If you play the guitar, you have probably already heard the term ‘stodgy.’ First of all, that’s one thing we don’t want to associate with the best travel guitars! Guitar itself is not a heavy object. In contrast, it takes up a lot of space. Therefore, it requires special handling.
Furthermore, most of the travel guitars don’t have a full-scale neck. Therefore, they are rather portable. In contrast, they lack some qualities of a full-scale guitar. Consequently, the features of the best travel guitars differ from those of the regular guitars.
Most importantly, choosing wisely is the basis for a quality travel guitar experience. In this review, we are bringing you some important tips on choosing the right model. Furthermore, we highly recommend you to check the detailed reviews of the eight best travel guitars we chose for you.
What to Consider in Best Travel Guitar?
First of all, there are four key factors to consider when choosing your travel guitar. Remember, it must fit where a regular guitar won’t. Also, it must not represent a burden when you carry it. Similarly if you can disassemble and reassemble it without any consequences, why not? Last but not least, it would be nice if it comes with a sturdy, yet compact bag.
Let’s see what experts say on factors influencing your choice of the best travel guitars.
1. Compact dimensions
Most importantly, travel guitar manufacturers often offer narrow body or short-scale models. As a result, you can easily transport them in a car, bus, or tram. Also, the smallest models can be taken in a plane, as a hand baggage.
2. Weight
Weight plays an important role for the best travel guitars. The lighter, the better. As a result, you can find guitars that weigh as low as 2 lbs! Consequently, you can effortlessly carry them, even for hours.
3. Disassembling
A few years ago, a new trend in guitar production emerged. As a result, separating the neck from the guitar without removing the wires was made possible. You can pack your disassembled guitar in a backpack-sized case and hit the road! Most noteworthy, you can take your guitar to a plane and put it into the cabin baggage cabinet.
4. A good guitar case
Finally, we’re sure that you already know that the neck is the most sensitive part of a guitar. As a result, if you don’t have a case, hitting the neck against an object while travelling is very likely. Similarly, carrying your guitar without a case over your shoulder is terrible, especially if you travel a lot. Moreover, you have probably experienced that awful situation when you feel like a truck driver evaluating whether you can pass under a bridge or not. As a result, a good, sturdy, and comfortable guitar case is a must.
If you carefully choose your travel guitar according to our tips, you’re ready to hit the road! Now, let’s meet the eight best travel guitars according to the experts.
Eight Best Travel Guitars on the Market
1. Fender MA-1 Acoustic Guitar
Fender is well-known for its standard quality. This travel classical guitar is not an exception either. First of all, this ¾-size instrument is convenient for traveling mostly due to its suitable size. Let’s see what it has to offer.
Description
Most noteworthy, this guitar has a small body and is easy to carry. As a result, it is also easy to play. It is a 3/4-scale guitar. The dimensions measure 35.5 x 5.25 x 19.75 inches. Also, it weighs 7.65 pounds. In addition, it comes with a big, high quality bag. As a result, you can easily carry it on your trips.
Most noteworthy, Fender guarantees excellent sound. This 6-string acoustic guitar truly conveys the Fender quality.
Also, this guitar has a good, rosewood fretboard. The C-shaped neck and rolled fingerboard edges allow extra maneuvering options. Hence, you will enjoy this acoustic guitar’s smooth touch and feel. There is an another similar look Travel Guitar from Taylor.
Pros
- Easy to play
- Convenient dimensions
- Comes with a quality bag
- Very good sound.
Cons
- The guitar doesn’t come with a neck strap.
Bottom line
Finally, if you are looking for a compact travel classical guitar with recognizable Fender quality and sound, this is the right model. As a result, you will have a ¾-scale acoustic guitar good for beginners, those with small hands, and travellers. This is one of the best acoustic small guitar types on the market.
If you are interested in: Check Price
2. Hofner HCTSHBKO Shorty Travel Guitar – Black Finish
This is a legendary travel guitar, by all means. First of all, it has a long tradition. It was made in the 1980s. Most noteworthy, its greatest peculiarity is a very narrow body. Let’s see why those who travel a lot and take their guitar everywhere opt for this travel guitar electric model by Hofner.
Description
First of all, this guitar has a very narrow, solid body. It measures only 21 cm. It has a basswood back and top, which the neck is made from maple. In contrast, it has a fingerboard made from rosewood.
The total scale length measures 62.8 cm (24.7 inches). It has 22 frets. Whole body length equals 86 cm. It weighs 8 pounds. Furthermore, this model has an adjustable bridge system.
