Are you a musician on the go? Whether you're a newbie or a pro, you need a reliable and portable guitar to take with you on your travels. Don't fret!
This article will guide you through the top six best travel guitars for modern-day musicians. From factors to consider to specific models and features, we've got you covered.
So, let's get started on your musical journey and find the perfect travel guitar for your needs!
Johnson Trailblazer
For musicians who want a slim profile for easy transport, the Johnson Trailblazer is a great option. Featuring a full-size fretboard with 21 frets, this guitar boasts a lightweight design and comes with a bag for added convenience.
With its performance and portability features, this is a great choice for those who want to take their music on the go. While the sound quality may not be as good as the Solid Sitka Travel Guitar or the Carbon Fiber Travel Guitar, it's still a great choice for those looking for a durable and easy-to-transport instrument.
The SX Portable Travel Guitar 3/4 size with Bag Trav 1 and the Enya Nova offer an even more compact option but may not be suitable for everyone due to their size.
SX Portable
The next best travel guitar on the list is the SX Portable Travel Guitar 3/4 size with Bag Trav 1. It offers a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides for a professional sound. Additionally, it features a mahogany truss rod adjustable neck for easy adjustments, and a Graphtech NuBone saddle and bone nut for improved sound quality.
The sound quality of this guitar is comparable to that of a full-size guitar, making it a great option for those on the go. This model is also lightweight and compact, making it highly portable and convenient. However, some users have reported issues with buzzy frets and sharp bridge edges.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the SX Portable guitar is still a great value for money, considering its price range. It's also highly durable, with its solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides ensuring it can withstand the rigors of travel.
Journey Instruments Solid Sitka
Following up from the SX Portable Travel Guitar 3/4 size with Bag Trav 1, the Journey Instruments Solid Sitka Travel Guitar is another great option for musicians on the go. It features a patented collapsible neck system for easy assembly and disassembly, making it a great choice for those who are constantly on the move.
The sound quality is comparable to the Martin Steel String Backpacker, and the forward-shifted, tapered X-bracing provides enhanced resonance and volume. It also comes with a premium TSA-compliant carry-on backpack, making it one of the most portable travel guitars around.
Compared to the Journey Instruments Carbon Fiber Travel Guitar, the Solid Sitka is more affordable and still offers excellent durability and stability. The Johnson Trailblazer and Traveler Guitar Pro-Series Mod-X are also great options for portability, but the SX Portable Travel Guitar and Enya Nova Go Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar still offer the best price range in terms of travel guitars.
Journey Instruments Carbon Fiber
You'll love the Journey Instruments Carbon Fiber Travel Guitar for its easy assembly and disassembly in around 20 seconds. Its construction with quality carbon fiber fabrics makes it incredibly stable and durable while providing excellent sound quality. Its forward-shifted, tapered X-bracing enhances resonance and volume, making it suitable for different playing styles.
The TSA-compliant carry-on backpack that comes with it helps to keep it secure and portable. Furthermore, user reviews have praised it for its great sound quality and portability. However, some users have reported issues with the rough finish of some parts, and the strings may require frequent tuning.
Nevertheless, the Journey Instruments Carbon Fiber Travel Guitar is a great choice for musicians who need a dependable and quality travel guitar.
Martin Steel String Backpacker
Continuing the discussion on quality travel guitars, the Martin Steel String Backpacker offers professional sound in a compact body style. Its unique design is made with sustainable wood certified parts, and its lightweight construction makes it easy to transport.
The full-size fretboard with 21 frets is perfect for any guitar player regardless of skill level. The sound quality is comparable to that of a full-sized guitar, but due to its compact size, it may lack a full and rich tone, especially in the lower registers. The bridge taper may make it uncomfortable to hold and play, and some users have reported neck issues.
However, overall, the Martin Steel String Backpacker is a great travel guitar for its price.
Traveler Guitar Pro-Series Mod-X
If you're looking for a travel guitar that offers a variety of sonic options, the Traveler Guitar Pro-Series Mod-X is a great choice. Featuring a unique design with an adjustable bridge, detachable lap rest and arm rest, and dual-coil electric pickup, this guitar has something to offer for all kinds of musicians.
User reviews and experiences are mostly positive, with many praising the sound quality and versatility of this instrument. Compared to other travel guitars, the Pro-Series Mod-X produces a fuller and richer tone.
The detachable parts provide added convenience for transportation, but may not be suitable for all players. The cost and value for money of this guitar are relatively high, but it's worth considering if you're looking for a travel guitar with advanced features.
Enya Nova Go Carbon Fiber
Taking durability to the next level, the Enya Nova Go Carbon Fiber acoustic guitar is a great choice for frequent travelers.
This travel guitar boasts a lightweight construction made from carbon fiber composite, making it impervious to temperature and humidity changes.
With its compact body style and Zero Fret feature for smoother tuning, the Enya Nova Go provides enhanced playability for any guitarist.
Its solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides ensure a professional sound, while the mahogany truss rod adjustable neck allows for easy adjustments.
Although some users have reported buzzy frets and sharp bridge edges, the Enya Nova Go is a great choice for traveling musicians.
Factors to Consider
When choosing a travel guitar, consider factors such as weight, durability, sound quality, balance, and suitability for both beginner and experienced players.
A lightweight design is important for a compact and portable guitar, so look for one that's lightweight yet durable enough to withstand the rigors of travel.
Good sound quality is essential, so look for a guitar that produces the sound you prefer.
Price is also an important factor, so consider the best value for money when purchasing a travel guitar.
Additionally, explore additional features such as built-in tuners, preamps, and pickups to suit different playing environments.
With these factors in mind, you can find the best travel guitar for your needs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right travel guitar isn't an easy task, but with the right information and an understanding of your own needs, you can find the perfect instrument for your journey.
With our help, you can now confidently select from the top six models we've reviewed. These include the SX Portable, the Martin Steel String Backpacker, and the Journey Instruments Solid Sitka.
No matter what your style or skill level, you can find the perfect travel guitar to take with you on your musical journey!