Travel Guitars

Pete Galati · January 12th, 2007, 11:24 PM

This is something I spotted in a catalog I didn't ask for a while back.

It's a Washburn Rover:

http://www.americanmusical.com/item--i-WAS-ROVER.html#

I never pick up a box guitar anymore, but this looks like it'd be great for sitting back, playing without an amp once in a while.

This little 3/4 size Dean might not be too bad either, and only about $60.
No surprise, they won't tell you what the body is made of. Probably a mystery wood lamination
http://www.americanmusical.com/item-...LAYJT-BK.html#

hollowman · January 13th, 2007, 12:11 AM

Pete,

pick up the box!!!!

I don't let a day go by without giving some love to my hummingbird. at least for me, a good workout on a dreadnought acoustic makes me feel whole again.

Pete Galati · January 13th, 2007, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hollowman

Pete,

pick up the box!!!!

I don't let a day go by without giving some love to my hummingbird. at least for me, a good workout on a dreadnought acoustic makes me feel whole again.

I do still have my Martin clone from Japan.
It's what I used before I got my Telecaster.

I stopped using it because it cut off the circulation in my right arm, from draping it over that giant box. But my 1st guitar was a Classical guitar that I got for $2, and fixed with Elmers, new tuners, and a bridge made out of plexiglass from shop class. Much smaller body, and it never bothered my arm.

Ian Anderson had an acoustic guitar with a smaller body.

Billy Joe Shaver has the one I want. Very cool little guitar

jussishow · January 13th, 2007, 04:18 AM

Pete,
Unless You have to have a travel guitar, I'd recommend an OM or OOO instead ...
(Small(ish) in size, but still plenty of sound & body ! )

Many of those travelguitars are quite uncomfortable to play ... Not enough body to wrap Your arms around ... I guess You could compare it to dancing with an extremely skinny girl

Atleast that's how my Martin Backpacker feels ... But that Washburn still looks pretty cool ! Much more like a guitar than the Martin ...

/J

Pete Galati · January 13th, 2007, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jussishow

Pete,
Unless You have to have a travel guitar, I'd recommend an OM or OOO instead ...
(Small(ish) in size, but still plenty of sound & body ! )

Many of those travelguitars are quite uncomfortable to play ... Not enough body to wrap Your arms around ... I guess You could compare it to dancing with an extremely skinny girl

Atleast that's how my Martin Backpacker feels ... But that Washburn still looks pretty cool ! Much more like a guitar than the Martin ...

/J

Those both look pretty cool in the Google image searches. Here's a pic of an OM-45

http://news.harmony-central.com/Newp...OM-45-DGE.html

There's something about the Martin Backpacker's looks that bothers me. Looks way too home made. I guess that Washburn would have a similar feel.

Fender has (or had) an acoustic guitar shaped like a Tele that looked like it's be comfortable, but the only reaction I ever heard about them was that they sounded pretty bad. I never heard one played though.

Pete

telechucker · January 13th, 2007, 08:39 AM

Hey guys, just picked up a Silvertone "George Jones" Getaway Guitar. It's about a 3/4 size, a bit trebly (but not too bad) and has a full width neck. It's an Oriental piece, but should be good to strap to a backpack for a trip. Got it for about $200 Aust.

Kurt · January 13th, 2007, 09:12 AM

Great playing, great sounding guitar. I used mine for a few years and then sold it - found that I didn't really need a travel guitar for the travel that I tend to do.

WallyArms · January 13th, 2007, 10:47 AM

For 3/4 size, I'd recommend a Baby Taylor, and for a small "full size" guitar, the Seagull Grand is hard to beat (especially for fingerpicking).

Stuco · January 13th, 2007, 12:37 PM

The travel guitars are generally disapointing.

IF you want to play an acoustic it doesn't have to be a dreadnaught or a jumbo. Small guitars are becoming more and more popular. Try an om or 000 sized guitar, the most comfortable guitar size around. not too big, not too small.

