International Travel with Your Stringed Instrument

This week's blog is a little different than usual. It's a more intimate look at what it's like to be a part of a big orchestra tour.

And before I get into all the details, I just want to share this thought. When you can imagine exactly what it is that you want (for example, being in an orchestra that goes on tours), then it's easy to incorporate it into your visualization exercises, which in turn, helps you grow your focus and work towards that dream. So here is something to add to your visualization!

The Los Angeles Philharmonic is preparing for an upcoming European tour.

I had forgotten how many details are involved in the preparation for this type of tour.

One of the things that I had forgotten about is how we have to adhere to the "Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora". These are the protected materials most commonly found in string instruments and bows: Elephant Ivory, Brazil Rosewood, Lizard Skin, Tortoise Shell, Whalebone can all able to travel with the appropriate CITES permits from the US Department of Fish and Wildlife and the NOAA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Depending on the countries you were traveling to/from, additional permits may be required!

So for me specifically, I have to have a special permit for my 1895 James Tubbs Viola Bow. It has lizard skin thumb leather.

Why do I need a lizard wrap and not just use leather? I have found that lizard wrap last much longer. I will usually wear through a leather thumb leather in a year or two. The lizard thumb leather that I currently have on my bow has lasted over eight years. I also love the pebbled texture of lizard skin because it gives me a little bit better grip.

Here are my viola's mugshots!