Montana MTG1 Travel Guitar

I bought this guitar while on vacation in Bar Harbor, Maine.
It is a decent sounding guitar albeit inexpensive.

Most of the features have been described here.
I will reiterate a few things.
The neck / fret board is near full size and that's really nice.
Nylon strings sound much better.
My luthier switched the cheap plastic/metal tuners for some nice metal tuners.
The lute shape of the guitar is quite interesting and distinctive visually. The wood is decent.
The nut and bridge are plastic, unfortunately.

The only complaint I really have about this guitar is that the neck is heavier than the body and wants to lean down ... it isn't very well balanced. To get around this you'll need a strap adjusted so that one end is tied up near the tuning controls. I'm a little concerned about this over the long term since there is no truss rod ... but so far so good, it makes it a lot easier to play.

The case is hard to get on and off, not really a great case, no pockets or anything but I figure w/ a little work on a sewing machine it could be made bigger and a pocket or two added. It is not protective but does allow for it to be easily carried.

For the $$ (which I overpaid b/c of where I bought it) it still is a great little guitar, fun to take on vacation.

My luthier insisted on steel strings for this, but after playing it awhile I switched to nylon strings yesterday.
It makes a big difference!

For its size this is a great travel companion.

The only drawback is that it seems to go out of tune easily, maybe just the nylon strings getting used to the guitar.

I replaced strings, the cheap tuning knobs and had it setup a bit.
Not that you'd expect this stuff to be top grade ... the guitar is decent and was worth it to me to topgrade (as much as that can be done).

This is a practice guitar, no more. It might be fun to bring it out as a novelty item, but I've not tried it.

The strap button in the back kept coming out so had to glue it.

Since there is no truss rod, I don't know ... but I'm not aggressive w/ my guitars so if you take care of it I'll bet it will hold up.

no warranty, don't expect anything here.

19 years (where did it go)?
I might buy it again if I could find one.
I love the portability and it is a cool little guitar.
I love the nylon string sound, but hate how it gets out of tune.
I looked at the Martin backpacker ... went w/ this one.
wish the bag was a little more thought out.

Only meaningful "features" are the very good solid spruce top, 24-inch scale in a very portable travel-size instrument, and the form included form-fitted backpacker style gig bag.

Sounded "OK" with the steel strings it came with. Better than the Martin Backpacker which I owned previously, but still fairly tinny as you might expect. However, when my youngest son asked to borrow it to take to the Burning Man Festival -- and asked me to string it with nylon strings as he plays a classical exclusively and isn't used to steel strings -- I discovered a whole new side of this instrument. To say the nylon strings transformed this little travel guitar would be a huge understatement. At one stroke the intonation issues, the nut and saddle which were too high and which I'd been meaning to work on but somehow never got around to, and the sound, especially the sound were completely resolved. Truth is, I no longer go anywhere without this little guitar; it has become my songwriting machine! No, of course the sound isn't really a "10" compared to any good "real" guitar, but compared to other travel instruments -- at least with the nylon strings installed -- i'ts an absolute joy.

With nylon strings installed the action is absolutely perfect as it came -- and I both repair and build custom guitars and other string instruments for a living. Finish etc. is actually OK for what it is, and what I paid.

Can't tell, but with nylon strings no reason I can see why this shouldn't last forever.

No idea. Never needed it, never will.

As already stated this guitar shines with nylon strings. A fantastic value. My old Martin Backpacker cost literally four times what I paid for this Montana, and didn't sound even half as good.