As we had already pointed out, most of the travel guitars have ¾-scale or short-scale features. This guitar is an exception. It has a full-scale neck and all amazing features that follow it! You will enjoy playability, possibilities and beautiful sound of this Hofner guitar.
Pros
- It comes with a convenient, padded bag, good for travelling.
- The guitar comes with an Open Humbucker by Hofner.
- Full-scale neck combined with travel design opens many possibilities.
- Compact dimensions are perfect for travelling.
Cons
- Some users complain about a too narrow body.
Bottom line
Finally, we can say that this is one of the best travel electric guitar models currently in the market. Its peculiarities include a very narrow body (some say it is an advantage, while users who look for comfort see it as a drawback). Most importantly, it is a full-scale guitar with excellent sound quality.
If you are interested in: Check Price
3. Traveler Guitar Pro-Series Mod-X Hybrid Acoustic-Electric Travel Guitar with Gig Bag
As the brand name itself implies, this is a travel guitar! Most importantly, the manufacturer describes this model as their most versatile hybrid guitar.
Description
First of all, the key feature of this beautiful, full-scale, hybrid guitar is the fact that it is 28% shorter than a full-size electric guitar! Also, it is 58% lighter! How amazing is that?
Furthermore, it measures only 28 inches (length) and 5.25 inches (width). In addition, it weighs only 4 lbs.
The body is made from hard maple. Also, it has a neck-through-body construction. Most noteworthy, walnut fingerboard, hard maple neck, and 22 medium frets ensure beautiful sound.
Finally, it comes with a high-quality bag.
Pros
- ¾-scale neck combined with an only 28-inch long body.
- Very good sound quality.
- This is a traveler guitar ultra-light model.
- One of the best hybrid models in the market.
Cons
- This guitar doesn’t have a headphone amp.
Bottom line
Finally, Traveler Guitar PRO MOD X Pro-Series Mod-X Hybrid Acoustic-Electric Travel Guitar with Gig Bag is the perfect choice for travellers. Most noteworthy, if you want to have both an electric and acoustic travel guitar, this is your best choice.
If you are interested in: Check Price
4. Cordoba Guitars Coco, Cordoba Mini Guitar MH/MH W/B Disney/Pixar Mini Mahogany Acoustic Guitar
Does this guitar seem familiar to you? You’re right! It gained popularity through the Coco animated movie we all fell in love with! Let’s see why it is so special.
Description
First of all, this is a model made exclusively for the Coco movie. Afterwards, it was launched into the market. As a result, it became popular among young players.
Most noteworthy, this guitar by Cordoba is perfect for travelling. It measures 22.8 inches. Also, this guitar has 6 nylon strings. Most importantly, the sound is full, smooth, and bright.
It is made from mahogany and has a smooth, sating finish. Finally, it comes with a gig bag and a comfortable strap. There is an another similar model Baby Mahogany from Taylor, you may read it.
Pros
- Compact body fits anywhere.
- Easy to carry.
- Very good acoustic guitar bright and full sound.
- Classy design enriched with Mexican heritage motifs.
Cons
- The manufacturer does not recommend changing the nylon strings for steel ones.
Bottom line
Finally, we can say that this is one of the best nylon string travel guitar models on the market. If you are fond of nylon string guitars and looking for a mini model, this is the right choice. Also, we loved the unique design of this mini acoustic guitar.
If you are interested in: Check Price
5. Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Acoustic-Electric Travel Guitar with Gig Bag
This is an ultra-light model from Traveler. It is an acoustic-electric guitar perfect for travelling due to its dimensions and weight. Let’s see what Traveler prepared for us this time.
Description
First of all, the manufacturer is very proud of this model, stating that it is 43% lighter than an average full-size acoustic-electric guitar! It weighs only 2 lbs! Hence, this probably the lightest acoustic guitar in this category in the market. Also, the guitar measures 28 inches total.
Furthermore, the body is very narrow and made from maple, while the fingerboard is made from Indian laurel. Also, this guitar produces a warm sound typical for this type of guitars.
In addition, another peculiarity that makes it stand out is the detachable lap rest frame. As a result, you can dismantle it and pack it either together or separately from the guitar when travelling.
Pros
- The lap rest frame is detachable.
- It produces a warm, quality sound.
- Lightweight model.
- Compact dimensions – suits the airline cabin luggage requirements.
Cons
- Some users are not comfortable with an extra narrow body.
Bottom line
Finally, this is one of the lightest guitars in the market that has a peculiar design. It weighs only 2 lbs. Most importantly, its narrow body produces excellent sound. Also, detachable parts make it suitable for transport. As a result, this is a wise choice if you want an acoustic-electric travel guitar.
