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8 Best Carbon Fiber Guitars 2024

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Traditionally, most acoustic guitars are made from wood.

These days, you can find luthiers pushing the limits and experimenting with a variety of materials – concrete, epoxy resin, copper pipe, and more.

But compared to these, carbon fiber is a little more commonplace, and a little less outside the box. That said, it’s still not to the point where every guitar brand has their own carbon fiber models.

So, is carbon fiber just a fad? Or are there advantages that make these guitars worthwhile?

You may already know the answer to those questions, but in the sections that follow, we will be looking at the best carbon fiber guitars and answer your top questions concerning them.

Table of Contents

Deluxe KLOS Black Carbon Fiber Full Size Acoustic Guitar Kit

The Deluxe KLOS Hybrid series full size acoustic guitar kit comes with a gig bag, strap, capo, and other great accessories to have on hand for adjustments. Given its premium price tag, it’s nice to see these inclusions.

The guitar itself has a conventional dreadnought body style, and so what stands out most is its black exterior against the brown bridge and mahogany neck with a Brazilian cherry fretboard.

The body is lightweight while resistant to humidity, temperature changes, as well as damage (as is the case with carbon fiber in general). The hybrid fingerboard is made of wood and is reinforced with a carbon fiber stiffening rod to offer both playability and longevity.

One of the great things about KLOS guitars is that their necks are detachable and foldable, so they take up less space and make for great travel guitars.

The Deluxe model features D’Addario EXP26 strings, Graph Tech Ratio tuners, black TUSQ nut and saddle, as well as a Fishman Sonitone pickup, making this a versatile guitar for practice and performance.

As for the guitar’s tone? What can I say? It sounds great! It offers both warmth and punch, a nicely balanced, round tone all told. Very clear, great definition.

Buyers thought it was a beautiful guitar, comfortable and easy to play, with a great tone.

Some had issues with the size of the guitar as well as the neck and string spacing and didn’t like the axe’s tone either. As we’ll explore later, though, carbon fiber guitars do feature a distinctly different tone compared to wooden guitars.

Item weight: 8.03 lbs.

Package dimensions: 23.78 x 17.95 x 5.91 inches

Journey Instruments 0F660 Carbon Fiber Travel Guitar

Wait a second… Is this thing broken? No, it’s the Journey Instruments 0F660 carbon fiber travel guitar (compare price Sweetwater , Amazon )! And yes, it does come with a collapsible design, as advertised.

In case black gloss doesn’t suit your style, this axe also comes in matte black, matte red, matte navy blue, black (standard), purple, red, and dark black gloss.

The 0F660 carbon fiber guitar comes with a unidirectional carbon fiber soundboard with proprietary carbon fiber bracing, mid-position offset sound hole (allegedly for increased resonance), a collapsible neck system, and a fiberglass reinforced carbon fiber sides and back. It also comes with a TSA compliant carry bag.

Again, as with the KLOS, this guitar’s tone is surprising. Punchy, bright, warm, and smooth. And it seems to respond incredibly well to fingerpicking, but it isn’t half bad for strumming either.

Customers said they found this axe great sounding, durable, and great looking.

There were those who liked the KLOS guitar better though.

Item weight: 4.1 lbs.

Package dimensions: 35.5 x 12.5 x 4.64 inches

LAVA ME Pro Carbon Fiber Guitar With Effects

LAVA’s ME PRO carbon fiber guitar is on the cutting-edge of innovation in carbon fiber guitars, and if you’re looking for an axe that’s the meeting place of technology and art, this one should not be ignored.

Designed with stage performance in mind, the full-size guitar features a built-in L2 PRO preamp system (developed alongside L.R. Baggs), along with effects like tap-tempo delay, reverb, chorus, and a Turbo mode for a 50% volume boost (great for soloing).

The curved back is reminiscent of Ovation guitars. Which means you’re probably either going to “love it” or “hate it,” but given that it’s a stage guitar, and you would generally be using it with a strap, this design choice doesn’t seem outlandish.

It has a surprisingly nice tone unplugged. Very balanced, no boom, clear and warm. The effects are also quite usable and fun, especially since it doesn’t require the use of a separate amplifier .

The plugged-in sound offers more twang, making it great for leads and soloing.

Reviewers said this guitar is an experience. It looks sharp, feels sturdy, and has a great sound overall.

Less enthusiastic buyers said they had issues with the action, and didn’t think the sound justified the price.

Item weight: Unknown

Package dimensions: 40.6 x 4.4 x 15.3 inches

The Emerald X20 Carbon Fiber Guitar

Made by Emerald Guitars, the X20 is their best seller. It’s not hard to see why when so much attention to detail has been put into it.

Take for example the design. While we all love the traditional acoustic guitar, it’s hardly made for a comfortable play. This is addressed in the X20’s ergonomic design, with the guitar being molded to fit comfortably into your leg while playing. Another ergonomic feature includes the removal of a heel, meaning you can get your thumb into the end of the fretboard.

While many carbon fiber guitars are black, one of the things that really makes the X20 stand out is it’s fully customizable . Some things you can customize include:

• The color and style of the carbon fiber.
• The style of the pickup or bridge.
• The fretboard’s radius.
• The length of the guitar’s scales.

Add to that the ability to include custom wood veneers, the Hiscox Hard Case that comes included, and the fact well know guitarists such as Steve Vai and Justin Johnson trust Emerald Guitars for their custom instruments, this is definitely worth a look.