Oh, if you want a travel guitar, get a parlor instead(like in the video above.)

Pete Galati · January 13th, 2007, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuco

The travel guitars are generally disapointing.

IF you want to play an acoustic it doesn't have to be a dreadnaught or a jumbo. Small guitars are becoming more and more popular. Try an om or 000 sized guitar, the most comfortable guitar size around. not too big, not too small.

Oh, if you want a travel guitar, get a parlor instead(like in the video above.)

What Billy Joe Shaver was playing is called a parlor guitar?

I think he's got more than one that size. There was a show on CMT that he was on. I think it was called "2005 Outlaws" or something like that. He didn't play it onstage, but he had a small guitar that he played outside breifly (in the parking lot?) and it looked like a different guitar.

franchelB · January 13th, 2007, 04:05 PM

It's a travel guitar designed by Taylor. It has a solid mahogany top and laminated back and sides. It's been with me since '99 from Arkansas to California AND all points in between...outside AND inside. It's been a good guitar for YEARS!

Stuco · January 13th, 2007, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete Galati

What Billy Joe Shaver was playing is called a parlor guitar?

I think he's got more than one that size. There was a show on CMT that he was on. I think it was called "2005 Outlaws" or something like that. He didn't play it onstage, but he had a small guitar that he played outside breifly (in the parking lot?) and it looked like a different guitar.

Yes, that is a parlor guitar. They are gaining popularity again(they were very common in the 19'th century. Martin and larrivee are making excellent examples as well as many other shops.

Colin Johnston · January 13th, 2007, 05:00 PM

If it's something cheap & fun to take to the beach check out these wee guitars from Ashton...

Joeycoustic solid top

Joeycoustic pack

I believe Ashton are launching in the US at NAMM

studio1087 · January 13th, 2007, 05:16 PM

Buy a Martin LXM. They're $250 everywhere. I've taken mine on 9 scuba trips in Mexico and on countless camping trips. I can play fingerstyle on it with ease. It plays like a real guitar. The LXM's fit in the overhead on an airplane and there's always room in the car for one.

Hang it on the wall in your home and you'll spend lots of time writing and noodling on it. LXM's have a lot more bass than the Baby Taylors.

Get a black one and pretend that you're a shrunken Johnny cash....

http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/items/LXBK.htm

The black backpack cases that come with them have a compartment big enough for a couple music books. They're nice when you travel.

lexx9 · January 13th, 2007, 05:48 PM

If your looking for a good portable guitar go with a Art & Lutherie "Ami" parlor. I have one that I got for going camping.It has a solid Cedar top, wild cherry back and sides and even has sealed gear tuners. They are a Canadian company, a division of Godin. I got mine for $209.US and it came with a gigbag. It is an excellent little guitar and I can't say enough good things about it. I have a $2500. Takamine and use the parlor way more just because of its size its great for strumming while watching tv. lexx9

Pete Galati · January 13th, 2007, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by studio1087

Buy a Martin LXM. They're $250 everywhere. I've taken mine on 9 scuba trips in Mexico and on countless camping trips. I can play fingerstyle on it with ease. It plays like a real guitar. The LXM's fit in the overhead on an airplane and there's always room in the car for one.

Hang it on the wall in your home and you'll spend lots of time writing and noodling on it. LXM's have a lot more bass than the Baby Taylors.

Get a black one and pretend that you're a shrunken Johnny cash....

http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/items/LXBK.htm

The black backpack cases that come with them have a compartment big enough for a couple music books. They're nice when you travel.

A shrunken Johnny Cash, without a deep voice!

First thing I noticed was that the neck looked laminated. Then I looked at the description, which starts out: "Top sides and back of black HPL (High Pressure Laminate material)." That's probably not really an issue.

I got my sister a Carlo Robelli (Sam Ashtray brand) a few years back. It was a nice smaller sized guitar. I wonder if that's some sort of laminated wood too. Solid color and all.

I kind of think she stuffed it in a closet and never used it, but she used to play. Decades ago.

