When choosing a travel guitar as a beginner, you want something that is both budget-friendly and easy to handle. The top 5 options in this category offer a range of features to suit various preferences, from compact sizes to quality tonewoods. Each guitar has its unique strengths, ensuring there’s a match for every type of player. So, if you’re looking to kickstart your musical journey with a portable and user-friendly instrument, these recommendations might just be what you need to elevate your playing experience.
Washburn BTS9CH-D Bella Tono Novo S9 6-String Acoustic Guitar
For beginners looking for a compact and versatile acoustic guitar for their travels, the Washburn BTS9CH-D Bella Tono Novo S9 is an excellent choice. With its Bella Tono Studio Body Shape, select spruce top, and walnut back and sides, this guitar offers a balanced and rich sound.
The ebony fingerboard and bridge provide durability and a smooth playing experience. The dot inlays with a lotus on the 12th fret add a touch of elegance to its design. This guitar isn’t only aesthetically pleasing but also delivers on performance with its technical specifications.
Consider the Washburn BTS9CH-D Bella Tono Novo S9 for a reliable companion on your musical journey.
Best For: Musicians seeking a compact and versatile acoustic guitar for travel and performance.
Pros:
- Balanced and rich sound quality
- Durable ebony fingerboard and bridge
- Elegant design with lotus inlays
Cons:
- Some customers reported scuffs and damage upon delivery
Fender: FA-15 3/4 size Steel-String Acoustic Guitar
The Fender FA-15 3/4 size Steel-String Acoustic Guitar is an ideal choice for beginners and younger players seeking a lightweight instrument with a lively and resonant sound. This guitar is perfect for traveling musicians due to its compact 3/4 size and lightweight design.
The natural look with concentric rings rosette and chrome hardware gives it a stylish appearance. Made with laminated tonewoods including an agathis top and sapele back/sides, this guitar offers great tone and durability.
The comfortable nato neck and rosewood fingerboard make it easy to play for beginners. Additionally, it comes with a gig bag for convenient transportation.
With positive customer reviews praising its sound quality, playability, and value for money, the Fender FA-15 is a top choice for those starting their musical journey.
Best For: Beginners and younger players looking for a compact and lightweight acoustic guitar with a lively and resonant sound.
Pros:
- Compact 3/4 size ideal for smaller players and travelers.
- Laminated tonewoods provide great tone and durability.
- Positive customer reviews on sound quality, playability, and value for money.
Cons:
- Limited color options.
Yamaha Acoustic Guitalele, GL1 – A hybrid between guitar and ukulele
Crafted with select tonewoods like spruce and nato, the Yamaha Acoustic Guitalele, GL1 offers beginners and travelers a versatile hybrid between a guitar and ukulele. Its 6 strings, featuring 3 nylon and 3 metal wound strings, are tuned to A/D/G/C/E/A, providing a unique playing experience.
With even and accurate fret positioning, this Guitalele ensures stable tuning, making it easy for all players to enjoy. The soft nylon strings are gentle on your fingers, perfect for extended playing sessions. Its compact size and included gig bag make it an ideal companion for your travels.
Enjoy the balanced tone, fast string response, and quality construction that users appreciate in this instrument.
Best For: Beginners and travelers looking for a versatile hybrid instrument between guitar and ukulele.
Pros:
- Balanced tone and fast string response.
- Easy-to-play soft nylon strings suitable for all players.
- Compact size and included gig bag for travel convenience.
Cons:
- Some users noted issues with action and string spacing.
Martin Smith Acoustic Guitar with Guitar Strings
Ideal for those starting their musical journey, the Martin Smith Acoustic Guitar with Guitar Strings offers a versatile and quality option for beginners seeking an affordable and reliable instrument. This guitar features a dreadnought ergonomic body and steel strings that provide longer tuning stability and a warm tone. With metal gearheads for precise tuning, this package includes an adjustable guitar strap, plectrums, and a spare set of strings.
Customers have given positive feedback on the quality and value for beginners, recommending it for its affordability and quality. While there are mixed opinions on overall quality and performance, the Martin Smith Acoustic Guitar with Guitar Strings remains a popular choice for those looking to kickstart their musical endeavors without breaking the bank.
Best For: Beginners looking for an affordable and reliable acoustic guitar to kickstart their musical journey.
Pros:
- Dreadnought ergonomic body for comfortable playing experience.
- Steel strings for longer tuning stability and warm tone.
- Includes adjustable guitar strap, plectrums, and spare set of strings.
Cons:
- Mixed opinions on overall quality and performance.
Yamaha F370 Full Size Steel String Acoustic Guitar
For beginners seeking a portable acoustic guitar suitable for travel, the Yamaha F370 stands out for its exceptional playability and durable construction. Crafted from select tonewoods like spruce top and rosewood fingerboard, this full-size steel string acoustic guitar offers a superb playing experience with low string action and precise intonation.
The thin lacquer enhances clarity in every note, while the quality tuning gears ensure trouble-free tuning. With an overall length of 104 cm and a weight of 2.65 kg, the Yamaha F370 is both compact and lightweight, making it an ideal choice for on-the-go musicians.
Boasting positive customer reviews for its sound quality, playability, and durability, this guitar is suitable for beginners and experienced players alike.
Best For: Those looking for a portable and durable acoustic guitar with exceptional playability, suitable for beginners and experienced players.
Pros:
- Crafted from select tonewoods like spruce top and rosewood fingerboard
- Thin lacquer for clarity in every note
- Superb playing experience with low string action and precise intonation
Cons:
- May require string replacement for better quality
Frequently Asked Questions
Can These Travel Guitars Be Easily Carried on Airplanes?
Yes, these travel guitars can be easily carried on airplanes. They are designed to be lightweight and compact, making them convenient for travel. You won’t have any trouble bringing them along for your musical adventures.
Are These Guitars Suitable for Children or Only for Adults?
For children, these guitars are perfect! They’re lightweight, compact, and designed for beginners. Adults can enjoy them too. Their smaller size makes them ideal for smaller hands, making learning to play easier and more enjoyable.
Do These Guitars Require Any Special Tuning or Maintenance?
You don’t need any special tuning for these guitars. They’re designed for easy maintenance, perfect for beginners. Just keep them clean and in tune, and you’ll be ready to play your favorite tunes on the go.
Are There Any Color Options Available for These Guitars?
Yes, there are several color options available for these guitars. You can choose from a variety of finishes to suit your style and preferences. Find the one that best matches your personality and vibe.
Can These Guitars Be Connected to Amplifiers for Performances?
Yes, these guitars can be connected to amplifiers for performances. They have built-in pickups that allow you to plug them in and rock out on stage or in a studio setting, giving you versatility and sound quality.
Conclusion
Overall, when it comes to choosing the best travel guitar for beginners, the Washburn BTS9CH-D Bella Tono Novo S9, Fender FA-15, Yamaha Guitalele GL1, Martin Smith Acoustic Guitar, and Yamaha F370 are excellent options that offer affordability, ease of play, and great sound quality.
Whether you’re looking for a compact size, balanced tone, or comfortable playing experience, these top 5 travel guitars have got you covered.
Happy strumming on your musical adventures!