Price wise it’s at the higher end of the market, but with all the custom options available, this could be the carbon fiber guitar for you.

Enya EA-X4E Pro Carbon Fiber Acoustic Electric Guitar

The Enya EA-X4E Pro carbon fiber acoustic electric guitar has a lot on offer. The attractive cutaway body shape for starters. The bundle, with hard case and leather strap is also good value.

With a carbon fiber composite design, the guitar is obviously sturdy, and it is well-suited to those who are looking for a full-size guitar, as opposed to a travel companion.

The AcousticPlus pickup system, like the LAVA guitars, gives you access to reverb, chorus, and delay, and that’s a nice touch too.

It is a great deal overall, but it sounds just okay. It’s not bad, just not the best we’ve heard so far.

Buyers were mostly happy with the guitar. Some said it had some quality control issues and needed to be set up to work optimally though.

Item weight: 15.5 lbs.

Package dimensions: 45.7 x 20 x 8 inches

LAVA ME 2 Carbon Fiber Guitar With Effects

Like I said earlier, we have one more LAVA MUSIC guitar to cover, and that’s the LAVA ME 2 36” acoustic-electric travel guitar . If you’re not happy with the blue, you can also find it in black, orange, pink, and white.

This small-bodied travel guitar has a unique unibody design with a one-piece injection molded technology. The L2 pickup system allows for reverb, delay, and chorus without a cable or even an amp. Of course, that’s what made LAVA MUSIC guitars in the first place.

The LAVA ME 2 sounds great with effects and responds nicely to fingerpicking and strumming alike. It has a round tone overall, but in this case, it’s quite pleasant, and it sounds great in a mix too. It doesn’t have a multi-touch screen like the ME 3, but the ME 3 is an evolution of this guitar, after all.

Buyers liked the guitar for travel, thought it was nicely made and durable, and enjoyed its clean tone.

Some had trouble replacing the battery, while others said they weren’t thrilled with the workmanship of the axe.

Item weight: 12.87 lbs.

Package dimensions: 4.63 x 12.7 x 36.87 inches

LAVA ME 3 Smartguitar Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar

Having already introduced one LAVA guitar, you probably have a sense of what we’re getting into here. But all three models are on this list, because they are clearly some of the best carbon fiber axes available, though they are more suited to performance than travel.

The LAVA ME 3 Smartguitar comes in several attractive colors, including the pictured space grey, as well as white, blue, light gold, pink, and red.

One of the ME 3’s unique features are its multi-touch screen (replacing the knobs from the ME 2) that allows you to add and customize effects. It even has a tuner, metronome, scale and chord diagrams, ear training lessons, recording capabilities, and other great features. All this without the need for a cable, and it has its own charging dock too.

Its tone is a little round (as you might expect from an all-laminate guitar), and it’s simply not going to compare to a wooden guitar. But once the effects are added, you can get a very satisfying tone out of this instrument. And that’s really what it’s been made for!

If you know what you’re getting going in, you will likely be quite satisfied with this guitar. There isn’t anything quite like it out there, so the ME 3 is a unique value proposition, and it will be worth it for those who could benefit from the onboard functionality.

Item weight: 13.77 lbs.

Package dimensions: 38 x 4.8 x 14.1 inches

Enya Nova Go Carbon Fiber 1/2 Size Acoustic Guitar Starter Bundle

Sure to be a hit among children and adults alike, the conveniently sized and stylish Enya Nova Go acoustic guitar starter bundle is the most budget friendly option on this list, and a great entry point into the world of carbon fiber guitars, especially if you’re not sure whether you’re ready to make a big commitment.

Its Les Paul style body gives it instant appeal, and further, it’s available in plenty of fun colors – black, blue, pink, purple, and white (with all sporting a bit of a “pastel” look).

The Nova Go is made of composite carbon fiber material and is less susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity. Its smaller size makes it a viable choice for kids and even those with small arms / hands.

I’m quite impressed with the tone of the guitar considering its smaller size and carbon fiber construction. It certainly sounds like a smaller guitar, but still has a balanced, warm, rounded tone with good separation and clarity.

Buyers said they found it to be a playable travel guitar with a great sound and a great look.

Some didn’t like that it was heavier than they wanted it to be and had preferences in terms of gauge of strings used, but other than that, there didn’t seem to be too many complaints of substance for this instrument.

Item weight: 8.98 lbs.

Package dimensions: 39.25 x 15.56 x 5.06 inches

What Should I Look For In A Carbon Fiber Guitar?

First, you need to identify whether a carbon fiber guitar is right for you. Wooden guitars obviously have a longer history and are still the go-to for most players, with their authentic, wooden warmth.

That said, there are many advantages to a carbon fiber guitar, and we’ll be exploring this is more detail in the sections that follow. In general, carbon fiber guitars are often selected for their tone, durability, and versatility.

Once you’re sure that a carbon fiber guitar is what you’re looking for, there are a few factors that should be considered. They are as follows:

• Playability
• Electronics and / or effects

Let’s have a look at how these factors apply to shopping for a carbon fiber guitar below.

Tone & Sound

It has been my observation that carbon fiber guitars sound quite good. They have great projection, plenty of warmth and depth. Even on the high end, they have plenty of punch. They do have a distinctly different sound than wooden guitars, though, and if you’re not sure what I mean, it would be worth checking out some comparisons and demos on YouTube.

