This is a bit of a different video. :)

It's rare that I review gear, but I've been looking for an excellent travel guitar to take to my workshops around the world. In my search, I ended up in contact with Journey Instruments. They have an amazing range of instruments and accessories, including carbon fiber and wooden acoustic travel guitars. If you go shopping, check out the coupon code they're offering my students at the end of this post!

Naturally, I don't feel like taking my customized Gray Guitar or my I-gave-my-kidney-for-it Froggy Bottom on my adventures. Humidity, sand, salty water, and airlines are not your guitar's best friends. If you've tried that before, you know that traveling with a full-size guitar can be pretty awkward.

So, the folks at Journey Instruments sent me two travel guitars to try out, and I thought I'd make a video comparing them! It was my first time playing these guitars, and unboxing them was a cool experience – it's so great that their necks detach from the body! I think you'll like watching that in the video. :)

Now, let's get my honest opinion on the Overhead+ Solid Sitka Travel Guitar and the Burgundy Top Matte Carbon Travel Guitar.

Carbon Fiber Travel Guitar vs. Wooden Travel Guitar

Both instruments have identical specs.

According to Journey Instruments, "the OF422 Overhead® collapsible acoustic travel guitar features a solid Sitka top with solid Pau Ferro Rosewood back with a wider 13.25″ lower bout. It collapses to the carry-on size of 22 * 14 * 9 inches! It assembles in 20 seconds with our patented detachable neck system that's guaranteed for life. A full 24.5-inch scale, a versatile 1 3/4 nut width, locking 18:1 Journey Tuners, best-in-class components, and a wedged ergonomic design make this the most enjoyable guitar you’ll ever play! Tri-piezo pickup and a full-featured TSA-compliant carry-on backpack included."

Great Cost/Benefit!

Well, in a nutshell, I can say that the OF422 Overhead® sounds incredible and way better than most 700$ acoustic guitars. That was pretty surprising – especially when the neck detaches from the body. Ah, by the way, when I unpacked the guitar, she was pretty much… in tune. Awesome!

I'd definitely recommend the OF422 Overhead® if you plan to travel around with your instrument. It is not a high-end instrument, but it's great value for money. You can fly with it, and in a matter of seconds you can put it together and start strumming it!

When I go camping or stay in a caravan with friends and family, I'll bring the OF422 Overhead® with me instead of taking a full-size guitar! It's way more practical and way more fun!

The Top Matte Carbon Travel Guitar

Let's take a look at the Burgundy Top Matte Carbon Travel Guitar.

The first thing you'll notice is that the soundhole is in a different place, and that influences the tone. It's a lot quieter than its wooden counterpart. The Burgundy Top Matte Carbon Travel Guitar (OF660R1M) is less bright and punchy, but rounder and richer.

If I were recording, I'd prefer the carbon fiber one, but I'd go with the OF422 Overhead® for social occasions like parties. The carbon fiber guitar is also almost double the price of the wooden one. It does feel pro!

Here's the official description of the Burgundy Top Matte Carbon Travel Guitar: "This travel guitar collapses to the carry-on size of 22 * 14 * 9 inches! It assembles in 20 seconds with our patented detachable neck system. Our patented soundboard technology and all-carbon construction create a durable instrument with a massive tone. A full 24.5-inch scale, a versatile 1 3/4 nut width, best-in-class components, and a wedged ergonomic design make this the most enjoyable guitar you’ll ever play! Tri-piezo pickup and a full-featured TSA-compliant carry-on backpack included."

Now, the big question is…

Which Travel Guitar do I Prefer?

So, which travel guitar do I like the best? Well, the conclusion is that they're both fantastic, but they're different! I wouldn't say one is better than the other. If I really had to choose just one, I'd go with the OF422 Overhead®.

The OF422 Overhead® is way cheaper than the Burgundy Top Matte Carbon Travel Guitar. I thought I'd prefer the carbon fiber one – it's a high-end instrument, and it has a mellow sound that I love! But the OF422 is brighter and punchier, and that's what I'm looking for when playing outside.

The Overhead® is almost twice as loud as the Burgundy Top Matte, and that makes a huge difference when you play outdoors. The wooden travel guitar gives a more defined sound to the fingerstyle guitar.

Overall, both instruments are very high-quality! I'm impressed with Journey Instruments – definitely try them out when you shop for a travel instrument.

Use This Coupon Code!

Are you shopping for your travel guitar? Use my affiliate link, and I'll get a small commission when you shop. That helps me keep my lessons free! Thanks to all shoppers and to Journey Instruments too. :)

Use the code JUSTINTRAVELS for a free travel kit and rain cover with the purchase of any guitar. Before checking out, you'll need to manually add the travel kit and rain cover to the cart.

🧳 Buying a travel guitar but not sure where to go? Join my Workshops! :)