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GMC Forum _ GEAR & PRODUCTION _ Portable Guitars?

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Mar 29 2007, 07:52 PM

So I'm sitting here bored in my hotel room, wishing I could practice ... I would love to have a guitar that folded up to the size of a pencil, along with an entirely self contained 100w valve amp and effects rig the size of a cell phone, all weighing less than a couple of pounds, but I suspect that they are not available ...

In more realistic terms, does anyone have experience with travel guitars? I would put size as the most important criteria (the smaller the better) - definitely should be small enough to get into a suitcase somehow, and I don't care if the tone sucks as long as I can use it to practice on.

Anyone used any of these?

Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Mar 29 2007, 07:58 PM

This one totally rocks - I ordered the cheap version a long time ago from musicyo, it was well worth the bucs.

http://www.musicyo.com/product_specs.asp?pf_id=044

Posted by: wheeler Mar 29 2007, 08:00 PM

I've used them. Maybe they make some high-end models that I've never played, but....in my experience, the sound, the action, and the all-around playability....well, they suck. BUT - I've been in your situation and at those times I fervently wished that I had bought one, because they are MUCH better than playing nothing. The ones I've seen run about $100 - $150 bucks and if you travel a lot, I think it would be worth it. Besides, playing on one of those for a few days would make your regular axe feel 10x better than last time you played it. smile.gif I would say that for your purposes it would work just fine.

EDIT - Kris, I must have been typing when you posted....that would be SWEET if it fits in a suitcase!! I was talking about those acoustic backpacker guitars.

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Mar 29 2007, 08:06 PM

QUOTE (wheeler @ Mar 29 2007, 03:00 PM) *
I've used them. Maybe they make some high-end models that I've never played, but....in my experience, the sound, the action, and the all-around playability....well, they suck. BUT - I've been in your situation and at those times I fervently wished that I had bought one, because they are MUCH better than playing nothing. The ones I've seen run about $100 - $150 bucks and if you travel a lot, I think it would be worth it. Besides, playing on one of those for a few days would make your regular axe feel 10x better than last time you played it. smile.gif I would say that for your purposes it would work just fine.

EDIT - Kris, I must have been typing when you posted....that would be SWEET if it fits in a suitcase!! I was talking about those acoustic backpacker guitars.


Yeah, that actually looks like a really good guitar, never mind that it is portable cool.gif I'll have to see if I can try one out somewhere ... just off to measure my suitcase smile.gif

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Mar 30 2007, 02:57 PM

QUOTE (Andrew Cockburn @ Mar 29 2007, 03:06 PM) *
Yeah, that actually looks like a really good guitar, never mind that it is portable cool.gif I'll have to see if I can try one out somewhere ... just off to measure my suitcase smile.gif


Ok, I might well get one of these they look totally cool ! Now, does anyone have any ideas on the 100W amp and effects unit the size of a cell phone?

I guess what I would want is a really small multi effects unit I could use with headphones ... any ideas?

Posted by: Robin Mar 30 2007, 03:30 PM

Small amps are no problem, marshall got some really small pocket amps. dunno about guitars though

Posted by: MickeM Mar 30 2007, 03:34 PM

QUOTE (Andrew Cockburn @ Mar 30 2007, 03:57 PM) *
I guess what I would want is a really small multi effects unit I could use with headphones ... any ideas?

hi again... biggrin.gif You're the expert on multi effects so I won't say anything in that area cool.gif
About the amp, it has to be a transistor in that case (can't move valve amps around too much because of the risc of the valves breaking). I'd get the small 5W Vox or Roland 2W micro cube... or a multi effect of some kind. I've got an overnight apartment where I got a guitar and a Zoom 505II... but now when I think about it the 5W Vox would be cooler where I could choose headphones or sound.

I don't really know which is better between Roland and Vox since I havn't tried any of the two. Let me know if you play them!

I see they don't fulfill your demand for 100W but I don't see how 100W would be very useful in a hotelroom.

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Mar 30 2007, 04:11 PM

QUOTE (MickeM @ Mar 30 2007, 10:34 AM) *
hi again... biggrin.gif You're the expert on multi effects so I won't say anything in that area cool.gif
About the amp, it has to be a transistor in that case (can't move valve amps around too much because of the risc of the valves breaking). I'd get the small 5W Vox or Roland 2W micro cube... or a multi effect of some kind. I've got an overnight apartment where I got a guitar and a Zoom 505II... but now when I think about it the 5W Vox would be cooler where I could choose headphones or sound.

I don't really know which is better between Roland and Vox since I havn't tried any of the two. Let me know if you play them!

I see they don't fulfill your demand for 100W but I don't see how 100W would be very useful in a hotelroom.


Heh - I'm just the line6 expert not the multi effects expert! I'll look at both the amps you mentioned, and I'll take your advice of not using a 100W amp in a hotel room laugh.gif

Posted by: Gaelan Apr 8 2007, 10:55 PM

hmmm...

Have you checked out the Escape EG-1 from Traveler Guitars?

http://www.travelerguitar.com

their tagline for the EG-1 is...

