Stringing The Ultra-Light Traveler Guitar: A Step-By-Step Guide

The Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light is a full-scale travel guitar that is designed to be small, lightweight, and portable. It features a proprietary In-Body Tuning System that eliminates the need for a headstock, resulting in a shorter and lighter instrument compared to a typical full-size guitar. The Ultra-Light series includes acoustic, electric, classical, and bass models in various colours. This guitar is ideal for musicians who want a compact and convenient instrument without compromising on the full-scale playing experience.

Tuning the guitar

Using a Tuner

If you're using an electronic tuner, first make sure it's calibrated. If it displays a series of numbers, the correct calibration is A 440 Hz. If you see different numbers, consult the instructions to change the frequency. If there are no numbers displayed, your tuner is most likely permanently set to A 440 Hz.

Next, make sure the tuner displays the correct note name for each string. For example, you want the low E string to show as an "E" on the tuner, even if it's still out of tune. Once the string is displaying the right note name, begin to fine-tune until the needle on your tuner is in the middle or the tuner turns green. Repeat this process for each string, then go back and check that each string is still in tune.

Tuning by Ear

If you want to tune your guitar by ear, you can use a method that has been used by thousands, if not millions, of guitarists. First, make sure your low E string is in tune. You can use another guitar, a piano, or an electronic pitch as a reference.

Next, fret the 5th fret of the E string and play an A note. Let the A note ring out, then pluck the open A string. Listen closely to make sure their pitches sound exactly the same. If they don't, figure out whether the 5th string is higher or lower and adjust it accordingly. Turn the tuning peg clockwise to make it higher or anticlockwise to make it lower.

Continue this process for the rest of the strings, tuning each string to match the note on the 5th fret of the string below. The only exception is the B string, which you'll tune to match the B note played on the 4th fret of the G string. Finally, tune the high E string to match the E note played on the 5th fret of the B string.

Alternate Tuning Methods

In addition to tuning by ear or by phone, there are several other alternate tuning methods you can try. Here are a few:

• Tuning with a piano or keyboard: Using the standard tuning of a guitar (EADGBE), play the corresponding note on a piano or keyboard for each guitar string. For example, the low E string on the guitar corresponds to the note E on the piano/keyboard. Tune the string until it matches the pitch of the key on the piano. Repeat this process for all strings.
• Tuning with a pitch pipe: Using a chromatic pitch pipe, blow the low E note. Then, pluck the low E string on your guitar and compare the sound with the pitch pipe. Adjust the string until they match. Repeat this process for all strings.
• Tuning with a tuning fork: Start by gently striking the tuning fork against a firm surface. Most standard tuning forks are set to A. As soon as your tuning fork starts ringing out, pluck the A string on your guitar and adjust it to match. Once the A string is in tune, use it as a reference point to tune the other strings.

String types

The Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Acoustic Guitar is fitted with D'Addario EJ15 strings.

There are two main types of guitar strings: steel and nylon. Steel strings are generally used for electric guitars, while nylon strings are used for classical guitars. However, there are several subcategories of strings within these two main types.

Steel strings are further categorised into nickel, brass, and bronze. Nickel and steel strings are used for electric instruments, while brass and bronze are used for acoustics. Nickel-plated steel strings are a popular choice for electric guitars as they offer a balanced and clear tone with a nice mid-range. Pure nickel strings are less popular but offer a warmer and fuller sound. Stainless steel strings are the least popular option and are known for their bright sound and sticky feel.

Bronze strings are the original string for steel string acoustics and are known for their bright and crisp tone. Phosphor bronze strings, on the other hand, offer a warmer and richer sound and have a longer lifespan. Brass strings, often known as 80/20 bronze, produce a bright and clear metallic sound.

Nylon strings are typically used for folk, flamenco, and classical styles of guitar playing. They are made from composite materials, combining nylon with silver-plated copper or tungsten. They have a warm tone and a soft feel, making them easier on the fingers.

