7704]

Or sick Skrulls

[@RByrne]

I was flying from Toronto to Vancouver aroind 2005, as the HVAC company i worked for as an apprentice had some customers out there. I had one of those Stanley wheeled lockable tool bin/cases with my tools in it. They detected some sort of signal from the multimeter inside, detained me in a room for 4hrs, and eventaully released me. I had to pick up my tools at a counter in Van airport, at which point I learned my multimeter had "been destroyed."

[@TheRockk35]

This was great, thx guys. Which board + bag combo do you use to meet personal-item measurements ?

[@Dr.Lee.Guitar]

Great reasons to use an AxeFX or Helix when having to travel via plane.

[@randaldavis8976]

Computer parts for repair was my TSA nightmare. They always wanted to turn it on. It is just parts, not a computer. Ask for supervisor and show my (nationaly know) company ID, was almost always required. The front line TSA agents just don't understand much.

[@kidvalhalla6091]

TSA is just a makework program. Real dummies.

[@lyndelnavarro9714]

I was fortunate I guess. I flew for 12 years with my pedalboard in checked baggage and got the white note most of the time but they never messed with it. But I do have a funny ProCo Rat TSA story. I was borrowing one from a friend in Wisconsin and had it in my carry on and the TSA checked it out with curiosity while I watched. I said "it's a ProCo Rat" and he nodded approval at me and put it back in my bag like he knew what that meant. 🤣

[@jonathanj-g-yyelle6144]

I was real _lucky_ to not get gear "confiscated" when on fly gigs. I had my 2 or 3 chosen guitars but brought very little units with me. Would often buy the gear where I was going, use it for the gig/gigs and bring it back home with me. I found out early that I had _way better_ gear selection in the U.S. than I did in Canada (where I was based) or Europe. Payed duties of course. But it was a bit less because I used it to work. And, for studio gigs, I would use what gear was there. Studios had more gear than you could afford to own yourself back then! *Late 80s, early 90s. Need that AC30 sound? ... Got one back there all mic'd up ready to go! Ahhh, the good 'ol days! Cheers!

[@briansuniqueguitars]

I could see the potted circuit boards getting sketchy for TSA since it is hard for them to know what is really sealed inside.

[@honkytonkinson9787]

“Cut it out,” was a line from the Canadian tv show “Out Of Control” which was slightly before Full House Dave C used a lot of the same comedy stylings on Full House and I always imagined that Uncle Joey’s day job was doing kids TV for Nickelodeon! 😅

[@robraaiii]

Damn, wanted to be the one. Remember the Cindy Lauper type chick, Diz I think, that screamed?

[@honkytonkinson9787]

@@robraaiii yeah, we all did that noise in elementary school, drove the teachers nuts! This was before adhd meds so it didn’t take much for all the boys to start crowing that dumb noise, and then all start “cutting it out”

[@robraaiii]

@@honkytonkinson9787 ahhh, I remember the days before Ridellan. Glorious chaos. Explained away with “boys will be boys”. Funny how the descriptive words for a young boy, became the symptoms of add/adhd. I miss the 80’s.

[@bb_lz9790]

I've flown with my bass amp in my backpack (a MarkBass Little Mark III). The TSA looked at it like it was a bomb. I think the body of my bass was in the backpack too (and the neck in my checked luggage). Ultimately, I didn't have a problem, but it caused quite a stir. Music gear aside, the TSA always used to swab my CPAP machine. Now, they don't seem to care.

[@wrobinson1702]

You guys are WAY too easy on TSA. The problem is the inconsistency. I’ve had TSA agents in one location tell me, “oh yes, this is fine. TSA agents are trained to know what this is.” And then on the next flight, the TSA agents have to dismantle it, pull you aside, swab down everything, etc. Basically, TSA puts relatively unsophisticated people in a situation where they suddenly have power over others that they’ve never had before, and abuse of that power is common.

[@nicholasbstone]

@Inject Bleach Yes it is.

[@jasondorsey7110]

​@@nicholasbstone Wherever there is power and authority, there is the temptation of corruption...accountability and transparency are underrated

[@wrobinson1702]

@Inject Bleach It's common enough that I've been a victim of or had a family member be victim of TSA on 4 separate occassions.

[@deeplyable]

Played an sg and its magic. that being said i need one!! 😂

[@realmongo7565]

I've never got picked for a musical instrument through TSA, but there was this one time I tried going through TSA with a Lionel diesel engine. It showed up on x-ray as wires and gears. The next thing I knew, I was pulled out of line and sitting in the dreaded TSA room!

