US Travel Guitar Market

Overview

The US travel guitar market size is forecast to reach USD 366 million by 2029, after growing at a CAGR of 4.81% during 2024-2029. Music, travel, and sports are popular leisure activities around the world. These hobbies provide a reprieve from their hurried and monotonous lives. Learning to play musical instruments, such as the guitar, is becoming increasingly popular as a leisure activity worldwide. The growing popularity of music-related leisure activities is a major driver of the US travel guitar market expansion.
Travel guitars feature significantly smaller frames than standard guitars. Because of its small, it is readily transported on an aircraft. Aside from being economically priced, travel guitars are an excellent alternative. For example, the Little Martin (on Amazon) may cost $500 or less. Travel guitars are perfect for smaller-framed musicians and children because they are lightweight and portable. Beginners, young children, and players with small hands can all benefit from a travel guitar. Travel guitars are even intended for traveling and hiking.

Report Coverage

The report “US Travel Guitar Market– Forecast (2024-2029)”, by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments of the US travel guitar market.
By Type: Acoustic Travel Guitar, Electric Travel Guitar (Standard Electric Travel Guitar, Detachable Neck Electric Guitar), Acoustic-Electric Travel Guitar (Hybrid), Classical Travel Guitar
By Product Type: Carbon Fiber Travel Guitar, Wooden Travel Guitar
By Size: 3/4 size Guitar, 1/2 Size Guitar
By End-User: Professional Musicians, Amateur Musicians, Music Schools

Key Takeaways

• The increasing prevalence of music festivals and fairs in the United States presents a significant opportunity for the travel guitar market. These events, characterized by diverse musical performances, large audiences, and a vibrant atmosphere, create a favorable environment for the promotion and adoption of travel guitars. Manufacturers of travel guitars have the opportunity to actively engage with musicians during music festivals and fairs. Setting up booths, conducting product demonstrations, and allowing musicians to try out instruments can create a direct and positive impact on sales.
• “Practice on the Go Feature” drives the US travel guitar market which addresses the needs of musicians who require a portable instrument for practice sessions in various settings during travel downtime. Whether on vacation, business trips, or outdoor adventures, musicians can have a portable instrument to accompany them, contributing to a well-rounded lifestyle.
• The rise in music education programs in schools creates a demand for portable instruments like travel guitars. The federal K-12 law, known as the Every Student Succeeds Act (or ESSA), focuses on providing a "well-rounded education" with 18 separate subject areas, including "music" and "the arts". The incorporation of music education within the federal K-12 law creates a conducive environment for the promotion and adoption of musical instruments like travel guitars.

By Type - Segment Analysis
Electric travel guitar dominated the US travel guitar market in 2023. The United States boasts a well-established digital retail landscape that facilitates players' exploration and acquisition of instruments, especially electric travel guitars, via e-commerce platforms. Effective internet marketing and distribution methods help make these guitars more visible and easily accessible.
Standard electric travel guitars are frequently compatible with portable amplifiers or can be readily connected to other audio equipment. They are therefore appropriate for artists who wish to travel with an electric guitar tone that they can rely on. The utility of electric travel guitars is improved by their connection with digital devices like recording interfaces and software-based effects. Musicians who wish to swiftly record their ideas and explore new creative possibilities welcome this connectivity.

By Product Type - Segment Analysis
Carbon fiber travel guitar dominated the US travel guitar market in 2023. Travel guitars made of carbon fiber are renowned for being lightweight. Musicians who favor mobility place a high value on this characteristic since it makes carrying the instrument easier for everyday commutes, travel, and outdoor activities. Carbon fiber guitars are popular among musicians who are constantly on the go because of their lightweight design. When it comes to physical shocks and temperature variations, carbon fiber travel guitars are more robust than standard wooden guitars. Artists who require a dependable instrument for traveling and different performing settings find its durability especially appealing.
For instance, Donner, a producer of cutting-edge and feature-rich musical instruments, has unveiled its newest instruments and audio equipment at the 2023 NAMM Show, which took place in, California, USA. Donner has revealed new models in its lineups of carbon fiber guitars, electric guitars from the Seeker Series, and headless guitars from the HUSH Series, offering both novice and expert players unique new possibilities and sensations. The preamp with a headphone output, aux-in connection, and removable neck-through-body of the HUSH-I models remains, making them the ideal practice and travel companions.