Made in Romania, don't know the year. All acoustic, no electronics. Purchased new in August 2005 for $74.00. Has 19 frets. Solid spruce top, looks like a pretty good piece of spruce. The quality of the top was the major attraction for me. It is actually a really good looking and lively, responsive, top. Had cheap tuners, the "G" string peg was bent and unusable when it arrived, didn't care as I immediately replaced tuners with higher quality mini-tuners which fit the guitar, and gig-bag, better. They say it is beech sides and back and rosewood bridge, but when I removed the saddle to reshape and lower it the wood in the bottom of the saddle slot looks like unpainted yellow pine. The finger board also appears to be painted yellow pine, (after six months the finish and paint is wearing off in often fingered locations of the neck and fingerboard). Neck is moderately thick, short scale length, no truss-rod but beefy enough without being difficult to play. When I replaced the tuners, reboring the tuner holes, the unpainted wood inside the holes in the tuning head also looked like yellow pine. The saddle was thick plastic and was almost flat across the top edge. It looked like it was broken off the edge of a larger sheet, the bottom was uneven. I sanded the bottom flat, gave it a correct angle from bass to treble end, and it was so thick that I filed a slight compensated shape and gave an angled to the top. The neck is flat across the frets and also flat along the length, the nut was the right height but saddle was too high. Even with the high saddle the bass strings rattled when flat picked, were OK if finger picked. Put on new strings (Elixir Electric light 10s )that I had lying around. These strings work better with the lower action and flat neck without rattling. Included a gig bag that was too small, but the mini-tuners helped the fit. All ratings are for travel guitars, can't really compare one of these little guys with something like a Gibson or Martin.

The solid top results in good resonance and sustain (for a travel guitar). Has surprisingly full and decent tone especially in the mid to treble range. The bass is weak, but hey, this is a small bodied, tear-drop shaped, travel guitar, and it is not made to support a bluegrass sound anyway. Sounds good, not even close to my 1956 Gibson J-50 or 1930s Ephiphone Archtop of course, but considering it is a small cheap travel guitar it has a surprising full and loud sound. Good intonation (checked with a tuner) and the tear-drop shape gives excellent access all the way to the 14th fret and beyond. Has a sweet, mandolin-like, tone when played gently between the 5th and 14th frets. Blues leads sound good if played along the fretboard on the four higher strings, and chords sound good if barred between the 3rd and 9th frets. Decent volume, but it doesn't really work for groups, even if just two of us, unless used with a mic and separate channel. I play with a friend, in church and at a local hospital. His dreadnought and this guitar make a good sounding duet when he plays the chords and bass runs at open position and I emphasize the mandolin vibe in the higher positions. It starts to rattle and distort if I try to flatpick bluegrass and or if I chase the bass riffs, but blues leads and fingerpicking sound good. Overall sound, remember this is for travel guitars, is among the best I have heard. Naturally the sound is no-where near a good quality large bodied acoustic.

Already talked about set-up, poorly made plastic bridge saddle (will get and fit a new one when I run across one in a store). Expect to do some work on this guitar but for the price it is part of the fun. Surprisingly good fret location and intonation for the price, but needs fret finish work. I will dress the frets and may try to give the neck some crown and relief. High gloss finish with no visible flaws, but is already showing wear where the pickguard would be if it had one and the paint is wearing off the neck and fingerboard. I don't care, got this guitar to travel, backpack, throw behind the seat and generally have available at all times to use and abuse.

I play everyday, write songs, practice. I keep the other guitars in their case in a closet and this one is always out and available, so it just gets played more. Play live a couple of times a week. Usually live playing is with the Gibson or Fender but am starting to work in this guitar at times for the novelty and mandolin-like sound. The new tuners will outlast the rest of the guitar, original tuners were poorly made. The finish is already wearing away after just six months. But it doesn't hurt the sound and is saving daily wear on my old Gibson. I expect this guitar will eventually need to be re-glued in places like the neck joint and fingerboard. The bridge is attached with tiny bolts through one of the two tiny top braces, hard to say what will happen over time, but the light gauge strings should help it last longer. This guitar may not last too long but I don't care, got this guitar to travel, backpack, throw behind the seat and generally have available at all times and anywhere to use and abuse. Oh, this guitar is almost impossible to play, in any position, without a strap. The shape causes it to constantly slide away. It has a glued in plastic endpin and I just got a light-weight padded nylon strap from an old camera bag and adapted it to use. The strap makes it more stable but it still takes getting used to playing as using the strap on this short guitar pulls the right hand position in toward your body.

