Applecreek Acoustic Travel Guitar

The Applecreek Acoustic Travel Guitar has been a really nice lightweight solution to a very bulky and heavy guitar problem. I go camping and backpacking a lot and I have often wished that I had a way of bringing a guitar with me that I don't fear for its safety.  My full-sized guitar is just too cumbersome to carry and I'm constantly worried that its going to get ruined.  The other brands of travel guitars that I had seen before were much too expensive for my budget. The Applecreek guitar was much more economical, but it has all the features of all of those other travel guitars.

I am really pleased with how durable my new guitar is, as there have been several times when my climbing skills have let me down and though I was afraid it would be broken when I dropped it, I opened up its case and it was fine.  Although, I have to say, I'm using a high quality hard shell case of my own.  Not the gig bag it came with.

I will admit that the Applecreek acoustic travel guitar is pretty quiet on its own, but I don't need high volume for what I play. The guitar doesn't feature a really deep sound, but more of a mellow tone. I'm not Sammy Hagar, I'm more James Taylor, so it suits my needs. I don't think I will be playing any high profile arenas with my Applecreek, but it can't be beat for friendly sing-alongs around the campfire!

I don't really mind that the action of the guitar is a little higher than some others that I've played, or that the neck is fairly wide. My hands are used to playing a much larger instrument, so those things aren't much of a consideration for me. The only thing that's been just a little difficult for me to get used to is the smaller size of the guitar because I'm used to my full-sized model at home. The neck is almost regular size, but the body is quite small and slightly odd shaped. However, it has been so convenient on my trips that I can overlook its small stature.

I did eventually change the strings from what came standard on the guitar, though, to a lighter weight string to compensate just a little bit for the higher action. That changed its playability quite a lot.  I found mine on eBay and paid under 70 bucks total which is a steal, I've seen them listed for a lot more. I know there is an electric-acoustic version of this guitar as well.  I thought about buying that one but at the time the ones on eBay were like 30 dollars more but the price just seem to vary.

In the end I know the Applecreek Acoustic doesn't compare to some of the more expensive models in any shape or form.  It doesn't sound as good, it don't look as good, and it sure as hell ain't built like a martin but it fills the bill.  Its perfect for campfires, backpacking and situations where I just need a beater that won't cause me to much grief if I get to drunk and leave it out in the rain.

Applecreek Acoustic Travel Guitar Features:

Johnson Trailblazer Travel Guitar Review

The Johnson Trailblazer Travel Guitar is a true musician’s friend. Packaged with Martin steel strings and a nylon carrying case, it arrives with everything you’ll need to create music on the go. Its durability, attractive finish, and great sound make it ideal for road performances and everyday practice. It’s now available for southpaws too.

How does the Trailblazer Travel Guitar sound? Featuring 22 frets and a 24 ¾” scale length, it packs a full register into a small body. It’s definitely preferable to short scale travel guitars, which invariably end up having flat intonation and other tuning troubles. The Trailblazer can more easily be interchanged with full-sized guitars when you’re on the road.

This guitar gets above-average reviews for volume. Its volume is stronger than one might expect from a travel guitar, though the small scale design of course has its limits. The Trailblazer’s acoustic strength is perfect for quiet practice or a campfire performance. To boost the sound, just install a pre-amp pickup and plug in. When amplified, the sound can barely be distinguished from that of a full size instrument.

As for fit and finish, the Johnson Trailblazer delivers a lot for a low price. The seamlessness of the neck and body binding far exceeds what one would expect on a travel guitar. The neck has a good feel, is easy to maneuver around, and maintains its tuning unusually well. A small criticism is that the Johnson Trailblazer’s action is a bit high. It’s still a fine instrument for professionals on the move, but it may not be the best guitar for beginners and kids.

The Johnson Trailblazer Travel Guitar gets high marks for durability. Its spruce top, mahogany balance, and high quality nickel-silver frets are forgiving of a traveler’s lifestyle. The guitar’s high gloss finish will glow for years with reasonably good care. Take note though, you’ll need to invest in another case if you’re planning to take this guitar through rough territory. It arrives with a nylon case that’s adequate for a jaunt across town but certainly not fit for more extensive travel.

In all, the Johnson Trailblazer is well worth a small investment.