[@leftyo9589]

when the clueless are hired for everybody's safety............

[@lancomedic]

@Real Mongo And when they damaged the box it lost half its value.

[@mattroegge1913]

Dave Coulier first did the Cut It Out on a Nickelodeon show, Cut it Out, a few years before Full House.

[@bks252]

You can also ask to go to the oversized check in like when you check a hunting rifle. They inspect it in front of you and then seal it before it goes any further. Other agents are not supposed to look inside after it is inspected there. At least there you can remove any pedals they want to check. It’s still BS but at least you’re in control…sort of anyway.

[@DK-rv5tt]

I used to take a lot of flights and almost every time I did , I was missing something from my suitcase or bag that I had checked in!

[@GraemeCampbellMusic]

I worked in aviation for 10 years, in a few different roles including baggage, and I can confrm you are correct. Also, I've unjammed too much luggage from the sorting machines that go to the big X-rays, to put anything valuable through there.

[@blue.5058]

Never travel with expensive gear when doing an out-of-state gig. Not only does this apply to pedals (I used a multi-fx unit instead, and even THAT isn’t a pricey unit), but also instruments as well. If it can’t be replaced for an affordable price at Guitar Center, Sam Ash, or even a mom-and-pop store, I’m not bringing it. This goes especially for one-off or vintage gear, too. Put the ego aside and leave the 1st-run ‘58 Les Paul at home. It will more-than-likely get stolen or totally trashed if you take it on the road.

[@stonyspidermusic]

Jonathan, where are you playing at in South Dakota?! I’m in the Black Hills.

[@khillsy4489]

"Bop It."

[@solaris70]

which amplifier (s) you two are going to turn up ¿? when you make your video jamming out on your Guitars 🎸🔥

[@MarsGuitarOfficial]

I’ve lucked out with tsa with my fly rig oops I just jinxed myself lol😅 thanks guys!!!

[@oldcrackadated]

Really confuse those idiots and attach a bunch of bicycle pedals to your board , they would spend hours trying to figure out what it is

[@jimmyjams1974]

I have had this happen where it was dismantled and I swear stuff was missing. If I never have to fly with an guitar or gear I would be happy.

[@dumbguy9386]

I travel for work they deliberately break things and maliciously turn on battery powered devices to run down the batteries.

[@csnide6702]

It's baggage handlers that do the stealing at Airports. I've actually heard of handlers going through luggage and picking and choosing what to steal.

[@KevinWoodall-]

I’m with you on clip on tuners. I don’t care if they work.

[@PeterMoore350]

What if you buy baby pedals ? 🤣😂🤣😂 Cheers from NZ 😎🎸🤘

[@TheFeelButton]

I prefer travelling by boat. Cheers Casino!

[@golfrick007]

Where in South Dakota will you be, Mr. Johnathan?

[@dudley509]

Apple watch can detect heart attack early. Saved a friend of mine.

[@rickderoehn2630]

looks like John Mayer is gonna have to take the bus

[@jameswhite1450]

Get any D4 in last night?

[@unclelefteye3166]

Another check mark in the “Baxter’s Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Play with Pedals” column

[@csnide6702]

very true... PEDALS SUCK ! ... just outdated- what is this, 1980..?

[@TheIronWord]

I think it's cool how many people watch Rick's channel...

[@csnide6702]

I quit .... Tim pierce got tiring as well......

[@mitch_smith]

When you have had your cell on silent for 7 years, the apple watch tells you when it's ringing. ****side note, for us fat guys, toss some 3x shirts in the shop****

[@csnide6702]

or just lose weight and wear what people should.

[@homegrownson]

There are Angels and Thieves everywhere, material things we can replace

[@fredtirbo4411]

Why doesn't everyone use clip-on tuners now? They've gotten so good ,and you can put it in your pocket when flying. Damned sound hole sniffers!

[@sparkyguitar0058]

Good point. I actually use my board tuner mostly as a on/off. Change pedals without switching noise.

[@chuckcarey]

Clip on tuners will betray you on a loud stage in a loud room and suck picking up the low ,B on the bass

[@sparkyguitar0058]

@@chuckcarey The bass part I agree but my headstock tuner also tunes by vibrate. So we get through the loud stuff. Now what's hard is tuning my 12 string. Cause I like the 2nd string in harmony of the first string. Need to really hear all that. And then.... to make matters more fun is moving the capo around. But I do use both kinds of tuners on every gig.

