The best acoustic travel guitars seem to justify Shakespeare’s words, which state that “if music be the food of love, then play on”. These guitars are no ordinary guitars because they are equipped with a tuning system, which eliminates the need for a headstock. As such, they are always shorter and more compact than a typical full-size guitar. Needless to say, these guitars are very easy to transport.
Besides, a good number of them come with gig bags that perfectly fit the overhead compartments of airplanes with room to spare. The best part is that their portability does not hinder them from producing the best acoustics you have always wanted. Well, in this article, we have lined up the 10 best brands to choose from. Take a look.
Check out the Best Acoustic Travel Guitars Reviews
1. Traveler Guitar Acoustic/Electric with Gig Bag (AG-105EQ)
One unique feature that this acoustic/electric guitar has is the modified traditional bracing pattern for increased presence and volume. It is a one-of-a-kind guitar that, unlike most models in the same class, will not sacrifice playability for portability. It has Streamline Tuning System, which effectively eliminates the need for a headstock.
Having said that, expect this acoustic/electric guitar to be smaller and better balanced than acoustics designed to be used on the go. It is covered by a limited 3-year warranty that protects all parts from defects. Ideally, the warranty includes 90 days of labor. Away from the warranty, the guitar comes with a user guide to ensure easy, straightforward use, truss rod wrench, deluxe gig bag, hex wrench, and 2 AAA batteries (pre-installed).
It is a complete unit that will provide you with the best acoustics to make your travel moments unforgettable. Other features of this acoustic travel guitar are built-in shadow preamp headphone out and 1/8” aux-in and detail of the endcap. The back and sides of the guitar are made of mahogany that makes it look beautiful and at the same time super durable.
2. Yamaha SLG200S TBS Steel String Silent Guitar
Yamaha has done a great job on this acoustic travel guitar. It has designed this instrument with a slim body to allow for amazing playability as well as to let you switch to playing the electric guitar without any discomforts. Besides, it has tried to improve the portability of the guitar by equipping its frame with a detachable top section.
It also provides a premium gig bag that is easy to carry and fits into the overhead compartment of an aircraft with room to spare. What’s more, this silent guitar features a unique design; thanks to the joint effort between the Yamaha Design Laboratory and the project team. The design combines traditional guitar lines with a well-thought-out new form to create an instrument you will not think twice to take out and play anywhere.
Ideally, the design is bodiless; hence, it offers a natural and quiet sound. Needless to say, you will be able to play without disturbing the peace of others. So, whether you want to play late at night when everyone is fast asleep or in the living room when everyone is home, this travel guitar is the best bet.
3. Martin LXM Little Martin
What we like about Martin is that most, if not all of its guitars are within an affordable range. The LXM Little Martin is no exception. Therefore, if you are in search of a high-performance guitar but you are on a budget, we believe you should pay close attention to it.
It not only produces the best acoustics but it looks really gorgeous and will complement the style of wherever you will place it. Well, this is because the LXM Little Martin features a textured finish top that blends with Mahogany Pattern to present you with a thoughtfully crafted guitar.
Furthermore, the LXM Little Martin is available in two color options; Black and Natural. Using the LXM Little Martin is very easy because its hand orientation is ambidextrous. Other specifications of this guitar are Neck Material Type: Martin, Top Material Type: Sitka-Spruce, and Dimensions: 6.3 x 38.58 x 18.11 inches.
4. Traveler Guitar PRO MOD X Travel Guitar – Acoustic-Electric
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This travel guitar is inspired by the first Traveler Guitar ever made. It is loaded with new features, and this makes it the most versatile hybrid acoustic and electric travel guitar the manufacturer has ever made. It has a proprietary In-Body Tuning System that uses standard machines, which are relocated into the body.
That being said, you will not need a headstock, meaning you will enjoy playing on an instrument that is 58-percent lighter and 28-percent shorter than a standard full-sized electric guitar. The best part is that the convenience this hybrid travel guitar provides will not change the full-scale playing experience you are used to.
