The feeling of wanderlust unites all of us. Especially nowadays, we feel that the journey is kind of our safe haven. Your mind is resting from all the mess that goes on in your daily routine. Those kinds of adventures are worth living for. But sometimes even while traveling and getting those amazing feelings, you might think that something is not in the right place. Something is missing.
You think about it for some time and realize that you miss your music. Not the kind of music that you can listen to in earphones, but real, actual music that you, yourself can produce. It is too hard to travel with full-sized instruments and sometimes you might not even want to because your best guitar can be a bit pricey and not designed for long-distance travel. That’s why a number of leading manufacturers make special instruments – travel guitars. They are durable, affordable, and easy to carry.
It is a win-win right? But there are so many options on the market and all of them have even better advertisements, so which one should you choose? You might even get stressed out about it. But do not worry, we are here to help. We made some research for you and created a list of the best travel guitars, as well as some general information and tips. Hope you will make up your mind after reading the article. Here goes the list, enjoy.
What’s The Best Travel Guitar
| Image | Guitar Model | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | Martin LX1E Acoustic Guitar |  (4.9 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Traveler Guitar Mark III MK3 MHG |  (4.8 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor Acoustic Guitar |  (4.7 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Martin LXK2 Little Martin Koa Pattern | (4.7 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Fender CT-60S Travel Body Acoustic Guitar |  (4.6 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Dean FLY MAH Flight Series 3/4 Size | (4.6 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Cordoba Mini M Travel Guitar with Gig Bag |  (4.5 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Yamaha JR1 3/4 Scale Guitar with Gig Bag | (4.5 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | SX Trav 1 Traveling Guitar Portable with Bag |  (4.4 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Luna Safari Series Muse Spruce 3/4-Size | (4.4 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
Martin LX1E
Martin LX1E Acoustic Guitar is one of the best travel acoustic guitars if you are into that long, fun nights by the campfire. The top of the instrument is made of solid Sitka spruce. Therefore, the sound is more natural and rich, then it would be in the case of a laminated top. Even though this guitar is not considered as resistant to humidity or temperature changes, the instrument is still pretty durable. Martin LX1E Acoustic Guitar has smaller, ¾ size and it is lightweight, so it will be a perfect partner for long hikes. The sound quality of this relatively small and affordable guitar is very impressive. It is a fact that full-sized guitars are bottom-heavy while the little martin is handle heavy, therefore you might need some time to get used to this difference. This guitar is equipped with Fishman. Its playability will amaze every user. Craftsmanship is exceptional. Martin LX1E Acoustic Guitar surely delivers a lot for such an affordable model and will be a reliable partner in your journeys.
Pros:
- Great Sound
- Easy to carry and play
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not a traditional look
- Synthetic nut and saddle
Traveler Guitar Mark III MK3 MHG
Just reading the name of this guitar tells you that it is created for travelers. Its creators understand that people who have the uncontrollable desire of wanderlust need music, not only in earphones but actual hand-made one. Traveler Guitar Mark III MK3 MHG has a Mahogany body and bolt-on Mahogany neck. It is a Full 25 1/2” scale acoustic/electric travel guitar. The body has a cutaway for high fret access. With this instrument, you are not forced to compromise on scale length. This guitar is a combination of great playability, impressive sound, compact yet not very small size, and affordability. It can easily fit in the head compartment of the plain as it is 26 percent shorter and 47 percent thinner than a typical, full-sized acoustic. Traveler Guitar Mark III MK3 MHG is equipped with a Built-in chromatic tuner and uses only 29 1/2″ long, standard acoustic strings so you are free to start playing once you get it out of the gig bag (which is included in the pack by the way). The instrument has a headphone jack; therefore, you can play it at home as well, without disturbing anyone around. It will surely impress you with overall performance quality.
Pros:
- Great Sound
- Versatile
- Very Portable and Lightweight
Cons:
- Alien Looking
- Not an Acoustic
BT2 Baby Taylor
Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor Acoustic Guitar has a beautiful, natural, minimalist design. You kind of feel that it is a production of nature. The instrument has a solid mahogany top to deliver strong fundamentals with a clear and direct focus. The back and sides are made of layered Sapele. The guitar has a Taylor Standard Baby Profile neck shape, made of Sapele with a Genuine African Ebony fingerboard. The playability you get from this budget-friendly guitar will amaze you, as you will be able to feel a smooth, durable neck while your hand easily glides like a breeze on its surface. Taylor Acoustic Guitars are believed to have one of the most stable and playable necks. Generally, this guitar is considered as perfect for beginners, but it surely will not frustrate even intermediate or advanced guitar players on their journeys. The instrument is available in natural color that has Taylor Standard Baby X-Bracing. Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor Acoustic Guitar has wide tonal range and amazing sound quality. It surely has so much more than what you would expect for such a budget-friendly instrument.
