Two New Collapsible Travel Guitars From Journey Instruments
Journey Instruments releases two travel guitar models designed for high quality and the specifics of airline travel.
Journey Instruments is introducing two unique models just in time for fall travels. Both guitars were created in response to customer demand for a solution to the unique travel requirements faced by traveling musicians.
Classical guitar players (indeed, most guitarists) have been plagued by the fact that their high-end instruments are extremely fragile due to delicate woods and difficult to travel with due to size. This is particularly a problem on airlines, where space is limited and the legal restrictions are strictly enforced.
Journey Instruments answered this problem by delivering two new travel guitars: the OC660m carbon fiber collapsible classical model and the PJ410N "Puddle Jumper" acoustic model.
OC660M: Carbon Fiber Collapsible Classical Guitar
The Overhead™ series of guitars was designed after conducting 300 hours of market surveys and research on the needs of traveling guitarists. The result is a no-compromise premium travel guitar for guitarists who want the feel, tone, and playability of a premium full-sized acoustic guitar that features unparalleled ergonomics, portability and electronics as well.
The Overhead™ black matte carbon crossover classical travel guitar (OC660M) is the latest iteration of this line of guitars.
The OC660M collapses to carry-on size of 22*14*9 inches. It assembles in 20 seconds with a patented detachable neck system, and a patented soundboard technology and all-carbon construction create a durable instrument with massive tone.
A full 25.5 inch (650mm) scale, a versatile 1 7/8″ nut width, best-in-class components, and a wedged ergonomic design make it an enjoyable guitar to play.
Features include:
- 1-7/8" crossover nut width
- full 650 mm scale
- tri-piezo pickup
- Is made completely from carbon fiber for the ultimate in durability and tone.
- View full specs at journeyinstruments.com
Includes a TSA-compliant backpack that can be carried on to most major airlines and fits into the overhead compartment.
The OC660M will list at $1299.99.
Puddle Jumper: An Acoustic Guitar That Fits Under an Airline Seat
Acoustic guitar players have been searching for a grab-n-go guitar that has a small form factor for portability, but still has great playability and tone. Journey Instruments answers their call with the Puddle Jumper – the first collapsible guitar that can fit under the seat in front of you on most major airlines.
It may be tiny in size, but not in terms of features; which includes:
- a 23" scale
- solid sitka spruce top
- solid mahogany neck
- forward shifted tapered X-bracing
- dual-action truss rod
- patented detachable neck design in a custom travel backpack.
- View full specs at journeyinstruments.com
The PJ410N will list at $399.99.
Engineered for Quality and Portability
According to Rob Bailey, founder of Journey Instruments,
Our new collapsible guitars allow you to carry-on a great sounding guitar so that you don't have to leave your instrument behind on your next flight.
A patented stainless steel neck connection system assembles in less than 10 seconds with no tools and has been road-tested for 6 years in the market. On top of all that, it is guaranteed for life.
James Brawner, partner at Journey Instruments, who has a background in Aerospace Engineering explains,
We reverse-engineered the problem by starting with the airline's carry-on and under-seat dimensions and worked backwards to create the best sounding, best feeling guitar that is guaranteed to fit.
In addition to being carry-on sized, the custom travel backpack includes a laptop compartment, zippered compartments for books, headphones, guitar accessories and even a change of clothes.
About Journey Instruments
Journey Instruments began back in 2011 by Rob Bailey who was practicing guitar daily, but had to travel frequently for business. Turns out traveling with a full-sized guitar got old fast. After spending 300+ hours of market research on guitar forums, Rob worked with his team of in-house mechanical and carbon fiber engineers to design and patent the Overhead collapsible travel guitar system. James Brawner, his good friend from college, joined the project as a partner in late 2012 and they brought the product to market at NAMM in 2013. We're a small team, but passionate about bringing fellow musicians the best travel instrument solutions possible. Over the years, we've created collapsible steel string guitars in wood and all carbon, collapsible classical wood guitars, collapsible bass guitars, ergonomic small body guitars, and great instrument cases.