Travelin' guitar

[arwadowd]

Does anyone have a preferred travel guitar? How about a safe and waterproof method for traveling with standard sized instruments? Sideways blocks mirrors. Stood on end seems wrong somehow. Wind noise? I go completely nuts in a very short time without one.

Jim

[DaveDragon]

Does anyone have a preferred travel guitar? How about a safe and waterproof method for traveling with standard sized instruments? Sideways blocks mirrors. Stood on end seems wrong somehow. Wind noise? I go completely nuts in a very short time without one.

Jim

Put it in the trailer with the rest of the stuff.

[lurch102]

Most music stores now have gig-bags that have backpack-type straps. I've never done a guitar on my bike but have passed many that have.

Personally I've done a trombone that way numerous times and, other than the odd looks from passersby, it's a piece of cake.

Tuba.....? I'd reccomend a side-hack!

[jeffklt]

A Martin Backpacker Mandolin fits fine in a Unigo. I think the Backpacker Guitar is about the same size. Don't know how to do the little URL thingies so try this http://www.mguitar.com/guitars/choosing/guitars.php?p=m&m=Steel%20String%20Backpacker%20Guitar

[ihbond]

accoustic ? Electric ? Bass ? soo many variables.

some things to consider. be careful about putting your guitar in a soft case or cheap hardshell case on the passenger seat. You would be suprised how much your neckk will be out of true, as well as stress on the neck. Having said that I have done that method many times, and had some problems, but most of the time nothing I could not fix.

my old bands web site.
www.dreadfulchildren.com

I am the one with all them tatz....

[Dochatley]

I always loved the way Elvis carried his guitar on his bike in the movie "Roustabout". Sorta on the side somehow. Check out the movie. As for waterproofing, if it's going to rain, put plastic trash bags over the case and duct tape plastic to keep plastic from flapping and coming off.

[Daman858]

I have had me one of these for years...its a Martin and about $170 on sale. Has a great sound, especially after a few adult beverages. Weighs less than 2.5 lbs and I strap it to my top case rack . Comes with a little nylon case. I know C G7 F...working on G A Am E D and Dm! Can play any country song ever written with them chords!

[munson]

Does anyone have a preferred travel guitar? How about a safe and waterproof method for traveling with standard sized instruments? Sideways blocks mirrors. Stood on end seems wrong somehow. Wind noise? I go completely nuts in a very short time without one.

Jim
I bought a Fender Malibu 3/4 size guitar to take on trips. I put it in my piggybacker trailer in a mini-acoustic size Gator Case.

[arwadowd]

Put it in the trailer with the rest of the stuff.

I have a trailer? Nope, just looked.

Backpack type gig bag would get awfully old after a couple hundred miles and still not be safe, secure and waterproof.

I have no experience with the Martin or any fractional sized instruments. I guess my parameters include a normal scale length and some sembalance of tone. I might should be looking for a headless electric.

I was sorta hoping for a higher tech solution than garbage bags. They are tried and true though....

Keep the sugestions coming.

Jim

[munson]

I have a trailer? Nope, just looked.

Backpack type gig bag would get awfully old after a couple hundred miles and still not be safe, secure and waterproof.

I have no experience with the Martin or any fractional sized instruments. I guess my parameters include a normal scale length and some sembalance of tone. I might should be looking for a headless electric.

The Gator case is heavy cordura, but probably would not survive a hurricane. You should go to your local store and play the 3/4 Martin or the Fender Malibu. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how they sound. They aren't cheap imitations, that's for sure.

[jeffklt]

The Martin Backpacker is a full sized fret board.

[birdman]

Does anyone have a preferred travel guitar? How about a safe and waterproof method for traveling with standard sized instruments? Sideways blocks mirrors. Stood on end seems wrong somehow. Wind noise? I go completely nuts in a very short time without one.
Jim

I know how ya feel Jim! Couldn't get my Baby Grand onto Big Bertha no matter how hard I tried. Had to settle for a stack of CD's and now a new MP3 Player which fits perfectly in the upright or lying down position! :D

[bmwrubbercow]

Does anyone have a preferred travel guitar? How about a safe and waterproof method for traveling with standard sized instruments? Sideways blocks mirrors. Stood on end seems wrong somehow. Wind noise? I go completely nuts in a very short time without one.

Jim


http://www.go-guitars.com/

Try this site if interested in a quality travel guitar. I have one. Full sized board with short neck (12th fret at the start of the body--so one octive).
STANDARD TUNING ok. I use 12 guage strings with no problem. Try that on the Martin or Taylor. Handmade by a former Taylor luthier. Not cheap! Mine cost approx $325 new--expensive for a travel guitar.

And btw, I no longer play and am in the process of selling my collection. You can buy mine (as new) complete with gig bag for $200. It's the Go Grand Walnut. Solid spruce top and solid walnut back and sides. When finger picked with new strings it rings about as clearly as a piano! Incredible sound from such a small guitar.

If interested, email me at bmwrubbercow@charter.net

Tom

[arwadowd]

Thanks for the input....
The search is leaning to the electrics right now...less likely to break something important and a little smaller.
Steinberger, Hohner and Traveler Speedster are in the running.
Things change.

Now, to get the amp painted to match and mounted in place of the top case...

Jim

[dglenn1]

Does anyone know if these acoustic travel guitars are any less sensitive to temperature than a standard acoustic? I know it doesn't take much exposure for either my 12 or 6 string to start losing the bridge. The hide glue construction is just naturally susceptible to even moderate heat. Do any of these smaller designs address this?

Thanks,

[OlsonBW]

The key isn't the guitar but the case. You have to spend more but if you get a good hard case it should be able to handle anything the weather throws at it. You won't be able to submerge it but good cases should keep the rain out even in pretty good winds. You can also throw in some of those packets you get in delivery boxes that are made to soak up the moisture.

I have an odd shaped guitar (early 80's Hondo II electric) which I haven't found a case for it. I don't take in on my motorcycle very often but get a lot of thumbs up when I do.

I also have a mandolin and just bought a violin (fiddle?) and these are much easier to transport. (I'm still learning both). I also have an electronic keyboard which I'm also learning.

[munson]

Does anyone know if these acoustic travel guitars are any less sensitive to temperature than a standard acoustic? I know it doesn't take much exposure for either my 12 or 6 string to start losing the bridge. The hide glue construction is just naturally susceptible to even moderate heat. Do any of these smaller designs address this?

Thanks,
Not sure about that, but if it's a hot day I detune the guitar to take the stress off all the parts when it's packed in the trailer. Many years ago I had a guitar that got too hot and the neck bowed. That taught me a lesson!