New to the life--How do we carry musical instruments

[Aguarino]

Hi everyone! I am new to this site as of today but me and boyfriend and highly interested in the van lifestyle after we both graduate college
I've figured out most of the details regarding which van to choose etc.. but one question I still can't figure out is:
We are both musicians and one of our goals is to travel around playing music. That being said, he plays upright bass, which is HUGE, and I'm not sure what kind of van to get that will fit it, and how to keep the wood of his instrument from getting damaged due to heat/cold. any suggestions?

 

[rvpopeye]

Welcome aboard the CRVL forums Aguarino!

To make things easier to find and not so confusing for replies .
You should start another thread instead of hijacking this one,,,when a Mod sees this they might be able to split it for you.......

I find acoustic instruments suffer most from hot/cold temps + high/low humidity.
A hard shell case will help a lot!
A stand up bass is quite a beast to fit in a van...
I'd get a small amp and a Steinberg!

 

[akrvbob]

Welcome we're really glad you're here!

I think it would be really hard, almost impossible in a van, here are some ways you could make it work:

1) one of the really big Sprinter vans, 
2) a box or step van 
3) shuttle bus or small school bus. 
4) a toy hauler--either a trailer or Class C
5) or towing a cargo trailer. 

Unless you are going to be going to a lot of backcountry, I think a cargo trailer would be ideal. 
Bob

 

[highdesertranger]

I vote for a trailer. a toy hauler or cargo trailer. highdesertranger

 

[KMAG YOYO]

I think you'll find the big bass is not going to make the trip, unless you're willing to drag a cargo trailer. Even if you can find room for it, you'll have to kick it outside every night when you make the bed. After the first week that thing is going to feel like a cruise ship anchor.

I'm a big fan of jazz and bluegrass so I get that there's no substitute for that deep full sound. Maybe it can live at a parent's house and you can visit it every few months, meantime he can play an electric one?

 

[FuManchu]

As an electric bassist who's always wanted an upright acoustic, I can relate!  Not van living yet but I'm considering renting space in a climate-controlled storage unit for my two basses, classical guitar and acoustic guitar.  I won't be travelling, just staying locally with my job so the monthly storage rental won't be that much of an issue.  There are also slimmer versions of upright basses, that might be an option.

 

[Patrick46]

back when I lived on the road in a cab-over semi truck, I had my guitar Bungee-corded to the headliner of my sleeper.
I used the softer colored Bungees, and not the tough black rubber ones.
It was always within easy reach, but stowed out the way, no problem.
worked out great!