If you are interested in: Check Price
6. Yamaha SLG200S Steel String Silent Guitar
This hollow-body model is perfect for discretion. It is a silent model that provides amazing acoustic sound through your headphones. As a result, you can practice without disturbing others (no pun intended!).
Description
First of all, this attractive guitar is made from rosewood and maple. Most noteworthy, it is one of the best folding travel guitar models in the market. As a result, users adore the benefits of its collapsible body when it comes to smooth traveling. Also, the whole top section is detachable.
Furthermore, it has a hollow body. As a result, it is a lightweight guitar. Also, it has compact dimensions. It measures 3.4 x 38.5 x 14 inches. Also, it weighs 4.6 pounds.
Most importantly, this model features an SRT Powered system that makes up for its hollow body. You will get a full, warm, high quality sound.
Finally, this model comes with the original, slim gig bag.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Detachable top body part.
- SRT Powered system for sound quality.
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a power supply.
- It comes with a slim bag, so you have to detach the upper part to fit the guitar in.
Bottom line
This is the best hollow body electric detachable travel guitar in the market. First of all, we love its compactness. Also, the design is very attractive. Most importantly, users love the sound enhanced by the SRT technology. This is the best choice if you are looking for a folding travel guitar.
If you are interested in: Check Price
7. New Anygig Guitar Acoustic Backpacker Portable Traveler 6 Strings Travel Practics Black
This full, 25.5-inch scale guitar by Anygig is suitable for players who travel and want a full-scale model.
Description
First of all, this model has 24 frets and it is suitable for all those looking for a full-scale travel guitar. Most noteworthy, its key peculiarity is its shape. As a result, it has an extremely narrow body.
Furthermore, the guitar is made from mahogany. The fretboard is made from rosewood. Most importantly, this is a lightweight model, as it weighs only 1.2 kg. Also, it measures 33.9 x 6.6 x 3.4 inches.
Even though some classify this model as acoustic, we tested it and would rather name it as a travel guitar electric model.
Finally, we love the accessories, as this guitar comes with a very good travel bag. Also, you will get the arm rest and the output cable.
Pros
- Simplicity
- Portability
- Lightweight model
- Very narrow body.
Cons
- Those looking for the comfort of a regular shaped guitar will not be satisfied with the body shape.
Bottom line
This guitar is definitely one of the best electric travel guitar models in the market. Most noteworthy, we were amazed with the dimensions and shape of its body. Finally, if you are looking for an extra-small body, go for this model by Anygig.
If you are interested in: Check Price
8. Cordoba Mini O Travel Acoustic Nylon String Guitar with Cordoba Gig Bag
Here’s another cool model by Cordoba. Except for the Coco we already talked about, we want to introduce you to the amazing Mini O Travel Acoustic model.
Description
This classic shape and sound, 6-string acoustic guitar is one of the most beautiful mini models in the market. It is perfect for travelling, as you get an excellent sound and performance quality in a small package, easy to carry and handle.
First of all, it is made from mahogany and produces amazingly beautiful, rich sound. Most importantly, this small model has a full-size neck. It is easy to play and very comfortable. The scale measures 20 inches.
Furthermore, its U-shaped neck is made from mahogany as well. The fretboard is made from rosewood. The guitar measures 3.2 x 10 x 30.5 inches. It weighs 2.5 pounds.
In addition, this model is designed in accordance with the airplane overhead cabin baggage requirements. You will get this guitar together with the original bag from the manufacturer. The bag is good both as protection and for carrying it while travelling.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Compact shape and dimensions.
- Excellent, rich, warm sound of an acoustic guitar.
- Attractive design.
Cons
- The guitar doesn’t have a truss rod.
Bottom line of Best Travel Guitar
Finally, we recommend you to choose this model if you are looking for best travel guitars with classic design and rich sound. It is very handy, comfortable, and designed for travelling. Also, it fits the hand luggage cabinet in an airplane. This is one of the best travel guitars on the market.
If you are interested in: Check Price
Final Verdict
Travel guitars are among the most popular search terms on guitar selling sites. They are essential for solo musicians that play in different cities, as well as bands.
Finally, the key peculiarities of the best travel guitars are compactness and convenient dimensions. Also, shape, weight, and disassembly options are often the go/no-go factors for the buyers. If you want to try other travel guitar, you may consider Washburn RO10 or, Martin LXK2.
Therefore, we tried to make a selection of the best travel guitars on the market according to different criteria. Hence, we chose the best mini electric guitar, top-notch acoustic travel guitar, as well as some detachable and semi-detachable models. As a result, you can find some tips on travel guitars in this short buying guide.
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