Johnson Trailblazer Travel Guitar Features:

Montana Backpacker Travel Guitar

I have to say that when I got this Montana Backpacker Travel guitar as a gift last Christmas, I never thought I would actually play it. It was cute, like maybe a kid would play it. But I was attached to my full size Yamaha. How could such a tiny, funny-looking instrument put out great sound like a "real" guitar? I thanked my Mom, who thought I would take it on the backpack trips I went on frequently, but I knew I'd still prefer my "grown-up" guitar.

Then in April, when a friend suggested we go on a weekender in his Ford Escort, there really wasn't room for my big guitar, so on a whim, I threw in the Montana Backpacker. When we finally settled into the campsite, I pulled it out as a joke. As I began to play, I was pretty surprised. The neck was kind of heavy so it kept wanting to hang down, but the sound was really pretty good. It had a nearly full-size fret board which was really nice. I didn't really care for the cheap strings or the toy like plastic tuning knobs but when I got home, I decided the portability and convenience of its smaller size made it worth the upgrade to some high quality strings and metal tuners. What a difference that made!

The wood Montana used is acceptable. Nothing very high quality but adequate. It's a relatively cheap guitar, not as expensive as the Washburn or the Martin Backpacker (another funny-looking shape) but probably not as good, either. It weighs a bit more, around 4 pounds, but that is much lighter than my Yamaha. It came with a carrying case that was adequate, but could have had a few more features. I like to have a pocket for picks and extra strings, but this one didn't have that. Not a big deal though.

This odd-shaped travel guitar has been to several mountains, a Bahamas cruise, and a family reunion. Everywhere I go, people comment on how cute it is (remember I was the first to call it cute!), then they mention how good it sounds. I even made up a song for my Mom on it.

Montana Backpacker Travel Guitar Features:

The Amigo AMT-10 Backpacker Travel Guitar

The Amigo AMT-10 Backpacker Travel Guitar is a good buy for the money. Backpacking guitars are really hard to find. The issue is the sound quality that comes out of the guitar. The size is generally reduced. This affects the sound intonation of the guitar. The sound quality is affected as well. The result in most backpacking guitars is poor sound quality. The nicest thing about the Amigo guitar is the sound quality. It is not as full as a full-size guitar obviously; but it is higher than most backpacking guitars. The mahogany wood that the Amigo AMT-10 Backpacker travel guitar is made of is what makes all of the difference in sound quality. The wood that any guitar is made of will affect the sound quality of the instrument. This is true of smaller backpacking guitars. Then the size of the backpacking guitar adds to the complexity of the construction of the instrument. All of these things affect the way the guitar sounds. If you are a real musician it will bother you. This guitar however, is one of the best in it's class. You are going to like it. In fact, you are really going to enjoy playing it. The sound is full and rich for the size. The price is low as well for those that want to save money.

Another really nice thing about the guitar is the fact that the frets are a bit smaller. If you have trouble playing a full size guitar at all; then this guitar is going to be a pleasure to play. The Amigo AMT-10 backpacker travel guitar also has a durable Rosewood bridge. The top of the instrument is made of Spruce wood. The result is very nice. The size of the guitar is 36 inches; and it has a 24 inch scale body in length. It weighs less than 2-1/2 lb. in size. That's just about right for hiking or backpacking across the country, with your music in tow. The light weight is just what you need for music on the road. Most of these guitars come with a gig bag as well. The cost is reasonable at most places. This is a low-end backpacking guitar. There are better backpacking guitars; but for the price, and sound quality, it is a good buy for any music on the road. The Amigo AMT-10 Backpacker Travel Guitar is a good buy for the money; and it sounds decent as well.

Amigo AMT-10 Backpacker Features:

Martin Backpacker Nylon String Travel Guitar

To truly appreciate the Martin Backpacker Nylon String Travel Guitar you’ve got to keep in mind what it’s for. Martin designed the instrument to be a rugged, portable, low-cost alternative to taking your classical guitar on the road with you. And by this standard, the instrument succeeds beautifully.

In a package measuring just under a yard and weighing less than 2 1/2 pounds, the nylon-string Backpacker manages to deliver a full 24-inch scale and 15 frets, for almost all the playability of a standard acoustic guitar. The guitar features a braced, solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides. The neck, too, is a dense piece of solid mahogany, sure to take a beating. It has the traditional wide fingerboard and open peg head you’d expect in a classical guitar. It comes with a strap and a durable carrying bag.