Carbon fiber guitars can cost from about $250 to $1700 and up, so is there a difference in tone depending on the price point?

Yes, there is. Some carbon fiber guitars feature wooden necks (with carbon fiber reinforcement). They all tend to have different builds with different body shapes, and the size, shape, and design of sound holes also vary considerably.

And so, while more expensive isn’t always better, it’s fair to say there are some features you’re just not going to get for less than $800. At the end of the day, it all depends on what you’re going for, though, and you certainly shouldn’t pay more for features you don’t need.

Either try out the guitars in person or have a listen to some demos to figure out what you like and don’t like.

Comfort & Playability

Generally, we find carbon fiber guitars to be just as playable and comfortable as wooden guitars. Of course, there is a difference in weight, with carbon fiber guitars generally being a little heavier than wooden guitars.

We’ve heard some complaints about the strings being a little high, string spacing being a little narrow, and so on. The issue of action can typically be solved with adjustments to the truss rod, or with a new pair of strings, but not all carbon fiber guitars have truss rods, so that might be something to look out for.

Also, if you bought a LAVA ME Pro, you would have a guitar with a rounded back (like an Ovation), and some people aren’t crazy about that. Like I said, your best bet is to try the guitar for yourself, and barring that, watch as many demos and reviews as possible, so you know what you’re buying.

Durability is quite possibly one of the strongest aspects of a carbon fiber guitar. Carbon fiber is incredibly robust, and there are even videos of trucks running over instruments made of carbon fiber and they don’t take any damage (still, we don’t recommend trying this at home)!

Carbon fiber guitars are also less susceptible – and in some cases not susceptible – to the elements, weather, temperature, or humidity. This is the opposite of wooden guitars, which shrink and expand with changes in temperature or humidity.

Again, there are videos where people have left their carbon fiber axes in a pile of snow with no ill effects. We don’t necessarily recommend being careless with your guitar, but it does go to show just how much abuse a carbon fiber guitar can take.

Electronics & Effects

Carbon fibers are at their versatile best when they come with pickups, and built-in effects.

An acoustic-electric guitar will prove a great companion for an open mic, jam, or any kind of live performance where you can amplify, and the guitars with built-in effects certainly saves you from having to buy and set up separate effects pedals to achieve a comparable effect.

Do you need a pickup? Or effects? Those would be the questions to ask. To be fair, most carbon fiber guitars do come with electronics, and there are several options featuring effects as well.

Budgetary Considerations

If you need to narrow down your options a little further, then it would be worth considering your wallet.

We’re not saying not to buy expensive guitars, but we certainly wouldn’t advise going into debt to purchase musical gear. If you must have a guitar you can’t pay for right now, we’d urge you to save up for the purchase.

With options between $250 and $1,700 (though most are $800 and up), you at least have a few different products to choose from without losing your shirt.

Carbon Fiber Vs. Wood Vs. Other Guitars – Which One Should I Choose?

Where convention is bucked, you will find controversy. And so, it is with carbon fiber guitars. There are skeptics, there are believers, there are plenty of shades in between.

There’s no denying that carbon fiber guitars have a different sound compared to wooden guitars. But it is not unwelcomed. Generally, they have a deep, warm, booming sound with strong projection accompanied by clarity and attack in the high end. As we all know, though, tone is in the ear of the listener and is a subjective criterion.

Carbon fiber guitars usually have stronger projection and volume compared to wooden guitars as well. And that’s neither good nor bad, but certainly good when you’re playing acoustically in a room where you need your guitar to be heard.

Another advantage of a carbon fiber guitar is that, unlike wood, it doesn’t shrink or expand. And that means no matter where you take it, you’re basically good to go. I’m not saying that you won’t have to tune it, but overall, you will find that carbon fiber instruments are stable.

One other difference is durability. Wood simply cannot match the robustness of carbon fiber, but that also means carbon fiber guitars are usually heavier than wooden guitars. For the most part, you shouldn’t need to worry about cracking and breakage, though, as you might with a wooden guitar.

So, it might sound like I’m saying carbon fiber guitars are superior in every way, and that’s simply not the case. Many people still prefer the tone of an acoustic guitar to that of a carbon fiber guitar. That goes for comfort and playability too. The weight of carbon fiber can be a turnoff to some as well. But it is safe to say there aren’t too many other downsides to carbon fiber guitars.

At the end of the day, you want to select a guitar that’s right for you. When it comes to acoustic guitars, materials do make a big difference. And as much as possible, you should buy an axe that you know you’re going to be happy with.

What Are The Best Carbon Fiber Guitar Brands?

There are a limited number of carbon fiber guitar brands out there, but what follows are unmistakably some of the top brands. Here’s an overview of each.

KLOS Guitars

KLOS Guitars is a newcomer to instruments in general, and their name reflects their sleek, modern, innovative brand.

KLOS Guitars was founded by Adam and Ian Klosowiak. As the legend goes, Adam left the window open in his college dorm room one day, only to return to discover that his wooden travel guitar’s body had cracked. And that was the beginning of KLOS.

KLOS Guitars makes travel guitars, full size guitars, electric guitars and basses, tenor ukuleles, and accessories.

Given that their brand is committed primarily to the creation of carbon fiber instruments, it wouldn’t be too much of an exaggeration to say they are one of the authorities in the market.

