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THE SCOOP | Toronto Star Readers Attack Canadian Guitarist After Instrument Trashed On Flight

By Michael Vincent on August 26, 2015

Don Ross 2009
Don Ross 2009, performing on his custom Marc Beneteau guitar.

There are few things more depressing than reading an online newspaper comment section. They are enough to make you lose faith in humanity and become a crusty misanthrope alone in the wilderness somewhere.

It all started with Don Ross, a Canadian fingerstyle guitarist and composer considered one of the best guitarists in the world. His compositions have been performed by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and his unique technique is a go-to source of inspiration for fingerstyle guitarists everywhere.

Last Friday, he took a United Airlines flight from Munich, Germany to Chicago with his handmade, $10,000 custom-crafted guitar by Luthier Marc Beneteau. In Chicago, he boarded a connecting flight to Toronto via Air Canada.

According to the Toronto Star report, it wasn’t until Ross collected his guitar at Pearson International Airport that he noticed a large crack down the body of the instrument. Sitting on top on the broken guitar was an inspection tag from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Photo: Don Ross via Facebook
Photo: Don Ross via Facebook
Photo: Don Ross via Facebook
Photo: Don Ross via Facebook

Ross asserts that because the case was undamaged, that the guitar most likely was damaged during a TSA inspection process.

He did everything right – the guitar was “in a virtually indestructible carbon fibre case (of the same make used by Yo-Yo Ma for his cello),” and the instrument was fully insured, and he boarded the plane early. Despite a proactive approach, his guitar arrived destroyed.

His crime, according to the comments section of the Toronto Star, was traveling at all.

Sadly this is a familiar story for professional musicians who travel with their instruments. This is not a suitcase full of socks and underwear, but the instrument Ross uses to make his living.

Individuals using the Star’s comment section have been quick to blame the victim.

“Livelihood destroyed? You can buy a decent Martin for $1000 unless this guy still lives with his parents (which he probably does) then it’s ridiculous to say your livelihood is destroyed go get another guitar…”

“Who travels with a $10k item and doesn’t have it insured?”

“Should have paid the couple hundred extra for a direct flight and avoided the US and United all together.”

“Trying to save a few bucks he has his guitar destroyed.”

“…Buying the extra seat would have saved a lot of aggravation, and if he has traveled before by air, this guy should have known better.”

“I feel bad for him and his guitar, but suggesting that is livelihood has been destroyed is a bit of a stretch.”

“Simple solution: next time buy an extra seat for your instrument.”

“The desire to call a newspaper when something goes wrong is bizarre.”

“Why did he need a custom built guitar? Like I’m sorry such a great instrument was lost but in mean time use a cheaper one. It should not be THAT different.”

“It should be in cargo, or buy it a seat if it’s so special.”

“When you sit in the bar till the last boarding call you get what you deserve.”

“We are all entitled to space in the overhead bin to put our carry on, and why should 3 other passengers go without space to accommodate one person’s instrument?”

“Ok. So you want to take up an entire overhead bin inconveniencing others. Why not spend another $500 to put you $10000 guitar on a seat.”

“He is a great player (he used to be a neighbour of mine) but his appeal is somewhat limited. He’s a better player than Richards or Page (IMO) but he lacks personal charisma.”

They go on and on. Don Ross took the time to try to address many of them personally, but few seemed interested in what he had to say.

As per United Airline airline policy, they accommodate musical instruments in the cabin but reserve the right to refuse onboard stowing if there isn’t room in the overhead bins. In Ross’s case, the airline staff checked the instrument in the baggage compartment anyway.

The TSA said they will be conducting an investigation once a claim is filed. United Airlines has also been in touch with Ross and is looking into the case. Air Canada said they too are looking into the damage, and have requested a repair estimate.

United Airlines spokesperson Jennifer Dohm told the Star, “If customers want to guarantee they are able to carry their instrument on board, they are able to purchase an additional seat, and we do have many customers that choose to do that.”

Besides the egregious mishandling of Ross’ prized guitar by airline staff, there seems to be a fundamental lack of compassion for the plight of touring musicians by the general public. At Least in the Toronto Star comments section.

The question is, had it been a violin or cello would the reaction be any different?

Share your thoughts below.

#LUDWIGVAN

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Michael Vincent
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