Any working musician can testify to the perils of traveling with an instrument and this is especially true for guitar players. Most people don’t realize a working musician is likely to have customized his axe with his favorite pickups, strings and other modifications, so that when the airline damages the instrument or loses it, it’s really like losing a one of a kind friend. This guitarist made a video about his ordeal.
Chuck Berry had the most novel solution to this dilemma. While other bands hired tractor trailers and roadies to mind their gear, Berry carried his guitar through the airport, flying commercial and using whatever band was available in whatever city he was entertaining, as documented in the film “Hail, Hail, Rock n’ Roll.”
But you don’t have to be a working musician to want your guitar along on your next vacation or business trip. Road warriors know that many a business trip involves spending the evening in a hotel seeking out entertainment other than cable or a good book.
Luckily, nearly every major manufacturer of guitars has a mini-version of their most popular models, from the Mini-Strat to the Little Martin. The development of the travel guitar segment means an end to the hassle of trying to figure out whether you can carry on your guitar or whether they’ll let you stash it in a closet, which they sometimes do. Today’s travel guitars are designed to be stashed in the overhead compartment and light enough to be carried through airports without a lot of shoulder strain.
The choices among travel guitars range from un-amplified mini-acoustics to mini-replicas of Les Pauls and SGs. My road companion is a Baby Taylor, an acoustic. There are going to be times when amplification isn’t appropriate, and it’s no fun playing an electric without the amp. But there may be an opportunity to plug in on your trip, or you may locate a worthy mini-amp such as the 3 watt Micro Crush from Orange. That’s why I had my Baby equipped with a humbucking pickup from Fishman, which runs about $150. Installation of the Fishman may require a wider hole in the bottom of the Baby, so if you’re not used to installing pickups, figure on spending about $60 to have a tech do it.
Some of the electric models save weight and space by going headless, but these didn’t feel right to me when I played them. Having the headstock seems to balance the guitar in my hand, but that’s something to consider if you’re looking at the headless variety.
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Or perhaps a ukulele?
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Once you have this understanding of how all the components work in your guitar you can play mad scientist and fix your guitar.Having electrical issues with your equipment in the middle of the show can give the most seasoned musician heart palpitations. Being conscious of the moisture and the strain you put on cords and inputs can help to extend the life of your instrument.
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I have a yamaha gl1 guitalele. Looks like a ukulele but has six nylon strings like a real guitar. It is 5 frets short than the real guitar.
The problem with small acoustic type guitars is that their sound quality is lower. But works well for my personal use especially when travelling.
I’ve been trying to decided between a Baby Taylor or a ukulele for my international travels. I’m leaning towards the uke since its small enough to fit in the cabin on the discount carriers.
Did the FAA finally sort out these regulations? You should be allowed to bring your instrument as a carryon. Print out a copy of their policy for them when you fly. Maybe for a cheap Fender it doesn’t matter so much but if you are flying with a vintage instrument you should definitely research the airlines policies. Or just ship it separately with insurance. I would trust FedEx over an airline to ship fragile goods every time.
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I enjoyed the post and congratulations for the site won a follower !!! I love playing the guitar.
Hey Gareth Leonard.
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