Comments on: Blackbird Rider Steel String Guitar Review

By: John

John — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 21:10:12 +0000

I’ve traveled extensively with a 3/4-sized Art & Lutherie AMI guitar with no problems in overhead bins, and the Blackbird Rider, is smaller and lighter.

By: John

John — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 21:08:44 +0000

I own a custom Martin D41e and I love my Blackbird Rider. As mentioned here, it has an unbelievable sustain and bass that you really have to hear to appreciate. This guitar has become my go-to guitar when I need a light-weight easy-to-carry guitar even around town. I take it to most of my band practices because of it’s easy travel bag and size, yet it still sounds like a full-sized guitar, and plugged in, you couldn’t find a better sounding guitar. I had a lady use mine in a ship-board stage show, and they both sounded awesome.

By: Bill Valenti

Bill Valenti — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 18:13:55 +0000

Just traveled with my Rider from Oregon to NY for a gig, and found plenty of space for the guitar in overhead bins, even on small regional flights. Had several comments from audience and other musicians about the pure, clear sound (mine has Fishman gear installed). People just don’t expect to hear big guitar sound from this small instrument. I love to surprise them. I mostly do fingerstyle which sounds great on the Rider. Flatpicking seems a bit squarely unless I capo up. Don’t care so much for the recommended Elixir strings, so will likely switch to something else. Love my Martin 00028VS, but this Blackbird is a super travel companion and a truly great musical instrument.

By: Best Travel Guitars

Best Travel Guitars — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:02:07 +0000

James, it is small enough but on more crowded flights airlines may request the guitar be checked in. Blackbird actually has a FAQ regarding this you can review here http://blackbirdguitar.com/guitar_travel_tips.html Best Luck

By: James Quilligan

James Quilligan — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:27:53 +0000

My question is, is this guitar small enough that airlines permit it as a carry-on?

By: Best Travel Guitars

Best Travel Guitars — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 18:15:18 +0000

Thanks Chuck, I’ve had a few emails questioning the comfort while playing and like you said, its super comfortable. Standing up you feel free and sitting down is no problem using the attatched neck up support.

By: Chuck Davis aka Harvey Clinger

Chuck Davis aka Harvey Clinger — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:43:52 +0000

I bought mine yesterday aug 24th 2010. I have a Martin DCX1E wood laminate. Love the big sound of that martin as well as durable. When I played Blackbird it sounded like a Cannon, huge sound from a small guitar.
I bought the super OM. I have light gauge strings on it but still sounds huge. I normally use med gauge. Action was high so Dan from Dans Guitar did the setup. Took only 20min of playing to decide I wanted it. Very comfortable playing while sitting and even better standing. I could see myself going all composite guitars in the future. Cost would be most critical. I will be doing a video demo of the super OM soon on my youtube channel. http://Www.youtube.com/rayka thanks