Buying electric guitar from Japan (Tokyo)?

[lerceon]

Does anyone have experience buying electric guitars from Japan? Please share your story and experience.

I'll be going on my first trip to Japan, and considering getting a telecaster. I'm worried about not being able to hand carry it on board on the return flight (should be SQ).

Thanks.

 

[bluelime]

This has been mentioned a few times recently.
Outcomes were that u will have to call them to double check.
Or request them to put them into the coat cabinet pherhaps located at the first class area.
And lots of old t shirt and sponges as cushioning inside.
Hope this helps.

 

[faekildare]

What airlines are you taking?

 

[dodgethis]

If you are so worried, buy another seat ticket. That way you can bring it into the cabin without any worries and put it in the seat yourself!

 

[faekildare]

If you are so worried, buy another seat ticket. That way you can bring it into the cabin and put it in the seat.

LOL. And can put seat belt for it some more...

 

[dodgethis]

I was actually being serious. Here is the official policy from SIA. IIRC most other airlines have this policy as well.

Oversized Musical Instruments

Oversized musical instruments can only be carried onboard the cabin if you purchase an extra seat to accommodate it.

If you book seat for the instrument(s) in Economy Class, you must also travel in Economy Class. Suites, First and Business Class seats do not have accessible seat frame to secure large musical instruments on the floor. You can travel in a different cabin class, as your musical instrument(s), if you are traveling in a group, and there are other members in your traveling party accompanying your musical instrument(s) in Economy class.

Large musical items (e.g. cello, guitars, etc) must be placed on the floor and be properly secured by seat belts to the seat frame. At least 4 infant seat belts are required. First/Business class seats do not have accessible seat frame to secure the large instruments on the floor.

The Maximum weight and dimension allowable is shown below:

• Weight : 75 kg
• Dimension : Height - 61”
  Width - 19” (Based on armrest to armrest seat width)

Note:

• A Double Bass is not allowed onboard as it exceeds the height limit set above.
• Although guitars are normally less than 7 kg (that is within the cabin weight allowance), it may be considered as oversized due to its (dimensions) ; and may not be allowed in the cabin if no extra seat(s)have been purchased for it. If you do not plan to purchase an extra seat, guitars should be packed in a suitable hard case and checked-in to avoid damage.

 

[Composer of Requiems]

When I called up SIA to check some time back, they said as long as it doesn't exceed the dimensions it will be okay. Normally guitars are not oversized, so you can carry it on as hand luggage. Must call them up to check beforehand, though, and ask for their name so you can quote them, or some other kind of black and white.

 

[Jumpin'Jellybean]

If it's a bolt on, you could try to take it apart? Neck and body, should be fine that way.

 

[RicFreak]

The best way to bring the guitar home safely is to ensure that the headstock is properly secured. With foam or cloth. String tension released as breakage normally occurs around the headstock area where it is the weakest due to truss rod cavity.
Most shops in Japan should have carton boxes to pack the hardcase securely with foam added if it is loose. Request for FRAGILE!!!! stickers when checking in.
If its in a soft case / gig bag. DO NOTcheck-in as baggage.

Good Luck Ochanomizu here we come !!!!!

 

[Victorinox]

I commonly see people carrying guitars in softcase around the airport and into the plane. The stewardess will normally store it for you in the jacket cabinet. But since you are buying a telecaster, just remove the four bolts and pack both parts in a big suitcase. Then get it setup by someone in Singapore if you cant do it yourself. Its better than risking the guy at the check-in counter or security area saying you have to check it in which I suppose they can insist if they want to.

 

[madnessman]

Hit up ochanomizu when you're in Tokyo. It's probably the closest thing to (Japanese) guitar heaven on earth! Lived in Japan for a total of 5 years past but I've never actually bought a guitar in Japan because I'm always too broke.