Backpacking with a fiddle

I’ll be embarking on a cross country trip around Ireland next month. I like to keep things minimal, does anyone have any suggestions for either back packs that can hold a fiddle or fiddle case that is big enough to hold clothes? I’ve seen the Joey and the Bam trekking pack but neither are quite what I’m looking for. Im not really interested in a backpacker fiddle and would prefer to just take my full size ax. Ideally everything would be self contained. I’ll be there for about three weeks. Thanks for any suggestions!

how’s your whistle playing these days? You know what I would do, is take a backpack and also a fiddle case with a strap so you can sling it over a shoulder. Seriously, stuffing a fiddle in a backpack or stuffing clothes in a fiddle case is bound to end up with a smashed fiddle. Nevermind what could happen to your bow stuffed in a pack trotting around the countryside. If its baggage fees with the airlines that makes you want 1 bag, just pay the $2 and bring a backpack and a fiddle case you can sling over a shoulder.

I just did a similar trip last summer. Find yourself a small, lightweight case and carry it over a shoulder separate from your other stuff. A fiddle shaped case with a seperate bow tube is ideal. You’ll want to leave all the heavy stuff in a your tent or at the hostel when you’re out having tunes anyway. If the case is small enough, you can strap it to the outside of your pack when you’re traveling. Have a great time!

I walked from London to Portugal with a rucksack full of clothes, food, tent, cooking gear etc. and my fiddle tied to the back. I survived, but I was determined to do b as self sufficient as possible. If you are prepared to stay in hostels/B&Bs, use public transport, buy meals (or just buy cooking ingredients as you need them) etc., you can travel a lot lighter.

If you are happy to go really minimal on clothing (i.e. very light clothing, one change of underwear etc.), you might just be able to stuff it all in the pocket of your fiddle case, inside the case, or in a small bag attached to the case. If your case has shoulder straps, you could then put the whole lot on your back. Another option might be to put the fiddle on your back and carry a small rucksack on your front.

Ireland being Ireland, it might be wise to organise some sort of rain protection for your case (or ‘splash out’ on a waterproof case). On my Portugal trip, I managed to get my rucksack’s built-in rain cover over the fiddle case. On other trips, cycling across Ireland, I improvise a cover using a bin liner, with holes for the shoulder straps.

Good luck and have a great trip.

Sorry, wrong thread.

You’re a madman if you think you’re going to put a fiddle into a backpack.

“determined to do b as self sufficient as possible.”

Sorry, left things mid-edit there - “determined to be as self suficient as possible” is what I meant.

If Tony Hawks could do it, so can you:

http://www.ttbook.org/book/tony-hawks-hitchhiking-fridge

There’s nothing lighter than one of those cheap foam cases, and make or get a longer shoulder strap so you can hang it at your side like a messenger bag. That, or bungee cord the fiddle to your backpack. 🙂

I did some hitchhiking with a backback and a fiddle in Ireland. I carried a normal plastic fiddle case in my hand. It is easier when you cram yourself and your luggage into a small car. You might also get a lift easier when drivers see you are a fiddler.

I’ve traveled all over the world with a mandolin. I have a $180 Rover so I wasn’t freaked about it being ripped off, crushed etc.

a) If you spend $150 US or so, you can get a stiff, waterproof case that is quite slim and fits both fiddle and bow. Stiff case: rainproof, crush-proof etc. Soft case: lighter. If you’re backpacking through Ireland, you only need a set or two of extra clothes and maybe a 2nd pair of shoes = small pack = stiff case not a huge burden

b) bring/buy a beater & leave the Strad at home. I can’t emphasise this enough.

c) Whatever case you get, make sure it has a shoulder strap.