Pros:
- Beautiful low tones
- Travel Friendly
- Comfortable to Play
Cons:
- Ebony Bridge
- Could do better with Treble
Martin LXK2 Little Martin
This beautiful instrument comes in natural color, with the C.F. Martin script logo on the headstock and “1-style” Sitka spruce bracing. It has that exceptional signature natural style that Martin guitars generally deliver. It’s modified 0-14 Martin body is perfect for travel as well as for those who have smaller hands. The instrument features a wood-pattern HPL top. 23″ scale, Stratabond modified low-oval neck, and Martin’s patented neck mortise with Micarta fretboard, give this guitar excellent playability. This is a 3/4 size guitar, therefore, is very comfortable to hold due to its lightweight, so you will surely not get easily tired while playing this amazing instrument. Martin LXK2 Little Martin Koa Pattern has Gotoh nickel-plated tuners. It holds the tune pretty well. Every user will be very impressed with the sound of this guitar as well as workmanship. It is highly durable, as is built to survive kids and road trips. You get a lot for such a small price.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Beautiful Design
- Great Sound
Cons:
- Tuning Instability
- Not as versatile as we’d like
Fender CT-60S Travel Body Acoustic Guitar
Whether you travel a lot or go on occasional trips with your friends, it is always a good idea to get yourself a travel guitar. We can all agree that it would be a pity to expose your favorite guitar to environmental changes or abuse from jammed transport. That is why you should not be greedy and consider splurging on a less expensive instrument. Plus, carrying around a full-sized one can be a real pain in the neck. Fender CT-60S is here to save your life. It is a reduced version of Auditorium and features 23.5″ of scale length. This also means that this puppy is suitable for kids, as well. Top is made out of solid spruce and comes with scalloped ‘X-bracing’. Back and sides are built with mahogany. The combination of these two kinds of wood is a common one for a simple reason – they guarantee wonderful performance. Moreover, this body has a comfortable neck that is extremely easy to play. The edges of the fingerboard are rolled, which simplifies the whole process even more. CT-60S is a wonderful guitar for the price and a perfect one for travel, trust me.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Warm and balanced sound
- Easy to play
Cons:
- Doesn’t have as much volume as you’d expect
Dean FLY MAH Flight Series 3/4 Size
The creators of Dean FLY MAH Flight Series 3/4 Size surely have comfort and sound quality as a top priority. The instrument has amazing craftsmanship. Its body is made of Mahogany as well as top. It has a set neck with a rosewood fingerboard. Due to its smaller ¾ size it is very comfortable to hold. Perfect for kids or those who have smaller body structures. This guitar delivers exceptional sound. It will surely amaze with its powerful tone as generally, ¾ size instruments do not have the sound of great power or good sustain. This does not apply to Dean FLY MAH Flight Series 3/4 Size, because its tone is full, loud and bright. It has so much sharpness and vibrant sound. This instrument is equipped with Chrome Hardware. However, sometimes you can hear the upper fret buzz if you don’t hold the string super hard against the fret. But generally, it is caused by super light strings, so consider replacing them sometime if you hear the buzz. This guitar definitely is a great deal for the price.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Beginner Friendly
- Variety of Tonewoods
Cons:
- Buzzing Strings
- Unstable Tuning
Cordoba Mini M Travel Guitar with Gig Bag
What makes up a wonderful instrument? This question can be answered in many different ways, but I will go for a simple one: it’s the combination of the smallest details that usually makes a lot of difference. When all the features that you’re looking for are included in a guitar, then you don’t really have a choice other than doing everything to have it in your collection. Cordoba Mini M is for those who pay attention to details and travel a lot at the same time. It has a small body to guarantee easy transportation. Its solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides make sure your tone is full-bodied and rich. It has a U shape, which is really comfortable to play. This puppy comes with a case, which is a bit small for the guitar itself. Plus, it isn’t waterproof and might not offer the best protection, but it can still be of great help in the beginning. Mini M doesn’t have bolts for attaching a strap, which isn’t a deal-breaker by any means. This guitar is wonderful for traveling, as it will allow you to play wherever you want without any fuss. Great stuff!
Pros:
- Very easy to carry around
- Decent sound
- Comfortable fingerboard
Cons:
- The gig bag is a bit small for the guitar
- You’ll need to set it up when you first get it
Yamaha JR1 3/4 Scale
Yamaha never ceases to amaze the world with how well it combines exquisite craftsmanship, a nice overall tone and a budget-friendly price in the instrument. This guitar has a Spruce top and Meranti back and sides. The neck is made of Nato, with a rosewood fingerboard. So, you get the idea about how well it sounds. The neck is extremely comfortable due to its size and shape, so you will be able to rock for many hours. This instrument is equipped with chrome hardware. It stays in tune very well, as the tuners themselves are of a solid quality, they’re snug and turn smoothly. Yamaha JR1 3/4 Scale Guitar will make a good partner for everyone who is more comfortable with a smaller-bodied acoustic. It is lightweight as well, so simple to carry around. It also comes with a high-quality, durable gig bag. You will undoubtedly be satisfied with the excellence and price of this guitar.
