Looking for a guitar that’s compact, sounds good, and doesn’t break the bank?
You should definitely check out the Harley Benton GS-Travel. It’s one of those guitars that might surprise you—in a good way.
Let’s dig into why this little guitar is such a great option for players of all levels.
Main Features of the Harley Benton GS-Travel
So, what makes the Harley Benton GS-Travel stand out? Here’s a look at the features that matter.
1. Body and Wood Choices
The GS-Travel has a mini travel Grand Symphony body shape, which is just fancy talk for a smaller guitar that still delivers some decent projection. The body is made from selected mahogany, which gives it a warm, rich tone.
That’s the kind of sound that works whether you’re strumming away at home or out on the go. Mahogany is great for enhancing the midrange, so you get a balanced sound—warm, but not muddy.
One of the more interesting things about the GS-Travel is the arched body bottom. That’s something you don’t see every day, especially at this price point.
The arched back gives the guitar a bit more volume and resonance than you’d expect from a smaller body. It also makes it more comfortable to hold, which is always a win when you’re playing for longer periods.
Here’s the sound demo.
2. Neck and Playability
The neck is made from Okoume, a strong, lightweight wood that’s great for travel guitars. It’s got a V-shaped neck profile, which might not be for everyone, but it offers a solid grip.
Personally, I like the V-neck for barre chords—it feels like you can get a little more leverage. The fingerboard is made from Amaranth, and while it’s not the fanciest wood, it does the job just fine.
It has a 305 mm fingerboard radius, which makes playing chords and leads equally comfortable. The scale length is a bit shorter at 596 mm, so it’s easier to manage, especially for players with smaller hands. And the 43 mm nut width gives you enough room to move your fingers around comfortably. It’s got 20 frets, which is pretty standard for an acoustic of this size, but they’re well-finished and easy to play on.
3. Hardware and Tuning Stability
The Black Deluxe die-cast machine heads are a nice touch, keeping the guitar in tune better than I expected for something in this price range.
The bridge is also made from Amaranth, which ties in nicely with the fingerboard. It’s solid, and I didn’t notice any weird buzzing or intonation issues.
It comes strung with HB .012 – .053 strings, which feel pretty good out of the box. The strings are light enough for easy playing but still offer enough tension to give you a full sound.
Plus, it comes with a gig bag, which, let’s be honest, is super handy if you’re planning on taking this guitar with you on trips or even just to a buddy’s house.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact and portable size makes it easy to carry around.
- Mahogany body delivers a warm, balanced tone that works for different playing styles.
- V-neck profile offers great grip and feels solid, especially for barre chords.
- Comes with a gig bag, so you’re ready to hit the road right away.
- Arched back adds extra volume and resonance.
- Solid tuning stability with the Black Deluxe machine heads.
Cons:
- The V-neck profile might not be everyone’s favorite—it’s a bit of an acquired taste.
- Because of the smaller body, it doesn’t have the same booming projection as a full-size guitar.
- The Amaranth fingerboard isn’t the most luxurious wood, but it still feels fine for the price.
Who Is the Harley Benton GS-Travel For?
So, who’s this guitar for? Honestly, the GS-Travel is great for anyone looking for a small, easy-to-play acoustic guitar that they can take anywhere. It’s perfect for:
- Travelers: As the name suggests, this guitar is made for travel. It’s small, light, and comes with a gig bag, making it easy to take along wherever you’re going.
- Beginners: The smaller size and shorter scale make it less intimidating for beginners, especially younger players or anyone who finds full-size guitars a bit overwhelming.
- Casual Players: If you’re someone who just likes having a guitar around for casual jams, the GS-Travel is perfect. It’s easy to pick up and play, and you won’t have to worry about it taking up too much space.
- Smaller-handed players: The compact size and shorter scale length make it comfortable for those with smaller hands.
It’s also a great backup guitar for more experienced players who just want something portable to play with. Maybe you’ve already got a full-size acoustic that you love, but you don’t want to drag it around everywhere. That’s where the GS-Travel comes in.
My Rating
Alright, let’s talk numbers. On a scale from 1 to 10, I’d rate the Harley Benton GS-Travel at a solid 8.5/10.
It’s got a lot going for it, especially at this price point. The mahogany body gives it a tone that punches above its weight class, and the V-neck profile—while not for everyone—offers a unique playing experience. The fact that it comes with a gig bag is a nice bonus, too.
There are a few minor drawbacks, like the V-neck might not be to everyone’s taste, and the Amaranth fingerboard isn’t the most premium, but for what you’re paying, it’s a killer deal.
Want to see it in action? Head over to my YouTube channels, Strefa Gitar and Best Guitars Now, where I’ve got demos, reviews, and all the nitty-gritty details to help you decide if the GS-Travel is the guitar for you.
Alternative Option
For those who are looking for something even cheaper – have a look at the Harley Benton CG-45.
I had the pleasure to test it out and it was just awesome! It’s a bit different than GS-Travel though, but it’s still worth it.
FAQ
Is the Harley Benton GS-Travel a good choice for beginners?
Definitely! The compact size and shorter scale make it really easy to handle, especially for beginners. It’s less overwhelming than a full-size guitar, and the mahogany body gives it a warm tone that’s forgiving for new players.
How does the sound compare to a full-size guitar?
It’s not going to be as loud or booming as a full-size guitar, but the GS-Travel still delivers a surprisingly full sound for its size. The arched back adds a bit of extra volume and resonance, so it doesn’t feel too “small” in terms of tone.
Does it come with a case or gig bag?
Yep, it sure does! The GS-Travel comes with a gig bag, which is a huge plus if you’re planning to travel with it. It’s sturdy enough to protect the guitar on short trips.
How well does it stay in tune?
Pretty well, actually. The Black Deluxe die-cast machine heads do a great job of keeping it in tune. Even after a few hours of playing, I didn’t notice any major tuning issues.
What are the strings like?
It comes with HB .012 – .053 strings, which are a good middle ground for acoustic players. They’re light enough to make playing easy but still provide a full, balanced sound. Of course, you can always swap them out for your preferred brand or gauge.
Is the V-neck comfortable?
That depends. The V-neck profile offers a different feel compared to a standard rounded neck. Some players love it for barre chords because it gives a little extra support, while others might find it takes some getting used to. If you haven’t tried a V-neck before, it might feel a bit strange at first, but it’s worth giving it a shot.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the Harley Benton GS-Travel is a fantastic little guitar that offers a lot of bang for your buck. Whether you’re a beginner, a frequent traveler, or just someone who wants a smaller guitar to mess around with, this one’s got you covered.
It’s got a warm tone, is easy to play, and doesn’t take up a ton of space. Plus, with the included gig bag, you’re all set to take it wherever you need to go.
So, if you’re looking for a guitar that’s compact, sounds great, and doesn’t cost a fortune, the Harley Benton GS-Travel is definitely worth checking out.
