[Harp-L] Re: Need travel tips to Europe

["M. N." <mnessmith@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dennis asked:
"Can I bring my bullet mic as a carry on European airlines?"

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If you think there'll be a problem with a bullet, why not just bring along a 
Shure 545S "pistol grip" mic instead? ;-) They'd LOVE that! In all 
seriousness, I think airport security will definitely take a closer look 
once your bag goes through the x-ray. They're certain to pull it out and ask 
you about it. Once they see it's just a mic, will they let it go through? 
(It is a heavy hunk of metal, afterall, and we all know what a threat 
harmonica terrorism is! Remember Gus-ama bin Laden!) Answer: Most likely. 
Whether or not you decide to bring it, really just depends on your tolerance 
for this kind of inquiry. If you're going to be in a huge hurry (or tend to 
lose your temper in situations like this), I'd recommend bringing a 
different mic (SM57 perhaps) or stowing the bullet in your checked luggage.
You should have seen the look on the face of the x-ray tech in Miami the 
time I was flying with my Harp Commander, a few cords, a JT-30 and a bunch 
of harps all stowed together in a shaving kit! You can imagine how that 
bundle looks on an x-ray! She pulled it out and asked me what it was. I told 
told her and she commented on how cool the mic looked (kudos to mic guru 
Dave Kott!). Stuffed the whole thing back into my suitcase and I was on my 
way.
Other travel tips: Pack light. Bring lots of Alka Seltzer if you intend to 
sample the local libations. Try to hook up with fellow Harp-Lers for a beer 
if not a jam session.
MN