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10 Best Travel Guitars 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Yamaha APX600 VW Thin Body Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Vintage White

The Yamaha APX600 VW Thin Body Acoustic-Electric Guitar in Vintage White is a solid choice for those looking for a travel-friendly instrument. One of its standout features is its thin-line cutaway body design, which makes it exceptionally playable and easy to handle, especially for beginners or players with smaller hands. The 25-inch scale length and narrower string spacing further enhance comfort during extended playing sessions.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Size and Weight
The guitar is light yet feels substantial, and it looks good.
Build Quality
Well built and solid, with plastic edging around the body to prevent dents.
Sound Quality
Really great sound, both as an acoustic and when plugged in – bright and full with very good steel string sound.
Playability
The action was high out of the box, but after adjustments, it now has really great action like a well-set-up electric guitar.
Portability Features
Thin body and tuning function are sweet, making it great for beginners.
Electronics
The electric features are very good, with low, mid, and high tone controls, and a fabulous built-in tuner.
Price
It's hard to believe you can get a guitar of this quality and tone for this price.
#2
10.0 score

Donner HUSH X Electric Guitar Kit - Featherlight Headless Guitar, Great for Travel and Practice, Mahogany Solid Body with Easy Assemble Stands, Gig Bag, All Accessories, Sunburst

The Donner HUSH X Electric Guitar Kit is a lightweight and travel-friendly option designed for musicians on the go. Weighing only 4.4 pounds and featuring a headless design, it is notably more compact than traditional electric guitars, making it easy to carry. One of its standout features is the reliable headless tuning system, which ensures stable tuning and excellent sustain, key for maintaining sound quality during travel sessions.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Size and Weight
Its compact size, case, and convenience for travel make it an excellent choice for musicians on the go.
Build Quality
Tremendous value for the money; the craftsmanship is impeccable and materials are high quality at this price point.
Sound Quality
The bridge pickup sounds really good, similar to a Dimarzio Super Distortion.
Playability
The fretwork is nearly perfect, with rounded frets and a comfortable neck that's easy to play.
Portability Features
No tools needed to tune the guitar, unlike some other models, which adds to its convenience.
Electronics
The on-board headphone amp is a nice feature, but could be improved with a preamp and effects.
Price
Tremendous value for the money; the craftsmanship is impeccable and materials are high quality at this price point.
#3
10.0 score

Fender FA-25CE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Built-in Tuner and On-Board Volume and Tone Controls, Comes with Free Lessons, Natural

The Fender FA-25CE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar is designed with beginners in mind, offering a combination of quality and ease of use. It features a full-sized dreadnought body which is known for its bold and rich bass tones, making it ideal for playing genres like country, folk, or bluegrass. The guitar is lightweight, with an all-laminate body made from basswood and a spruce top, providing durability without compromising on sound quality.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Build Quality
It's well-constructed despite the laminate body, though it doesn't resonate like a higher-end mahogany guitar.
Sound Quality
It sounds clear even when not played through an acoustic-specific amp.
Playability
This guitar offers great tone and low action, making it perfect for beginners.
Portability Features
Ideal for sketching out song ideas quickly or as a 'beater' guitar for casual play.
Electronics
The built-in tuner is accurate and convenient for quick tuning adjustments.
Price
For a sub $200 acoustic electric guitar, it's hard to beat the value it offers.

Top 10 Best Travel Guitars 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Yamaha APX600 VW Thin Body Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Vintage White

Size and Weight: 42.2 x 5 x 19.7 inches
Build Quality: Spruce top, Mahogany back
Sound Quality: Enhanced bass response
Playability: Thin-line cutaway body
Portability Features: Travel-friendly, light
Electronics: Stage-focused pickup system
Price: Reasonably priced

Chosen by 1276 this week

Donner HUSH X Electric Guitar Kit - Featherlight Headless Guitar, Great for Travel and Practice, Mahogany Solid Body with Easy Assemble Stands, Gig Bag, All Accessories, Sunburst

Size and Weight: 11 x 1.9 x 35 inches, 4.4 pounds
Build Quality: Mahogany body, Mahogany neck, HPL fretboard
Sound Quality: Versatile tone control, H-S pickup
Playability: Ergonomically designed neck
Portability Features: Lightweight, headless, gig bag, easy stands
Electronics: Built-in battery, 50 hours playtime

Fender FA-25CE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Built-in Tuner and On-Board Volume and Tone Controls, Comes with Free Lessons, Natural

Size and Weight: 43.9 x 16.73 x 6.3 inches
Build Quality: All-laminate body, basswood and spruce top
Sound Quality: Bold and rich bass tones
Playability: 'C'-shaped neck, walnut fingerboard
Portability Features: Lightweight
Electronics: Built-in tuner, volume and tone controls
Price: Reasonably priced

Yamaha JR1 FG Junior 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar, Natural

Size and Weight: 33.25 x 15.31 x 3.5 inches
Build Quality: Spruce top, Mahogany back
Sound Quality: Decent acoustic tone for its size
Playability: Enhanced for beginners, smaller hands
Portability Features: Compact, lightweight, gig bag included
Electronics: None
Price: Reasonably priced

Taylor GS Mini-e Mahogany Acoustic-electric Guitar - Natural with Black Pickguard