Journey Instruments

Journey Instruments was founded by Rob Bailey in 2011. His consulting work took him everywhere, and he loved to play guitar, but after a while, hauling around a full-size instrument everywhere started getting old.

After spending hours upon hours in research on guitar forums, Bailey began work, alongside his engineers, to design and create a collapsible travel guitar. A great example of someone who found a way to scratch his own itch.

Yes, Journey Instruments offers collapsible guitars. That’s not something you’ll see every day.

In addition to collapsible carbon fiber travel guitars, though, they also make collapsible wooden travel guitars, collapsible travel basses, touring and student guitars, ukuleles, cases, accessories, merch, pickups, parts, and more.

If a collapsible guitar is what you want, there aren’t too many other places to look.

ENYA MUSIC is a global music company based in Houston, TX. Their website doesn’t say much about their origins or how they got to where they are today, but it does explain how they got their name.

“En” means humble or thankful, and “Ya” means elegant.

ENYA MUSIC makes ukuleles, guitars, and other gear. Most of their guitars are quite affordable, and they have a mix of wooden and innovative carbon fiber models.

Their “Nova” series of carbon fiber acoustic guitars is especially eye-catching with their Les Paul style bodies and are quite affordable to boot.

Last but certainly not least, we’ll have a look at LAVA MUSIC , who’s making waves with their ME series of guitars – ME 3, ME 2, and ME PRO (also seen above). In addition, they make carbon fiber ukuleles (U series) and accessories.

LAVA MUSIC was founded in 2013 by Louis Luk, a Musicians Institute graduate. They’ve focused ruthlessly on creating musical instruments with new acoustic structures and materials and they are constantly exploring the meeting place of art and technology.

From what we can tell, the company is committed to the development of a few solid futuristic products versus taking the “shotgun” approach to building many models to see which sticks.

Top Carbon Fiber Guitars, Final Thoughts

Carbon fiber guitars are incredibly versatile. Most come with pickups. Many of them come with effects. These are fast becoming standard features.

Carbon fiber guitars are also durable. They might weigh a little more than wooden guitars, but they make up for it in sheer robustness. You would be hard pressed to damage a carbon fiber guitar, even if you subject it to the elements.

You will also find that, in many cases, carbon fiber guitars make for great travel guitars. There’s always some compromise involved in traditional travel models, but with a carbon fiber guitar you basically don’t need to worry about damage.

Carbon fiber guitars, though, aren’t for everyone. So do your homework before buying. Happy shopping!

Side note, do you want to learn to play guitar songs the easy way? Learn how here – results are guaranteed !

Best Carbon Fiber Guitars: Review & Buyer’s Guide

Looking for the the best carbon fiber guitars?

Well, you’re in the right place!

You might be here out of curiosity. Or you might be ready to buy into the next-gen of guitar manufacturing.

Either way, let’s talk about the new kids on the block—carbon fiber guitars.

Luthiers have been facing a bit of an issue. Tone wood supplies are declining. Not to mention wood is vulnerable in varying humidity levels.

While we may be a long way from wooden instruments becoming extinct, manufacturers are seeking innovative solutions and long-term alternatives.

Are carbon fiber guitars the answer?

It’s still early days since the invention of carbon fiber guitars. But there’s already some amazing available.

You’ll find all the best carbon fiber guitars available today in this article. So let’s dive into the future.

What is a Carbon Fiber Guitar?

Carbon fibers are robust, low weight fibers approx 5 to 10 micrometers in diameter. They have a tolerance to humidity which makes them a popular material in aerospace, military, and motorsports. Seen as a modern alternative to the wooden guitar. Guitars made of carbon fiber are durable and lightweight. 

The 6 Best Carbon Fiber Guitars 

• LAVA ME 2 Carbon Fiber Guitar – Editor’s Choice
• Enya X4 Carbon Fiber AcousticPlus Guitar – Best Value
• KLOS Black Carbon Fiber Travel Acoustic Guitar – Budget Pick
• Rainsong Black Ice Series BI-WS1000N2 – Premium Option

KLOS Black Carbon Fiber Full Size Acoustic Guitar

Mcpherson carbon sable acoustic-electric guitar, lava me 2 carbon fiber guitar.

The LAVA ME 2 is an innovative unibody carbon fiber guitar. It's one-piece molded technology makes it comfortable to hold and gives it excellent acoustic performance.

Your introduction into the world of carbon fiber guitars comes courtesy of LAVA. They believe the future of the guitar has the potential to be better than the past.

So how could you improve the traditional guitar?

A common annoyance for players is the weight of the guitar. When stood on stage with a weighty guitar on your shoulder—it can take its toll.

So weighing 3.7 pounds, the ME 2 won’t be dragging you down. To put this in some perspective, it’s lighter than most laptops.

At 36 inches long, the modest size will contribute to minimizing its weight. But even considering its size—it’s still lightweight.

The smaller size has its benefits for guitarists with smaller hands . So if the standard body is causing you issues—take the ME 2 for a spin.

While the 36-inch length might work for some. If you’re used to full-sized guitars—the ¾ size could be an issue. You may find it difficult to maneuver and quite claustrophobic.

It comes in a trendy and sturdy bag. So when you pop it inside and bam—you’re ready to travel in style. And you can do so with confidence in the case’s strength.

Now, let’s talk about the Free Boost Technology.

