If you’re looking to enhance your music on the go without breaking the bank, the top 5 travel guitars under £300 offer a blend of affordability and quality that could be just what you need. From the Epiphone El Nino Travel Acoustic’s rich tones to the portable design of the Fender FA-15 3/4 Acoustic Guitar, these options cater to different preferences. The Yamaha Acoustic Guitalele’s unique design and stable tuning gears might catch your interest, while the Ibanez EWP14-OPN AEW Piccolo Electro Acoustic Guitar is ideal for beginners. Lastly, the Washburn HD10S Acoustic Guitar’s solid Sitka Spruce top promises a quality sound.
Epiphone El Nino Travel Acoustic (Natural) – Acoustic Guitar
If you’re a budget-conscious traveler looking for a compact yet quality acoustic guitar under £300, the Epiphone El Nino Travel Acoustic in Natural finish could be your ideal musical companion.
This guitar, with a top made of spruce wood and a body constructed from agathis wood, granadillo wood, and mahogany wood, offers a rich and balanced sound that belies its small size.
The mahogany neck and fretboard provide a smooth playing experience, while the nickel strings ensure durability and a clear tone.
Weighing just 4.54 kg, this portable instrument won’t weigh you down on your adventures. With positive customer reviews and a reasonable price point, the Epiphone El Nino Travel Acoustic is a smart choice for on-the-go musicians.
Best For: Budget-conscious travelers seeking a compact and quality acoustic guitar under £300.
Pros:
- Rich and balanced sound despite its small size.
- Smooth playing experience with mahogany neck and fretboard.
- Durable nickel strings for a clear tone.
Cons:
- Limited colour options available.
Fender FA-15 3/4 Acoustic Guitar With Gig Bag
For those seeking a compact and affordable option for travel purposes, the Fender FA-15 3/4 Acoustic Guitar with Gig Bag offers a convenient and quality solution under £300. This limited edition black guitar features a laminated agathis top with sapele back and sides, a walnut fingerboard, and a nato neck.
With a scale length of 23.3′ and 18 frets, it provides a comfortable playing experience. The guitar comes equipped with Fender Dura-Tone coated strings and die-cast tuning machines for reliable performance. Weighing just 453.59 g, it’s lightweight and portable, making it an ideal choice for on-the-go musicians.
Despite some reports of strings rusting after extended use, overall customer feedback praises the FA-15 for its sound quality and suitability for beginners and travelers alike.
Best For: Beginners and travelers looking for a compact and affordable acoustic guitar option.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable design, ideal for travel purposes.
- Comfortable playing experience with a 3/4 scale length and 18 frets.
- Positive feedback on sound quality and playability, suitable for beginners.
Cons:
- Some reports of strings rusting after extended use.
Yamaha Acoustic Guitalele, GL1 – A hybrid between guitar and ukulele with 6 Strings
Ideal for beginners and travelers seeking a compact and versatile instrument, the Yamaha Acoustic Guitalele, GL1 offers a balanced tone and comfortable playability. Crafted with select tonewoods like spruce and nato, this 6-string, quarter-size instrument provides a robust construction expertly scaled for comfort.
Its stable tuning gears ensure consistent performance. The soft nylon strings are easy to play, making it suitable for learners of all abilities. The compact size and included gig bag make it perfect for travel.
While some users note the high action and string spacing, the overall feedback praises the quality, tone, and playability of this guitalele. If you value portability without compromising on sound quality, the Yamaha GL1 is a recommended choice.
Best For: Those seeking a compact and versatile instrument for travel and beginners looking for a balanced tone and comfortable playability.
Pros:
- Expertly crafted with select tonewoods for quality sound
- Compact size and included gig bag make it perfect for travel
- Easy-to-play soft nylon strings suitable for learners of all abilities
Cons:
- Some users note high action and string spacing
Ibanez EWP14-OPN AEW Piccolo Electro Acoustic Guitar
Compact and versatile, the Ibanez EWP14-OPN AEW Piccolo Electro Acoustic Guitar offers a unique blend of comfort and style for musicians seeking a portable instrument under £300. This guitar, part of the EWP Series, boasts a tenor style EW shape with a soft Florentine Cutaway for enhanced playability.
Crafted with laminated Macassar Ebony for the top, back, and sides, it delivers quality sound and ease of use. Ideal for beginners and intermediate players, the steel string piccolo acoustic guitar resembles a ukulele in size but offers the sophistication of a guitar.
With steel strings, a 42mm nut width, and a compact design, including a Florentine cutaway, it’s perfect for practice, jamming, or relaxation.
Best For: Beginners and intermediate players looking for a compact and versatile steel string piccolo acoustic guitar with quality sound and comfort.
Pros:
- Compact size similar to a ukulele but with the musical sophistication of a guitar
- Laminated Macassar Ebony construction for quality sound
- Comfortable string action and ease of use
Cons:
- May require tuning an octave higher than standard for optimal sound quality
Washburn HD10S 6 String Acoustic Guitar, Natural Gloss
Featuring a solid Sitka Spruce top and Mahogany back and sides, the Washburn HD10S 6 String Acoustic Guitar in Natural Gloss offers a rich and resonant sound for guitarists seeking quality within a budget-friendly range. The dreadnought shape, satin Mahogany finish, and Ovankol Fretboard with 20 Frets contribute to its classic look and feel.
With a scale length of 25 5/16 inches and light Phosphor Bronze strings, this guitar delivers a comfortable playing experience. Users have praised its sound quality, wood craftsmanship, and affordability. While some initial setup adjustments may be needed, overall satisfaction with playability is high.
Consider upgrading to Martin Saiten MFX740 Light strings for enhanced performance. For those in search of an affordable yet reliable acoustic guitar, the Washburn HD10S is a solid choice.
Best For: Musicians looking for a budget-friendly acoustic guitar with a rich sound and classic design.
Pros:
- Solid Sitka Spruce top for quality sound projection.
- Mahogany back and sides for warmth and resonance.
- Comfortable playing experience with a scale length of 25 5/16 inches and light Phosphor Bronze strings.
Cons:
- May require initial setup adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can These Travel Guitars Be Easily Carried on an Airplane?
Yes, these travel guitars can be easily carried on an airplane. They are designed to be compact and lightweight, making them convenient for travel. You’ll have no trouble bringing them on board for your musical adventures.
Are These Guitars Suitable for Beginners or Only for Experienced Players?
For beginners, these guitars are perfect. They offer quality sound, durability, and portability at an affordable price. Whether you’re just starting or have been playing for years, these travel guitars will suit your needs.
Do Any of These Guitars Come With Built-In Tuners or Pickups?
Yes, some of these guitars do come with built-in tuners or pickups. They offer convenience and versatility for your playing needs. You’ll find these features handy whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player hitting the road.
Are There Any Specific Accessories Recommended for These Travel Guitars?
When considering accessories for your travel guitar, essentials like a durable gig bag for protection, a compact tuner for staying in tune on the go, and a set of extra strings for emergencies are highly recommended.
Can Different Types of Strings Be Used on These Travel Guitars?
Yes, different types of strings can be used on these travel guitars. Experimenting with various string materials and gauges can help you find the sound and feel that best suits your playing style and preferences.
Conclusion
So there you have it – with these top 5 travel guitars under £300, you can hit the road with quality and affordability in hand.
Whether you choose the Epiphone El Nino for its rich sound, the Fender FA-15 for its portability, the Yamaha Guitalele for its unique design, the Ibanez Piccolo for beginners, or the Washburn HD10S for its solid top, you’ll be ready to rock wherever your travels take you.
Happy strumming!