[@mcfats7652]

The only thing the TSA does is violate your property and frisk down little kids. SAD

[@izzyhezz]

This conversation was really hard to follow.

[@micktheman6]

Just watch Rhett shulls videoes they keep breaking his pedals.

[@flapjack413]

Hahaha, that throwback to Saved by the Bell... that episode was ridic! They treated her caffeine pill popping like it was a full blown meth addiction, lol. Oh, how I miss the late 80's/early 90's television. Well, not really. Not at all, actually. Haha.

[@stringspicksandfiddlestick6388]

Never fly period. I saw a guy who got turned away because he had a power drill.

[@smalltowninnewmexico]

i hid weed in my wah pedal flying in australia a few years ago.... thought i was all clever and wrapped up a bag of bud then over wrapped it with...instant coffee powder hahahaa. u know how there is a big cavity in Dunlop Crybaby? almost half an ounce of stinky weed. i didnt even think about Xrays OR maybe my pedal looked like a bomb! But australia was pretty mellow before 9/11 . i took my Oculus Quest2 in my carry on last flight. ( no weed this time lol)

[@friedrudibega6384]

Ampless gig? Quad Cortex or some sort of all in one that’ll fit in your guitar case. I do love my pedals though. TSA is asshoe!

[@keith.messier]

Bop It!

[@rustyfenders101]

Apple Watch = Exercising device. I wish the put like a metronome in there that would be cool. There you're welcome.

[@KorkMoyer]

Tech21 FlyRigs. Personally, both the old or newer Richie Kotzen RK5 works perfectly with the Two Notes Captor M.

[@glenproctor1999]

Get a HX Stomp to travel with. Put it in the pocket of your case.

[@anthonyallard3156]

you could hide a bomb in some of those

[@microdot4374]

💖🎸🎸.......✍🏼

[@tonepilot]

There’s nothing good about flying anymore, nothing.

[@Sweetz404]

I had a friend get his 500$ bike cranks stolen from a disassembled race bike in the way to big race

[@joshuahek4564]

What if TSA loses your children?

[@keithconner]

Dont feel bad i dont buy anything apple either.

[@HoracioGarciaMusic]

I've had a smartwatch for a few years. It's just a glorified way of checking your messages and counting your steps. and you look like a dork answering calls on it like a Power Ranger

[@lyleanderson5407]

Just another good reason to buy a laptop and just bring an expression pedal(s) and midi controller, although that could be a TSA headache as well. I guess KIS (keep it simple) for fly shows.

[@216trixie]

Imagine 95% of us would love to be in the position of ever having to fly to a gig.

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

Careful what you wish for.

[@friedrudibega6384]

Overrated. I’d rather spend 24 hours in a van with no ac than fly.

[@mcblahflooper94]

Adam Neely made a great vid on how terrible it is to fly as a musician. If you've ever seen a touring band perform, you've paid to see people who almost certainly rightfully complained about how terrible it is to deal with TSA when carrying valuable gear. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/opLdhHuBj5aro6s&pp=ygURQWRhbSBOZWVseSBmbHlpbmc%3D

[@zezuntxiduntxi]

TSA steal things? And they are not held responsible? Disgusting.

[@thesparkedbrain]

Never used a pedal in 25 years. Just another reason not to.

[@sparkyguitar0058]

U never ride a bike? J K

[@alanpettibone]

Or drive a car? There are at least 2 pedals there.😂

[@mojoman2001]

Maybe he has no feet.

[@alanpettibone]

@@mojoman2001 That would certainly explain the lack of pedal usage. 😁

[@thesparkedbrain]

@@mojoman2001 Yeah, I could be Lieutenant Dan. jk...... Let me now specify, no guitar pedals in 25 years of playing. An amp and a guitar is all I need, and I play out 2-3 nights per week.

[@mattlionmusic]

My Apple Watch helped confirm that I have a heart condition. Don’t wanna dive too deep but it saved me from a lot of medical gaslighting regarding long covid. It keeps a log of your heart rate through the day and night.

[@pierheadjump]

⚓️ Thanks Casino 😎 funny coincidence just after 9/11… Radio Shack went out of business 🥸 all those guys ??? Where did they go??? TSA!!! 🤯