Question:
I am a lefty in search of a new travel guitar. The top on my old McNally Backpacker (pre-Martin) split in two places. I can't imagine it would be worth repairing. I am intrgued by the look, feel and portability (i.e., airplane overhead bin) of the Washburn Rover, but alas this guitar is an import and only made righty. Having the bridge re-cut and a new saddle and nut replaced would double the cost of the guitar which I believe is in the $175 range. Then there is the problem of not really playing it before I buy it. My other option is the Martin Mini. This guitar can be had for $275 at Mandolin Brothers and is made lefty at no additional charge. Basically I am looking more for playability than sound. I would use it to practice fingerstyle tunes in hotel rooms when I travel on business.
Answer:
My opinion, FWIW. When I was looking for the same thing, the Little Martin won hands down over the baby Taylor and Washburn and others I looked at. I loved it (of course, I'm biased toward Martin)... and almost bought it. But instead, I ended up buying a used Yamaha (D-size) in a pawn shop for $100... and saving $150 or so. With my recent experience flying on Delta... they were not going to allow ANY guitar of any size to be brought onboard under any circumstances... they told me in no uncertain terms that new policy is that NO musical instruments are allowed... even though the Yamaha (in the gig bag) would have fit in the overhead. So, it's possible that even a small travel guitar would have to be checked. Anyway, if you are set on the small size, I'd go with the Martin. However, if it's just a decent travel guitar you want... you might consider doing what I did. Find a cheap but decent (left-hand) guitar in a pawn shop for $100 bucks... and then... no matter WHAT happens on that airplane, you won't sweat it. If I had never seen the Yamaha again after my post-Wilma travels... I wouldn't have batted an eyelash. I knew it was just a travel guitar. You should be able to get it for $259/$269 if it's the LXM model (all laminate material, not the spruce top model). I was very impressed with them. So much so, that my wife bought me one for my birthday last year. It was great and suited my needs well at the time. I recommend it highly. Much better than the Washburn. The short scale and medium guage strings really work together well. And it's practically impervious to weather changes. My only problem is that I now have to carry so much test equipment when I travel that I can't take an instrument with me. I recently sold it to a very happy buyer.
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