The L2 pickups allow you to experiment with reverb, delay, and chorus. Now, effects aren’t anything new. But the revolutionary feature is—you can engage these effects when playing acoustic. Without an amp, no VSTs, no pedals, and not a cable in sight.

The ease in which you can apply effects is a selling point.

It’s a feature of many benefits. None more so than when songwriting. Ambient effects are a great tool for broadening your horizons.

The downsides of the Free Boost tech is that the chorus and delay are exclusive. You can’t use both at the same time.

While you can adjust the time of the delay. For recording, you may need a more sophisticated delay that will allow you to sync the delay speed.

This injection-molded one-piece has many charms. It looks like it’s from the future and sounds brighter than most. The lightweight package makes it a dream for the on-the-go songwriter.

• Lightweight
• Bright sound
• Size ideal for travel
• Free Boost Technology effects (reverb, delay, and chorus)
• Exclusive use of either delay or chorus

Read Also: The 10 Best Thin-Body Acoustic Guitars

Enya X4 Carbon Fiber AcousticPlus Guitar

The Enya X4 Pro is one of the most versatile carbon fiber guitars we've tested with its patented AcousticPlus pickup system that allows you to apply effects without plugging into an amp.

Carbon fiber guitars are all about reinventing the wheel. The location of the soundhole on the X4 does this.

It’s a brave move by Enya. Offset, at the upper part of the body, the soundhole is close to the guitarist.

So what’s the point in re-locating something that’s been in the same place for so long?

Well, Enya claims that offset soundholes project the sound better. It’d be difficult to argue. This is a loud acoustic that’ll have no worries projecting to an audience.

Beyond the practicalities, the rainbow decoration compliments the glossy black body. It’s peak fashion.

The cutaway design is ideal for lead guitarists wanting to reach the high frets. This is a deep cut, leaving unobstructed access for all your shredding needs.

If rhythm guitar is your thing, it’ll sound great too. While playability is good in general, there have been reports that the action is too high. So prepare yourself to make some neck adjustments if the action isn’t the best.

Like the LAVE ME 2, the X4 gives you access to chorus and reverb effects with no need for amps or external pedals.

If you’re relying on these effects, the ME 2 might be a better option. The reverb is unnatural on the X4, and the dials are cheap to feel.

This is a Chinese-made carbon fiber guitar but competes with American-made counterparts.

Enya has offices in Houston, TX. So you don’t have to worry about long delivery and customer support should you need.

What it does well, it does with prime precision. So if you are looking for a cutaway, that’ll accommodate high riffs and keep its tune. This is a durable and cost-effective contender.

• Affordability
• Loud output
• Cutaway body
• Gold-Plated tuning gears
• High action
• Loose dials that can easily change volume if knocked by accident

KLOS Black Carbon Fiber Travel Acoustic Guitar

The KLOS carbon fiber travel acoustic guitar offers incredible durability in a compact form factor making it convenient for carrying it with you on the go.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could take your carbon fiber guitar with you wherever you went?

So there are travel guitars and then there is the KLOS travel acoustic guitar.

There are no reservations in saying that this is going to be the best option for a traveler.

How can you be so sure?

Well, it’s durable, it won’t crack, and it’s resistant to heat changes. Whether you throw this Klos guitar in an airplane hold or as hand luggage. There’s a resistance to humidity change.

This acoustic travel guitar has a low weight (2.88 lbs), which makes sure that if low budget airlines try to sting you with fees, The charges you encounter will be a lot smaller.

But now for the punchline. You can remove the neck!

KLOS is unique in being the only carbon fiber guitar manufacturer with this feature. They also make the neck of premium mahogany so you get the finest of past and present.

Best of all, the gig back allows you to carry the guitar like you would a backpack. With or without, the neck attached.

This is a superb feature, but it can take a few goes to get the hang of it. Any potential buyer should watch the official video on how to remove the neck. This will give a deeper knowledge of what’s involved in the removal.

The KLOS travel guitar is a rich and balanced sounding guitar. It has the endurance of carbon fiber but the wooden neck adds an element of tradition in tone.

Made in the USA you can have peace of mind this is a long-term investment. And it’s an investment that’ll see you ready to go upon arrival.

It comes complete with everything you need. You’ll have the gig bag with a custom neck sleeve for added protection. The gig bag also has a rain cover for soggy days.

Let’s not forget the top-end guitar strap and aluminum capo.

If you’re thinking you’re going to need to visit a hardware store to get some tools. Fear not. The KLOS branded screwdriver is on hand. Also included the hex wrench that can fine-tune the neck truss rod.

It’s a brilliant choice for the travel hardened or someone short on space. And all at the more affordable end of the spectrum.

• Detachable neck
• Rich balanced sound
• Carbon fiber body v mahogany neck
• Difficult to assemble once neck removed.

Rainsong Black Ice Series BI-WS1000N2 Graphite Acoustic-Electric Guitar

If you're looking for the best of the best when it comes to carbon fiber guitars, then you really can't beat the Rainsong Black Ice Series guitar.

Rainsong has an ever-growing catalog of carbon fiber guitars. The Black Ice Series BI-WS1000N2 is their most adventurous on looks alone.

The body has a soundboard with a geometric-pattern. It’s a pattern that has reinvented the way manufacturers can use carbon fiber.

If you like to stand out from the crowd. The artfulness in design will turn heads. Crafted with attention to detail, each design is unique.

So how does it sound?

