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I need an electric travel guitar, so I’ve been doing a lot of comparison shopping online–feverishly reading Amazon reviews, watching YouTube videos, and soaking-up anything that’ll help me pick a little travel axe I can take on flights with me. Yes, I wrote a blog post on flying with a guitar awhile back, but I’d like to avoid the hassle and risk of taking my full-sized guitar on the airplane with me.
Then, an idea hit me: Why don’t I document my search and turn it into a quasi “product comparison” post for my readers? So, in this post I’ll show you my top 3 final contenders–the electric travel guitars I’m actually considering–and then conclude by telling you which one I decided to buy.
My Minimum Specs
Before we get going, I should lay out my must-haves for an electric travel guitar. If any single guitar doesn’t meet all these bullet points, it’s a deal-breaker and it won’t even be considered:
- Must be a true travel guitar, not just a “mini” or 3/4 sized guitar
- Must have humbuckers
- Must have a scale length of at least 24.75”
- Must be headless
- Must accept standard, ball-end electric guitar strings (not bullets)
- Must be under $400 (sweet spot is $150 – $300)
- Must be under 5lbs
The Candidates
After hours of research, reading reviews, watching videos, etc. I narrowed my choices down to 3 final candidates. These are the 3 electric travel guitars that meet all the minimum specs I outlined above, and I’d be happy to lay down cash right now on any one of them. However, each guitar has features that I like as well as stuff I’m unsure about, and I can only choose one…
Candidate #1: Anygig AGE
- Scale Length: 25.5”
- Body: Maple
- Neck: Maple
- Fretboard: Rosewood
- Frets: 24
- Fretboard Radius: 16”
- Pickups: 1 Anygig Glow Humbucker
- Electronics: ¼” output jack (no volume or tone)
- Strings: Accepts standard electric guitar strings
- Bridge Style: Tune-O-Matic
- Weight: 3.1 lbs
- Length: 31 ¾”
- Available Colors: Black, Brown (natural), Blue, Cherry, Pink
- Other: Includes gig bag
What I Like:
I like that this guitar is at the low end of my price range. I love the fact that it has a 25.5” scale neck and 24 frets, which I’m already accustomed to playing (it’s also rare in travel guitars). I also like the fact there’s no volume or tone control, because I rarely use them and appreciate the extra space-savings you get without them. I like that the Anygig’s body and neck are made from maple. Another big plus (for me) is that there are several very impressive Metal demos on YouTube for this guitar. Here are my two favorites:
What I’m Unsure About:
There aren’t many reviews of this guitar on Amazon which isn’t necessarily a bad sign, but it means I have less information to base a decision on. This guitar is the longest of the 3 candidates–a downside of the full 25.5” scale, 24-fret neck. I’m very suspicious of the placement of the output jack–it seems like it could be problematic. I also worry about the positioning of the tuning pegs, though all the reviews I’ve seen and read say they’re a non-issue. The fact that this guitar has no body whatsoever concerns me a little, because I like to anchor the pinky of my picking hand on the guitar’s body just under the strings. No body = no anchor point.
Candidate #2: Traveler Guitar EG-1B Blackout
- Scale Length: 24.75”
- Body: Mahogany
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fretboard: Walnut
- Frets: 21, Jumbo
- Fretboard Radius: 15.75”
- Pickups: 1 Seymour Duncan Devastator humbucker
- Electronics: ¼” output jack, ⅛” aux jack, volume, tone, Pocket Rock-it headphone amp with overdrive and distortion effects
- Bridge Style: Tune-O-Matic
- Weight: 3lbs 15oz
- Length: 28 ½”
- Available Colors: Matte black
- Other: Includes gig bag
What I Like:
The first thing that jumps out to be about the EG-1 Blackout is the beefy Seymour Duncan Devastator humbucker. I might actually like this humbucker and not have to replace it. I love the fact that this guitar is more than 3 inches shorter than the Anygig AGE, despite having a larger body. Speaking of the larger body, I actually have room to anchor my pinky below the strings. I like that the output jack is in the traditional spot, unlike the previous guitar. I like the position of the tuners on this one too–there’s no way anything can accidentally bump them during play. Lastly, I really like the “blackout” look of it–very “metal.” Jumbo fretwire is also a big plus (for me).
