A moving tale: Travelling with a double bass

I didn’t anticipate some of the problems I’d have to tackle when I became Gary Karr’s agent and manager. Travelling with a cello is difficult enough, but manoeuvring a double bass is an altogether thornier issue. For instance, how do you get a bass into an aeroplane? You can’t leave it by the aisle, and when it’s by the window the ceiling area is reduced. I soon discovered that the only way to work it is to turn the instrument upside-down. I now insist on a pre-paid miscellaneous charge order, so airlines know in advance that they have to transport a double bass. Most airlines are cracking down now and the instrument has to go in storage in a huge hard-case, which is cheaper than paying for an extra seat.