Double basses do have a reputation for imploding, that's why the creaks and pops are scary when I'm tuning it

Scary. I have enough “tension” in my life, so I won’t be adding double bass to the mix. 🤓

Aaahhhhhhh! I have a friend who shipped one across the globe without a case. He just wrapped it in cardboard and duct tape and it arrive unscathed.