What Instrument Should You Bring On The Road?

The first and most correct answer is obviously whatever is the least hassle to check on an airplane (and least money!). This week I’m visiting a good friend in Oahu, Hawaii— I’m not sure when the next time is that I’ll be able to buy round-trip tickets for less than $300, and room for free! The air mattress and heat is nearly unbearable, but wow, it’s Hawaii.

I noticed that choosing the right instrument to cart along inspires valuable output. I boldly brought along my nicest electric, my American Pro II Jazzmaster. She’s spectacular, feels great, looks even better. We may end up playing a little show here, so I wanted amplification capacity. I sat down with it the other night and knocked out four very fleshed-out song ideas in twenty minutes. It just kept coming!

I think that the effort I put into hauling the heavy case around, bag-checking, and bringing something that makes me look legit really pays off more than I expected. People see me pick it up and expect me to nail some cool sounds, even when it’s not plugged in. I expect myself to meet the expectation— so I did. If we give ourselves high-standards when we’re out on the road, meeting new people, and looking to prove our mettle, we’re gonna perform at our peak.

Does that mean I won’t get similar outcomes with a cheap little travel guitar? Can’t tell you at this point, I don’t own one. I’m trying to write a song for each day I’m here this week, so this head start gives me some breathing room as time goes on.