I suppose it may have been possible to get the bent tuner replaced, but it was a $74.00 guitar and I wanted to put mini-tuners on it anyway so I did not even try. I doubt I will ever deal with the company. For me a big part of the fun of a cheap guitar is the freedom to expermiment on it myself.

Been playing since the mid-1960s. Have owned many guitars. Currently own a Gibson J-50, Fender Strat, and vintage Epi arch-top acoustic. I knew what I was getting with this guitar. I would replace it with another Montana Travel Guitar if lost. Love the small sixe and light weight for backbacking, used to carry a classical guitar in a hardshell case when I was younger, but now I go as light as possible. I compared it with other travel guitars, including the martin backpacker owned by a fellow hiker. The Martin Backpacker is better constructed, the Montana Traveler has a better sound. Since I wanted a guitar for a high risk environment and actually wanted to work on things like the saddle, tuners and nut myself it made sense to go with the better sound for a lower price. Overall this is a fantastic value in a travel guitar.

Solid top with budget parts. It has black painted binding, low-end tuners, plastic nut and saddle, and bridge is screwed in. Free bag was too small, so I had to resew part of it get the guitar to fit. But what should one expect for about $70?

This is where this guitar really shines. Nice sound and volume for a travel guitar. With steel strings it's excellent for the finger picking blues styles of Lonnie Johnson and Blind Lemon Jefferson. For strumming I found it only acceptable. One reviewer gave high marks when nylon strings are used, so I tried it. I found the nylon strings really improved the sound for strumming, but I didn't like the sound of the nylon treble strings, so I put the two steel treble strings on and it gave me a very nice sound, one that is good for strumming and blues finger style. The combination of nylon and steel strings also gives a nice sound when a cut capo is used. Finally, the nylon strings should help in the longevity of the instrument as it has no truss rod.

Action is high.

Seems like a reliable guitar. It doesn't look like it will fall apart by itself.

None needed.

I have been playing guitar for about 30 years. I currently own an Ovation and a Gibson J-30. This Montana doesn't sing like my J-30, but it sounds very nice for a travel guitar. And at $70 it is a great value.

It's from Romania; not sure what year it was made. Comes with an unpadded back-packer gig bag. The top is spruce; the back and sides are advetised as beechwood. The neck is thick with no truss rod--mine was slightly bowed. There are 19 frets and low-end tuning gears that seem to work okay.

This little tear-drop shaped guitar puts out remarkable volume, and the treble strings have a pure, pleasing sound. The bass strings are kind of funky, though. Overall, the instrument has a bright sound, maybe a cross between a resonator and a mandolin. The intonation sounds decent.

It's a nice-looking guitar. You see it and want to start struming the thing. (Just the right size for practicing in the bathroom--if you're into multi-tasking.)

My biggest knock is the action--it is high. Chords near the nut are easy enough to play, but fretting high up the neck requires pretty strong hands. I like to noodle around with jazz chords, and that's a challenge with this baby.(Though, as some folks have suggested, the high action should be good for slide playing.) Also, the bass strings are spaced closer together than the other strings.

I wonder if lowering the saddle would cure the action--or cause fret buzz? I suspect such surgery would cost more than the guitar. If the action were better, I would love this instrument whole-heartedly. As it is, it seems ideal for my purposes: A cheap, playable axe that will fit in the airplane overhead, and won't worry me too much if gets banged up.

You wouldn't want to play Carnegie Hall with this guitar. And I'm not sure how it will hold up to rugged use. But I can't wait to take this on my next vacation. I always long to play the guitar on my travels, but don't dare risk my good guitar in the hands of the TSA.

The warranty is supposed to be one year. The online shop in Alabama was friendly; the guitar arrived quickly. I have not tested customer support.

