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Best Travel Guitars - Girl walking on train tracks with a travel guitar

The 8 Best Travel Electric Guitars: The Cream of the Crop

Are you a wanderer at heart, searching for the best travel electric guitar to accompany you on your adventures?

Look no further because we’ve scoured the market to bring you the top electric guitars for traveling. These babies will ignite your musical journey like never before.

So strap on your backpack and get ready to rock because we’re about to unveil the ultimate musical companions for your globetrotting escapades!

Best Travel Guitars - Girl walking on train tracks with a travel guitar

Key Takeaways

  • Electric travel guitars are compact and lightweight, making them easy to transport.
  • They have high-quality pickups and electronics, ensuring professional sound.
  • Durability is an essential factor to consider when buying one.
  • Electric travel guitars offer versatility and convenience, allowing musicians to play music while traveling.

What Is an Electric Travel Guitar?

An electric travel guitar is a compact and portable instrument that allows you to play music while on the go easily.

The traveler guitar is one popular choice among musicians who frequently travel or perform on the road. It is designed to be lightweight and easy to carry, making it ideal for those who want to take their music with them wherever they go.

The key advantage is its size and weight. Unlike traditional electric guitars, which can be heavy and bulky, a travel guitar is designed to be smaller and more portable. This makes it easier to transport, whether traveling by car, plane, or train.

Another option to consider is an acoustic travel guitar. These guitars are specifically designed for portability and often come with a collapsible or detachable neck for easy storage in a backpack or suitcase.

When considering your options, it’s essential to think about what features are most important to you. Do you prioritize portability? Or perhaps sound quality? By identifying your needs and preferences, you’ll be able to find the perfect guitar that suits your playing style and musical tastes.

Considerations When Buying an Electric Travel Guitar

When shopping for a compact guitar to take on your trips, it’s essential to consider a few factors before purchasing.

Here are four considerations to keep in mind when buying:

  1. Size of the Guitar: Look for a smaller-sized body that is comfortable to carry and doesn’t compromise sound quality. Compact guitars are designed specifically for traveling and are easier to transport.
  2. Pickup: Make sure the travel electric guitar has a good pickup system. This will allow you to plug into an amplifier or recording device, ensuring that your music sounds great even on the go.
  3. Quality of Construction: Check the build quality of the guitar. Look for solid construction and durable materials that can withstand frequent travel without any damage.
  4. Travel Case: A sturdy and protective case is essential for keeping your guitar safe during transportation. Ensure the case fits properly and protects against bumps and knocks.

What Are the Key Features of an Electric Travel Guitar?

One important feature to consider when choosing a compact guitar for travel is the size of the body. A smaller and lighter guitar will be much easier to carry around, making it ideal for musicians on the go. However, it’s essential not to sacrifice sound quality and playability in favor of portability.

There are many great options available on the market today that cater specifically to traveling musicians. From small travel guitars with full-scale necks to lightweight electric travel guitars designed with professionals in mind, there is something to suit every musician’s needs. Considering these key features, you can find the perfect instrument that allows you to make music wherever your travels take you.

Best Guitars For Travel - Guitar with firework

Who Uses Electric Travel Guitars?

Musicians who frequently travel often opt for travel guitars due to their compact size and portability. These small guitars are explicitly designed for musicians on the go, making them an excellent choice for those who want to continue playing while traveling.

Here are some reasons why many musicians choose travel guitars:

  1. Portability: They are lightweight and easy to carry, making them ideal for musicians who need to pack light.
  2. Versatility: These guitars offer acoustic and electric capabilities, allowing you to switch between sounds depending on your preference or performance requirements.
  3. Space-saving: Their smaller size takes up less space than regular-sized instruments, making them easier to fit in cramped spaces like tour buses or airplanes.
  4. Affordable options: While expensive models are available, budget-friendly options provide excellent quality without breaking the bank.

The Best Travel Electric Guitars

Check out the Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light, Stewart Electric Travel Guitar – Stow-Away, Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Electric, Donner HUSH, and Hofner 6 String Shorty.

These compact and portable instruments are perfect for musicians on the go. Whether traveling for gigs or simply wanting a guitar that’s easy to take with you wherever you roam, these options offer excellent sound quality and convenience.

Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light

The Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light is the perfect solution if you’re a traveling musician. This compact electric guitar is substantially shorter and lighter than full-size electrics, making it easy to fit in an airline overhead compartment.

With its one-piece Eastern American hard Maple neck-through-body design and dual-rail humbucker pickup, this guitar offers excellent sound quality and playability. The proprietary In-Body tuning system ensures that your guitar stays in tune, even during travel.

Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Torino Red Electric Guitar | Small Electric Guitar with Removable Lap…
  • BUILT FOR TRAVEL: The Ultra-Light is a portable and travel-friendly version of your favorite at-home…
  • PERFORMANCE WITHOUT COMPROMISE: Our proprietary In-Body Tuning System eliminates the need for a…
  • COMPACT TRANSIT: Forget lugging around your full-sized electric guitar and worrying about it getting…

Product Specs:

  • Weight: 3.2 pounds
  • Dimensions: 32 x 12 x 5 inches
  • Scale Length: 24.75
  • Fretboard Material: Walnut Wood

Pros:

  • Compact size guitar allows for easy travel and portability
  • High-quality build and materials ensure durability
  • Dual-rail humbucker pickup provides excellent sound quality

Cons:

  • Limited color options are available
  • Some users may prefer a different pickup configuration
  • Not suitable for players who require a longer scale length

Stewart Electric Travel Guitar – Stow-Away

The Stewart Electric Travel Guitar – Stow-Away is a convenient option for frequently traveling musicians. With its full-scale collapsible design and backpack travel case, this guitar provides performance quality that feels and plays like your favorite instrument. The patented Clip-JointTM removable neck connection system allows easy assembly and disassembly, making it ideal for packing in tight spaces or carrying on flights.

Product Specs:

  • Full-Scale Guitar (Collapsible)
  • Backpack Travel Case Included
  • Patented Clip-JointTM Removable Neck Connection System
  • Meets Airline Industry Carry-on Size Restrictions

Pros:

  • Convenient and portable for frequent travelers
  • Performance quality comparable to regular guitars
  • Easy assembly and disassembly with the removable neck connection system

Cons:

  • Some minor issues with the fret dress at the edge of the neck

Overall, the Stewart – Stow-Away offers convenience, portability, and performance quality for musicians on the go.

Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Electric

Another great option is the Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Electric. This compact guitar offers a full 24 3/4 scale and weighs only 3 lbs. 2 oz., making it incredibly portable and perfect for travelers unwilling to compromise on scale length.

The Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Electric features a one-piece Eastern American hard Maple neck-through-body design and a dual-rail humbucker pickup, delivering high-output sound quality in a small package.

This guitar comes with a gig bag for easy transportation. It is a popular choice for buskers that travel with limited funds.

Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Matte Black Electric Guitar
  • BUILT FOR TRAVEL: The Ultra-Light is a portable and travel-friendly version of your favorite at-home…
  • PERFORMANCE WITHOUT COMPROMISE: Our proprietary In-Body Tuning System eliminates the need for a…
  • COMPACT TRANSIT: Forget lugging around your full-sized electric guitar and worrying about it getting…

Product Specs:

  • Full 24 3/4 Scale electric travel guitar
  • Fits in airline overhead bins, weighing only 3 lbs. 2 oz.
  • One-piece Eastern American hard Maple neck-through-body design
  • Dual-rail humbucker pickup
  • Includes gig bag

Pros:

  • Compact and lightweight design
  • High-quality sound output
  • Convenient for traveling with its gig bag

Cons:

  • Limited color options are available
  • May not have the same feel as a full-size electric guitar
  • Some users may prefer additional customization options

Overall, the Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Electric is an excellent choice for musicians who want to take their music on the go without sacrificing quality or playability.

Donner HUSH

The Donner HUSH is a compact, portable guitar with a built-in preamp system for ultra-quiet performance. It’s the perfect choice for musicians on the go who value convenience without compromising sound quality.

With its lightweight design and removable frames, this guitar is easy to transport in the included gig bag. The 9v battery ensures a long usage time, while the anti-phase bottom reduces noise interference.

You can customize your tones with the 2-stage EQ and volume knobs, and the asymmetrical neck design reduces wrist fatigue for enhanced performance. The hidden tuning keys add convenience to your playing experience.

Donner HUSH-I Guitar For Travel – Portable Ultra-Light and Quiet Performance Headless…
  • [Best Partner for Travel] – Donner HUSH portable guitar is as lightweight as a laptop with a…
  • [Practice Anytime, Anywhere] – Ultra-quiet -30-45dB LEVEL pizzicato playing, equipped with a preamp…
  • [Superior Sound Quality] – The ideal electric acoustic guitar is equipped with an anti-phase botton…

Product Specs:

  • Weight: 7.08 pounds
  • Dimensions: 33.5 x 6.7 x 2.2 inches

Pros:

  • Lightweight and portable
  • Ultra-quiet performance with preamp system
  • Customizable tones with EQ and volume knobs

Cons:

  • May require a professional setup
  • Weight distribution and palm placement may be uncomfortable

Hofner 6 String Shorty

Now that you’ve learned about the Donner HUSH let’s move on to another great option for a travel electric guitar: the Hofner 6-String Shorty. This compact guitar is designed with portability in mind, making it perfect for musicians on the go.

The Hofner Shorty features a full-scale neck and a hot humbucking pickup, allowing you to achieve your desired sound while practicing or performing. With a 24.7 scale length and a gig bag included, this guitar is ready to hit the road with you.

Users have praised the Hofner Shorty for its clean and unblemished arrival and its good setup without any buzzing frets or sharp edges. While some users have experienced frustration with balancing the guitar due to its neck dive issue, many still find it enjoyable to play.

