Chiquita Travel Guitar Review: Compact for Every Trip
Traveling with a full-size guitar is rarely convenient. Whether you’re jetting off to a new destination or backpacking across the country, space and portability become top concerns for musicians on the move. This is where the Chiquita travel guitar comes into play. Known for its compact design and impressive sound quality, the Chiquita has built a loyal following among guitarists looking for a reliable instrument they can take anywhere. In this in-depth review, we’ll explore everything from design and build quality to tone and playability, and help you decide if this travel-sized instrument is right for your musical adventures.
What Is the Chiquita Travel Guitar?
The Chiquita travel guitar is a short-scale electric guitar designed specifically for portability without compromising musical performance. Originally made famous by Erlewine Guitars, the Chiquita was even featured in the 1980s cult classic “Back to the Future” when Marty McFly blows out his amp. It’s a distinctively shaped guitar with a retro look that has stood the test of time.
Weighing in at just under 4 pounds and measuring about 28 inches in length, the Chiquita is one of the most compact electric guitars available. Its 19-fret neck and 23.5-inch scale make it smaller than a standard guitar, but it’s still capable of delivering powerful tones when plugged into an amp.
Design and Build Quality
One of the most appealing aspects of the Chiquita travel guitar is its unique design. The body is crafted from solid mahogany, giving it a warm resonance despite its small size. The neck is also mahogany, usually topped with a rosewood fretboard, which adds to the guitar’s durability and tone. The satin finish enhances its retro appearance and makes it a visually striking instrument.
The craftsmanship of the Chiquita is impressive, especially considering its niche as a travel guitar. Despite its small size, it doesn’t feel like a toy or novelty item. The build is solid, the hardware is high-quality, and the overall finish speaks to careful attention to detail.
Its minimalistic design includes a single humbucker pickup, volume knob, and a hardtail bridge. There’s no fancy tremolo system or multiple tone controls, which is actually an advantage when you want something quick and simple on the road.
Tone and Sound Quality
Let’s address the most critical concern for any electric guitar — sound. While you might not expect a small travel guitar to deliver on tone, the Chiquita travel guitar surprises many with its rich and punchy output. The single high-output humbucker provides a bold, clear tone that holds its own in both clean and distorted settings.
Through a clean amp, the Chiquita offers a crisp tone suitable for rhythm playing or light leads. When paired with distortion, it produces a gritty, bluesy sound with good sustain. The mahogany body adds warmth, while the humbucker brings out the mids and lows, giving it a thicker tone than most would expect from a guitar of this size.
Of course, it’s not going to replace a full-size Strat or Les Paul on stage, but for practice, travel, and even casual jamming, the Chiquita delivers more than enough tonal quality.
Playability and Comfort
The Chiquita’s shorter scale and light weight make it very comfortable to play, especially for those with smaller hands or beginners. The neck has a C-shape profile that feels natural and easy to grip. Fretting is smooth, and the action is typically set low, allowing for fast runs and easy chord transitions.
One potential downside is that the smaller size may take some getting used to, especially for players accustomed to full-scale guitars. The fret spacing is tighter, and some players might initially find it harder to adjust to the compact neck. However, after a short adjustment period, most users find it very playable.
The balance is surprisingly good. Unlike some small guitars that neck-dive due to weight distribution, the Chiquita is well-balanced when played seated or with a strap.
Portability and Convenience
This is where the Chiquita travel guitar truly shines. Its compact size makes it the perfect companion for musicians on the go. It easily fits in overhead compartments on airplanes, the backseat of a car, or even a large backpack. Unlike folding travel guitars that require assembly or setup, the Chiquita is always ready to play.
Whether you’re practicing in a hotel room, busking in a new city, or just want to have a guitar on hand while you travel, the Chiquita takes the stress out of traveling with an instrument. It’s durable enough to withstand the rigors of travel and compact enough to never feel like a burden.
Who Should Buy the Chiquita Travel Guitar?
The Chiquita is a fantastic option for a variety of musicians. It’s perfect for frequent travelers, van-lifers, and backpacking musicians who want an electric guitar they can rely on without hauling full-sized gear. It’s also a great second guitar for professionals who want to warm up backstage or practice silently through headphones and a portable amp.
If you’re a beginner looking for something lightweight and easy to handle, this could be a fun and practical first guitar. However, it’s important to note that some teachers may prefer starting with a standard-size instrument for foundational training.
Downsides to Consider
No guitar is perfect, and the Chiquita has a few limitations worth mentioning. Its single pickup configuration means it’s not the most versatile instrument in terms of tonal variety. Players who like to switch between neck and bridge tones will miss that flexibility.
Additionally, while it’s excellent for practice and portability, it’s not designed to be a main stage instrument for professional performances. It can hold up in a recording setting or jam session, but it lacks the dynamics of a multi-pickup or full-scale guitar.
Finally, its price point may be higher than some expect for a travel guitar. However, considering the craftsmanship and tone, most users feel the investment is worthwhile.
Alternatives to the Chiquita Travel Guitar
If you’re considering a travel guitar but aren’t sure the Chiquita is right for you, there are a few alternatives worth looking at. The Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light series offers ultra-compact, full-scale options with headphone amps built in. The Steinberger Spirit series offers headless guitars with a modern look and great playability. However, none quite match the retro charm and simplicity of the Chiquita.
User Feedback and Community Opinions
Reviews from real users generally praise the Chiquita for its sound, portability, and fun factor. Many musicians report using it for hotel room practice, van tours, and impromptu jam sessions. The tone is often described as “surprisingly powerful,” and most appreciate its solid build and smooth neck.
There are occasional comments about the tight fret spacing and lack of tone controls, but these are usually framed as trade-offs rather than deal-breakers.
Final Verdict
The Chiquita travel guitar is a niche instrument that manages to deliver both portability and serious sound. It’s not trying to be everything — and that’s its strength. By focusing on being a simple, compact, and reliable electric guitar, the Chiquita earns its place in the gear collection of any traveling musician. If you value portability without sacrificing tone, this guitar is an excellent choice.
Ready to take your music on the road? Whether you’re planning your next adventure or just want a no-fuss practice companion, the Chiquita travel guitar is a reliable and stylish solution. Check it out online or visit your local guitar shop to experience it for yourself — you won’t be disappointed.
FAQs
What is the Chiquita travel guitar good for?
The Chiquita travel guitar is ideal for practicing while traveling, warming up backstage, or playing in small spaces. It’s perfect for musicians who want a compact electric guitar with solid tone and no setup hassle.
Is the Chiquita travel guitar full scale?
No, the Chiquita features a shorter 23.5-inch scale. This makes it more compact and portable, though it may take some adjustment for players used to full-scale instruments.
Can the Chiquita travel guitar be used for recording?
Yes, the Chiquita can be used for home recording or casual studio sessions. Its single humbucker produces a strong, clean tone that holds up well in both clean and overdriven settings.
Does the Chiquita travel guitar stay in tune?
Yes, the guitar generally holds its tuning well, thanks to high-quality tuners and a fixed bridge. However, like all guitars, it may need occasional tuning after transport or temperature changes.
How much does the Chiquita travel guitar cost?
The price can vary based on the seller and finish, but new models typically range between $400 and $600. Used models may be more affordable.
Is the Chiquita good for beginners?
It can be! Its small size and light weight make it easy to handle, though the shorter scale might be tricky for absolute beginners to adjust to.
