looking for a travel guitar

[patoadam]

I'm looking for an instrument that is tuned like a standard guitar but is smaller and therefore easier to travel with and to play. (Barre chords are not my friend.)

Filkers who play the Vagabond travel guitar, the Tacoma Papoose, and the Washburn Rover have graciously told me about the advantages and, in some cases, disadvantages of their instruments.

I would gratefully appreciate any comments on these or other travel guitars.

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: I got the Little Martin. Thanks for your help!

Comments

[autographedcat.livejournal.com]

Take a look at the Baby Taylor. I know more than one person who is quite happy with theirs.

Also, I believe the Papoose is tuned to A. That's something to be aware of.

[billroper]

The Baby Taylor is very nice, although bigger than some of the alternatives.

[autographedcat.livejournal.com]

Any travel guitar is a compromise between size and sound. The Baby Taylor is the closest I've seen to the ideal ratio.

[robin-june.livejournal.com]

Little Martins are tuned to true. They're made in Mexico instead of Nazareth PA, out of HPL (which I believe means 'high pressure laminate') although certain Little Martin models have solid wood soundboards. My black one is still out on loan. My purple one (no longer available new) has some intonation issues when I tried to capo it at 5, but it's never been professionally set up yet.

http://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/choosing/guitars.php?p=m&m=LX%20BLACK%20Little%20Martin

[robin-june.livejournal.com]

BTW, the Little Martin and the Martin Backpacker are not the same thing. I've never owned a backpacker, and have heard reports that range from middlin' okay to lousy.

[bedlamhouse]

I like my Little Martin a lot and have taken it to Japan and Australia for Worldcons with no problems.

[patoadam]

Thanks! I got a Little Martin.

[fleetfootmike.livejournal.com]

Avioid the backpacker - IMO it sounds nasty.

You could look at the Yamaha Gitalele - 6 string uke, strung like a guitar capo 5. Nice tone, too.

[autographedcat.livejournal.com]

The only good aspect of the Backpacker I've heard (I think this was from bedlamhouse is that the form factor is so unforgiving that you're forced to use nearly perfect technique to get anything resembling a pleasing sound from it.

That might be useful for practice, but no so much for something you want to play out. :)

[bedlamhouse]

Yeah, I originally had a Backpacker to take on business trips, but because my right-hand technique relies heavily on bracing my forearm (or at least my pinkie) on the guitar this worked not at all. I traded it in for my Little Martin.

[lemmozine.livejournal.com]

I have several travel guitars, and experience with others. My recommendation: the Aria Sinsonido. Advantages: available in nylon or steel, normal scale, sounds great, & it's just so KEWL. Disadvantages: requires an amp - there are numerous small amps that run on batteries and are great for travel. I usually travel with the Pignose because it fits easily in a suitcase. If you do this, be certain to take the batteries out before packing. Also, travel with spare batteries for both guitar & amp. Other disadvantages: no hard case - however I've never had trouble taking it as a carryon, and the case is big enough to hold a few extra t-shirts, which double as protective wrap. Hey, I could go on all day - if you like, feel free to call me at 720-982-6208.