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Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 10 Jan 2005
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carrying a guitar
has anyone ever travelled with a guitar on the bike ? planning my own big trip in afew years time i would like to hear from anyone who has done this . i am thinking of taking a small travel sized guitar ,partly because i just need to play every day ,and it would be a great way to pass the time when i am stuck somwhere ,also might come in handy if i end up broke ,i could always start busking on a few django reinhardt tunes .
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  #2  
Old 10 Jan 2005
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mr moto, I bought a small guitar (but not the backpackers size) in Mexico for similar reasons - something to keep my mind from going mushier than it already is, and I am having fun learning how to play. I have a soft case, over which I put two garbage bags, one from either end to protect from water and dust. Over that two more bags, the big burlap ones (mine were from 20 kgs of carrots). This budle I wrap with one bungee cord.
This whole assembly is bungeed with two cords to the back of my dry back, which in turn sits just behind me on the bike.

It can occasionally be a pain to unload, load, etc, but generally, it has been good to have along. If I was a better player, I would learn more of the local songs and lyrics. Its a good conversation piece here in South America, and many people can play, which is great for striking up conversations. I would consider a smaller, backpacker style if I were to do it again.

Cheers,
Rene
www.renedian.com

[This message has been edited by Rene Cormier (edited 10 January 2005).]
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  #3  
Old 11 Jan 2005
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hi rene , happy new year , i was sure i saw a picture of a BMW F650 with a guitar on the back somwhere on the net ,it was you ! i just read your latest diary entry on your website , the guitar is busted ? merde !!! i hope you will keep playing as you travel the world ,and good luck with your journey ,i will be following your story on your website from now on .
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Old 28 Jan 2005
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I've carried a 3/4 size Pignose electric guitar (battery, built in speaker, bloody great) from London to Nouakchott on the back of me Dommie. It comes with a softish bag and I just bungee it across all the other crap. It survived the bike being chucked into some rocks in the desert, unlike me - broken collarbone and ribs.
Simon
(tstories/fitzpatrick for story!)
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  #5  
Old 31 Jan 2005
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I just finished a lap round Australia with a banjo on my small bike. No problems. I wrapped the soft case in a tarp and rolled it up. I've gone from 45 Celsius w/ 90% humidity to mild dry areas without the neck warping. And it's a cheap 5 stringed banjo.

I wish I had more time to play it. I'm trying to learn how to fingerpick.

--Dave

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Trying to ride (and work) my way round the world on a 1965 Ducati 250cc. Australia, New Zealand and Japan are first. http://nokilli.com/rtw/
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Old 31 Jan 2005
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Ahh, If only I could play the guitar, I would probably bring one!
Great idea.
For the moment I´m satisfied bringing some good Jimi Hendrix mp3´s
Matt
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  #7  
Old 3 Feb 2005
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Anyone travelled with a large Eastern European piano accordion? Is a hard case absolutely necessary or can I save weight by putting it in a gunny-sack? Am also considering bringing a tuba in case I have time to learn. Anyone know any tuba teachers in Patagonia?
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Old 3 Feb 2005
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I'm thinking of taking the London Symphony Orchestra with me on my RTW and am (reluctantly) begining to think that it might be wiser to leave the Grand Piano behind, I believe they can be a handfull off road. Anyone had any success with bigger wheels and knoblies on them?
John
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  #9  
Old 4 Feb 2005
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Everything is possible, you just need some time to figure out how to mount that caterpillar engine in your frame.
Easy!

Post a picture when done..

Matt
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  #10  
Old 12 Mar 2005
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HI just wondering where a fellow might get one of thses backpacking guitars. The busking idea for gas money is genius!
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  #11  
Old 16 Mar 2005
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You can find a traveling aka backpacking guitar at most music shops and many pawn shops.

I wonder if I sat on the streets of Christchurch with my banjo, if people would give me enough money NOT to play to rebuild the bottom end on my bike.

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Trying to ride (and work) my way round the world on a 1965 Ducati 250cc. In New Zealand now. Japan in April. http://nokilli.com/rtw/
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  #12  
Old 5 Jun 2005
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Check out:

http://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/...g/size.php?z=q

Martin Guitars has a Mandolin, Classical, and Steel String version of their backpacker guitar

Looks small enough to pack away in a hard case (can't believe all the guys who use soft cases here, I'd have a heart attack!) and Martin has a pretty good reputation
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Old 5 Jun 2005
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I decided to do a bit of a roundup of the current offerings for travel guitars on my blog, Treknologies

You can see it here:

http://www.treknologies.com/

Let me know if you have any to add!
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  #14  
Old 16 Nov 2005
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my freind has invented a slick hard case saddlebag for your bike hes sold a few and they are supposed to be really cool looking and functional .hes working on a website but for now his phone number is 616-485-6940 his name is mark zickefoose(foose).....if you call please tell him that larry kowalski sent ya thanks ...hope this will help you with what appears to be a bigger problem than i had ever thought of...lol
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  #15  
Old 16 Nov 2005
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This guy has travelled around the world on an old beaten Vespa, he is currently spending four years doing EVERY country in the world!

As for luggage he has none of the things most people would consider essentials, like spare parts, expensive riding gear and a first aid kit... but he does have a FULL SIZE guitar...

Whatever you wan't to do, it can be done!




[This message has been edited by Wheelie (edited 16 November 2005).]
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