Import of my own bass guitar

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Just_Cyril
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Import of my own bass guitar

Post by Just_Cyril »

Hello everybody!

I'm a bass player from Russia, and I'm going to study in New Zealand for at least 3 years.
Here I have a cool MusicMan StingRay5 (stealth black mod., ebony) which I bought in 2016.
It was new, I have the check and the contract, the price in the currency of my country now equals about 3k$ (USD).

So, I want to play my bass further while I'm studying.
Could you advise me, how I can import it for my own purposes? Not for sale.
Also may it be a temporary import, 'cause I don't know whether I stay in New Zealand after graduation?

Thanks in advance!

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Re: Import of my own bass guitar

Post by k1w1 »

No need to import it, just take it as luggage on the plane either carry on or in the hold, have the receipt in the case in case Customs question it and you should be fine.

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Re: Import of my own bass guitar

Post by Just_Cyril »

k1w1 wrote:No need to import it, just take it as luggage on the plane either carry on or in the hold, have the receipt in the case in case Customs question it and you should be fine.
Thank you for the reply!

I'm not sure about possibility to take it as a luggage. There will be some clothes and other stuff with me and about 3, may be 4, transfers during my plane trip. I'm afraid of some companies rules: I don't want to be leaved in an airport somewhere in China, 'cause they don't want me to trip with the bass :D

So I guessed I'll send it somehow via any postal service. In this case it will be considered as import?

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Re: Import of my own bass guitar

Post by Molly »

No. It's just your personal belongings. When I arrived from the UK a couple of weeks ago I had two guitars in my suitcase. Being bolt-on necks I was able to fit them in regular-size luggage. Nobody showed the slightest bit of interest. You're not even obliged to declare it because it's wood. That doesn't apply to musical instruments (I appreciate that to many a bass might not be considered a musical instrument ;-)

Dismantle it into your case and buy a gig bag. My 2c.

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Re: Import of my own bass guitar

Post by k1w1 »

What Molly says. I bought a guitar back from the USA a mate had given me as checked baggage in the hold, Customs were not interested, there is no duty on personal used guitars. If you can't dismantle it and put it in a suitcase take it as luggage, mail a box of clothes or other stuff and just declare that as personal property.

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Re: Import of my own bass guitar

Post by Just_Cyril »

Molly wrote:No. It's just your personal belongings. When I arrived from the UK a couple of weeks ago I had two guitars in my suitcase. Being bolt-on necks I was able to fit them in regular-size luggage. Nobody showed the slightest bit of interest. You're not even obliged to declare it because it's wood. That doesn't apply to musical instruments (I appreciate that to many a bass might not be considered a musical instrument ;-)

Dismantle it into your case and buy a gig bag. My 2c.
Thank you for the advice!

My MM is in his stock case (attached photos). Is it possible to take it with me with another one bag (bag + case)? Did you pay any additional fee for the amount of luggage?
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Re: Import of my own bass guitar

Post by Molly »

Depends on the airline maybe but I'd expect to pay extra for an additional case. I just left my case behind and bought a gig bag

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Re: Import of my own bass guitar

Post by Just_Cyril »

k1w1 wrote:What Molly says. I bought a guitar back from the USA a mate had given me as checked baggage in the hold, Customs were not interested, there is no duty on personal used guitars. If you can't dismantle it and put it in a suitcase take it as luggage, mail a box of clothes or other stuff and just declare that as personal property.
Thanks a lot!
Yes, I guess, I'll buy huge case like American Tourister Lock'n'roll, dismantle the bass and pack it with clothes and other stuff.

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Re: Import of my own bass guitar

Post by Just_Cyril »

Molly wrote:Depends on the airline maybe but I'd expect to pay extra for an additional case. I just left my case behind and bought a gig bag
Thanks a lot for advice!

I answered above about my idea to buy a shock-resistant case for travellers.
I suppose it to be a suitable option for me.

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Re: Import of my own bass guitar

Post by foal30 »

Where abouts in NZ are you studying?
Genuine Old Frontier Gibberish

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Re: Import of my own bass guitar

Post by Just_Cyril »

foal30 wrote:Where abouts in NZ are you studying?
Dunedin, the University of Otago

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Re: Import of my own bass guitar

Post by foal30 »

Ok good luck.
Genuine Old Frontier Gibberish

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Re: Import of my own bass guitar

Post by Terexgeek »

Just_Cyril wrote:
foal30 wrote:Where abouts in NZ are you studying?
Dunedin, the University of Otago
Welcome to New Zealand!
Tin arse!!

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Re: Import of my own bass guitar

Post by Just_Cyril »

foal30 wrote:Ok good luck.
Thank you =)

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Re: Import of my own bass guitar

Post by Just_Cyril »

Terexgeek wrote:
Just_Cyril wrote:
foal30 wrote:Where abouts in NZ are you studying?
Dunedin, the University of Otago
Welcome to New Zealand!
Thank you! +)
All I have to do is get a visa and find an affordable place to live :D Not so much :D

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