Help me choose a camping/roadtrip guitar

[Tleek]

I camp a lot with my family. Last year my camping guitar was a cordoba mini II but I sold it.

I know this has come up a lot, but…
I’d like some recommendations. I think dangers with humidity are pretty overblown, but I do live in a very wet area and like to travel to very dry areas. Something stable would be nice. Theft is also a big concern as is portability. I have two toddlers and an suv so when we get loaded up for a road trip there’s not a lot of extra space.

Im trying to decide between dirt cheap or a little nicer.

I’m thinking…
Jim Dandy
Yamaha CSF or FS 800
Taylor GS mini
Another Nylon stringed parlor or mini guitar
Some beat up pre owned guitar.

[zuzu]

I really like taking my Jasmine JO36 camping with me. OM shape, laminated back&sides, solid spruce top, delivered to my door for $148.00. A totally usable guitar that plays pretty well and sounds pretty good. And if lost, stolen, or broken...order up another one.

[abn556]

When I was in the military, I drug Yamaha acoustics all over the world in all kinds of environments and never had any trouble with them at all. The low end Yamahas can usually take quite a lot of abuse.

[YamahaGuy]

In case you ever need to plug in, I'd try for a used Yamaha AC1M or AC1R.

[Charlie Bernstein]

Art & Lutherie Legacy or Roadhouse series. Made to last in Canada.

[jpd]

You've already got it...Jim Dandy!

[Tleek]

Originally Posted by jpd

You've already got it...Jim Dandy!

I don’t own that one!
That was confusing sorry. Thise are guitars I’m considering.

I currently only have an FS5 and a Classical By Zepeda.

[Bluenose]

The most indestructible guitar is made from carbon fiber but that comes at a cost.

[NBMgreg]

FSTA. Transacoustic built in reverb/chorus that sounds great, yamaha playability/durability and a pickup if needed.

[Tleek]

Thanks for the suggestions all,
I forgot to mention this will do double duty as my classroom guitar.

[Mandobart]

Very frequently asked question. Here is my standard answer:

I've taken ALL my instruments (except my grandpa's 1880's German violin) camping. My two custom builds, my HD-28, my 000-15SM, '46 Kay double bass, '34 Regal Resonator mandolin, etc. have all been played at a campfire several times.

They all have good hard cases (except the Kay bass). They're all made of solid wood (except my maple plywood Gold Tone resonator and the Kay bass).

Just about my favorite musical activity is camping at bluegrass festivals and playing in campground jams.

[TheGITM]

My suggestion is to find a used guitar that has some cosmetic wear on it... but is a solid player. You can usually find those pretty cheap on FB marketplace or Craigslist, if you are so inclined. There are usually some really good, solid guitars for under $400... since it's a guitar that you'll probably beat up a bit, why not start with one that's already beat up a bit but still serviceable?

If it's already cosmetically worn you won't feel the need to worry so much about appearance. As long as it has good bones, holds a tune, and is playable, I think you'll enjoy taking it out wherever you are... and if it gets damaged, or destroyed, so what? It was an inexpensive used guitar you can easily replace!

[Brent Nelson]

Eastman PCH1-D

[airborne1]

As was mentioned earlier, give the Jim Dandy or the Gin Rickey a try.

The Gin Rickey comes with a sound hole pickup.

I have the Gin Rickey and really enjoy it. I too use it for camping but also just love to play it anywhere.

I would imagine its quite impervious to imperfect weather conditions. If something were to happen to it, I would buy another.

Good luck in your search!

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by Tleek

...I know this has come up a lot, but…
I’d like some recommendations. I think dangers with humidity are pretty overblown, but I do live in a very wet area and like to travel to very dry areas. Something stable would be nice. Theft is also a big concern as is portability. I have two toddlers and an SUV so when we get loaded up for a road trip there’s not a lot of extra space.

I'm trying to decide between dirt cheap or a little nicer...

Originally Posted by Tleek

...I forgot to mention this will do double duty as my classroom guitar.

Retired elementary-school music/fifth-grade classroom teacher here - given your situation I'd be looking for maximum durability and acceptable portability; that said, here's cheap and small (Taylor GS Mini size):



https://www.amazon.com/Acoustic-Elec...78&sr=1-2&th=1

- and here's something a little larger (appears to be 000/OM size), that could double as an auditorium guitar for grade assemblies, special functions, etc.:



https://www.amazon.com/Acoustic-Elec...78&sr=1-2&th=1

BTW if you're so inclined nicer "Pro" versions are available for $250 and $200 extra, respectively...