I recommend looking into other solutions - it looks about the same length and width as my bagpipes when deflated and folded. I currently use a speaker stand softbag, lined with a multi-layer and very strong paper tube. This solution is very strong, very lightweight and has the added bonus of being able to be completely disassembled at a checkin/custom desk so that the complete contents can be seen. I wouldn't hesitate to hold-check it.

How about a fibre-glass plan tube?

You can also buy/make a hard plastic tube, and pad it as a case.

Snooker cues come to mind, but it's probably too thick. Still, it's worth checking. What sort of case with a sports archer use?

Fishing gear, too. The rods usually break down into shorter sections, and a case might be long enough.

A rifle case would be awkward. Definitely hold luggage. But it's not so tremendously unusual. Think international target shooting even the Olympics. And some of the cases don't scream "Gun!" They're not so often shaped to match a gun. But the general long-thin shape would attract checks.

Braider's idea is good: I've certainly seen pretty rigid document tubes on the backs of bike couriers.
Also, 30" isn't /that/ long. While you might not get a suitcase that long, you may be able to find one with a 30" diagonal...

Sorry, that last somment was me - lj had logged me out and I hadn't noticed.

My Vagabond travel guitar's case looks exactly like a rifle case -- I sometimes get funny looks but have never had any trouble carrying it on. It's almost exactly the same length as the strumstick. It's worth noting that something that long and thin fits diagonally in the same space as a folded garment bag.

Like most people commenting here, I'd recommend a mailing tube padded with the kind of foam that's used for insulating water pipes. Perhaps a fishing-rod case. On those rare occasions when you do have to gate-check it, a well-padded case will keep it safe.

You're welcome. Also note that it doesn't actually have to go into a garment bag; you can just point out that it fits in the same space.

Can you get one of those firm plastic tubes that are generally sold in art shops for holding rolled-up posters/canvases, etc? I'm thinking of the sort with two parts that screw together, with (usually) a longish carry-strap attached. If you padded that with foam, it might work.

Someone above mentioned archery cases - they're usually quite a bit larger than you'd need, BUT a lot of archers I know use a tube (as above) to carry arrows in!

Ooo. I wonder if the Countess could handle one of those?

And you could still be a queen in your own country. As long as, you know, nobody let on to ours...

Like others, I immediately thought of other long skinny things (add ski equipment to that list). A rifle case would work but is probably overkill, and, yeah, you're asking for extra scrutiny there. :-)

(I once travelled with a crossbow. I'd been told on the phone that if I rendered it inoperable by putting key components in checked luggage I could carry on the big part (stock + prod), but I was turned away at the gate because it spooked them. So I had to improvise something with foam and duct tape to check it. I was amused to find that it came out the other end with a "firearms" sticker on it. Ok, technically...)

You might drop by a music store and check out - perhaps - a clarinet case? Don't give up yet!

Edited at 2008-02-18 03:10 am (UTC)

I'm an ex-clarinet player and all the modern clarinets I've ever seen come apart in 3 to 5 pieces. Thus, the longest dimensions of their cases are well less than half the length of a strumstick.

I have one of the things coming to me via UPS in the next few days. I paid an extra $20 for a koa top. The cases looked flimsy, so I didn't order one. I've just seen quite a few good suggestions here - I'm thinking that, tubed and padded, this thing might be safe in a checked suitcase. It would probably fit somehow in the sleeve of a down coat, enabling one to get past a snooty check-in person. Or, it's light enough, it might be worth mailing it ahead (in its original packaging) in advance of travel, with good insurance of course.

The instrument I will not travel with is my ceramic Native American flute. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen - both an instrument and a work of art. In case anyone is interested, here's the maker's website: http://www.meadowlarkflutes.com/

He was playing songs on it, literally within seconds of touching the darn thing, at GAFilk.

I have created a monster. Go, Me. ;-)

I'm wondering how hard it would be to build a hard-shell case with solvent-welded PVC lined with foam.

The idea is to protect it on a flight, not be beautiful. I'll look into the sizes next time I'm at Home Despot.

Debbie, I have nothing to add to the advice, but there is only one other person I know who plays a strumstick. He's never taken his on a plane. But you certainly have clever and inventive friends.

Good luck.

taking a theremin onto a plane is fun - whether as carry on or in a suitcase it still looks like a bomb.
I *just* stopped myself one time from putting it in my suitcase next to an old fashioned alarm clock. Thinkabout it - wooden box with electrical wires in it beside a clock. Nice. Thereminists are told to bring a brosure or manual to explain what it is at airports.
Actually had no probs with it so far.