B.I.G. (the return)UPDATE: Tony McManus is confirmed!

[Jeff Mc]

I think Southwest is the best at letting you carry on a guitar. I would still spring for the early boarding though.

[TomB'sox]

I have flown SW exclusively pretty much for the last 5 years. They are fantastic in regards to instruments. I flew about 5 guitars down from NY to TX during my move and never had a problem with carrying them on. In fact, was never once questioned about it.

There does have to be overhead space though, so I would sign up for early boarding, I was a frequent flyer with them so I was always in the A-group so that really helps.

Funny story, I was in line to board one day and there was a whole bluegrass band next to me, they all had instruments except for the stand up bass guy lol. The overheads are only so big.

[SprintBob]

Is Jason Kostal going to be able to make it? He had that fall recently and broke his foot and I know he had a follow up surgery on his horizon.

[TomB'sox]

Originally Posted by SprintBob

Is Jason Kostal going to be able to make it? He had that fall recently and broke his foot and I know he had a follow up surgery on his horizon.

I do not know. I know of his injury and he is waiting for surgery, perhaps he has had it, but he has not contacted me to cancel yet, but I fear it may be likely that he will. As of now, I do not know and did not want to burden him with having to make any decisions or talk to me with all he has on his plate right now. I will let everyone know as soon as I hear. It is an unfortunate circumstance for sure.

[Carmel Cedar]

Originally Posted by TomB'sox

I have flown SW exclusively pretty much for the last 5 years. They are fantastic in regards to instruments. I flew about 5 guitars down from NY to TX during my move and never had a problem with carrying them on. In fact, was never once questioned about it.

+1 on this. Southwest has flown me with guitars many times, and once even took a cello as checked baggage - no extra charge for the oversized item. They seem to love musicians! A few years back, Taylor Guitars created a Southwest edition of the GS Mini, and co-sponsored a few in-flight concerts on their flights. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U82Lo5Gx4A

Tom, perhaps you might consider designating Southwest Airlines as the Official Airline of B.I.G. (the return)!

[SprintBob]

So here's a sub-thread within a thread question to BIG (the return) attendees.

What songs are you bringing with you that you'll probably play as you demo all the cool guitars and interact with others? My "set" list is all solo fingerstyle arrangments and includes.

Mythos (standard tuning), composed/arranged by Mark Hanson
Cast Away (Open D tuning), composed/arranged by Mark Hanson
Shenandoah (DADGAD), traditional/arranged by Doug Young
Drake's Passage (DADGAD), composed/arranged by Mark Hanson
I Will (DADGAD), Lennon-McCartney/aranged by Doug Young
Twin Sisters (DADGAD), composed/arranged by Mark Hanson
In My Life (CGDGAD), Lennon-McCartney/arranged by Doug Young
Shooting Star (CGDGAD), composed/arranged by Massaki Kishibe
Hana (Flower) (DADF#AD), composed/arranged by Massaki Kishibe

I play for myself +99% of the time and I can get terrible brain fade playing in front of and around others. I did Swannanoa a couple of years ago and did the Guitar Group class with Clive Carroll where I played two songs in an ensemble group and that helped a lot. Hope I'll play this material well. I've posted Shooting Star, Shenandoah, and Cast Away recently on Show and Tell so hopefully I can at least play to that standard!

I'll be bringing my Rainsong carbon fiber Al Pettaway SE, it's a good travel guitar especially on a plane. Feel free to let me know if you want to take a spin on it if you've never tried a carbon fiber guitar.

One month and counting!

[TomB'sox]

Well I know who I am going to be hanging out with to hear play!!! The first event was so busy for Kathy and I that I never picked up a guitar all weekend until everyone had left and the house was quiet. There were definitely groups of folks playing together and teaching each other new stuff though. No matter what you play or how good or bad you are, you will be surrounded by those in your same shoes.

I remember several players that were just incredible while most like me were average at best.

[nacluth]

We’re planning on bringing a guitar or two. We will have an Engelmann/White Oak parlor and a Sitka/Mahogany SJ 12 string in the mix.

[Nemoman]

Wow--sweet looking guitars you guys!

[cigarfan]

Can't wait to try em'. Especially that 12 string.

[kego]

I am sooo bummed that I'm gonna have to miss this as i'll be out of town that weekend. Next year!

[j. Kinnaird]

Those are really nice. Sweet mahogany and lovely oak. I'm betting you wont be taking those back to nacogdoches

[Guitars44me]

Originally Posted by j. Kinnaird

Those are really nice. Sweet mahogany and lovely oak. I'm betting you wont be taking those back to nacogdoches

What John said! Mighty pretty guitars... and we know they will sound FINE,

Salud

Paul

[Jeff Mc]

Hi,
Is anyone bringing a 12 fret to sell at BIG? I would also be curious about woods, add-ons and price. You could send me a pm if you don’t want to post that info on here. Thanks,
Jeff

[Guitars44me]

Originally Posted by TomB'sox

Well I know who I am going to be hanging out with to hear play!!! The first event was so busy for Kathy and I that I never picked up a guitar all weekend until everyone had left and the house was quiet. There were definitely groups of folks playing together and teaching each other new stuff though. No matter what you play or how good or bad you are, you will be surrounded by those in your same shoes.

I remember several players that were just incredible while most like me were average at best.

Folks, Tom is much better than he claims! He and the lovely Kathy and their lovely daughter did a very nice set of music together. Fortunately we do NOT have to be virtuoso players to play heartfelt and quite pleasant 🎶 music!

Everyone play pretty and tune up often!

Paul