Hey fellow guitar enthusiasts! Like many of you, the urge to play guitar often strikes at the most unexpected times, even when you’re miles away from your usual practice space. My friend David recently reached out, planning a fall cruise and eager to bring a guitar along. This got me thinking about the world of travel guitars. Let’s face it, standard guitars and air travel can be a tricky combination, especially when you consider overhead bin space and the sometimes rough handling of checked baggage. Cruise ships, while more spacious than planes, still present space constraints. Therefore, a travel guitar needs to be compact, playable, and sound decent without being overly loud and disruptive to fellow travelers or hotel neighbors. It’s a tall order, but thankfully, there are some fantastic options available.
During my years of weekly travel for work, hotel rooms became a monotonous backdrop. Not being one for bars, my downtime was often solitary. A travel guitar became my musical lifeline. Back then, I chose a Steinberger GT-Pro. This electric travel guitar, with its headless design and small body, was a game-changer. It had a surprisingly good vibrato system and sounded great. My setup involved plugging it into my iPad with an adapter and IK Multimedia software – a neat solution at the time. These days, I’ve simplified things even further. I now use a tiny Fender Mustang pocket amp with earbuds. While it’s not studio-quality sound, it provides a comfortable, lightweight, and incredibly portable setup. My Steinberger has consistently fit in aircraft overhead compartments and strapped securely to my carry-on.
When David’s question landed in my inbox, it sparked my curiosity about the current landscape of travel guitars. The first fundamental question to consider is your preference: acoustic, acoustic-electric, or electric? When I initially invested in my Steinberger, electric travel guitars were the go-to choice, and Martin offered their Backpacker acoustic. The Martin Backpacker is still around, but personally, I find it uncomfortable to play, and its sound isn’t my cup of tea. However, it undeniably excels in compactness and portability. So, let’s begin by exploring acoustic options, starting with the renowned Martin brand.
Acoustic Travel Guitars: The Martin Backpacker
The Martin Backpacker remains a prominent name in the realm of acoustic travel guitars. Its distinctive, slender body shape is instantly recognizable and designed for ultimate portability. While opinions on its tone and playability vary, its compact size is undeniable. For musicians prioritizing minimal bulk and ease of transport above all else, the Backpacker is a contender worth considering. It’s especially suited for situations where space is severely limited, such as backpacking trips or extremely tight carry-on restrictions.
Choosing the right travel guitar is a personal journey, dependent on your individual needs and priorities. Factors like desired sound, playing style, and portability needs will all play a role in your decision. Whether you lean towards an acoustic option like the Martin Backpacker or prefer the versatility of an electric travel guitar like a Steinberger, the key is to find an instrument that inspires you to play, wherever your travels may take you.
