I am wondering what are the best methods to bring a midi controller (Vestax VCI..) and your computer on board without damaging stuff? I travelled this weekend and had a backpack case and put my VCI-300 in it and some clothes to help protect it, but thought it could easily get damaged with a fall or sudden push from an angle or other baggage. Also, can be an issue of weight ..So, what are the best ways? Check on as luggage in a music hard box?
Hand Luggage, and if that is not enough, then you should ask the carrier for CARRY ON BOARD luggage. It costs a bit more, but its the safest bet. Normally, if you have no other luggage, they will let you go pretty cheap. Of course that is my personal experience!
I try never to let my stuff out of my sight, even if it means checking my luggage with my clothes & such. I’ve watched too many baggage handlers who looked as if they were practicing for Olympic discus throwing.
I have a great Targus backpack that holds everything and fits into an overhead, though admittedly it needs more padding & protection. I’m looking at the Namba Studio backpack, which is roomy and well protected, and I want to get my hands on some of the amazingly well-built Kata backpacks for photo gear to see how they’d adapt.
i have 2 carry on bags, my backpack and an m-audio studio bag. my clothes get checked. my backpack carrys 2 macbooks, pioneer 909, audio 8, cables and ts records. my other bag carries the vci100, m-audio 02, triggerfinger and a small samson stereo eq. if the venues turntables suck, i use the vci100. its alot of stuff to lug around but its worth it.
Those kata bags do seem kinda cool…but they seem to be targeted at the photographers…with a bunch of slots for extra flashes and lenses…not sure how we would utilize all those slots…l