• Registered: 2008-03-21
  • Posts: 19

Topic: Backpacker/travel guitars - Johnson JG TR1 - trailblazer

Hello,
I recently went on a camping trip and of course brought along my guitar.  Well, I found it a bit too big to be lugging everywhere. (Full size Washburn) It's great for at home, but I am now looking into something smaller for Hiking/camping/canoe trips.  Something small and portable. 
I would like to know if anyone has a travel guitar, more specifically a Johnson JG TR1 Trailblazer.   
I have looked at a few on the internet but would like to know if someone has one and how they like it.
Or any other models that  would be appropriate.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanxs

  • From: Madeira Beach, Florida
  • Registered: 2007-12-05
  • Posts: 3,312

Re: Backpacker/travel guitars - Johnson JG TR1 - trailblazer

Hi Gesader - I own a Washburn Rover travel guitar, purchased primarily because I am on the road with work weekly. It served it's purpose for a while, but in the end I just couldn't get used to the small size. The size requires that you use a strap even when sitting, something I didn't care for. Also, the size dictates a low volume, that's good for practicing in a hotel room, but maybe not so good around the campfire.

I've read rave reviews about the CA Cargo composite guitar. I own a full size 7i -  the sound is fantastic and you can't beat the durability factor.

http://compositeacoustics.com/Cargo.aspx

Quite a bit more expensive than a typical "traveler", but may be worth it if you can afford it.

Rule No. 1 - If it sounds good - it is good!
  • Registered: 2008-03-21
  • Posts: 19

Re: Backpacker/travel guitars - Johnson JG TR1 - trailblazer

thanxs for the info.
I looked it up.  I don't think for me the size would be a problem, I'm a pretty small person ( 5 feet on a good day in Heels) and my hands are pretty small too.  On my full size Washburn, I've adjusted with many aches and pains at first, but all is good now.  It's  out of my price range though.
thanxs for the help.

  • From: Alabama Gulf Coast
  • Registered: 2008-06-24
  • Posts: 1,819

Re: Backpacker/travel guitars - Johnson JG TR1 - trailblazer

After being forced to share my bunk on a sailing trip with my wife and my Yamaha dreadnought guitar in it's case, I started looking for a small travel axe.
I bought a Martin Backpacker. The thing sounds like a ukelele but it has a full neck and with extra light strings plays fairly easily.
A strap must be worn and I have to pin the backpacker down with my right wrist to keep the tiny sound chamber from rotating on me.
It is made of second grade wood but it will serve to play rhythm in a boat raft up or campfire setting. Guitar and case = 3 pounds.
My partner bought a Baby Taylor guitar and had it set up for him by a pro. The Taylor has a better sound (larger sound chamber)than my Backpacker, is made of better wood and plays sweet.

We pronounce it "Guf Coast".
Ya'll wanna go down to the Guf?

tubatooter1940's Website

  • From: BELGIUM
  • Registered: 2007-01-27
  • Posts: 3,403

Re: Backpacker/travel guitars - Johnson JG TR1 - trailblazer

I have a MARTIN BACKPACKER. But this instrument's sound is far from a guitar sound.
I really don't know where to place that sound.
The neck is very thick and I believe that it can add a special sound connected with an amp.

[color=blue]- GITAARDOCPHIL SAIS: TO CONQUER DEAD, YOU HAVE TO DIE[/color]   AND [color=blue] we are born to die[/color]
- MY GUITAR PLAYS EVERY STYLE = BLUES, ROCK, METAL, so I NEED TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY IT.
[color=blue]Civilization began the first time an angry person cast a word instead of a rock.[/color]

gitaardocphil's Website

  • Registered: 2008-07-21
  • Posts: 2

Re: Backpacker/travel guitars - Johnson JG TR1 - trailblazer

I would NOT recommend a Martin Backpacker...awkward to hold,
tinny sounding horrid junk....Baby Taylor is 5 times the value at
least...I haven't tried a Johnson but I'm betting it's better than a
Backpacker