Moreover, when you have this travel guitar, you will get high-gain humbucker/smooth single-coil tones with the same pickup; thanks to the dual-rail humbucker featuring coil-split switch. There is also an under-saddle piezo pickup that improves versatility by ensuring more acoustic sound. The guitar is modded out with a machined-turned aluminum pickup ring, chrome hardware, a matte black finish, and mismatched knobs. It comes with a Deluxe Gig Bag that fits easily in airline overhead compartments.
5. Traveler Guitar Acoustic-Electric Travel Guitar with Gig Bag
Established in 1992 in Redland, California, Traveler Guitar knows a thing or two about acoustic travel guitar. It produces premium quality products such as this acoustic-electric travel guitar that comes with a gig bag. It is ultra-light and probably one of the smallest guitars you have ever come across.
It is 43-percent lighter and 31-percent shorter than a full-sized acoustic. Well, this is because it is equipped with proprietary In-Body Tuning System, which uses standard tuning machines that are relocated into the body. The In-Body Tuning System eliminates the need for a headstock, and this is what makes this travel guitar a perfect purchase for guitarists on the go.
Another feature that improves the portability of this travel guitar is the detachable lap rest. Whether you are open micing, beach bumming or mountain climbing, this travel guitar is for you. It comes with a 3-year limited warranty to ensure hassle-free user experience. It also comes with a deluxe gig bag to ensure easy transport. Ideally, it is worth noting that this guitar is available in both right-handed and left-handed styles.
6. Fender FA-100 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
Fender is another company that does a great job of providing guitarists with quality guitars. One of these is the dreadnought acoustic guitar. It comes with FT-004 Clip-On Tuner that helps keep it in tune and ready to provide you with wonderful acoustics. Besides, the guitar boasts an easy-to-use interface, which makes it perfect for beginners. The guitar also comes with a nylon strap that will help you play comfortably while standing.
The nylon guitar strap makes this acoustic travel guitar great for practicing playing live or for playing live. The strap is fully adjustable, and this means it perfectly fit players of different sizes. Another handy accessory that comes with the acoustic guitar is the padded gig bag.
It makes the guitar extremely easy to move with from place to place. Playing guitar is an extremely rewarding experience. But that is only if you get the best quality product like this acoustic travel guitar. Its professional features include X-Bracing, which provides clarity, projection, and stability and Laminated Spruce Top for warm, loud, and clear tones.
7. Gretsch Rancher Acoustic Electric Guitar (G5022CE)
The Gretsch Acoustic Electric Guitar (G5022CE) will take you back to the early 1950s. This is because it is from the Rancher Series, a renowned guitar model introduced by Gretsch in the early 1950s. The Gretsch G5022CE has a stylish pickguard and unique triangular soundhole. Away from the stunning looks, this acoustic-electric guitar is packed with lots of incredible features that greatly improve its performance.
It is equipped with a spruce top, which, in turn, is reinforced X-Bracing (scalloped). This particular feature enables it to bring the richly resonant sound, which has made most people go for Rancher guitars. The acoustic travel guitar also boasts a powerfully rich voice, meaning it is capable of holding its own whether it is amplified or played acoustically.
The 21-fret rosewood fretboard, the mahogany neck, and the flame maple laminate sides and sides prove that this acoustic travel guitar is simply as good as it sounds. There are also a Sonicore undersaddle pickup and a built-in Fishman Isys+ that ensure you are always ready for outstanding plugged-in performance.
8. Martin LX1 Little Martin Acoustic Guitar
We like the features of this acoustic guitar. That’s why we have included it here. It has the Mahogany Pattern high pressure laminate (HPL) textured finish that features a heavy-duty Sitka spruce top, which, in turn, has a hand-rubbed finish for a stylish look.
Other features that help improve the appearance of the travel guitar are the East Indian Rosewood fingerboard and Rust Stratabond neck. The materials not only improve the aesthetics of the guitar but also they make it compact and easy to travel with.
What’s more, this acoustic travel guitar is simple to use; meaning even beginners can operate it. It comes with a padded gig bag that provides a convenient place to keep it when it’s not in use. The dimensions of the guitar are 18 by 7 by 39 inches. Plus the guitar has 6 strings for the best acoustics.
