Help me choose a camping/roadtrip guitar

[guitar12]

How about a Taylor Big Baby?

Rob

[Jimi2]

My beginner friend has a Jim Dandy, so I’ve played it. It works well for her as she has small hands, but it’s not great to me. My solution, as I can’t really afford a carbon fiber, is an all HPL Martin. $400-$500, 1 3/4” nut, and sounds pretty good. Super stable in wet or dry weather.

[gurroz]

Originally Posted by NBMgreg

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

I own a FSCTA, it's fun to play but not a camping guitar. Camping outdoors and electronics do not make for a good combination!

[gurroz]

Originally Posted by Tleek

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.

I own a CSF3M for camping in my motorhome. If you are tent camping I would recommend the CSF1M because it has more durable laminate back and sides. I also own an FS800 which for me is too big for camping.

[rsmillbern]

I picked up a used Furch Little Jane a few years ago when I was traveling to India regularly (never a carry on issue as the neck comes off).

I find it to be great if you don't have much packing pace. It fits under the seat of my Ford Nugget. I have the though (unproven) that as it is not under tension when in the case that is is a little more resistant to the weather...

Scott

[LAPlayer]

I wouldn't buy anything that I wouldn't want to use for everyday play. Years ago that became, for me, Voyage Air. Compact when you want it smaller, full-size when opened up. Most importantly, it feels, sounds and is in every way a solid guitar. You can buy a laminate bodied version and have something to fully enjoy in the classroom or traveling.

[para_adams]

For me, my GS Mini mahogany checks all my boxes for a camping guitar. Small, light, easy to play (comfortable despite the 1-11/16” nut I think the width at the saddle has something to do with that?) and most importantly it sounds very good for its size and price.

[rllink]

Originally Posted by para_adams

For me, my GS Mini mahogany checks all my boxes for a camping guitar. Small, light, easy to play (comfortable despite the 1-11/16” nut I think the width at the saddle has something to do with that?) and most importantly it sounds very good for its size and price.

Same advise, a GS Mini. I personally like the mahogany as well. I don't think you need an indestructible guitar for what you are doing. You're not going to use it to pound tent stakes or paddle your canoe.

[rllink]

Originally Posted by guitar12

How about a Taylor Big Baby?

Rob

Just curious, what do you like about the Big Baby over the GS Mini? They are pretty close in price.

[MTravis68]

+1 on the Eastman PCH series. Very impressive OM/dread models. Laminate back and sides.

[Chipotle]

Enya also makes the Nova Go, if you want really small, portable, impervious to weather, and are okay with something that isn't full size, and isn't terribly loud. The non-electronic version is under $200 (I got mine on sale for $160). It's not a guitar I'd play regularly, but I love it for camping. I can live with the smaller size for camping, and tbh the lack of volume can be a plus if there are other nearby campsites.

[RP]

Originally Posted by Bluenose

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

I agree......

[reeve21]

A used Voyage Air isn't dirt cheap, but it is a full size guitar that folds to fit in a backpack. Very sturdy, and has a great sound for a travel guitar. Mine lives on a boat all summer, and is pretty much impervious to humidity.

[guitar12]

Originally Posted by rllink

Just curious, what do you like about the Big Baby over the GS Mini. They are pretty close in price.

For me the 25.5 scale length of the BBT and the 15/16th dreadnaught size makes it feel more like a 'real' guitar if that makes sense. The Mini, is well, a mini guitar and I've had one and think that it is great for what it is. I can't remember volume wise but I feel like the BBT was louder as well.

Rob

[redir]

My current camp guitar, whihc just got a weeks use at the beach last week, is a 90's cheap Yamaha classical guitar. All laminated and has served me well for at least 25 years. Having said that today I would...

Originally Posted by Bluenose

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

Because not only are they indestructible they sound amazingly well too.