Pete

eddiewagner · January 14th, 2007, 06:16 AM

i have a martin backpacker that sucks bigtime. really bad guitar.

Sunburst-T · January 14th, 2007, 08:23 AM

>>>It's a Washburn Rover:

I played one of those at a local mom and pop place. If all you want is the fingerboard feel, then it's good. It sounds very thin to me. The Martin backpacker sounds better to my ears. I also had a chance to play a Baby Taylor and liked it. I haven't really tried the little Martin -- just long enough to pick up while walking out of a GC the other day. It felt ok, but too much general noise to actually hear it.

I'd like to try the Seagull Grand, but haven't seen one in a store.

Pete Galati · January 14th, 2007, 11:26 AM

A lot of Baby Taylor fans!

I just looked over at MF, and they have this one for about $270, where they don't specify what the neck is, but say it has an "Ebony fretboard and bridge" which is pretty mpressive I guess:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...tar?sku=514966

And then there's this one for about $400, where they say it has a mahogany neck:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...tar?sku=514968

Oh.... ok, the less expensive one is 3/4 scale, while the more expensive one is 15/16 scale. I guess the less expensive one would be like an HO scale slot car.

Pete

January 12th, 2007, 11:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
Pete Galati R.I.P. Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 8,104 2 Photos	Travel Guitars This is something I spotted in a catalog I didn't ask for a while back. It's a Washburn Rover: http://www.americanmusical.com/item--i-WAS-ROVER.html# I never pick up a box guitar anymore, but this looks like it'd be great for sitting back, playing without an amp once in a while. This little 3/4 size Dean might not be too bad either, and only about $60. No surprise, they won't tell you what the body is made of. Probably a mystery wood lamination http://www.americanmusical.com/item-...LAYJT-BK.html#

January 13th, 2007, 04:18 AM	#4 (permalink)
jussishow Tele-Holic Join Date: May 2006 Location: Norway. Age: 37 Posts: 530 16 Photos	Pete, Unless You have to have a travel guitar, I'd recommend an OM or OOO instead ... (Small(ish) in size, but still plenty of sound & body ! ) Many of those travelguitars are quite uncomfortable to play ... Not enough body to wrap Your arms around ... I guess You could compare it to dancing with an extremely skinny girl Atleast that's how my Martin Backpacker feels ... But that Washburn still looks pretty cool ! Much more like a guitar than the Martin ... /J __________________ B-bender, HW1 Texas & CS Thinline relic ... :-) + a bunch of other stringed instruments ... Pictures (family album...) in gallery

January 13th, 2007, 08:39 AM	#6 (permalink)
telechucker Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Age: 47 Posts: 276	Hey guys, just picked up a Silvertone "George Jones" Getaway Guitar. It's about a 3/4 size, a bit trebly (but not too bad) and has a full width neck. It's an Oriental piece, but should be good to strap to a backpack for a trip. Got it for about $200 Aust. __________________ A man's best friend is his Tele - not his dog.

January 13th, 2007, 09:12 AM	#7 (permalink)
Kurt Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: MA Posts: 363	Baby Taylor Great playing, great sounding guitar. I used mine for a few years and then sold it - found that I didn't really need a travel guitar for the travel that I tend to do.

January 13th, 2007, 10:47 AM	#8 (permalink)
WallyArms Tele-Holic Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: TN Posts: 963	For 3/4 size, I'd recommend a Baby Taylor, and for a small "full size" guitar, the Seagull Grand is hard to beat (especially for fingerpicking). __________________ Save The Hymnals!

January 13th, 2007, 12:11 AM	#2 (permalink)
hollowman Tele-Holic Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Kansas City Age: 44 Posts: 533	Pete, pick up the box!!!! I don't let a day go by without giving some love to my hummingbird. at least for me, a good workout on a dreadnought acoustic makes me feel whole again.