For such small instrument, the Martin Backpacker Nylon String Travel Guitar has a surprisingly warm, sweet, lute-like tone. Any fears that this undersized, nylon-stringed guitar is going to sound like a ukulele quickly disappear at the first strum. While certainly not a concert instrument, the nylon-stringed Backpacker has a clarity and richness that will provide years of delightful practice time, whether in hotel room or campground.

Despite these benefits, there are those who complain that the Martin Backpacker Nylon String Travel Guitar is too unwieldy and too quiet. It is certainly true that the guitar’s balance, with its weighty, rock-solid neck and its undersized body, feels nothing like a traditional classical guitar, and definitely takes some getting used to. And the broad fingerboard will put off many steel-string players who may try out the nylon-string Backpacker as a warmer, richer alternative to the tinny-sounding steel-string Backpacker.

And yes, the instrument is quiet – quieter than a classical guitar, and much quieter than a steel-string acoustic. Players who look at the Backpacker as a way of getting a “real Martin” on the cheap are going to be disappointed with the sound. But sound and balance compromises are unavoidable when you’re designing an instrument that can be slung into an overhead bin. For those classical guitar players who want Martin quality that will stand up to the rigors of travel, the Martin Backpacker Nylon String Travel Guitar undeniably fills the bill.

Martin Nylon String Backpacker Acoustic Guitar Features:

• Solid top
• Mahogany neck, back, and sides
• Enclosed chrome tuners
• Lightweight, small size
• gig bag

Martin Backpacker Steel String Travel Guitar

If you are a musician who enjoys such trips as camping or backpacking and traveling in general, you know how hard it can be to keep your fingers in practice with an instrument like a guitar. Only a few people I've ever known have been crazy enough to take their full size guitar with them on a prolonged trip. Not only is it terribly heavy and difficult to board or carry, but the ever-changing humidity and temperatures can reek havoc on a nice instrument. And if you are thinking about boarding your expensive guitar on a plane, think again. There are way too many people that have horror stories about guitars being broken or badly damaged en route.

There is a better way to travel and stay in practice at the same time. With the Martin Backpacker Steel String Travel Guitar you can keep your fingers in practice and your full size guitar safe for your trip. However if you've never tried one of these travel guitars, you might be thinking that their sound quality or action is poor. I can assure you that the sound quality of the Martin Backpacker Steel String Travel Guitar is amazing and the action almost identical to that of a full size guitar. Plus these travel guitars are sturdy but beautiful, containing the traditional Martin workmanship that one has come to expect from the Martin brand.

These compact guitars have become one of my favorite parts about sitting around a campfire in the summer. It has truly become a wonderful companion to the many trips I take, both backpacking and camping. I would strongly recommend this Martin Backpacker Steel String Travel Guitar to anyone who is a serious musician. I would also recommend it to anyone who enjoys playing music on camping trips or when traveling. Whether or not you are a serious musician, you can have some serious fun with this compact, durable Martin guitar.

Don't take a chance by bringing your full size guitar with you on a trip. There's just too much that can possibly go wrong. Instead invest in one of Martin's backpacker guitars to take with you instead. You will love the size and weight of this wonderful traveling guitar. Plus you will keep you fingers limber so you won't miss a note when your vacation ends! Browse the wide selection of Martin Backpacker Steel String Guitars before your next big trip.

Martin Steel String Backpacker Acoustic Guitar Features:

• Solid top
• Mahogany neck, back, and sides
• Enclosed chrome tuners
• Lightweight, small size
• strap and gig bag

Washburn Rover Travel Guitar

The prospect of heading to Kunming, China for three months without my guitar was not appealing. But the thought of dragging around my Martin Custom D did not enthrall me either. So I went in search of the perfect travel guitar.

It had to be lightweight, but still put out great sound. I wasn't expecting remarkable warmth or quality, like my Martin or other full-size guitar, but I didn't want it to sound like a ukulele either. I looked around town for something that would fit my needs but I didn't have much luck. The local guitar store only had one and it sounded more like a banjo, like a toy. I wanted something that would give me that warm, homey feeling when I played it.

I did a lot of research online and finally decided on the Washburn Rover Travel Guitar. I looked at a couple of Martin travel guitars, but overall, I liked the features the Washburn had: 24" scale, spruce top and nice mahogany on the neck and back just like my Martin, nice binding and inlay, and straight-forward butterbean tuners.