By Size - Segment Analysis
3/4 size Guitar dominated the US travel guitar market in 2023. For musicians who are always on the run, 3/4 size travel guitars provide a lightweight and portable option. Their compact size makes them convenient to transport on trips, in commuting scenarios, and in other locations with limited room. For musicians who require an instrument that can travel with them, this ease is quite attractive.
Travel guitars of the 3/4 size are frequently less expensive than those in the full size. They are available to a wider spectrum of musicians because of their affordability, including novices, students, and those searching for an inexpensive trip option. Consumer tastes, particularly those for musical instruments, have been impacted by the trend toward compact and minimalist living. 3/4 size travel guitars appeal to people who are adopting a minimalist lifestyle since they satisfy the desire for smaller, more manageable belongings.

By End User - Segment Analysis
Professional Musicians dominated the US travel guitar market in 2023. A professional musician is trained to perform solo or with colleagues for crowds and recordings. Professional musicians may perform in rock or jazz bands, classical orchestras, or as music teachers, either in schools or privately. It is difficult to determine the actual number of professional guitarists who make a living from music because the industry is relatively dispersed. However, a preliminary estimate implies that there are approximately 1 million guitarists in the United States, representing all genres and ability levels. It is worth mentioning that not all of them are professional musicians, with fewer than 10% earning a livelihood entirely from music. Nonetheless, the number of people aspiring to be professional guitarists grows year after year, as more people pursue their dream careers.

Drivers – US Travel Guitar Market
•    Increasing Need for Portability

• The travel guitar market is experiencing robust growth, primarily propelled by the increasing need for portability among musicians. In an era where mobility is a key lifestyle factor, musicians are seeking instruments that offer the perfect balance between compact design and exceptional playability. Integrating features like innovative materials such as carbon fiber, these instruments offer a contemporary solution for musicians who seek both portability and cutting-edge technology in their musical pursuits. For instance, in October 2020, Journey Instruments, which holds many patents for folding travel guitars, unveiled two new versions. Both guitars were designed in response to consumer demand for a solution to a specific travel challenge encountered by traveling artists.
• The Significant Surge in Popularity Among Younger Generations Bolsters the Market in the US  
• Younger generations often lead more mobile and active lifestyles. Travel guitars, being compact and portable, perfectly align with the on-the-go nature of millennials and Gen Z individuals who seek instruments that can accompany them seamlessly in various settings, from college campuses to outdoor events. In recent years, the guitar business has experienced a substantial increase in popularity among younger generations. This is supported by 2022 statistics by the US National Survey, which show that 17.5% of overall guitar sales in the year came from the 18-24 age group, with the 25-34 age group contributing 10.6%.
• Businesses may readily capitalize on the noticeable growth in guitar playing within this generation. This includes providing affordable beginner instruments, emphasizing the adaptability of guitars in many musical forms, and introducing current looks that appeal to a younger audience.

Challenges – US Travel Guitar Market
•    Long Replacement Cycle Impedes the Market Growth
The long replacement cycle is a notable challenge in the travel guitar market. Unlike certain consumer products that are frequently upgraded or replaced, musical instruments, including travel guitars, tend to have a longer replacement cycle. Musicians may not feel a pressing need to replace their travel guitars regularly. As a result, the market may experience a slower turnover of existing instruments, affecting the demand for new products.
New features and improvements introduced by manufacturers may take longer to be adopted by the majority of users. Musicians may be content with their existing instruments and less inclined to explore newer models with added functionalities. If musicians are satisfied with their current travel guitars, building brand loyalty becomes challenging for manufacturers.

•    Consumer Perception and Lack of Acceptance Hinder the Market
Musicians with larger hands may encounter specific issues when playing travel guitars due to their compact size. Convincing musicians to accept travel guitars as legitimate alternatives for various playing situations is a challenge. Lack of awareness and understanding about the benefits and use cases of travel guitars can hinder market acceptance. Comprehensive marketing and educational efforts are essential to communicate the value of these instruments. Overcoming traditional biases towards larger, more conventional instruments requires marketing efforts.

Market Landscape
Technology launches, acquisitions, and R&D activities are key strategies adopted by players in the US travel guitar market. In 2023, the classic US travel guitar market share has been consolidated by the major players accounting for 86% of the share. Major players in the classic US travel guitar market are Gibson Brands Inc., Taylor Guitars, Fender, Martin & Co. Inc., Yamaha Corporation of America, Traveler Guitar, Blackstar Amplification Ltd, and Ibanez guitars among others.

Developments:

• In April 2023, Nashville luthier Ciari which specializes in foldable travel guitar designs introduced its most recent model, the Ascender P90. The body is made of basswood and strongly chambered to accommodate the folding mechanism.
• In July 2020, Fender launched two new travel guitars that hinge at the neck and can be folded away for easy transport. The CD-140S VA and CD-60 VA include Fender's Voyage-Air innovative neck hinge, which allows players to fold the guitar in half and store it in a tiny case.

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