For guitarists who love to travel, the struggle is real: how do you bring your passion on the road without the bulk and risk of damage to your prized instruments? Like many, I’ve often foregone taking a guitar on trips involving flights, deterred by luggage costs and the anxiety of potential damage. This led me on a quest for a solution – a reliable travel guitar that wouldn’t break the bank or my back. Enter the Washburn Rover travel guitar. Priced at a surprisingly affordable £117, I was initially skeptical about its quality. However, after spending a few days putting it through its paces, I can confidently say this little guitar has not only met but exceeded my expectations, proving to be an exceptional travel companion.
Why a Travel Guitar? Bridging the Gap for Musicians on the Go
The desire for a travel guitar stems from a simple need: maintaining your musical practice and enjoyment while away from home. For those accustomed to regular jam sessions or personal practice, holidays without a guitar can feel incomplete. Traditional guitars and amplifiers are cumbersome, especially when flying, adding extra baggage fees and raising concerns about safe transport. A dedicated travel guitar addresses these issues by offering a compact, durable, and often more affordable alternative, allowing musicians to keep playing wherever life takes them.
First Impressions of the Washburn Rover: Unboxing a Budget-Friendly Gem
My research into travel guitars led me to the Washburn Rover, a model consistently praised in online reviews for its value and performance. The low price point made it an easy decision to take a chance, and ordering it from Amazon was straightforward. Upon arrival, the first thing that struck me was the included hard case – a significant bonus for a guitar in this price range, immediately suggesting Washburn’s commitment to portability and protection.
Diving into the Specs: What Makes the Rover Tick?
The Washburn Rover boasts a thoughtful selection of materials and features designed for both portability and playability:
- Scale Length: 23.75 inches, offering a comfortable feel close to a standard guitar.
- Top Wood: Solid Spruce, contributing to a bright and resonant tone.
- Body and Neck: Mahogany, known for its warm tonal characteristics and durability.
- Fingerboard: Rosewood, providing a smooth and comfortable playing surface.
- Nut Width: 43mm, similar to many standard guitars, making transitions easier.
- Frets: 19 frets, offering a decent range for a travel-sized instrument.
- Tuners: Geared tuners, ensuring stable and accurate tuning.
- Strings: Vinci Extra Light 800 Phosphor Bronze strings (0.10 gauge).
- Aesthetic Touches: Binding and dot inlays for a classic guitar look.
Alt text: Washburn Rover travel guitar nestled securely in its plush-lined hard case, highlighting its portability.
The package is impressively comprehensive, including:
- Hard Moulded-Foam Case: Covered in Cordura with a plush interior, offering robust protection.
- Case Strap: For easy carrying.
- Instructional DVD: A helpful resource for beginners.
- Picks: To get you started right away.
- Allen Key: For truss rod adjustments.
- Spare Saddle and Saddle Shims: For customizing action and setup.
- Guitar Strap: A standard strap for comfortable playing.
The Washburn Rover is available in trans blue, trans red, black, and natural finishes. I opted for the black Rover, which features a sleek matt finish.
Playability and Sound: Balancing Size and Tone
The neck profile of the Rover feels familiar, with standard width and length dimensions. However, the body’s smaller size, akin to a mandolin, naturally affects the tone. While it’s not as loud or bass-heavy as a full-sized guitar, the Rover’s sound is far from tinny. It leans towards a brighter, “chirpier” tone, which is acceptable for a travel guitar. The Vinci strings, while new to me, might contribute to a slight harshness in the sound, prompting me to consider switching to my preferred D’Addario strings in the future. Washburn recommends light gauge strings, but I’m curious to experiment with 0.11s to potentially add a bit more bass.
One aspect to note is the guitar’s balance. The neck feels heavier than the body, making it slightly unbalanced when playing without a strap. This is a minor adjustment, especially for players accustomed to smaller instruments like ukuleles or mandolins.
Alt text: Detailed view of the Washburn Rover’s headstock and neck, showcasing the geared tuners and smooth rosewood fingerboard.
Build Quality and Included Accessories: Surprises in a Budget Package
I was pleasantly surprised by the Rover’s build quality. The guitar is clean and well-assembled, free from rough edges or excess glue. Concerns about the guitar strap, mentioned in some older reviews regarding a petrol-like smell, seem to be resolved. The included strap with my Rover is perfectly fine, indicating Washburn has addressed this issue.
The hard case is a standout feature. It’s remarkably light yet firm, offering substantial protection for travel, even suggesting it could withstand being checked baggage on flights. For a guitar at this price point, the quality of the case is exceptional.
Pros and Cons: Weighing the Washburn Rover
Pros:
- Exceptional Value: Outstanding quality and features for the price.
- Highly Portable: Compact size and robust hard case make it ideal for travel.
- Decent Tone: Pleasantly surprising sound quality for a travel guitar.
- Comprehensive Package: Includes essential accessories and spares.
- Solid Build Quality: Well-constructed and finished.
Cons:
- Slightly Unbalanced: Neck-heavy balance might require getting used to.
- Brighter Tone: May lack some bass response compared to full-size guitars.
- Stock Strings: Might benefit from a string change to personal preference.
Final Verdict: Is the Washburn Rover the Right Travel Guitar for You?
The Washburn Rover travel guitar is an absolute steal for £117. It delivers on its promise of portability without sacrificing essential playability and tone. While it’s not a replacement for a full-bodied acoustic, it’s an outstanding solution for musicians needing a travel-friendly instrument. If you’re looking for an affordable, well-built, and easily transportable guitar to take on your travels, the Washburn Rover is undoubtedly a top contender and comes highly recommended.
For more information, visit www.washburn.com.