Size and Weight: 42 x 18 x 7.5 in, 11.13 lbs
Build Quality: Mahogany top, sapele back, ebony fingerboard
Sound Quality: Well-balanced, warm, articulate tone
Playability: Smooth playability
Portability Features: Compact size, manageable weight
Electronics: Built-in, requires 1 9V battery
Price: Higher end for travel guitars

Enya Nova Go Mini Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar 1/4 Size Travel Acustica Guitarra w/Beginner Kids Starter Bundle Kit of Thickened Gig Bag, Adjusting Wrench(Black)

Size and Weight: 32 inches, 5.28 pounds
Build Quality: Carbon fiber composite, highly resistant
Sound Quality: Impressive for thin-body, sideway sound hole
Playability: Zero Fret, well-polished frets
Portability Features: Small size, lightweight, gig bag
Electronics: No built-in electronics
Price: Accessible compared to other carbon fiber

Yamaha APXT2 3/4-Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Black

Size and Weight: 3/4-size, 5.29 pounds
Build Quality: Solid, spruce top, rosewood fingerboard
Sound Quality: System 68 pick-up, piezo pickup
Playability: Comfortable neck from nato/mahogany
Portability Features: Lightweight body, gig bag included
Electronics: System 68 pick-up, piezo pickup
Price: Reasonably priced

Martin Steel String Backpacker Travel Guitar Bundle with Gig Bag, Strap, Strings, Tuner, Picks, Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, and Polishing Cloth

Size and Weight: 36.5 x 9.5 x 4.2 inches, 6 pounds
Build Quality: Solid Sitka spruce top, Richlite fingerboard
Sound Quality: Respectable for a travel guitar
Playability: Easy-to-play neck, reliable tuning
Portability Features: Lightweight, compact, backpacker design
Electronics: None
Price: Reasonably priced

Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Guitar for Travel | Portable and Headless Electric Acoustic Guitar | Full 24 3/4" Scale | Antique Brown Travel Guitar with Custom Gig Bag and Removable Lap Rest

Size and Weight: 2 lbs 14 oz, 28 inches
Build Quality: Solid Maple neck-through-body, Mahogany back
Sound Quality: Acoustic piezo pickup, 1/4” output jack
Playability: 24 3/4” scale length, 22 frets
Portability Features: In-Body Tuning System, gig bag
Electronics: Acoustic piezo pickup, 1/4” output jack
Price: Competitively priced

Journey Instruments Solid Sitka Travel Guitar – PJ410N Traveling Acoustic Guitar with Collapsible Patented System – Portable Backpack Case (African Mahogany)

Size and Weight: 33.58 inches, 3.74 pounds
Build Quality: African Mahogany body, Spruce top
Sound Quality: Rich, warm sound, X-bracing
Playability: Ovangkol fretboard, Mahogany neck
Portability Features: Collapsible neck, TSA backpack case
Electronics: No pickup
Price: Moderate
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Buying Guide for the Best Travel Guitars

Choosing the right travel guitar can be a bit overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Travel guitars are designed to be portable and convenient for musicians on the go, but they come with a variety of features and specifications that can affect your playing experience. Here’s a guide to help you understand the key specs and how to choose the best travel guitar for you.
Size and WeightSize and weight are crucial factors for a travel guitar because they determine how easy it is to carry around. Travel guitars are generally smaller and lighter than regular guitars, making them more portable. If you plan to carry your guitar on flights or long trips, look for a model that is compact and lightweight. However, if you prefer a fuller sound and don't mind a bit more bulk, you might opt for a slightly larger travel guitar.
Build QualityBuild quality refers to the materials and craftsmanship of the guitar. A well-built travel guitar will be more durable and able to withstand the rigors of travel. Look for guitars made from high-quality woods and with solid construction. Laminated woods are often used in travel guitars for their durability, but solid woods can offer better sound quality. Consider your travel conditions and how much wear and tear your guitar will endure.
Sound QualitySound quality is important because you want your travel guitar to sound good despite its smaller size. Travel guitars typically have a smaller body, which can affect the volume and tone. Some models are designed to maximize sound quality with innovative bracing and body shapes. If sound quality is a top priority for you, try out different models to see which one offers the best tone and projection.
PlayabilityPlayability refers to how comfortable and easy the guitar is to play. This includes the neck shape, string action, and overall feel of the guitar. A travel guitar should be comfortable to play for extended periods, especially if you plan to practice or perform while traveling. Test out different neck shapes and string setups to find what feels best for your playing style.
Portability FeaturesPortability features include any additional design elements that make the guitar easier to transport. This can include detachable necks, foldable designs, or built-in storage compartments. These features can make a big difference in how convenient the guitar is to travel with. Consider how often you will be packing and unpacking your guitar and choose a model with features that suit your travel habits.
ElectronicsSome travel guitars come with built-in electronics, such as pickups and preamps, which allow you to amplify your sound. This can be useful if you plan to perform or record while traveling. If you need an amplified sound, look for a travel guitar with good quality electronics. If you prefer to play acoustically, you can skip this feature.
PriceWhile price is not a spec, it is an important consideration. Travel guitars come in a range of prices, and it's important to find one that offers good value for your money. Higher-priced models often offer better build quality and sound, but there are also affordable options that perform well. Determine your budget and look for a guitar that meets your needs within that range.

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