9. Yamaha Solid Top Acoustic Guitar (FG800)
The history of Yamaha’s FG Series dates back to 1966 when Yamaha first released the FG180 and FG150. Half a century has passed and the manufacturer has produced several FG Series, including the FG800. Equipped with cutting-edge acoustic analysis technology, the FG800 model is capable of delivering louder and stronger sound in the low mid-range. The acoustic analysis technology is developed by the Yamaha R&D Division.
The best part is that the acoustic guitar is one of the most affordable units in the market despite having lots of great features. Its features include diecast tuners, rosewood bridge, nato back & sides, and solid Sitka spruce top. The guitar also features an adjustable truss rod.
Despite your personality of music, this acoustic guitar is the perfect choice for you. The ideal acoustic structure maintains the durability of the top board as well as bringing out more of the natural sound of this travel guitar.
10. Cordoba Mini M Travel Acoustic Nylon String Guitar
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Cordoba has done an excellent job on this acoustic nylon string guitar. It has designed it in such a way that it offers the playability of a full-size nylon-string guitar despite being compact and lightweight. The guitar also delivers a wonderfully loud voice. Cordoba offers them in 3 different wood combinations, including spruce/Indian rosewood, spruce/mahogany, and all ovangkol.
Since it is built with portability in mind, the guitar is perfect for vacations, road trips, and hanging out at home. It comes with a Cordoba gig bag that conveniently fits in the airplane’s overhead compartment. Cordoba was founded in 1977, and it seeks to guide the evolution of the nylon string guitar. As such, it blends modern developments with the traditional craftsmanship of the early master luthiers.
Well, since this guitar is compact, you expect the string spacing to be a little congested, right? Surprisingly, this is not the case – the neck shape and string spacing are that of a full-size guitar. The natural finish of the mini M travel acoustic guitar helps improve its aesthetics.
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Acoustic Travel Guitars
Given the many brands that are there today, it is important that you have a quick look at this buyer’s guide before spending your money on an acoustic travel guitar.
Portability
Portability is one of the reasons why you are buying an acoustic travel guitar. As such, you should make sure that the model you are set to pick is very portable. It should be ultra-light in weight so you can carry it from place to place without any discomfort. It should also be compact to fit virtually anywhere. Moreover, if possible, your guitar should come with a gig bag for optimum portability.
Warranty
It is imperative that the acoustic travel guitar you are about to spend your money on come with a warranty. A warranty shows that the manufacturer cares and is willing to help out in the event that you have an issue with their item. Well, a warranty that covers against defects for an extended period is highly recommended.
Features
You have definitely noticed from the above reviews that different acoustic travel guitars are equipped with different features. Therefore, so as not to be disappointed, it is advisable that you consider an acoustic guitar with such handy features as a tuning system, adjustable truss rod, and more. Your guitar should also have a unique, beautiful look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which acoustic travel guitar is the most portable?
The Traveler Guitar Acoustic-Electric Travel Guitar with Gig Bag is arguably one of the most portable acoustic travel guitars. Compared to a typical full-size guitar, this model is 43-percent lighter and 31-percent shorter.
Which acoustic travel guitar is the cheapest?
The price points of acoustic travel guitars are known to be a bit higher than the price points of typical guitars. Nonetheless, that does not mean all acoustic guitars are expensive. For instance, in these reviews, we have several brands that are cheap, with the Yamaha Solid Top Acoustic Guitar (FG800) leading the way.
Which companies make the best acoustic travel guitars?
Several companies are doing a great job of producing top-notch acoustic travel guitars for their customers. But the ones that grab the headlines every now and then are Yamaha, Cordoba, Gretsch, Martin, Fender, and Travel Guitar.
Conclusion
Just because you are on the go does not mean you should not enjoy the best acoustics. The above travel acoustic guitars are compact and lightweight; hence, can be carried easily from place to place. They have the nicest voice you have ever heard of and look stylish enough to draw the attention of anyone near you.