" FInally, a guitar that can go from LAX to JFK and back, without getting FKT"

Looks kinda cool but I have no idea about it's qualities....

Just something I stumbled across a while back...

G.

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Apr 9 2007, 02:03 AM

QUOTE (Gaelan @ Apr 8 2007, 05:55 PM) *
hmmm...

Have you checked out the Escape EG-1 from Traveler Guitars?

http://www.travelerguitar.com

their tagline for the EG-1 is...

" FInally, a guitar that can go from LAX to JFK and back, without getting FKT"

Looks kinda cool but I have no idea about it's qualities....

Just something I stumbled across a while back...

G.


I like the look of the speedster ,,, I'll check them out too - thanks!

Posted by: Scoob Apr 11 2007, 03:19 AM

I doubt that since you were looking for a 100 Wat amp in smalll size that an acoustic is on the menu, but here goes.

These are actually pretty good. I have played one and the sound is darn good for the size. Made by Martin
Never get in too much trouble in the hotel, heck maybe even play at the lobby and make a few dollars.


http://www.wholenote.com/store/product.asp?sku=EM.11GBPC


Scoob

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Apr 11 2007, 02:09 PM

QUOTE (Scoob @ Apr 10 2007, 10:19 PM) *
I doubt that since you were looking for a 100 Wat amp in smalll size that an acoustic is on the menu, but here goes.

These are actually pretty good. I have played one and the sound is darn good for the size. Made by Martin
Never get in too much trouble in the hotel, heck maybe even play at the lobby and make a few dollars.


http://www.wholenote.com/store/product.asp?sku=EM.11GBPC


Scoob


Yeah, I was looking at electric for practicing picking sweeping etc - but, are those any good? How loud are they?

Posted by: Scoob Apr 11 2007, 11:42 PM

QUOTE (Andrew Cockburn @ Apr 11 2007, 09:09 AM) *
Yeah, I was looking at electric for practicing picking sweeping etc - but, are those any good? How loud are they?


Little quieter than a regular acoustic.

But good for a hotel for sure or just a day at the beach.

I say a neat little deal last week at a local shop called a strum stick only had 3 strings. Not sure what it is all about but was interesting looking. http://michael.futreal.com/strumstick
Not for the shredders more like a dulcimer.

At least with the back pack guitar you can say " Hey I own a Martin" and you did not spend $2 - 3 grand.


Cheers


Scoob

Posted by: Scoob Apr 21 2007, 03:15 AM

Andrew,

I have to spend 4 days in Toronto this coming week and was in the same boat as yourself. Looking to practice while away and not lug around something heavy and loud enough to get yourself in trouble at the hotel.

I bought a little Fender "Mini Deluxe" today in town. took it home and fooled with it for a bit. IS not bad and you can get a decent tone at low volume. Not overly loud but good enough. It has a gain control that really cranks it up. almost too much. Lots of gain and sustain. Runs on a 9 volt, has a head phone jack as well.

is about 6 x 3 1 /2 x 2 give or take. So for travel will drop in the suitcase.

It was $70 on the shelf. Guy gave it to me for $60 (Canadian funds) Would be cheaper to order online but I did not want to wait. I have a little danalectro EQ I might try with it. Should be just the trick.


Here is a link I found.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-Mini-Deluxe-Amp?sku=480704&src=3SOSWXXA

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Apr 21 2007, 04:34 AM

QUOTE (Scoob @ Apr 20 2007, 10:15 PM) *
Andrew,

I have to spend 4 days in Toronto this coming week and was in the same boat as yourself. Looking to practice while away and not lug around something heavy and loud enough to get yourself in trouble at the hotel.

I bought a little Fender "Mini Deluxe" today in town. took it home and fooled with it for a bit. IS not bad and you can get a decent tone at low volume. Not overly loud but good enough. It has a gain control that really cranks it up. almost too much. Lots of gain and sustain. Runs on a 9 volt, has a head phone jack as well.

is about 6 x 3 1 /2 x 2 give or take. So for travel will drop in the suitcase.

It was $70 on the shelf. Guy gave it to me for $60 (Canadian funds) Would be cheaper to order online but I did not want to wait. I have a little danalectro EQ I might try with it. Should be just the trick.
Here is a link I found.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-Mini-Deluxe-Amp?sku=480704&src=3SOSWXXA


That looks just the job - thanks!

Posted by: kevin-riff-after-riff May 8 2007, 10:44 PM

awr! sweet! i needed a thread just like this

is the hofner one any good?>

http://vintagehofner.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/hofner2/short.html

Posted by: Igorrr May 9 2007, 12:17 AM

Well if you just need some small amp/effect thingy for practising I used to have the Korg Pandorra:

http://korg.com/gear/info.asp?A_PROD_NO=PX4&category_id=6

It's small enough to fit in your jeans pockets. It has all sorts of guitar effects (including harmonizer), metronome, standard rock beats and an integrated looper (I don't remember if it was up to 8 or 16 measures).
meaning you can record some short chord progressions and jam to that.
I actually sold it for the PXR4, which es basically the same as a 4-track.

