Dave Coxell

I wish I'd known about this website a few weeks ago. I have just collected a EUB from the Tuscan Luthier Biarnel (www.Biarnel.com), and had lots of worry about how to get it home from Pisa to the UK. To cut a very long story short, I eventually came home with it on Ryan Air, having bought an extra seat for it. BA refused, saying it was too long (I really didn't want to dismantle it). It was in a soft gig bag; was not dismantled - i.e. nearly 5 foot long and more delicate than a bass guitar as you can imagine with the bridge etc., and they didn't make me remove the strings. I have to say that Ryan Air were really very good about it, and Pisa airport security were very understanding also. It's now safe and sound at home, where no doubt I'll break it through my own clumsiness somehow

Hi folks, I have just collected a "Stico" EUB from the Tuscan luthier Biarnel (http://www.Biranel.com). I'd just like to say that RyanAir were brilliant. I bought a ticket for it, and it fitted perfectly in the seat-well next to me in its custom gig bag. British Airways had said it was too long. I was concerned first of all that they would refuse it, and secondly that they would make me remove the strings. In fact they couldn't have been more helpful. I wonder if anyone else out there has experience flying with EUBs and any tips for how best to cope? As for the Stico itself, I'm really pleased with it. It's of the type that aims to be just like a double bass, not like a long-scale fretless bass guitar. This is what I wanted, and what a great sound! I would thoroughly recommend the maker - He did a great job at a very reasonable price. Dave