Ha!
Admittedly, this was my second guitar in a series of five for this trip.
People say never take an instrument on the road, but I think those people don't really play instruments to begin with, so don't understand the benefits. I went a total of three weeks with out a Guitar before my fingers started to itch. The guitar you see above was the best $20 Pesos I have spent, at least for the couple of weeks it remained in-tact. Bits of this guitar still litter highway number 2 in Baja.
Travelling often requires a serious amount of downtime, and an instrument is a great way of forgetting some of the stress of the road. A guitar is perfect for a party, or just sitting around the campfire playing to yourself. I wrote some great tunes when I was floating around the Americas for a few months. Travelling with an instrument, and some ability to play it, breaks the ice, allows you to meet some of the most fascinating locals, gets you invited to all the best shindigs, lets you experience a side of a culture you wouldn't have knowen existed.
If the bulk worries you, there are a number of small, light, instruments that can be packed. A mouth organ instantly springs to mind, a triangle, a shaker, two bits of wood that make a nice sound when banged together, a dead badger... use your imagination.
So, yes, it can be done. It goes completely against the mantra of packing light, but for me the benefits outweighed the bulk. Just thought i'd share
Peace,
Jonno
P.s. Hi Patrick! I've been meaning to email, will do soon.
Linear Mode