January 13th, 2007, 12:37 PM	#9 (permalink)
Stuco Friend of Leo's Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: GA Posts: 3,247	The travel guitars are generally disapointing. IF you want to play an acoustic it doesn't have to be a dreadnaught or a jumbo. Small guitars are becoming more and more popular. Try an om or 000 sized guitar, the most comfortable guitar size around. not too big, not too small. Oh, if you want a travel guitar, get a parlor instead(like in the video above.)

January 13th, 2007, 04:05 PM	#11 (permalink)
franchelB Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Irving, United States of Texas! Age: 43 Posts: 1,898	I like my Taylor Baby-M! It's a travel guitar designed by Taylor. It has a solid mahogany top and laminated back and sides. It's been with me since '99 from Arkansas to California AND all points in between...outside AND inside. It's been a good guitar for YEARS!

January 13th, 2007, 05:00 PM	#13 (permalink)
Colin Johnston Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: County Antrim, Northern Ireland Age: 37 Posts: 641	If it's something cheap & fun to take to the beach check out these wee guitars from Ashton... Joeycoustic solid top Joeycoustic pack I believe Ashton are launching in the US at NAMM __________________ "pine... this years ash"

January 13th, 2007, 05:16 PM	#14 (permalink)
studio1087 Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2003 Location: Near Milwaukee Age: 44 Posts: 4,232 36 Photos	Buy a Martin LXM. They're $250 everywhere. I've taken mine on 9 scuba trips in Mexico and on countless camping trips. I can play fingerstyle on it with ease. It plays like a real guitar. The LXM's fit in the overhead on an airplane and there's always room in the car for one. Hang it on the wall in your home and you'll spend lots of time writing and noodling on it. LXM's have a lot more bass than the Baby Taylors. Get a black one and pretend that you're a shrunken Johnny cash.... http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/items/LXBK.htm The black backpack cases that come with them have a compartment big enough for a couple music books. They're nice when you travel. __________________ JLG Carry On

January 13th, 2007, 05:48 PM	#15 (permalink)
lexx9 Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Nfld, Canada Posts: 136	If your looking for a good portable guitar go with a Art & Lutherie "Ami" parlor. I have one that I got for going camping.It has a solid Cedar top, wild cherry back and sides and even has sealed gear tuners. They are a Canadian company, a division of Godin. I got mine for $209.US and it came with a gigbag. It is an excellent little guitar and I can't say enough good things about it. I have a $2500. Takamine and use the parlor way more just because of its size its great for strumming while watching tv. lexx9

January 14th, 2007, 06:16 AM	#17 (permalink)
eddiewagner Friend of Leo's Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ROCK!linghausen/germany Age: 50 Posts: 4,125 27 Photos	i have a martin backpacker that sucks bigtime. really bad guitar. __________________ My Drum/Guitar-Duo: www.myspace.com/captaintwangandhisrhythmcat

January 14th, 2007, 08:23 AM	#18 (permalink)
Sunburst-T NEW MEMBER! Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 9	>>>It's a Washburn Rover: I played one of those at a local mom and pop place. If all you want is the fingerboard feel, then it's good. It sounds very thin to me. The Martin backpacker sounds better to my ears. I also had a chance to play a Baby Taylor and liked it. I haven't really tried the little Martin -- just long enough to pick up while walking out of a GC the other day. It felt ok, but too much general noise to actually hear it. I'd like to try the Seagull Grand, but haven't seen one in a store. __________________ Sunburst-T

January 14th, 2007, 11:26 AM	#19 (permalink)
Pete Galati R.I.P. Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 8,104 2 Photos	A lot of Baby Taylor fans! I just looked over at MF, and they have this one for about $270, where they don't specify what the neck is, but say it has an "Ebony fretboard and bridge" which is pretty mpressive I guess: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...tar?sku=514966 And then there's this one for about $400, where they say it has a mahogany neck: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...tar?sku=514968 Oh.... ok, the less expensive one is 3/4 scale, while the more expensive one is 15/16 scale. I guess the less expensive one would be like an HO scale slot car. Pete