Travel guitars

fluffy · Post by **fluffy** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 4:11 pm

My job has me traveling a lot more than I used to, and I don't want to be without a guitar for extended periods. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good one? I guess electric/acoustic hybrid (in case I get the urge to do some recording as well). Tone doesn't matter so much as playability, durability, and portability.

fluffy · Post by **fluffy** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 5:45 pm

For example, is <a href="http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ ... 8700">this one</a> any good? It reviews well but I take MF reviews with a few granules of sodium chloride.

Post by **Lunkhead** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 6:09 pm

I have a Martin Backpacker that somebody gave me. Frankly I think it's not that great. Mine's acoustic only, but they have an acoustic-electric version now. It sounds like you're probably not considering it, but in case you are, and in case other folks check out this thread, I thought I'd chime in. It doesn't sound very good, and isn't very playable. The weight distribution is wonky, as most of the weight is towards the headstock. You can't play it very easily unless you've got it strapped on and are not sitting down.

All that being said, if you want to buy mine I can cut you a deal.

Seriously, though, the Traveler looks cool, but a little pricey.

fluffy · Post by **fluffy** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 6:25 pm

Yeah, I've played a Martin Backpacker and while it was okay I wouldn't run out and buy one.

They do have a <a href="http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ ... ">non-"pro" version</a> (still a lot more expensive than the Martins though), and <a href="http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ ... hburn's</a> looks pretty nice too but it's pure acoustic, although it's not like I expect to play it on the airplane or whatever anyway (just while I'm in my hotel room or whatever). But I'd definitely prefer a pure-electric all the same.

Billy's Little Trip · Post by **Billy's Little Trip** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 7:01 pm

That Traveler Pro guitar is pretty interesting. The body is like the head, trippy. I can tell already that I wouldn't like it because it doesn't have a rear bridge. I suppose I'd get used to it if I had to, but my sound is achieved with the use of the butt of my palm on the bridge.

Paco Del Stinko · Post by **Paco Del Stinko** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 5:11 am

Way too pricey, I mean way, but kind of neat to check out. http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/cent ... 248039.php

You're probably going to sacrifice some tone and playability and what not, so get whichever fits your budget and catches your eye looks-wise. Whichever is most convenient for where you want to take it.

Caravan Ray · Post by **Caravan Ray** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 5:49 am

Lunkhead wrote:I have a Martin Backpacker that somebody gave me. Frankly I think it's not that great. Mine's acoustic only, but they have an acoustic-electric version now. It sounds like you're probably not considering it, but in case you are, and in case other folks check out this thread, I thought I'd chime in. It doesn't sound very good, and isn't very playable. The weight distribution is wonky, as most of the weight is towards the headstock. You can't play it very easily unless you've got it strapped on and are not sitting down.

Yes - I have a real Martin and love it like a brother - I would never buy any other brand of acoustic - but I have played with their traveller guitars in shops and I really can't see the point. They seem silly.

I mean - these traveller guitars - they will still be excess baggage wont they when you fly? Or are they supposed to fit in a suitcase? Why not just get a cheap Squire or something - and if it breaks in transit - c'est la vie.

roymond · Post by **roymond** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 8:59 am

SoloEtte Travel Guitars are the best I've ever played and I spent a lot of time looking. I owned the nylon string version and it was truly amazing. I sold it after I stopped traveling so much and wanted to upgrade other stuff. But I do wish I had gotten the steel string, in which case I doubt very much I would have sold it.

Pricey? Yes. Seriously great guitars? Yes.

Post by **Lunkhead** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 9:11 am

One of my coworkers upgraded the guitar he keeps in his cubicle from the Yamaha Silent nylon string, which was already pretty cool, to the SoloEtte nylon string, which is even nicer. He got his by trading a nice Strat he had for it, but I think it's not easy to find people wanting to sell/trade their SoloEttes.

roymond · Post by **roymond** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 9:17 am

Lunkhead wrote:One of my coworkers upgraded the guitar he keeps in his cubicle from the Yamaha Silent nylon string, which was already pretty cool, to the SoloEtte nylon string, which is even nicer. He got his by trading a nice Strat he had for it, but I think it's not easy to find people wanting to sell/trade their SoloEttes.

Yup. Very rare to find them for sale. There is often a backlog for orders since they only make so many a year. But worth pursuing, nonetheless.

I'm thinking of bringing my Steinberger to MD to leave at the hotel, since I'm finding little motivation without a guitar these days.

HeuristicsInc · Post by **HeuristicsInc** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 9:38 am

Oh, does your company keep your room booked while you're at home on the weekends? You can leave stuff there?
-bill

fluffy · Post by **fluffy** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 10:09 am

Caravan Ray wrote:I mean - these traveller guitars - they will still be excess baggage wont they when you fly? Or are they supposed to fit in a suitcase? Why not just get a cheap Squire or something - and if it breaks in transit - c'est la vie.

That's a good point. I already have a hard flight case for my Squier anyway.

roymond · Post by **roymond** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 10:16 am

HeuristicsInc wrote:Oh, does your company keep your room booked while you're at home on the weekends? You can leave stuff there?
-bill

They'll hold it for me. The guitar, not the room.

The SoloEttes are carry-on items. Nice when things get delayed and you can jam out a bit in the waiting room

With the pre-amp you use headphones plugged right into the guitar.

Paco Del Stinko · Post by **Paco Del Stinko** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 10:19 am

That thing's (SoloEtte) nice. Too nice for me, but nifty.