Cello on a train

Does anyone here have any knowledge about large, valuable instruments on Amtrak trains, specifically a cello? Do I need to buy an extra seat - as you do with airlines?

I will be on a train from New York to DC next week.

Thanks,
Daniel

PVD said:

https://www.amtrak.com/special-items#instruments

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A violin is considered an oversized instrument?

Your cello should be fine. I don’t remember if the baggage area can fit a cello case. Just make sure your first on the train at NYP, and lay it back side down on the floor underneath the first luggage wrack.

If you’re particularly worried, book an extra seat - I’ve had friends do that.

I would imagine that the violin itself is far from oversized, it probably refers to the size of some of the high end cases they (the special ones) might travel in. Of course if I had that type of violin, I might be inclined to buy it a seat rather than put it in a luggage bin or rack.

PVD said:

I would imagine that the violin itself is far from oversized, it probably refers to the size of some of the high end cases they (the special ones) might travel in. Of course if I had that type of violin, I might be inclined to buy it a seat rather than put it in a luggage bin or rack.

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The variation in case size is quite minimal.

Even a full size Musafia won’t be much bigger than a light smaller Bam - in terms the measurements relevant to overhead compartments for planes and trains. Even with expensive violins, there’s never a need to not put it overhead.

For nearly every overhead compartment, most violin cases have no trouble.

The baggage page mentions a bass violin, not a regular violin

Bass violin is the modern term for various 16th- and 17th-century bass instruments of the violin family. They were the direct ancestor of the modern cello. Bass violins were usually somewhat larger than the modern cello... (from Wikipedia)

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If you buy a seat for your musical friend, you may want to consider traveling Business Class or on the Acela, where you can preselect 2 seats together. Coach seating is open; engaging a Red Cap may get you onto the train before the masses descend.

DCAKen said:

The baggage page mentions a bass violin, not a regular violin

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My mistake. My mind added a comma between violin and bass, in part because this terminology is never used professionally. Cello is the vernacular. Unless you’re actually using a baroque instrument as described, but not very many exist, and Amtrak is referring to either cellos or basses here.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bass on an Amtrak train, but I figure they likely have procedure for it.

I happen to co-own a violin repair shop. Our advice to our customers is to never check a violin, viola, or cello if you want to play it at your destination.

The cost of a seat for cello or bass is likely to be lower than the cost of repair if mishandled by other passengers or by baggage handlers. Repairs can be expensive.

If you must --as last resort-- check an instrument, then be prepared for it to require professional adjustment or repair at the other end.

Even if the cello has a hard case it would be risky. Besides, the Amtrak web site says:
"Oversize instruments may only be carried onboard with the purchase of an additional full revenue seat."

I'm not sure how they would handle this in coach with unreserved seating as you would want to find two seats together. (I wonder how crowded your train will be.) As someone suggested a premium seat selection might help, although the expense will be greater.

I can understand how this could make a person nervous. I've known people that spent a small fortune for a headstock..
"the neck cleanly broken off along the grain through the foot just below the top of the instrument. The owner has received a $3500 quote for a neck graft".... so you don't want to check it.

Tlcooper44 said:

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bass on an Amtrak train, but I figure they likely have procedure for it.

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Musical Instruments

Small musical instruments (flutes, small trumpets and harmonicas). Medium-sized musical instruments (guitars, trumpets and small saxophones). Oversized musical instruments (cellos, bass violins, bass saxophones and tubas).

Carry-On: Allowed - up to 50 lbs. and 28" x 22" x 14". Oversized - no larger than 72" in height.
Checked: Allowed - up to 50 lbs. and 100 linear inches

• Instruments that do not fit in luggage racks will be considered oversize.
• Smaller instruments must be packed with the passenger's luggage to be adequately protected from damage.
• In lieu of a piece of baggage, medium-sized musical instruments may be transported for a $10 service fee.
• Oversize instruments may only be carried onboard with the purchase of an additional full revenue seat.

tgstubbs1 said:

I can understand how this could make a person nervous. I've known people that spent a small fortune for a headstock..
"the neck cleanly broken off along the grain through the foot just below the top of the instrument. The owner has received a $3500 quote for a neck graft".... so you don't want to check it.

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Considering most professional grade string instruments are no less than $25,000, nervousness is warranted.

Last time I traveled with a cellist on the NEC, they had an additional seat purchased, though our group numbered 6 plus instruments.

I’ve asked a few colleagues, and all of them have said to purchase an additional seat, though one who’s a little laxer did say they were able to lay their cello flat under the first rack of luggage at one point.

In my experience, what Amtrak or and airline has listed on their site isn’t necessarily what one will experience in person. I’ve had general luck over the years, though I’ve had plenty of colleagues who’ve not.

I don’t know what your cello is. If you have a fine instrument, and booking an extra seat is not an option, I suggest making sure you keep a copy that page of the Amtrak site on you, and asking an attendant for help.

Whether you travel or not with your instrument is up to you - and how much risk you can stomach.

That said, trains are ALWAYS less risky than flying.

Well, as they used to say at the Music Department of my first wife when we were in grad school,

"There's always room for cello!"