There’s an unmistakable clarity to each note. The high notes chime and the low notes are deep. The commonality is that each note will explode from the guitar. This guitar resonates with a penetrative tone.

Reaching each note won’t be a problem either. The cutaway is deep that begs for you to travel up the fretboard.

The ability to project all notes is down to the design. The deep chamber creates rich bass. The narrow waist and tight upper allow for the chime and treble to go forth. It’s well balanced in sound.

The Black Ice is a long-term investment that’ll stand the test of time. It’s a green alternative to wood that has a dynamic sound regardless of where you sit on the fretboard.

Looks alone will be the deciding factor whether it finds its way into your collection. And this will be instantaneous, with one look you’ll know whether it’s for you.

So what do you think?

• Balanced tone
• Strong projection
• Includes hardshell case
• Mother-of-pearl shark inlays
• Aesthetics not for purists

This carbon fiber guitar gives you all the features of a full-sized guitar, with of portability of a travel guitar due to its detachable neck.

Do you like the idea of a carbon fiber mahogany hybrid, but in full size?

You may find the travel-sized option quite difficult to play. If so, KLOS has you covered.

This KLOS carbon fiber guitar has all the benefits of durability but in a full-sized package.

Talking of durability. Now’s a good time to mention the extent of the endurance of KLOS carbon fiber guitars. Look at the promo of this video and you’ll see a truck running its wheels over the body of the guitar.

The guitar remains resolute and unaffected. Quite the way to prove the strength in these guitars!

So if you’re tired of cracking guitars—this carbon fiber acoustic guitar could be a great fit for you.

Let’s talk about playability. The full-scale Brazilian Cherry wood fingerboard is smooth. It’s a touch of the past on a guitar of the future.

It’s all assembled and finished by luthiers in the USA. Living up to expectations you can expect skilled craftsmanship and sweet action.

The mahogany neck isn’t shy of the advantages of carbon fiber. Securing the wood’s longevity are the stiffening rods constructed from carbon fiber.

You have the option of an electro-acoustic. This is where KLOS falls short. There is quite a jump in price for the addition of a pickup.

If you’re sold on the full-sized KLOS but are desperate for electric connectivity. You could opt for the acoustic version and invest in a pickup to suit your style. It might save you some money.

This KLOS is a favorite, and it’s clear to see why. It balances past and future with class.

The dreadnaught shape is one of tradition. But this is every bit a progression in guitar making. Its revolutionary lightweight, strong, and bellows a beautiful resonate sound.

• Full-sized guitar
• Resonate sound
• Removable neck
• The USA made craftsmanship
• Price jump to electro-acoustic

If you're looking for a best-in-class carbon fiber guitar that will last you a lifetime, then this McPherson guitar is the way to go.

Last but not least, the McPherson Carbon Sable.

It’s one of the upper-priced carbon fiber guitars, so let’s see what you get for your buck.

Well, it’s carbon fiber in every sense. Carbon fiber top with composite back and sides. Carbon fiber neck fingerboard and bridge. Full carbon fiber design will go a long way to explaining the price.

With this makeup, this guitar assures durability.

Not only are you free of the risk of snapping wood. The perseverance of the neck and the Schaller M6 tuners ensure this guitar will hold its tune.

For the guitarist who’s partial to some alternative tunings, take note. You can duck and dive your way around open tunings without a worry.

So this could be a reliable pick for stage use. The stability in tuning gives you the confidence to do what you do best—perform.

When you need plug-in capabilities, this is a top pick. There’s an L.R Baggs Element pickup. Now, these are top of the range. Further proof comes in the artists who use these pickups in their acoustics. The Lumineers, Brad Paisley, Of Monster And Men, to name a few.

The pickups are every bit professional. But it isn’t a case of throwing in a top of the range pickup and hoping for the best. Voiced for carbon fiber, the A-Class A Endpin preamp is fine-tuned to suit.

It’s a versatile choice with its powerful yet intricate sound. It excels in every area of playing whether that’s finger playing or strumming. Whatever your skill level, it’ll meet your demands.

The McPherson Carbon Sable is worth every dime. But for some, the price tag could be the biggest deterrent.

• Fully carbon fiber
• A-Class A Endpin Preamp
• L.R Baggs Element pickups
• Attractive Hardshell case included
• Expensive option

Carbon Fiber Guitars Vs Wood Guitars: What’s the Difference?

Carbon fiber guitars are here to compete with the traditional wooden guitar. So what separates them apart?

The biggest difference is the most obvious—the look. Carbon Fiber guitars will not have a wooden finish. They have a woven look that is comparable to a herringbone style.

To generalize, they are black finished, although other colors are becoming available.

Companies like Rainsong are pioneering the look of carbon fiber. They’re pushing boundaries to replicate the look of guitars from yesteryear.

But there’s still more of a variety with wooden acoustic guitars. They come in an array of colors and finishes and appear more natural.

But wood is susceptible to the damages of swings in temperature and humidity. There’s no such concern with carbon fiber guitars, they’ll withstand extreme temperature changes.

So what about sound? The sound is closer than you’d think. Carbon fiber guitars will compete with wooden ones that fall in a similar price range. It takes a well-trained ear to hear subtle nuanced differences in tonality.

There is a warmth to wood that is hard to replicate. Whereas, carbon fiber will deliver a clearer metallic sound in contrast. But it’s very slight differences.