The sound is ok, the amp sims do not come close to any of the "real" modelers.
But if it's for practising it's the most handy gadget I could think of. I think ZOOM did something similar and their amp sims a bit nicer.

Posted by: MickeM May 10 2007, 09:01 AM

Just found this in a magazine http://www.devillain.com/centerfold/

AND, it's got a two way adjustable truss rod, only high end guitars got that.

Posted by: kevin-riff-after-riff May 17 2007, 09:34 PM

what does everyone think bout that one i posted?

would it be a gd buy?

Posted by: MickeM May 18 2007, 11:11 AM

QUOTE (kevin-riff-after-riff @ May 17 2007, 10:34 PM) *
what does everyone think bout that one i posted?

would it be a gd buy?

Concerning me. I'd be unconfortable playing it. Looks like there's nowhere to rest my arm and hand and I'm guessing it would be no good. I never played one with that small a body so I really don't know.

But for what it is, a travelling guitar, it has to have setbacks you have to cope with. But how about that other guitar poasted earlier, Steinberg, that one was even smaller I belive since the headstock was gone.

Posted by: kevin-riff-after-riff May 18 2007, 11:04 PM

that one looked quite costey, altho i wouldnt mind having a costey one, if i had the money, which i dont

Posted by: Hungus Jul 25 2007, 01:37 PM

Hey Andrew maybe you could use something like this...


Its not a guitar but it is small and portable. Also I remember seeing on one of my live music dvds a guy playing his guitar through a ciggarett box with a wee speaker in the side.

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Jul 25 2007, 02:02 PM

QUOTE (Hungus @ Jul 25 2007, 08:37 AM) *
Hey Andrew maybe you could use something like this...


Its not a guitar but it is small and portable. Also I remember seeing on one of my live music dvds a guy playing his guitar through a ciggarett box with a wee speaker in the side.


Heh, got one of those allready, didn;t occur to me to travel with it htough smile.gif

Posted by: Hungus Jul 25 2007, 02:06 PM

Well we should have a lesson for it then considering I am not the only one that has one haha!

Posted by: tonymiro Jul 25 2007, 05:11 PM

Apart from the Korg already mentioned Andrew for amplification you could try a Tom Sholz Rockman (http://www.samedaymusic.com/product--DAVROCKGA). Think he started the pocket headphone amp back in the 80s when he was with Boston... This probably comes with a free pair of spandex/latex pants and a curly wig and you have to play 'More than a feeling' 2 times a day as part of the deal.

However you could also look at a tascam - like the korg but mp3 riff tracker/player (http://www.americanmusical.com/item.aspx?i=TAS%20MPGT1&src=D0301DT0HAMS0000&utm_source=Feed&utm_medium=Shopping.com)

Cheers,
Tony

Posted by: tonymiro Jul 25 2007, 05:33 PM

For a guitar my daughter loves her shortscale http://www.daisyrock.com/products/heartbreaker/hb_shortScale.htm.
Though if you don't like that one they also do a very fetching butterfly and a a daisy Andrew. Worthy companions to your Jem tongue.gif .

Cheers,
Tony

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Jul 25 2007, 05:55 PM

QUOTE (tonymiro @ Jul 25 2007, 12:33 PM) *
For a guitar my daughter loves her shortscale http://www.daisyrock.com/products/heartbreaker/hb_shortScale.htm.
Though if you don't like that one they also do a very fetching butterfly and a a daisy Andrew. Worthy companions to your Jem tongue.gif .

Cheers,
Tony


Nice smile.gif

Posted by: Smikey2006 Jul 25 2007, 08:40 PM

have you ever considered a shred neck? i don't have a link but if you google it you can find some pictures.. all it is is the top 7 frets of guitar neck and great for finger exersizes,, small and portable.. i take mine to school with me ohmy.gif

Posted by: SDMF75 Jul 25 2007, 09:43 PM

QUOTE (Andrew Cockburn @ Mar 29 2007, 07:52 PM) *
So I'm sitting here bored in my hotel room, wishing I could practice ... I would love to have a guitar that folded up to the size of a pencil, along with an entirely self contained 100w valve amp and effects rig the size of a cell phone, all weighing less than a couple of pounds, but I suspect that they are not available ...

In more realistic terms, does anyone have experience with travel guitars? I would put size as the most important criteria (the smaller the better) - definitely should be small enough to get into a suitcase somehow, and I don't care if the tone sucks as long as I can use it to practice on.

Anyone used any of these?


You can't beat an Ibanez Mikro! My son has one and it's a blast to mess around with.

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Jul 25 2007, 09:47 PM

QUOTE (Smikey2006 @ Jul 25 2007, 03:40 PM) *
have you ever considered a shred neck? i don't have a link but if you google it you can find some pictures.. all it is is the top 7 frets of guitar neck and great for finger exersizes,, small and portable.. i take mine to school with me ohmy.gif


No, maybe I should though, sonds cool ...

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