Pro-Series Standard: Quality Sound in a Travel-Sized Guitar
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Introduction to Pro-Series Standard
I’m not going to lie—I’ve never owned or played the Pro-Series Standard by Traveler Guitar. But, I do have the Speedster model from the same company, and I’m a huge fan. So, when I started hearing about the Pro-Series Standard, I was curious. What makes this particular travel-sized guitar stand out? Let’s dive in.
Overview of the Pro-Series Standard Guitar
The Pro-Series Standard is one of those guitars that makes you do a double-take. It’s compact, yet it doesn’t skimp on sound quality. It’s designed to be the ultimate travel companion for guitarists who want to take their music on the road without sacrificing tone or playability.
Now, just to set the record straight, this isn’t a full-sized guitar. But for its size, it packs quite a punch. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of guitars—versatile, portable, and surprisingly robust.
Specifications of the Pro-Series Standard
Here’s a quick rundown of the key specs:
•Audio Output: STANDARD 1/4 IN. JACK
•Body: EASTERN AMERICAN HARD MAPLE
•Body Thickness: 1.5 IN.
•Body Width: 5.25 IN. (LAP-REST STOWED)
•Construction: NECK-THROUGH-BODY
•Electronics: PASSIVE ELECTRONICS W/ 3-WAY PICKUP SELECTOR, VOLUME/BLEND/VOLUME CONTROLS
•Fingerboard: BLACK WALNUT
•Finish: ANTIQUE BROWN SATIN FINISH, NATURAL SATIN, MATTE BLACK
•Frets: 22 MEDIUM
•Gig Bag LxWxH: 30 X 7.5 X 3.5 (IN.)
•Hardware: CHROME 14:1 GEAR RATIO (CLOSED GEAR)
•Neck: EASTERN AMERICAN HARD MAPLE
•Neck Radius: 15.75 IN.
•Neck Width at Nut: 1.75 IN.
•Overall Depth: 2 IN.
•Overall Length: 28 IN.
•Pickup(s): TRAVELER UNDER-SADDLE PIEZO AND ALNICO SINGLE-COIL
•Scale Length: 24.75 IN
•Weight: 3 LBS. 8 OZ.
•Weight in Gig Bag:4 LBS. 6 OZ
The construction quality is on point. Eastern American hard maple is no joke—it’s a sturdy, reliable wood that’s known for durability. The black walnut fingerboard adds a nice touch, giving it a smooth, comfortable feel while playing.
Sound Quality and Playability
So, what about the sound? This is where the Pro-Series Standard really shines. You’d think that a guitar this small wouldn’t have much oomph, but you’d be wrong. The under-saddle piezo pickup does a fantastic job of amplifying the guitar’s natural tone. Whether you’re playing through an amp or using the onboard headphone amp for some quiet practice, the sound is rich and full.
Now, it’s not going to replace your full-sized acoustic or electric in a live setting, but for a travel guitar, it’s impressive. The scale length of 24 3/4″ is a bit shorter than what you might be used to, but it’s still very playable. The medium frets are just right—not too high, not too low. I find that shorter scale lengths can sometimes make bends a little tricky, but this one seems to have a good balance.
Pros and Cons
No guitar is perfect, and the Pro-Series Standard is no exception. Here’s what I see as its pros and cons:
Pros:
- Portability: At just over 3 lbs and 28″ long, this guitar is ridiculously easy to travel with. It’s a no-brainer for road trips, camping, or even just practicing in different spots around your house.
- Sound Quality: The piezo pickup delivers a surprisingly rich sound for such a small instrument. It won’t replace your main guitar, but it holds its own.
- Build Quality: The use of Eastern American hard maple and black walnut gives this guitar a solid, well-crafted feel.
- Onboard Electronics: The custom headphone amp is a great addition for quiet practice, and the standard 1/4″ output makes it easy to plug in and play anywhere.
Cons:
- Scale Length: While the shorter scale is great for portability, it might take some getting used to if you’re accustomed to full-sized guitars.
- Limited Acoustic Volume: This is more of a plug-in guitar. Don’t expect a loud acoustic performance without amplification.
- Price Point: It’s not the cheapest travel guitar out there, but you’re paying for quality. Still, it might be a bit steep for those on a tight budget.
My Take on the Pro-Series Standard
Even though I haven’t personally played the Pro-Series Standard, my experience with Traveler Guitar’s Speedster model gives me a good sense of what to expect. The company knows how to build a travel guitar that doesn’t feel like a toy. They strike a nice balance between portability and playability, which is exactly what most of us are looking for in a travel guitar.
If you’re someone who’s constantly on the move and can’t bear to be without a guitar, this model is worth considering. The fact that it’s so compact yet still delivers a decent sound makes it a great option for anyone from beginners to seasoned pros.
FAQ
Q: Is the Pro-Series Standard suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, it could be. The smaller size might actually be easier for beginners to handle, although the shorter scale length might take some getting used to.
Q: Can I use the Pro-Series Standard for live performances?
A: Technically, yes, you can. However, keep in mind that it’s not going to produce the same volume or depth as a full-sized guitar, so it’s better suited for practice or casual gigs rather than full-blown performances.
Q: Does it come with a gig bag or case?
A: Yes, Traveler Guitar usually includes a gig bag with their models, which is a nice touch considering the portability focus of the guitar.
Q: How does it compare to other travel guitars?
A: From what I’ve heard and based on my experience with Traveler Guitar’s other models, the Pro-Series Standard holds up well against competitors. It’s well-built and has a richer sound than many other travel guitars in its class.
Final Thoughts
The Pro-Series Standard by Traveler Guitar is a solid choice for any guitarist who needs a reliable, portable instrument. It’s not going to replace your main guitar, but it’s perfect for those times when you’re on the move and still want to keep your chops up. The sound quality, build, and portability make it a worthy investment. If you’ve been on the fence about getting a travel guitar, this one’s worth a closer look.
So, there you have it. My take on the Pro-Series Standard, even though I haven’t played it myself—yet. Maybe that’s the next step. Who knows?
