Finding the perfect travel guitar often involves balancing portability with playability and price. For musicians on the go, the Washburn Ro10 Rover Mini Travel Acoustic Guitar emerges as a compelling option, particularly for those prioritizing convenience and affordability. My recent acquisition of a Rover on Craigslist for a mere $75 in mint condition highlights its appeal as a budget-friendly travel companion. The primary draw for me was its case dimensions – a compact 49.5 linear inches, designed to navigate the often-restrictive carry-on baggage policies of airlines.
The Rover’s diminutive size is a game-changer for air travel. The prospect of easily stowing a guitar in overhead bins, avoiding gate-checking hassles and potential damage, is incredibly appealing. While gig bags offer minimal protection, the Rover’s included case provides a significant buffer against the bumps and jostles of travel. The peace of mind knowing your instrument is reasonably protected, even if forced to check it, is invaluable. And at a price point like $75, the sting of potential loss or damage is significantly lessened compared to traveling with a more expensive instrument.
However, it’s important to approach the Washburn Rover with realistic expectations regarding sound quality and playability. As noted by a friend who assessed the guitar before my purchase, the Rover is known to be “neck heavy.” This characteristic can take some getting used to and may affect the overall playing experience for some. Despite this, my primary need was for a six-string instrument suitable for practice during travels – something affordable, low-stress, and easily transportable. The Rover ticks these boxes admirably.
While the Rover excels in portability and price, it’s worth acknowledging other travel guitar options. My foray into Craigslist also led to the acquisition of a Mark Erlewine Chiquita electric travel guitar. The Chiquita, even smaller at 44 linear inches in its hardshell case, represents the extreme end of compact travel guitars. Additionally, the Johnson JG-TR2 Trailblazer has been mentioned as a potentially better-built and sounding travel acoustic, sharing a similar body shape to the Rover. Although the Trailblazer typically comes with only a gig bag, its reported superior build might appeal to players prioritizing sound over case protection. Unfortunately, a promising Craigslist deal on a Trailblazer slipped through my fingers, reinforcing the need for quick action when seeking used instruments.
For those venturing into the used market for travel guitars or any instrument, a useful tip for Craigslist searching is to utilize Google with the “site:craigslist.org” modifier. For example, searching “Washburn Rover site:craigslist.org” directly in Google efficiently filters results to Craigslist listings nationwide. This method streamlines the often-clunky Craigslist search interface and broadens your search geographically.
In conclusion, the Washburn RO10 Rover Mini Travel Acoustic Guitar presents itself as a practical and economical solution for traveling musicians. While it may not boast premium sound or perfect balance, its compact size, protective case, and budget-friendly price, especially on the used market, make it a worthwhile consideration for players seeking a no-fuss practice instrument for their journeys.