Carbon Fiber Guitars: Pros and Cons

So it’s time to lay it all out on the line for you to contemplate. What are the pros and cons of carbon fiber guitars?

• Durability – It’s a standout feature of carbon fiber guitars—they’re robust. You’re buying an instrument that’ll be by your side in years to come.
• Lightweight – Carbon fiber is lightweight. Holding a guitar made of this material for long periods won’t cause aches.
• Clear and loud – You’ll notice that carbon fiber guitars are loud. They project better than most and resonate with clarity.
• Consistency – The chances of buying a dud are rare. Man-made material ensures production will be consistent for each guitar.
• Cost – There isn’t a cheap version of carbon fiber, this is reflective in the cost. If you’re searching for a guitar with a budget of a few hundred bucks—carbon fiber will be out of reach.
• Vintage aged sound – Vintage guitars are in demand. One reason for this is that the aged woods create an unreplicable sound. A carbon fiber guitar won’t develop in tone. From the first strum, what you hear is what you get. This could be a positive for some, but others prefer their guitars sound to age.
• Traditional finish – Carbon fiber guitars have a distinctive look. If you’re a purist with a love of tradition—they might not be for you.

How to Choose The Best Carbon Fiber Guitar 

Build quality.

One major appeal of using carbon fiber material for guitars is its build quality.  Compared to a typical wooden guitar, a carbon fiber guitar is much more resilient to cracks and impervious to changes in heat.

While traditional guitars have been proven over the course of decades, there are still many variables in the materials that can make or break the quality of a wooden acoustic guitar. These common inconsistencies aren’t nearly as much of an issue with synthetic carbon fiber material.

This helps the consumer because you won’t have to be asking questions about types of wood.

At the price point of carbon fiber guitars, your investment should be safe. But that doesn’t mean you should go in blind.

You can get hybrids. If you’re looking into these, make sure the wood is of outstanding quality. Mahogany is a safe bet.

Have a look at areas where manufacturers could take shortcuts. Think about hardware like tuning pegs. You’ll want to ensure these aren’t cheap. The manufacturer will list the type so avoid plastic.

If you’re in search of electro-acoustics, pay close attention to electronics. Does the manufacturer list the pickups? If so, have a look at their credentials.

To get peak quality from carbon fiber guitars, it’s all about closing in on the finer details.

Guitars can vary in size. So what’s right for you?

Generally, guitars come in four sizes. Full size, ¾, ½, and ¼.

The lowest three sizes are best for children depending on their age. These range from 77cm to 92 cm (30 inches to 36 inches) in length.

But they’re not exclusive to children.

¾ sized guitars come in approx 36 inches x 11 inches in size. These are great for traveling as they’re much easier to transport.

Your physical attributes might make the ¾ guitar a wise buy. Smaller hands and frame will assist in maneuverability.

But here’s the thing. Their small size doesn’t mean they’re worse. In fact, some guitarists prefer the ¾ size option. Professionals like Ed Sheeran being a case in point.

So bigger isn’t always better.

You may have tried and tested full-size acoustics and found them comfortable. Then the standard size will be fine.

So if you’re ready for the full-sized experience, look for guitars sized approx 100 cm x 38cm (39 inches x  15 inches).

Real Also: Guitar Sizes: The Ultimate Guide

There’s a consistency in production when making carbon fibers. This means there are only slight differences in sound from model to model.

Overall, carbon fiber will project with clarity and chime. They sound familiar to wooden acoustics.

For deeper tones, larger-bodied guitars project more and have a fuller tone. But smaller bodies have a more focused and tonal sound.

For live performance, the pickups will have an enormous impact on the sound. So if you intend to take your carbon fiber guitar on stage, listen to how the guitar sounds when plugged in.

Playability

Sleek and smooth, carbon fiber guitars have heightened playability.

Playability is all about comfort. So make sure you have a size that suits your needs. Ensure your elbow is past the front ridge of the guitar and your fret hand can reach the headstock.

You may prefer the feel of a wooden neck. Look for hybrids if you’re not ready to use full carbon fiber.

Carbon fiber guitars are new to the party, so it might be as easy to stroll into a local store to test drive one. This is where you must buy from a site that has a favorable return policy.

Check the fine print to ensure you can send it back if it doesn’t fit. Guitar Center has a ’45 Day Satisfaction Guarantee’ so you can return hassle-free if this is the case.

This is an obvious criterion when making your decision. It’s a factor that’s universal when buying any musical instrument—consider your budget.

If you want a carbon fiber guitar, you’ve got to pay for it. Carbon fiber isn’t cheap, so some more expensive models retail at above $3000.

But there are still the more affordable options. These will still give you the reliability of carbon fiber, but without breaking the bank.

KLOS is a company that keeps affordability in mind. They can keep costs lower by offering hybrid options.

So you don’t have to bankrupt yourself for the carbon fiber experience. Remember, it takes a trained ear to notice the difference between a $1000 guitar and a $3000 one.

Read Also: How Much Does a Guitar Cost?

Are Carbon Fiber Guitars Right for You?

Carbon fibers are creating a wave in the world of guitars. They have so many positives. But are they right for you? Here are some examples of why they could be the perfect guitar.

• You want a long-term investment.
• You find the weight of wooden guitars uncomfortable.
• You travel a lot and like to take your guitar with you. Carbon fiber guitars are survivors.
• You live in an area where the climate is variable. Temperature and humidity levels won’t affect carbon fiber.
• Your guitars often crack and you spend money on repairs.
• You want a guitar to stand the rigors of life on the road and day to day use.

