Have Instrument, Will Travel
As the seasons turn toward spring and summer, the opportunities to make music outdoors are increasing. There’s no doubt that playing outside is one of the special joys of a music making hobby, whether you like to take a guitar on a hike, enjoy heading down to the beach for a drum circle, or have booked a place at a music camp.
Traveling with instruments can be a headache, though. If you’re backpacking, the last thing you want is the added weight of a full-size guitar. If you’re going on a road trip, there won’t be much room for a full-size digital keyboard. And unless you have a very sturdy travel case, you might not want to travel by air with your instrument.
Before you strike your instrument from your packing list, consider buying a portable model. Music manufacturers have responded to the demand for good quality, travel-size instruments and are producing small, lightweight versions that are anything but tinny-sounding toys.
Hand Drums
Percussionists will enjoying packing a Meinl bongo cajon. It delivers the sound one can expect from a traditional Peruvian cajon, but with a playing surface that has both high-pitch and low-pitch sound areas, traditional bongo patterns can be played on it as well. Its compact size makes it a perfect road companion.
For further information, visit http://www.meinlpercussion.com
Trumpet
A mini trumpet is a popular choice for trumpeters on the go. The Jupiter 416L model pocket trumpet features a lacquered brass body, top action valves, adjustable slides, Amado water keys, .460-inch bore, 3.7-inch bell, and it comes with both a molded case and gig bag. A silver plated version is also available.
For further information, visit http://www.jupitermusic.com
Piano/Keyboard
Korg has introduced the lightweight SP-250 model to its line of digital portable pianos. With improved realism and feel, the SP-250 provides an expanded range of expression and performance with an upgraded stereo piano sound, matched to a third-generation RH3 graded action keyboard. The SP-250 portable digital piano is a good option for a pianist looking for a combination of rich piano sounds and portability.
For further information, visit http://www.korg.com
Trombone
Surprisingly enough, trombonists have a travel option, although they’ll need to do a little trumpet practice first. Jupiter’s 314L Bb mini trombone is also known as a “slide trumpet.” It’s pitched one octave higher than a regular tenor trombone, and it uses a trumpet mouthpiece.
For further information, visit http://www.jupitermusic.com
Saxophone/Clarinet
Single reed players have a travel option thanks to the innovative Maui Xaphoon and its sibling, the Pocket Sax. The Xaphoon (pronounced “za-foon”) is made of bamboo and is available in Bb and C models. Its sound falls somewhere between a clarinet and a saxophone. The injection-molded Pocket Sax, which plays in the key of C, is available in black, emerald green, cobalt blue, or ruby red.
For further information, visit http://www.xaphoon.com
Drum Kit
Can a portable, shell-less drum kit sound like the real thing? Traps Drums thinks so, and stands behind the genuine sound of its A400 kit, featuring Remo heads, traditional mounting, and a sturdy steel tube frame/rack. The 20-inch bass drum is pictured. The kit also has three toms and a 12-inch snare. Plus, Traps Drums recommends this kit, or its electronic version, for near-silent practice.
For further information, visit http://www.trapsdrums.com
Electric Guitar
Travel guitars are becoming increasingly popular, partly due to the hassles of taking a guitar on a plane as carry-on. The latest model from Traveler Guitar is the electric Speedster. It has a removable tear drop upper arm support, a high output blade humbucker, 22 frets, and length of 24 ¾ inches. A great choice for the rocker on the run.
For further information, visit http://www.travelerguitar.com
