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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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,483
Size and Weight
Build Quality
Sound Quality

Most important from
945 reviews

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
9.4 score

Taylor GS Mini Mahogany

The Taylor GS Mini Mahogany Acoustic Guitar is a solid option for musicians on the go, offering a good mix of portability and sound quality. Weighing only 11.5 pounds and with a compact size, it's designed to be easily transportable, making it ideal for traveling musicians or those with limited space. The mahogany top, combined with sapele back and sides, contributes to a warm, rich sound that many find appealing, especially for acoustic performances.

Rating
9.4
Size and Weight
Build Quality
Sound Quality

Most important from
30 reviews

Size and Weight
The size is perfect, making it easy to hold and play.
Build Quality
The build quality is top-notch, and the playability is outstanding.
Sound Quality
The sound quality is rich and full, with a surprising depth for its size.
Playability
It's comfortable to hold, and the action is smooth and easy.
#3
9.1 score

Donner HUSH I Guitar For Travel - Portable Ultra-Light and Quiet Performance Headless Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Mahogany Body with Removable Frames, Gig Bag, and Accessories Natural

The Donner HUSH I is designed specifically for travelers who want a compact and lightweight guitar that doesn’t compromise on quality. Its headless design and removable frames make it very portable, fitting easily in an airplane overhead bin—perfect if you need a guitar to take anywhere without hassle. At just over 7 pounds, it’s light enough to carry comfortably, similar to a laptop.

Rating
9.1
Size and Weight
Build Quality
Sound Quality

Most important from
796 reviews

Size and Weight
The guitar is impressively light and compact, making it extremely portable and ideal for travel or discreet practice sessions.
Build Quality
Its build quality is solid and well-made, with high-quality materials that feel reliable and durable.
Sound Quality
The built-in pickup and preamp deliver a natural acoustic tone, especially when plugged into an amp or effects, though sound varies depending on the output device.
Playability
The neck profile is chunkier than typical acoustics, which can challenge some playing styles but may benefit those who keep their thumb firmly behind the neck.
Portability Features
The included accessories, such as a well-padded gig bag, tuner, picks, and batteries, add great value and convenience right out of the box.
Electronics
The ear buds included sound decent but may not fit comfortably for everyone, impacting the headphone listening experience.
Price
Despite minor drawbacks, the guitar offers excellent value for beginners and travelers seeking a practical, easy-to-carry instrument with good sound quality.

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 1483 this week

Taylor GS Mini Mahogany

Size and Weight: 42 x 18 x 7 inches, 11.5 lbs
Build Quality: Mahogany top, Sapele back, Ebony fretboard
Sound Quality: Warm, rich sound
Playability: 23.5-inch scale length
Portability Features: Compact size, easily transportable
Electronics: Guitar Pickup Configuration: S

Donner HUSH I Guitar For Travel - Portable Ultra-Light and Quiet Performance Headless Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Mahogany Body with Removable Frames, Gig Bag, and Accessories Natural

Size and Weight: 33.5 x 6.7 x 2.2 in, 7.13 lbs
Build Quality: All-mahogany body and neck
Sound Quality: Piezo pickup, preamp, natural acoustic sound
Playability: Asymmetrical neck, beginner-friendly rounded frets
Portability Features: Headless, removable frames, fits overhead bin
Electronics: Piezo pickup, preamp, anti-phase, 9V battery

Martin D Jr E StreetMaster (Right)

Size and Weight: 24.9-inch scale, 7 lbs, compact body
Build Quality: Solid sapele wood, distressed satin finish
Playability: Performing Artist neck, slim, narrow nut
Portability Features: Compact size, lightweight 7 pounds
Electronics: Martin E1 built-in electronics

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

Yamaha SLG200N NW Nylon String Classical Silent Guitar with Hard Gig Bag, Natural

Size and Weight: 43.4 x 18.1 x 5.7 inches
Build Quality: Rosewood, Maple, Mahogany
Sound Quality: Yamaha’s SRT-Powered pickup system
Playability: Fixed bridge, Maple neck, 25 inches
Portability Features: Hard gig bag
Electronics: Onboard effects, line-in functionality

Taylor GS Mini-e Mahogany, Acoustic Guitar

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

Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor Acoustic Guitar, Mahogany Top

Size and Weight: compact, lightweight
Build Quality: mahogany top, sapele back and sides
Sound Quality: warm, rich tone
Playability: high
Portability Features: easy to carry
Electronics: none
Price: higher end

Martin 000C Jr E (Right)

Size and Weight: 7 pounds, 000 Junior size, 24.9" scale
Build Quality: Solid spruce top, sapele back, satin finish
Sound Quality: Balanced, clear tone, warm, strong mids
Playability: Artist neck, 1 3/4" nut, cutaway design
Portability Features: Compact, lightweight, travel-friendly
Electronics: Martin E1 electronics
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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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