When choosing guitar strings, it's important to consider the type of guitar, the desired sound, and the playing style. Lighter gauge strings are easier to play and are suitable for beginners, while heavier gauge strings offer more volume and sustain.

Strap use

The Traveler Ultra-Light Acoustic Electric Guitar is a great option for those seeking a compact, lightweight, and easily portable guitar without compromising on the full-scale playing experience. It is small enough to fit in an airline overhead bin, making it perfect for travel.

The Traveler Ultra-Light Acoustic Electric Guitar can be hung from a guitar strap on your upper torso, as mentioned in a review by a user. This allows for easy and comfortable playing while standing.

To attach a strap to your guitar, you will need to identify the two strap buttons, typically located at the bottom right corner of the guitar body and at the upper left curve of the body. These buttons may be covered with plastic film or protective tape, which you can remove.

Next, you will need to acquire a suitable guitar strap. Look for one that is adjustable and made of durable materials such as leather or high-quality fabric. The strap should have two holes or slots at each end, designed to fit over the strap buttons.

To attach the strap, feed one end through the hole or slot and slide it down the button until it reaches the base of the guitar. Repeat this process for the other end of the strap, ensuring that the strap is securely attached to both buttons. Adjust the strap to a comfortable length, ensuring that the guitar hangs at a suitable height.

When wearing the guitar with the strap, ensure that it is positioned correctly. The guitar should hang at a comfortable height, with the body resting against your torso and the neck easily reachable. The headstock should be angled slightly upwards, and the guitar body should be secure against your body without being too tight or restrictive.

With the strap correctly adjusted, you can now play your Traveler Ultra-Light Acoustic Electric Guitar while standing, allowing for greater freedom of movement and a more dynamic performance.

Truss rods

All Traveler Guitar instruments have fully adjustable truss rods. These rods are located inside the neck of the guitar and are used to stabilise the neck and prevent bending. Adjusting the truss rod can help to correct issues with the guitar's intonation and action, such as fret buzz.

Adjusting the truss rod on your guitar can void the warranty, so it is important to only adjust it if necessary and to do so carefully. To adjust the truss rod, you will need to loosen or tighten it using an Allen key. This will depend on your guitar and whether the neck needs to be corrected by increasing or decreasing the amount of relief. If you are unsure about how to adjust your truss rod, it is recommended to take your guitar to a guitar technician or repair shop.

If you are experiencing issues with your guitar's action, it may be necessary to adjust the truss rod. However, it is important to note that adjusting the truss rod should be a last resort, as it can be a delicate process. Before adjusting the truss rod, try to correct the issue by adjusting the string height at the bridge or the nut. If you decide to adjust the truss rod, make sure to do so in small increments and check the action after each adjustment to avoid over-correcting.

Plugging into an amp

The Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light is a full-scale travel guitar that is substantially shorter and lighter than a typical full-size acoustic or electric guitar. The Ultra-Light Acoustic and the Ultra-Light Electric both feature a standard 1/4" audio output jack.

When plugging an electric guitar into an amp, it is important to follow a set of steps to avoid unwanted sounds and potential damage to your equipment. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to plug your Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light into an amp:

• Ensure that the amp is turned off and unplugged from the power source.
• Turn down all volume knobs on both the guitar and the amp to prevent any unwanted sounds or feedback.
• Take your guitar cable and plug one end into the jack on your guitar. The jack is typically located on the front or side of the guitar and looks like a metallic socket.
• Plug the other end of the guitar cable into the input jack on your amplifier.
• Turn on the amp and slowly adjust the volume knobs on both the guitar and the amp until you reach the desired volume.
• Experiment with the bass, mid, and treble knobs on your amp to achieve your preferred tone.

Additionally, if you are using guitar pedals or effects, you will need to connect them between the guitar and the amp using additional 1/4" cables. Guitar pedals can add a variety of distortions and effects to your sound.

Frequently asked questions