Would you ever bring a GUITAR on a long trip?!

I came across this LINK on Motorcycle News for adventure touring tips and was a bit surprised. With the sacred amount of space on your bike, a guitar seems a bit excessive. (tip #9) Still cool, but excessive.

Has anyone done this before? If so I'd like to see pictures on how you pulled it off.
If you've brought a piano on a trip with you before, then I'd love to see pics of how you pulled it off.

Guitar no, Ukelele yes

absolutely would, especially if I was alone. Besides the space, you have to be able to do it without ruining it. Catweasel67 traveled the US on his Guzzi with a small guitar. He thought he'd warped the neck when we talked about it on his stop here. I've played one like his and frankly, they are a bit underwhelming but better than nothing.

In 2007, I think, I rode to Newfoundland from Indiana. My brother's place was on the way, about 300 miles from my home. I had bought him a Hofner bass guitar as a present, and delivered it on the KLR strapped on with all my other stuff..

Here's me, pulling out from home that morning..



John

Every spring I ride south to NC, TN, GA, AL, etc. with a guy who always brings his guitar. There's something very cool about listening to him play at night after a great ride!

That's an awesome pic. You are all bundled up and ready to rock.... Literally.

Several years ago I did a 10K mile 4 corners ride with a Martin "Classic Backpacker" guitar. The only hassle was wrapping it in it's case, then in a HD trash bag every day. It came through the trip just fine!

I take a harmonica. Play it in the boonies by yourself and you can actually scare yourself shitless !

I've never brought my guitar, but this summer I am going to bring the harmonica. I can barely play it, but that is an idea I hadn't thought of. It's a good time to learn to play.

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I wouldn't bring my Larrivee, but I'd bring my Martin backpacker

I wouldn't bring my regular guitar, which is worth more than my bike.

I'd probably bring one of these along, although I've never tried them yet:

http://www.soloette.com/

Don't forget these:

http://www.travelerguitar.com/products/acousticelectric/escape-series/escape/

Well, you could always get a carbon fiber guitar. This fellow inmate has been traveling with his CF viola and it's held up great.

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=397152&highlight=viola-tor

I used to hitch hike back in the day with a cheap Yamaha guitar in a cardboard case. That thing went through all sorts of weather and only got better sounding. I ended up getting rid of it and keeping my better guitar but wish I'd kept it.

I've also carried my small bass rig on the bike, but without any other luggage. 210 cabinet lashed to the carrier-deck-ish thing on the back and a small 500-watt head just fits in a Happy Trails pannier. I do believe if I can find a satisfactory way to strap the bass to the other pannier I'll just ride to gigs..

John

"Depends on your priorities."

That's what the fellow said when I asked about the guitar he was carrying. He was through-hiking the Appalachian Trail (i.e. end-to-end) in 1970. I was just backpacking a short section (canvas pack and cotton/poly sleeping bag and all).

Please excuse the non-motorcycle content, but his reply still applies.

Bingo.

I have no particular musical tendencies, but met a British guy in Mauritania who's a few months into his 2-year RTW trip and he's carrying an acoustic guitar which folds in half where the body meets the neck.

Looked pretty sweet, no idea of the brand or cost.

His blog's at http://intotheride.wordpress.com/

Not enough room to carry a guitar.