Product Specs:

  • Neck: Full Scale
  • Pickup: Hot Humbucking
  • Scale Length: 24.7

Pros:

  • Portable and travel-friendly design
  • Clean and unblemished arrival
  • Good setup without buzzing frets or sharp edges

Cons:

  • Frustration with balancing due to neck dive issue

Overall, if you’re looking for a compact electric guitar that can accompany you on your travels, the Hofner 6 String Shorty is worth considering.

Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light

The Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light is a lightweight and compact option for guitarists who are constantly on the move. With its full 24.75 scale and acoustic/electric capabilities, this guitar offers convenience without compromising performance. Weighing only 2 lbs. 14 oz., it fits in airline overhead bins, making it perfect for travel and beach trips.

Despite its small size, the Ultra-Light delivers impressive sound quality when plugged into the Traveler Amp. The output from the low E string is slightly lower than other strings, but overall the guitar holds its tune well.

In terms of design and durability, this guitar is sturdy and less prone to accidental damage than hollow acoustic guitars. The neck plays like a low-actioned acoustic with easy-to-press strings, making it suitable for learning or playing in hotel rooms without disturbing neighbors.

While there are minor drawbacks, like tuning knob issues and a handle position that could be improved for better weight distribution, the Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light offers great value for money and convenience on your travels.

Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Guitar for Travel | Portable and Headless Electric Acoustic Guitar |…
  • BUILT FOR TRAVEL: The Ultra-Light is a portable and travel-friendly version of your favorite at-home…
  • PERFORMANCE WITHOUT COMPROMISE: Our proprietary In-Body Tuning System eliminates the need for a…
  • COMPACT TRANSIT: Forget lugging around your full-sized acoustic electric guitar and worrying about…

Product Specs:

  • Full 24.75 scale
  • Only 2 lbs. 14 oz.
  • Piezo pickup with standard 1/4 output
  • Fits in airline overhead bins
  • Includes gig bag and detachable lap rest

Pros:

  • Lightweight and compact
  • Sturdy design
  • Easy-to-play neck
  • Ideal for travel

Cons:

  • Not as loud acoustically
  • Output from low E string is slightly lower
  • Tuning knob issues

Traveler Guitar 6 String Pro-Series

The Traveler Guitar 6 String Pro-Series offers a versatile and high-quality option for guitarists who need a portable and compact professional-grade instrument. With its one-piece maple neck-through-body construction and natural satin finish, this guitar looks great and delivers exceptional tone.

The hybrid acoustic and electric setup, featuring piezo and electric pickups, allows you to experiment with different sounds and styles. The included listening Stethophone provides battery-free private listening, while the standard 1/4-inch output ensures compatibility with amplifiers or recording equipment.

Despite its compact size, this guitar maintains a full 24 3/4 scale steel-string acoustic/electric design. It even fits in airline overhead bins for hassle-free travel. Whether practicing at home or performing on stage, the Traveler Guitar 6 String Pro-Series is your ideal companion.

Traveler Guitar Pro-Series Antique Brown Acoustic Electric Guitar | Full 24.75″ Scale Portable…
  • BUILT FOR TRAVEL: The Pro-Series is a portable and travel-friendly version of your favorite at-home…
  • PERFORMANCE WITHOUT COMPROMISE: Our proprietary In-Body Tuning System eliminates the need for a…
  • PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT: This mini guitar includes a carry-on friendly gig bag with a storage pocket…

Product Specs:

  • One-piece maple neck through body of the guitar
  • Natural satin finish
  • Hybrid Acoustic and Electric with piezo and electric pickups
  • Includes listening Stethophone for private listening
  • Standard 1/4-inch output

Pros:

  • Small, portable, and light
  • Sturdy build quality
  • Great sounding acoustic pickup
  • Unique and visually appealing design
  • Good value for the price

Cons:

  • Initial high action (adjustable with truss rod tool)
  • Mediocre quality of the stethophone

BLACKSTAR Electric

Last on our list of the best travel electric guitars is the Blackstar Electric guitar; it’s a fantastic option for players looking for a versatile, high-quality instrument. This guitar is truly a gem, with its quality feel to the neck and knobs. The intonation is just about perfect, making it a pleasure to play.

Not only does it look beautiful, but it also delivers on performance. The Blackstar Electric is loved by many customers who appreciate its comfortable playing experience. With super fast delivery and excellent service from the vendor, you can’t go wrong with this choice.

Product Specs:

  • Versatile and high-quality instrument

Pros:

  • Quality feel to the neck and knobs
  • Perfect intonation
  • Beautifully finished

Cons:

  • None
Matt Francis
Matt Francis

Hi, I'm Matt Francis. A digital nomad, blogger, web developer and all-around good egg! I am the brains (and brawn) behind Everyday Ape. My website features a wide range of topics, with a focus on travelling and working online.