Guitar for On The Road?

[stevejones]

Did not bring my Taylor acoustic with me on our full-timing road trip. The case is enormous and there was just no where to put it. Now really missing being able to play.

Saw this guitar and was wondering if any Airstreaming guitarists out there had it and what they thought about it?

https://travelerguitar.com/products/...acoustic-maple

Or do you have something else to recommend? Looking for something that is playable but takes up as little space as possible.

Thanks,

Steve

[dvgofaz]

A fellow guitar player! I have looked into travel guitars before and never found one that sounded very good. I checked out several of The Martin backpacker model and found one that was ok. But I need something with some volume as we like to find other folks with whom to make music when we camp. If you just want to noodle around by yourself that one would do the trick. I just really like my D35 and cannot imagine leaving it at home.

So, when we're camped I lay mine down on the floor of the the hall closet, (you may not have one I'm not familiar with your layout...) And when we're towing I lay it on the bed. It's kind of in the way if I lay it next to my side of the bed but that's only inconvenient a few minutes a day.
We bought a 34' knowing we would need the room for a guitar, a banjo, and an upright bass!

[SteveSueMac]

I’ve got a Martin Backpacker. It’s good.

Upright bass?? Hokey smokes Bullwinkle!

I play a Magic Fluke Timber Electric Bass Uke and I can amplify it through the audio system in the trailer or a battery operated Demer box....love it!!

https://www.magicfluke.com/Electric-Bass-p/timber.htm

[dvgofaz]

Magic Fluke looks great! It sure would make for more room! We have an Epiphone ElCapitan but my wife (who plays the bass) doesn't enjoy it as much as the upright.

[Countryboy59]

Don’t take your Gibson Hummingbird. Insect repellent ruins the nitrocellulose finish. But what a sound!

[weirdstuff]

I used to have a couple of different, parlor size, very cheap guitars ($100-$250) that I travelled with in our Interstate. Both had a decent sound, however, neither would stay in tune very well, and both of them had such high action that they were a bit painful to play. But...the beauty of them was, they weren't "precious" and I didn't have to worry about them getting banged up, or sitting too close to the campfire, etc.. With that said, I think a good compromise is the Martin backpacker, or a Taylor mini.

[MikeandCarol]

I bought a Gretsch Jim Dandy last year for camping. It was $169 on Amazon. It’s parlor size and decent quality and sound for the price. It’s proven to be durable in lots of temperature changes and holds a tune.

[Mollysdad]

I don't think you'll be happy with it.
I had the electric version, and never got used to not having a head and the body is tiny.
You might look at the Traveller "Escape" Mark II or Mark III which have a little larger body.
I owned a few Steinberger Spirits (electric) and none made me want to pick them up.

[mayco]

Been playing guitar nearly all my life and am thinking about getting a good Uke for the road. Sounds like fun

[HiHoAgRV]

I have an old Alverez as my travel guitar. It's been all over the USA and has battle scars to prove it. The neck has been broken and fiberglassed back on, I've dropped the action so much that a couple of strings sport aluminum foil between them and the nut. It's actually my favorite playing guitar. Mrs HiHo has a baby Taylor and it's much easier to travel, it fits on a shelf above the bed, mine won't store there. They both hold tune ok as long as they stay in the soft cases.

[Lumatic]

I take my uke. Just the right size for mosquitos too!

[Plunderdog]

I bought a Danelectro as a travel guitar for practice. It is made of Masonite and is less impacted by moisture and temperature changes. I keep it in the rear closet upright and tied to the side of the closet so it doesn’t take up much room.

[Posse96]

I feel you on this one, but I just can't leave my Martin custom D35 at home. The sound cannot be replicated on anything I have and I find acoustics in canyons, against rock faces, etc., enhance the sound, that I just keep bringing it. I use a soft case, similar to those used for cellos, but well lined to protect from heat, also bring my humidifier in the case as needed. Gets rid of the bulk and weight of a hard case. I designed a storage system under on cabinet over my bed, so it hangs down (horizontally) and is out of the way; similar to two large bike hooks mounted under the cabinet. The only sad thing is I'm developing lock finger on my right middle and ring fingers and it's having a big impact after 40 years of playing. Have to see what Dr and physical therapist can do.

[Squid]

I travel with a 6 string YAMAHA guitalele.. it rocks!

[Piggy Bank]

Dang you folks have some nice toys!

We compromised as the hubs didn't want to bring the Taylor along either. Looked at some parlor sized and travel models, but didn't care for them in particular unless you went up to some that were more money than we really wanted to spend for this.

Found a nice used Fender and got a zip soft case for it. We can stash it in the wardrobe closet if it's not too full (which is one reason I haven't added any elfa shelving in it.)

Seems to keep tuned well.

If I could have found a vintage Alvarez, that would for sure have been my first choice.

[mbubbaca]

I have traveled with the Acoustic Concepts cargo model. Heat and humidity have no impact at all on the instrument.

[djarrett]

Full Disclosure - I work for Gibson.

As you guys know, heat and humidity can affect the instrument. You would need to keep an eye on the conditions based on where you are camped. In the desert southwest, you'd want to have an in case humidifier (there are companies that make some you keep in the sound hole).

If you own something as nice as a Gibson Hummingbird or a Martin, and don't want to risk that guitar ... you could go with a very close second which would be an Epiphone Acoustic. (also - Gibson is releasing a $999 acoustic this year).

If you feel where you camp poses too much of a risk, you might look at something like an Ovation where the majority of the back is a composite with a Spruce top.

Glad folks are making better music on the road!

[JohnnyAustin]

Acoustic Concepts or Composite Acoustics? A Composite Acoustic would be a perfect solution. I’ve been looking at them but they are expensive and will probably settle on an Ovation/Celebrity instead (kind of half way to carbon fiber). They’re not really as durable but are cheap enough to buy several for the price of a Composite Acoustic. I love acoustics but don’t think I can live without an electric. While I’m not there yet, I expect that I’ll get a Helix Stomp and carry a Strat with me. That’ll mean I need to carry two guitars (electric & acoustic) but I haven’t figured out how to store them.

I have consider one of the Traveler electrics but I haven’t had a chance to play one. I don’t think I’d be happy with one of their acoustic models.

[Wconley]

I bring my Taylor GS Mini with me. Great tone in a slightly smaller body.

[DoublTrouble]

Originally Posted by Wconley

I bring my Taylor GS Mini with me. Great tone in a slightly smaller body.

GiGi has one too!..

When is the "band getting back together?"