What I’m Unsure About:
There aren’t many reviews of this guitar on Amazon. Again, that just means less info for me to base a decision on. It’s really odd that this guitar only has 21 frets. This guitar includes many extras that I really don’t need or want in a travel guitar like volume, tone, headphone jack, aux jack, and an on-board preamp that creates overdrive and distortion sounds (which I’ve heard and am not impressed with). These extras are why the price tag is so high on this one–putting it at the absolute top of my price range. I’m still intrigued though, so it’ll stay on my list of final contenders.
Candidate #3: Traveler Guitar Ultralight
- Scale Length: 24.75”
- Body: Eastern American Maple
- Neck: Eastern American Maple
- Fretboard: Ebonized Rosewood
- Frets: 22, medium
- Fretboard Radius: 15.75”
- Pickups: 1 dual-rail mini humbucker
- Electronics: Single output jack (no volume or tone)
- Bridge Style: Tune-O-Matic
- Weight: 3lbs 2oz
- Length: 28”
- Available Colors: Natural, black, machine grey
- Other: Includes gig bag
What I Like:
This guitar has a good number of reviews on Amazon, and most are very positive. At only 28 inches, this is the shortest guitar of the 3 and to me that’s a good thing. I love that this guitar doesn’t have any unnecessary extras–no volume or tone controls, nor any on-board effects, headphone jack, etc. which just add bulk and weight to the guitar. I like that fact that this guitar has 22 frets. Like the other Traveler guitar, I like the position of the tuners on this one as well–out of the way. Despite the tiny body, there’s just enough beef below the strings for me to anchor my pinky while playing, unlike the Anygig guitar. This guitar comes with a detachable leg rest too, which elevates it on your leg a bit when sitting. This guitar is priced in the middle of the 3 contenders… higher than the Anygig, but lower than the EG-1 Blackout. It’s right in my sweet spot, price-wise.
What I’m Unsure About:
According to the specs, this guitar has “medium” fretwire. I’ve only ever played jumbo fretwire, so I’m not sure how medium will feel or if I’ll like it. The dual-rail mini-humbucker gives me pause, because I always replace factory pickups in my guitars, and a mini rails humbucker gives me fewer aftermarket options.
And my Winner Is…
Candidate #3: Traveler Guitar Ultralight
Of course, being a metal guy, I’ll be getting the matte black version of the Ultralight
After carefully considering the three guitars above, I feel that the Traveler Guitar Ultralight is the one that’ll meet my needs and be the perfect little electric travel guitar. Sure, there are tradeoffs with all 3 models, but the Ultralight required the fewest number of compromises. It’s affordable, super light, and very tiny… while still having a 24.75″ scale length. I also really like the fact that it doesn’t have volume or tone controls; I just don’t need ’em. Even better, they have a matte black version, which I’m always partial too.
Electric Travel Guitars – Honorable Mentions
If this had been your typical “product comparison” post, I’d have reviewed many more guitars. However, as I said in the beginning, I only reviewed the final candidates for my particular needs. That said, there are other great electric travel guitars out there that you should definitely check out, because your needs and price range may be different from mine. Here’s a list of other travel guitars you need to take a serious look at:
Steinberger Spirit GT-Pro
I have to be honest, the Steinberger Spirit GT-Pro was the first guitar I thought of when I decided I needed a travel guitar. In fact, I wasn’t even going to research alternatives–I’d already made my mind up that it would be the Spirit GT-Pro. However, after seeing what else was out there, I decided that the Spirit GT-Pro was too heavy (7lbs), too fully-featured, and too expensive for my purposes. It’s just too nice of a guitar for something I’ll only play a few hours each year.
Hofner Shorty
The Hofner Shorty would’ve been a serious contender for me except for the fact that it has a headstock, which makes it longer than what I was looking for. Also, having the volume and tone controls right there under my fingers when playing is a no-go for me. However, this is otherwise a great little travel guitar. If the headstock and controls don’t bother you, definitely check this one out.
Strobel Rambler
Strobel makes some great electric travel guitars, but they’re well above my price range, which is why they weren’t a contender for me. However, if you have a bigger budget for a travel guitar, then you should give Strobel serious consideration. Strobel even offers a semi-custom option, where you can specify your finish, woods, electronics, etc.
Lap Axe Travel Guitars
Another great travel guitar with high-end features and many, many models and options to choose from. However, like the Strobels, Lap Axe guitars are simply out of my price range. But don’t let that stop you. If you’ve got a higher budget for a travel guitar then check out Lap Axe’s website, browse their models, and maybe you’ll find something that’s perfect for you.
