Anyone tried bringing a guitar back from the US?

[uriel]

I'm off to the US early next year and have a real hankering for a Strat. I haven't settled on what I want yet, but nothing in the current regular range suits me, so I'm probably looking at Custom Shop or 2nd hand. These seem a bit easier to find and cheaper in the US, plus I'm sentimental and plan on this guitar being a keeper and like the idea of it being bought on a trip to California.

My concern is getting is physically getting it back (I'm sure I read you can take it on board as hand luggage if you clear it first?) and having issues with customs.

Anyone done it?

[uriel]

Excellent. I had thought of taking and old Strat copy I have here and explaining to them on the way out that I was concerned about getting stopped on the way back to see if I could get something to clear me on the return journey and then just leaving that one out there.

Now just to start saving and make my mind up on what exactly it is that I want...