I bought the Montana MTG1 travel guitar last week based largely on reviews posted here, which were on the money. Note: A strap is an essential add-on to hold this guitar. QUESTION: Someone posted that they fashioned a plastic case from a $15 field archer case. I went hunting for such a case, but they all were gigantic--defeating the purpose of a travel guitar. Next, I looked at plastic rifle cases and utility boxes at Sears, Walmart,Sports Authority, etc., but could not find anything in the right size. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

Brand new 2004, made in Romania has 19 frets solid top acoustic. Spruce top laminated back with Beech sides, pieced neck no truss rod. the finish is smooth and slick as melted glass. The body style is that of a mandolin 2 1/2 " deep. The bridge is somewhat better than a Kay or Harmony but inexpensive. The tuners are bottom of the line but seem to work ok. The neck is comfortable for my Huge hands but should be great for the average. It came with what I used to call a nylon sock bag, slides in from one end and a zipper closure.

Is a good pratiice guitar but also fine for some folk solos. The tone is close to a full sized guitar. There are no noises or buzzing This guitar works fine as a inexpensive travel guitar for the laid back Bluesy Dude. Only problem I find it is hard to set down anywhere due to its shape, it has a tendancy to fall over or get knocked out of its stand. I see damage coming in the future

This little in size but big in sound guitar came out of its sack like a jewel shining finish no nicks or flaws. It took me several week to notice that it was a pieced neck. All the metal shined like gold.

I think that if kept in the home out of the threat of other people not seeing it or stepping or sitting on it all bodes well but you have to move about to perform so I am betting it gets broken somewhere down the line, but at the price I would for sure buy another. I would not gig solo with out a back up because it is a bit too high pitched in the bass for every type of music

never had to have anything done to it so support is unknown. I got a 90 day warranty from the dealer

Started playing in 1963 in a fine Garage Band "Soul Purpose" have just restarted playing out again 5 years ago. If this was stolen or lost I would buy another. I likr the dreadnnaught sound in the mandolin body. I own over 40 other guitars including 2 Martin Backpackers I like this better as it is easier to play and fullbody sound. A sound hole pick up would be work well with it

Inside label says Distributed by "Karman Music Incorporated"
Made in Romania, and of corse model MTG1

Spruce ( or Pine ) top

It Resonates like no other acoustic on high notes!
INCREDIBLE With Nylon strings.
I bought this guitar as a small practice guitar. I decided to change out the metal strings ( it sounded a little too twangy). To my surprise this little guitar sounds better( on higher strings/notes) than some top of the line acoustics. The small body resonates much better at higher notes than regular size acoustic guitars.
-The shape of the body makes reaching high notes easy and sounds great!

- Tuning pegs are what you paid for, it needs tuning more often. But worth the price for high note resonance.
- Fret board action is good but fret wear happens quickly.

- I have played this ( with nylon strings only ) on stage for a couple of higher noted solos. i.e REMs "Loosing my Religion" solo, and a few others that need a cross between a mandolin and guitar sound. The small body resonates much better at higher notes than full body acoustic guitars. It really has a niche in our gigs.

- I have a feeling this guitar will break some day, So far it has fallen over from leaning against a wall about 20 times. It is still in great shape. But for the price I would by another.

- I have been playing about 18 years.
- This is a great practice guitar and can be used on stage for selected solos.
- The Price, the access to high notes, and classic feel with nylon strings is great. I wish I had this as my first guitar. Instead of trying to learn solos that my fingers could not reach. It is inexpensive but easy to play a full range of notes.

Basic travel guitar. Very much worth the money , regular neck, decent sound for the size. Attractive with a nice finish. Good tuners, no problem tuning or keeping tuned.Button on the bottom for strap.

Good sound for small guitar, better than Martin backpacker at less than half the price. Bright, loud sound.

No flaws that I can see, very attractive instrument. Low/medium action.

Not a guitar that you would use for live playing unless it was around a campfire. Seems sturdy enough, I've banged it around enough taking it to/from work. Great practice instrument.

N/A

Overall, I think that if you are looking for a practice or travel axe, this could be it. Factoring in price, looks, and playability, it was a very good bargain. Just don't expect it to sound like a full bodied guitar and you won't be disappointed.