Question:
Do you own a travel guitar? Or, maybe you’re currently shopping for one? If so, I’d love it if you told me about it in the comments section below.
Thanks for showing me the strobel rambler, just what I was looking for, as I travel a lot. Surprised I’d never seen it before.
Glad I could help!
Couple more comments on the Traveler EG-1. I love the extras that you didnt care for. Mainly like the pre amp and jacks. Like being able to practice in silence when traveling. I can hook up to my iPad and head phones and practice using my Justin guitar app our just plug in my headphones (no amp required). Love these abilities.
I had a Traveler EG-1 Blackout. Was very disappointed in the quality of the matt finish. Owned it for about 4 months of light use when I noticed a half dollar sized spot in the finish was wearing away down to bare wood at the point where I braced with my pinky. Also noticed about a half dozen small places (head of pin to pea sized) where the bare wood was showing thru. These spots were not due to abuse, just a very poor finish. After about 2 months of bitching Traveler finally did the right thing and exchanged my EG-1 Blackout for an EG-1 Custom in a glossy black finish. They blamed my wear problems on the matt finish. Just shipped the Blackout back to Traveler. Have yet to receive the replacement EG-1Custom replacement.
Hmm, that’s odd. I wonder how that one made it through QA. Well, I’m glad they made things right and are sending you an EG-1 Custom. That should be a pretty sweet little travel guitar.
Nice Article, Thanks!! I have been looking at the Lapstick Travel Guitar and from what I have seen am very impressed! Have you had any experience with these yet? Check out the YT Video Lapstick vs Gibson 175!! Pretty amazing to say the least!! There’s one big problem for me though when it comes to Travel Guitars. Since they are next to impossible to find in a store (I live in Germany) I don’t see any possibility of being able to play them first and compare, which, for me, is VERY important.
Hi Cliff! I have not played a Lapstick guitar, unfortunately, and it’s for precisely the reason you stated. Unfortunately, many of these travel guitars are not available in guitar stores, which requires a potential customer to take a leap of faith when ordering them.
i have a hofner shorty that goes everywhere with me..ive used it at live gigs! looking for a new gig bag…ive worn the original one out!
Hey Ralph! Glad to hear you’re getting some good mileage out of that Hofner Shorty.
Since I’ve owned not fewer than 10 travel guitars, I’ll add some input. Most of what I’ve used comes from the Traveler Guitar brand Escape and MKIII series. The EG2 strat-style seemed to have more trouble staying in tune than the others, but that was improved by switching in locking tuners available from the Traveler website @ around $60. I also have a couple Early Winters 1 piece acoustic backpacking guitars. These were made at an Ovation plant in Korea 30 years ago. One of them is outstanding in terms of playability and holding tune. The other suffers from having been on too many camping trips. Rare, but you can find them for $100 or so. All things considered, my favorite is also the smallest and most expensive – the Lapstick. It has a rock solid build, stays in tune, has a maple fingerboard and a switchable end plate that lets you add (or subtract) an on-board pre-amp. It wasn’t cheap, but the key thing for this and all the other travel guitars discussed on this board is that getting them in used condition is a great option. Nobody uses these as main guitars, so they spend a lot of time in the case, not getting played and maintaining their value. Definitely check used guitar sites and auction sites to reach a bit higher on quality.
Thanks for your article. I have an older Speedster model made by Traveler Guitar. Overall it is a very handy item to have for keeping up my chops while traveling, especially as a airplane carry-on. However, even the slightest amount of string bending puts it out of tune which for me makes it unusable at a gig. I saw a post from someone at the company that said this is an inherent problem with their design. I would love to hear from owners of other travel guitar brands regarding their experiences with keeping their guitars in tune.
I bought a Traveler Ultra-Light. Tuned it up, bent a string, it went out of tune. Rinse-wash-repeat. Lubed everything and it didn’t help. Gave up and returned it and bought a Steinberger. Yes it’s heavier, but not really any longer and most importantly it stays in tune with any bend! Haven’t travelled with it yet, but I don’t see it being a problem.
How, thanks for the informative post.
I’ve never owned or really played electric but now feel it a time 🙂
I’m not a metal player, and love playing more melodic etc.
Budget around the same as yours, up to about 500 usd max if it’s something super nice.