Pros:
- Compact
- Affordable
- Nice build
Cons:
- Not the full tone that full-sized guitar have
- Tonewood is not the highest quality but that a beginner will notice the difference in sound
SX Trav 1
Even the name gives you idea about how the manufacturers of this guitar were concentrated about portability. SX Traveling 1 Traveling Guitar Portable with Bag surely is a very comfortable instrument. Its Solid spruce top and Mahogany back and sides deliver wonderful sound. It has a Mahogany truss rod adjustable neck with a rosewood fingerboard. The playability of this instrument is very smooth and simple, due to exquisite craftsmanship and comfortable shape. This guitar has a Graphtech NuBone saddle and bone nut. Not only the instrument looks cool, but it sounds amazing as well. The tone is crystal clear and rich. It is much better than what you would expect from an instrument of that price. The portability of it, is definitely a highlight. Due to this, it is lightweight so you will not get easily tired by carrying it around. SX Traveling 1 Traveling Guitar will be a good companion on your journeys. It is undoubtedly well worth the price.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to play
- Made for Travel
Cons:
- Tuning Instability
- Weak projection
Luna Safari Series Muse Spruce 3/4-Size
Wow… such an intriguing name – Safari Series, am I right? The name makes you think that it must be created specifically for long travels. And we will tell you that you are 100% right. Just take a moment and look at this beautiful, natural perfect instrument. Its top is made of Mahogany, as well as back and sides. Luna Safari Series Muse is designed by Alex Morgan and has a Celtic laser-etched henna design, with a satin finish. It delivers nice, mysterious Celtic vibes which makes it even more perfect for traveling adventures. It provides a pleasant full tone in its 3/4-sized body. The instrument is lightweight and comfortable to hold. You will take it on long hiking trips with ease. The instrument is equipped with nice strings and its factory setup is completely sufficient to play right out of the box. The instrument rarely goes out of tune. Its overall performance quality will impress you, especially if you keep in mind its very budget-friendly price.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Tuning Stability
- String Buzz
Buying a new instrument is tough. You go through a very long and tiring process. Your “go-to “ instrument is super special and even expensive because you were saving up money to get it for a long time right? You take care of it like your baby. So, you obviously do not want to ruin it on your travel trips. But you still want to have some quality music for your personal creation. The manufacturers of all the amazing and leading guitar companies came up with a good solution to this problem. They made a special line for guitars – traveling guitars.
Why go for the travel guitar?
Well… why did you start thinking about it in the first place? – because you want something “unbreakable” and compact. Travel guitar is a perfect combination of these features. The instruments’ surface mostly is different than just that of a usual guitar. It is much more durable, so screeches and scuffs are not a big problem. What is more, humidity change can really harm the usual instrument, but those guitars are designed specifically to not get ruined with it. Humidity change can be “fatal” for the instrument from the starting point of your journey to the final.
The shape and weight of the guitar surely is a big pro. You might want to cover long tracks while hiking, so carrying huge and heavy instruments can be a headache. Their shape is also designed in the most accurate, compact way so you will also be able to fit those guitars in the head compartment of plain seats.
You should know that on the market there are tons of guitars for travel available: electric, acoustic, semi-acoustic, etc. You might even find some with very odd shapes. Mostly they are very affordable and of a nice quality. But a lot are defiantly crappy, but well-advertised, to deceive customers, so be aware of it and keep in mind our peaks.
Generally, travel guitars do not deliver the power and sound of full-size ones, but the models from the list above surely are the best of the best, so you will still get solid sound quality and volume even in a smaller size.
Tips for traveling
Even though the travel guitars are very durable, we still would advise you to put it in the case. That makes carrying around more comfortable and safer because you never know what might happen. In this case, you will be less stressed about it. It is a bit difficult to find case that perfectly suits travel guitars (because they come in all kinds of shapes) but the most important thing is to fit the axe as tight as possible. Some case manufacturers have multiple options, including moldable interiors that you modify to exactly fit your guitar’s shape and curves. They usually are not that big, so fitting in a bus, car or any kind of head compartment will not be a problem.
We would also advise you to loosen the strings of the instrument while on the road, as temperature and pressure changes can risk snapping that perfectly curved neck. But before that make sure that the airline you use allows guitars on board.
Conclusion
To sum up this article, we have reviewed best travel guitars. We understand what a great pleasure it is to sit the whole night by the campfire, with your friends, or family and sing some crazy, stupid songs. Those kinds of nights stay in our memories for a long time. As they are really worth the trouble. The feeling that music gives us is indescribable. You can only fully understand, what is it like to be a “master” of your own sound, only when you try it out yourself. Traveling is essential, so is music, so the travel guitar can perfectly combine those two things and satisfy your need in the best way possible. We have also given you some tips that you should keep in mind while having to deal with travel instruments. Those guitars are really a good alternative to your day-to-day working instrument. You might not want to carry it around on a hiking trip or risk getting in on the plane. Travel guitars are affordable, compact, and durable so all the problems are solved in this magical instrument. They indeed make traveling more memorable and easy.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article, as much as we enjoyed writing it. We wish you all the best luck in your guitar hunt. Do not forget that you are doing it all for pleasure, so try not to stress too much about this journey.