No year was made, there is actually a pin on the bottom of the guitar to allow you to strap it but I just haven't gotten one yet, the nut seems pretty bad, it seems like it slips off or something...but no biggie once the string is tightened its ok, don't look at its small size, the sound is great, beautiful. Being a classical guitarist, I find this steel guitar an acceptable substitute if not better. This cute thing will baffle anyone who sees it and wouldn't believe that its a guitar. For this price, its definitely worth more than the price.

Ofcourse its not as good as a big one, but for its size its awesome. It really sounds good especially for ones who are on the road. I am a college student living in a dorm and there aren't any space for a full size guitar, so i picked this one, and the sound was nothing less than what i expected. It does take sometime to tune this beast as it does take a while to get used to its unique kind-of mandolin like sound.

The guitar was nicely put together. Except for the nut that i mentioned before, i suppose they didn't glue it enough to the top neck of the guitar, but other wise everything is good, the bag that comes with it doesn't do crap, no protection at all, might as well carry it without the bag, but the bag does look cute.

I usually take care of things carefully so it seems like that everything is fine. For now that is, but again, don't count on the bags, they do nothing at all. Just cute. Its kinda hard to play at first sitting, but once u get used to it, you'll be playing so much u wouldn't put it down.

I bought it off activemusician. They really are awesome, good shipping price, good price for the gutiar itself, I ordered it on early sunday morning, just past the midnight of saturday and i got it on thursday, takes 2 business days to process, 2 days to ship. Extremely fast and I am really satisfied. Don't know about the warranty...never paid attention to it, since i'm assuming or hoping it would last for a while...

Its awesome. Its cheap and Definitely worth the price, better than the martin backpacker that is worth twice the price, and this delivers nothing less. Pick this one if you're looking for something that sounds pretty good, small, easy to carry, cute, guitar to carry around, and impress people. This is the one.

I purchased my MTG-1 from ActiveMusician for about $79.
My expectations were low--considering the price!--but I am pleased.
My intent was to have something to drag around when I couldn't risk my full size classical. A Soloette would be better for classical practice, but it is too expensive for me.

The label inside the soundhole indicates a Romanian production but no serial number or year that I can find.

The guitar is small but although awkward to hold can be played in one's lap; a strap or cushion might help.

The gig bag is cute but I wouldn't count on it for any protection--too thin.
Instead, I purchased a plastic field arrow case from a sports shop, glued a few pieces of styrofoam inside, and I have a "hard" case for $15!

It's a steel string and while there is no truss rod, I haven't had a problem yet after a month of use.

The importer recommends using .012 strings at heaviest: their preference is D?Addario EXP16 or Adamas 1818.

In town, no merchant carries anything but the BackPacker at a high price: in my opinion this little guitar sounds better, looks prettier, and is a lot less expensive.
It may not be as durable in the long haul, but I can't play a fretted tree stump.

I play classical. As a steel string guitar with a narrower neck it's difficult to fully use the Montana MTG-1 as a perfect practice or travel clone, but the compromise is acceptable.

The sound from this steel string mandolin-lookalike is pretty loud, louder than that of a BackPacker I tried out, and to me it sounds a lot better!
The one caveat is that on my unit the 6th string doesn't sound very resonant or pleasing--retuning down or up off standard pitch helped somewhat.

It's a pretty guitar, with apparently a solid top and a nice finish (polyurethane?).
The only defects I saw were some signs of sloppiness on the fretboard where uneveness in application of the finish was evident on either side of the fretboard. Otherwise, it looks nicely finished.
No rattles. It feels solid. It stays in tune.
The action is low enough to be usable for classical style, although string spacing is a bit tight, of course.

I would not use this for a gig. For practice, knockaround, travel--absolutely.

I purchased through ActiveMusician (Wholenote.com) and have received responses to my inquiries from the owner himself despite my low order $total.

A five year warranty is included.

For the price, which is very low, this is an excellent guitar for travel and knockaround. As a quiet practice guitar it's too loud!