<p>My daughter is auditioning in March at Mannes and MSM. I would rather not rent a minivan, the thought of driving and trying to find parking terrifies me. </p>
<p>Any suggestions on reasonably priced car services that would work for 2 people and a bass?</p>
<p>Thanks so much,</p>
<p>Kay</p>
<p>I don’t know about car services, but I have driven a minivan in Manhattan a lot and survived. In the areas around MSM and Mannes I’ve even found on-street parking (but be careful of the street-cleaning rules!)</p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<p>Kay</p>
<p>My daughter has gotten quite adept at navigating the subway system with her double bass (on a wheel that fits where the endpin normally goes) plus stool, bow case and other paraphernalia in tow. The hard part is getting through the turnstile without having to set down the stool momentarily, but traveling with a second person solves that problem.</p>
<p>There are also some minivan taxis in the city, but finding an empty one when you need it can be a bit of a problem. I understand they plan to replace a lot of existing taxis with Nissan NV200 minivans over the next several years.</p>
<p>There are a good number of minivan taxis. You could also call a car service and request a minivan: <a href=“http://gonyc.about.com/od/gettingaround1/a/nyc_car_service_2.htm[/url]”>http://gonyc.about.com/od/gettingaround1/a/nyc_car_service_2.htm</a></p>
<p>I lived most of my life 3 blocks from MSM and it’s not very hard to find parking there, for what it’s worth. A lot of it is metered, which may work well for an audition length of time.</p>
<p>Mannes will be trickier for on-street parking but there are lot of parking garages in that area that may cost same/less than a taxi, depending where you are coming from and how long you stay.</p>
<p>Thank you all very much for the suggestions. </p>
<p>Kay</p>
<p>A friend who plays double bass in NYC always takes the subway. The other night I was in a car with 5 men, all with double basses. They got off at 14th st…I wanted to follow them…was pretty sure I might hear some good music if I did.</p>
<p>Being a first timer to NY, we aren’t quite ready for the subway with a bass.</p>
<p>Kay</p>
<p>kaybaby - I’m from the west coast and have been to NY many times. I pretty much use the subway and train system exclusively. I do understand the bass situation but be sure to take advantage of the great transportation system while visiting. If D ends up there - she will be a pro with her bass in no time. Good luck!</p>
<p>We have every intention on taking the subway while we don’t have the bass. It’s just something we want to do. I have no doubt that if she attends school in NY (fingers crossed) she will be able to maneuver that sucker without a problem. Also helps that she’s 5’11" tall and strong.</p>
<p>Kay</p>
<p>Absolutely absolutely absolutely take the subway.</p>
<p>In Manhattan, It will be much faster, cheaper, less stressful, and yes, safer, than riding a car.</p>
<p>I don’t know, seems to me that lugging a bass up and down all those stairs could be a little stressful. That said, I’ve found NY’s subway system pretty easy to navigate, at least in Manhattan…the bus system still confounds me, though.</p>
<p>kaybaby, how is the bass getting to NY in the first place? Does it have a seat on a plane?</p>
<p>In the past, you could purchase a seat for a bass. Not anymore. SW airlines is the only airline that allows basses. The flight case and bass have to weigh less than 100 pounds and you are charged $50.00. It is shipped with the luggage.</p>
<p>We have traveled several times with it in the past without a problem. SW has been very easy to deal with.</p>
<p>Kay</p>
<p>PS When waiting in line to check in, you get a lot of stares. I love to knock on the flight case and say “honey, you ok in there?” I love the reaction I get.</p>