AG-105E

When it comes to “travel guitars,” players are often forced to sacrifice size for portability and even functionality. Unlike many travel instruments that are simply min- iaturized six-stringers, the Traveler AG-105E is a useful and playable instrument featuring a full-sized fretboard and a body that’s just two inches smaller across the lower bout than a full-sized grand concert guitar.

LTD EC-1

The “travel guitar” moniker often just means an instrument is smaller, cheaper, and/or kind of toy-like. Not so with Traveler Guitar. They’ve been in the portable-guitar biz for 25 years and have built a reputation on quality construction and full-scale playability, so guitarists don’t feel like they’re giving something up by going stealth.

The fretwork was clean and buttery smooth, and the setup excellent. One of the coolest features of a Traveler is the ability to simply plug in a set of headphones and rip wherever and however loud you. (I spent most of my time in overdrive land thanks to its creamy growl.)

Travelcaster Deluxe

The frets were well polished and finished, and the bone nut is a really nice touch. With this uniquely “less is more” body, and great feeling neck, it is a joy to play overall, and doesn’t feel or sound like it’s missing anything. Not what we expected at all.

Overall, for a player who does a lot of traveling this is well worth it. In its gig bag it can easily fit in the overhead compartment of an airplane with no fuss. Heck, a touring artist that might want to bring an additional electric on the road but shies away because of space issues should seriously consider one (or two) of these. There’s really no downside to one of these; they deliver a full-sized guitar in a travel sized package. Consider us impressed.