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Hey fellow tuba players. I am a navy tubist currentley stationed at little creek VA getting my MU status. I was told that my first duty station was to be New Port, Rode Island until one of the fellow navy tuba players in the band stationed in japan got hurt. So right now I am on standby to go to either places. I have my own tuba( Miraphone 1292) with a MTS hard case(which is too big so I added foam padding to make it fit) and I was wondering what did other military tuba players who shipped their horns with them over seas do? I know I can have the military ship it. But if I do should I get a flight case? Or will the giagantic MTS tuba case that I have work? Did any military tuba players take their horns with them on the flight to their duty station? or is it wiser to have it sent after I leave or before I get there? I wont find out where I am going until I hear about he condition of the other tuba player. I am only asking now so that I can start saving up money for a flight case. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Zach

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Hi Zach,

I'm a fellow MU euphonium player in Hawaii, and my suggestion would be have the military ship it with your house hold goods if possible. The band will have a horn for you when you get there to play until your horn arrives with your house hold goods. The movers are pretty good with packing up expensive items carefully but if you want to be extra safe get a nice MTS or flight case. With luggage fees and such going separate from your horn would be the best option since you probably will be flying commercial to your first band. If you have any questions PM me. Oh, and happiness is the SOM in your rearview mirror!

Our unit has done a significant amount of air travel with the MTS-style cases without incident but it's not my first choice. We're in the process of adding aluminum flight cases for every tuba we own and they have worked very well. Personally, I would have the movers build a wooden crate that the horn, inside its case, would be shipped. Contact the transportation office at NAB, describe what you want done, and they'll contact the movers. A rep from the company should come out and measure so that they have the correct amount of materials to make the crate. You might also try getting excess baggage authorized on your orders as a reimbursable expense. It might take a lot of nagging and explaining, but it's another option. Best wishes wherever you go.

I had the gov'mint ship my Yamaha to Korea in it's Yamaha case the first time I went overseas. No issues both ways, but I was concerned. I've got several Walt Johnsons now and wouldn't have too many qualms about them shipping them now. I don't have cases for all of my stuff, so I wouldn't take something unless I got a case. Stuff can still get wrecked; you should ask SSG Knight about how the movers shipped his horn from Korea , but he didn't have a case at all.

Let me preface by saying that I'm not part of the military nor do I claim that i know more than the next player when it comes to shipping, but... I had the opportunity to travel to travel w/ my school orchestra a couple of years back and, while many will advise against it, i had ABSOLUTELY NO PROBLEM putting my horn under plane in the MTS case i have. (which is surprising since when i went to Philly, TSA/the airlines put a dent in the bottom bow) Now, this may not be the typical experience but it worked out for me. However, if given the chance, (if i were in the military) I would probably take advantage of the military shipping the horn. it'll save you on the OUTRAGEOUS fees and give you a little peace-of-mind knowing they won't be too rough with your stuff. just my .02

-CT

I don't things have changed that drastically since I got out in '92 when comes to shipping household goods. I had my instrument shipped to and from Alaska along with my household goods (which included my pickup) without any problems (in fact, since you use your horn as part of performing your mission, its not even counted as a household good). Go ahead and use your MTS case, not a problem since its all going to be shipped as freight.
JJ

I've had many shipped in houshold goods shipments . . . never had a problem. In general, though, I've had better luck with Anvil or Unitec type cases than the MTS or Miraphone cases - especially where the bell is concerned.

Walt Johnson or an Anvil Case. They will have an instrument for you. Pack yours up nice and safe and have your family ensure its safe arrival. Don't try to bring it with you unless you really want to. Can you shoot your new command an email asking them what they suggest?

There are several Navy band tubists on this website. They might be able to give you more information if you PM them.