The reviews I read convinced me to give the little Washburn a try. And it is little. It looks a bit like a toy, but the sound is really amazing. The headstock was heavier that I thought it would be, but after playing it for a while, I got used to it. I really loved the full-scale fret board! It makes playing a breeze. I went ahead and put different strings on it, which really made the sound come alive. And it stays in tune pretty well.

This little guitar came with a strap (that I didn't like either - went ahead and bought a different one), and a molded hard case that actually fits into the overhead storage bin on the airplane. What a difference from the last time I flew with my full-size Martin. I banged into almost everyone on the way down the aisle and got quite a few dirty looks since it took up the full space in the bin after shoving it in diagonally. The Washburn Rover was a compact little friend that caused no social discomfort.

Nice price. Great sound. Portability. I'm so glad I don't have to sacrifice my music in order to travel anymore.

Washburn Rover Travel Guitar Features:

• Full size 24" scale
• Solid spruce top
• Mahogany body and neck
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Quality geared tuners
• Professional binding and inlay
• Sized to fit airline overhead storage

Want to Add a Travel Guitar or Request a Review

Don't see the Travel Guitar you're looking for?  Request a review!  Maybe you want to add a review of a guitar that you already own to help other members.  Maybe you sell a Travel Guitar that we have not given exposure to and you would like to see it added.   Whatever the case, this is the place.

Please mail all your submissions, requests, and related queries to besttravelguitars@gmail.com All travel guitar review submissions should be the authors original work and approximately 400-500 words.  Thank you for all your help in starting this "traveling with a guitar" community.

Thank you to all who have already responded!

-Best Travel Guitars Team

Composite Acoustics Cargo Travel Guitar Review

While size is an important factor when choosing a travel guitar, durability is equally important. This is the reason that many musicians prefer the composite acoustics cargo travel guitar.  Winner of Acoustic Guitar's bronze player's choice award in 2008's "Guitar of the Year" category, this guitar is well, lets just say it...  Nothing short of astounding.

The Composite Acoustics Cargo is built mainly of carbon fiber (also known as “composite”). This is done with the same skill the company uses to develop their full-size, impressive-sounding instruments.

Why the composite acoustic guitar is special

The Cargo is resonant, light-weight, very sturdy, and ideal for travel, whether it is stored in a cargo hold, a car trunk, or a crowded airplane. It can also handle extreme temperatures and harsh treatment that have ruined more fragile instruments.

This company is well-known for the unique design and outstanding tone of its instruments, portraying carbon fiber in a new light. It also developed a super-deep cutaway extending along the back of the guitar that provides easy access along the neck, and integrated bracing. At the same time, while the guitar’s design is practically flawless and a bit futuristic, the rough interior surfaces are clearly visible through the sound-hole, and this is common in the process of manufacturing carbon fiber.

Composite acoustics cargo travel guitars are very appealing because of their “playability,” and there is very little change in the setup once they leave the factory. Its intonation is outstanding, and this is especially impressive on a short-scale guitar. The composite fingerboard creates a spacious feeling on the fret-board that enhances certain techniques, and this instrument’s response and tone are particularly well-suited to finger-style playing. The Cargo can also deliver extremely colorful sounds and a vast spectrum of overtones because of its versatility, but it should also be noted that vigorous strumming can interfere with its over-tone rich capability.

This guitar’s bass-rich quality can be difficult to control when it is amplified, and you may experience some feedback at high volume. At the same time, electronics aren’t the main issue when it comes to travel guitars, and their addition makes the Cargo more versatile than the rest.

Some of the outstanding features of the composite acoustics cargo travel guitar include the following:
● The fact that it easy to play and extremely responsive makes it a good investment.

● It is a truly travel-ready instrument that has remarkable tone, dynamics, and color.

THE SPECS (credit goes to Acoustic Guitar issue #198)

• Carbon-fiber top, back, sides, and neck. Composite fretboard, bridge, nut, and saddle.  Integrated carbon-fiber bracing. 22.75-inch scale. 1 / -inch nut width. 2 / -inch string spacing at the saddle. High-gloss finish. Gotoh tuners. Active L.R. Baggs Element undersaddle transducer with volume control. Elixir Nanoweb strings. Made in USA.

• THIS IS COOL Superb, travel-ready guitar with excellent color, tone, and dynamics.

• WATCH FOR Bass frequencies tend toward feedback when amplified.

• PRICE $1,798 list/$1,478 street.

• MAKER Composite Acoustics: (337) 233-4119; compositeacoustics.com.

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