Nashville

[tom.fletcher6251]

Hi guys

Looking for some advice. I'm going to Nashville at the end of january to do some recording sessions/gigs, should i fly with my steel or look at trying to rent one? also if anyone has any good places to visit or some players to meet up for some lessons? that would be great!

Its my first time there, so any advice would be appreciated

Tom

[David Hartley]

God luck Tom. I can't help you with your Nashville travels as such, I've only been there for two days but I'm sure you'll have fun. I think if I was you, I would take your own steel. I heard British airways will allow it on the plane in the cupboard actually in the cabin at no cost if you tell them what it is and it's fragility. If it's flight cased, then maybe consider paying for it in the hold. If you have jobs and recordings, you may not like the extra challenge of playing another guitar, which might be hard to borrow anyway. If you're gigging and recording, maybe you don't need lessons, but if it's just you and the steel going on holiday, and you would like some seat time with a pro, I can probably get you a really good contact. PM me if you want me to do some homework on this. I am sure more good advice will follow on your thread.

[Tony Russell Davis]

Hi Tom - don't you play a U-12? That might be even more tricky to source over there; David's advice is right. Anyway, good luck with the trip, and enjoy!

[Malcolm]

Tom, if taking steel as hold baggage when you check in ask to put it through oversize check in.By doing this it goes through on a short belt straight on to baggage trolley then straight to aircraft thus avoiding miles of baggage conveyor belts, at destination pick up from oversize belt.If trying to get it in cabin, ask to carry it to gate for check in, if cabin crew will not allow it on then it will be taken from you on the air jetty on boarding and carried down to hold ( same as pushchairs etc) same on arrival , pick it up on air jetty. As far as getting a guitar over there, two possibilities, 1 ask on American forum if anyone can loan or hire one to you. 2 you could try Steel guitar Nashville, now run by Vic Lawson , ask if he had one he could hire to you.
Steel players worth seeing , if they have gigs in area, Mike Johnson, Tommy White, Paul Franklin, Buck Reid , come to mind.Believe Mike has a regular monthly night in Nashville, Tommy is in Opry house band, Paul plays with TimeJumpers although don't know what is happening with them with the sad passing of Dawn Sears.These are just top names that come to mind, but there are many great not as well guys playing around area.Have a great trip.

[elparkirio]

Hey Tom, there's almost too much to choose from. Broadway, the main drag in the centre of town is littered with loads of bars, all playing live music from 10am-1am. You have to go to Roberts, which is Shot Jacksons' old place where they used to sell Sho Buds. There's always a good band at the Station Inn, just off broadway. And obviously 3rd and Lindsley. But there are loads of gigs all over town, all with a high caliber of musicians.

If you need anything doing to your steel go and see Jeff at Sho Pro. You will need to rent a car as he's just outside Nashville in Mount Juliet but well worth a visit.
It's really easy to get connected in Nashville and everyone is super friendly. My guess is you won't want to come back.

All the best

Matt

[tom.fletcher6251]

Cheers guys! Yeah I'm working there, doing some sessions at blackbird studios!! (Dream come true) I'll message you Dave very much interested in get some seat time!

I've decided to just bring the steel, my coped is a bit weird! And will probably be a nightmare to find anything similar.

T

[tom.fletcher6251]

Does anyone know roughly how much it cost to take a steel on the plane?

[Malcolm]

Tom, depends who you are flying with and your baggage allowance, excess baggage can be expensive.I know Mark Dunn took his Zum over to Dallas with BA, perhaps he can advise on costs.When I brought my MSA back it was with my baggage allowance of two bags at 23kgs(club class) think tourist is one bag at 20kgs.Suggest you check with airline to see if they have any reduced rates for musical instruments.