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Travel Guitars


JerseyGuy

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Posted

Does anyone have any experience with a travel guitar that sounds okay? I bought a Martin Backpacker and although I wasn't crazy about the tone, I thought I would get used to it. But after playing it for a while and changing different brands of strings I really can't stand the sound of it and am going to unload it. I need a small-sized guitar -- not a 3/4 like the Baby Taylor -- so I'd appreciate if anyone can recommend something that doesn't sound as if it's made out of cardboard. Thanks.

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Posted

I had a Yamaha FG-JR and it was so small that it could fit into the a napsack (with the neck sticking out) without a problem. I would look into those as they sound much better than a Martin BackPacker and are not big.

 

OGP

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Posted

I'm really happy with my Emerald X5:

 

x5.jpg

 

It still has the characteristic lack of bass that all travel guitars have, but the low strings still have some punch. Also, the scale length is 25.5", so the neck feels just like a full-size guitar. It's just the body that is much smaller.

 

I can't play it for too long without longing for a bigger, warmer sound. But for travel guitars, the X5 might be as good as it gets.

 

There are a few video samples here:

 

http://www.emeraldlife.com/guitarspecs.html

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Posted

I have TWO go-guitars (www.go-guitars.com) - one a rather utilitarian piece (standard Go-M mahogany) and one a rather deluxe, custom model with ebony fretboard and bridge, 1.75" width at the nut, bearclaw spruce top and beautifully figured and bookmatched walnut B&S (this second was ordered by someone else, and I couldn't resist it!)

 

At any rate, I'm not going to pretend it sounds just like my dread, but they sound better than a travel guitar has any right to. They come with bone nuts and saddles, and they are great little guitars - they play great and sound surprisingly good.

 

Go1.jpg

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Posted

I have an Aria sinsinado steel string. when the aluminum bouts come off it is essentially a mahogany 2by4 with strings (prob much like Les Paul's first electric) and it fits in a bag that I have packed into the overhead compartment on any plane I have ever traveled on. 25.5 scale fretboard 1 3/4at the nut with headphones it sounds very good. it has a stereo pickup so you can plug it into any speaker that has a line in like a boom box or you use computer speakers which also sounds good. without speakers or phones it sounds like an unplugged electric. for $260 or so it serves as a great beater and travel companion.

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Posted

StanSteel380_8.jpg

 

More substantial than a Backpacker for sure. Travels great, fits easily in the overhead compartment. Has a Martin Thinline pickup, pretty satisfying to play.

 

And FWIW: Neil Young with Phish

neilphish1christy.jpg

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