I would like to be able to use it to record music too as well as option for gigging would be great.
Which one would you recommend for that then please ?
Hi Nino. If you have a max budget of $500, I wouldn’t buy a travel guitar (unless that’s really what you need). Instead, have a look at my list of recommended guitars here: http://www.guitaranswerguy.com/really-great-beginner-electric-guitars/
There’s a good variety of really great guitars on that page, and all are right around $300.
Ran across your review via Pinterest and thought I would share: I have owned a Traveler (original black) with the rail pickup for about 7 years. It’s been with me all over the world. My practice rig is a Line 6 pocket POD. The sound is pretty amazing for the size and it plays very well. The bag always raises some eyebrows at the airport since it looks like a gun case. Doesn’t bother me to pull it out for TSA officers who say “Wow, that’s small!” and then start asking about how it plays. :^)
Hi Bobby,
Bill here from Lap axe. We would very much like to thank you for giving us honourable mention in this article. Indeed we are a bit pricier than many. One reason is that we use very high quality wood and hardware, without any cost saving short cuts. Also we have a very stringent quality control standard, in that each axe is thoroughly checked over and often times set up personally by our CEO before we send each one out. We have looked at a more cost effective plan through mass production etc, but decided that our goal was always to build the best quality instrument possible and never want to jeopardize that mission.
Thanks again for your positive comments and we hope once you have saved your pennies up, that you consider adding one of our axes to your collection.
Best regards,
Bill Ladick
Hi Bill, thanks for the comment and you’re welcome–I’m glad to list Lap Axe. I tell ya what, I’m still searching for someone to make me a 7-string travel guitar. If you think that’s a possibility, definitely drop me a line.
Did you ever find a seven string travel guitar?
Nope, I sure haven’t, and it’s a shame because that’s primarily what I play. However, I can make due with the 6-string for those (very) rare occasions that I need to fly with my guitar.
Bobby, I was just searching articles for the best travel guitars and was happy to see you gave Strobel Guitars an honorable mention for our Rambler Classic Professional Electric Travel Guitar. The Rambler does cost a little more than the competition, but they are well worth it. A genuine “gigable” guitar that is easily disassembled to fit in your computer bag when traveling.
Thanks for the comments Russ. I’m happy to mention your guitars, because they’re cool little axes. If I ever do a general “roundup” type of post for electric travel guitars you can be sure Strobel will be there.
By the way, I’m still searching for someone to make me a 7-string travel guitar, so if you think that’s a possibility, definitely drop me a line.
Hello, and thanks a lot for your article. I am looking for a nylon string travel guitar, and I was also looking for the Anygig (nylon version), do you have any suggestions for nylon travel guitar with similar needs like you mentioned for the electric ones? many thanks!
Hi Mag!
You absolutely DO have a few options for a nylon-string travel guitar, including ones by Anygig and Traveler. I’ll list them from least expensive to most expensive (beginning with least):
1. Anygig Travel Practics Guitar Classical Backpacker
2. Traveler Ultra-Light Nylon Guitar
3. Traveler Escape Classical Nylon-String Acoustic/Electric
4. Aria Sinsonido Classical Nylon Stringed Travel Guitar
thanks a lot for the info!
You’re welcome Mag! Let me know if you have any questions. You can leave a comment here, or email me directly using the contact form here on the site.
Cool article. Did you get the Ultralight yet? I picked up an Escape EG-1 Mahogany in satin red back in 2008 when I was doing a lot of traveling. Definitely comes in handy. I used to bring along my PODxt and some headphones. Everything fit nicely in the case and in the overhead bins. I wasn’t worried so much about getting the “perfect” travel guitar so much as something with just strings and frets that I could continue practicing on; keep the fingers moving, work on picking, etc. I would probably never use it in a gig situation, especially since keeping it in tune is VERY finicky. Hopefully your Traveler does not have that issue.
I haven’t ordered it yet, because it’s so hot here in Arizona right now that things like guitars can be damaged by the heat during delivery (it can get up to 140F in the back of UPS/FedEx/USPS vans). So, I’ll wait till about October, when our temps begin to dip back into the low 100’s and 90’s. I’ll use the Ultralight + my iPhone apps (JamUp, Bias, etc) as my travel rig. Like you, I don’t plan to do anything too serious with this guitar–it’s mainly just to keep my chops up, maybe record ideas/inspiration when they hit, etc.