So you’ve got the dollars. Should you buy a carbon fiber guitar?

For the traditionalist who values the purity of wood. They might not be for you.

Beyond this exception, it’s a yes from Guitar Advise!

If you’re tired of snapping necks, dents on the body, and unreliable tuning, you can’t go wrong.

It is every bit a long-term investment for the green-conscious forward thinker. And for durability alone, these guitars could be the future of musical instruments.

I hope you now have an insight into carbon fiber guitars and the knowledge to pick one that’s right for you. Good luck!

I’m Dan Hoang. I’ve been playing guitar for over 10 years now, and I’m a total nerd when it comes to gear. I love recording music and filming guitar covers and I occasionally post them on YouTube. I’ve learned a ton over the years and would love to share some tips with you!

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The Best Carbon Fiber Guitar (and Why It is Worth It)

You might have seen carbon fiber being used in sports equipment like tennis rackets, or as the hood of some imported powerhouse of a sports car — but, strangely, it’s pretty unlikely that you’ve ever seen a carbon fiber guitar. This might be because of the stereotype that they cost an arm and a leg to buy, or maybe just because of a general sort of mistrust in anything that isn’t the wooden builds we’ve come to know and love over literally centuries.

You might have a friend of a friend who knows about them, or even who owns one – but the carbon fiber guitar is still a fairly uncommon instrument, so it’s likely that you’ve not had a chance to really play or buy one yet. In this article, I’m going to dive in and explore exactly why the world might be missing out on a great instrument, and why it could be worth your while to pick up a carbon fiber guitar.

What Exactly is Carbon Fiber?

Carbon fiber is amazing. It’s stronger and stiffer than steel, but much lighter. It’s great at dealing with extremely high temperatures, doesn’t expand much when heated, and is resistant to chemicals. It’s made from intertwined strands of carbon, woven together to make a kind of cloth and then molded and cast to be solid and shaped.

Due to its high strength, low weight and heat resistance, It’s incredibly popular in the military. It also has a lot of applications in aerospace, and is widely used in high-end motorsports. However, it’s making its way into other sectors too, being used in bicycle frames, tennis rackets and hockey sticks. It’s been shown to have real potential at cutting down fuel emissions from family cars, as it could reduce their weight by around half.

In recent years, it’s also been used in the music industry. This introduction of carbon fiber has given birth to carbon fiber sitars, carbon fiber violins and, of course, the carbon fiber guitar.

Let’s do a deep dive into the history of the carbon fiber guitar – when and where the first one was made, why they’re different and how the material makes a difference, and a list of five of the best ones out there today.

The 00’s: The Rise of the Carbon Fiber Guitar

Guitars made from carbon fiber started to hit the mainstream in the early-to-mid 00’s, being made by companies like RainSong, BlackBird (who released the first totally hollow single-piece body carbon fiber guitar in 2007), Composite Acoustics and Emerald. However, the material had been introduced to the guitar long before the first carbon fiber guitar was ever made, with legendary luthier Rick Turner (who worked with huge artists like Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac and The Police’s Andy Summers developing and patenting the first carbon fiber neck as far back as the late 70’s!

There doesn’t appear to be a consensus on who built and produced the first guitar from carbon fiber ( however, we do know a lot about the origin of the guitar as an instrument ), seeming as though it likely came about during the same era between a few companies, although Emerald Guitars founder Alistair Hay claims he built the first guitar from carbon fiber in 1998 for himself, before going on to launch a range under the Emerald Guitars brand in the early 00’s, and Rainsong guitars have a story about how they started in the mid-90s due to a rainstorm in Maui ruining a musician’s performance because he was too worried about his wooden guitar not standing up to the rain. They went on to create the first all-graphite guitar, switching to a more standard carbon fiber build at some time afterwards.

Carbon Fiber vs. Wood: What’s the Difference?

So, you might be wondering – what’s the difference between a carbon fiber guitar and a more traditional wooden one, other than the price? Well:

• Carbon fiber is more hard-wearing than wood, meaning your guitar will be more hard-wearing, more heat and humidity resistant than a wooden counterpart.
• Your guitar will be much, much lighter than a wooden one.
• Wood has been shown to dampen frequencies at certain levels, leading to your guitar tone potentially getting muddy. This isn’t the case with carbon fiber; meaning your tone will be crystal clear from the highest notes to the lowest.
• Long-lasting setup: carbon fiber holds its shape very well due to its toughness, so once cast, you can be sure of perfect intonation without the neck bending, bowing or twisting under the pressure from the strings – meaning no DIY truss rod adjustments , or costly visits to the luthier.

But are there any downsides at all? Sadly, yes:

• Carbon Fiber translates heat much better than wood does – meaning if you’re playing outside in direct sunlight or in cold temperatures, you might notice your guitar getting hotter or colder, which can be uncomfortable to play.
• Wooden guitars tend to be louder and project more sound in comparison to their carbon fiber counterparts. This isn’t an issue if you’re playing with it plugged in, but could be noticeable if you’re playing totally acoustic.
• Differences between guitars and playing styles aren’t as noticeable as the complexities of wooden guitars
• A lot of players report that the complexities of wooden guitars aren’t present in carbon fiber guitars – things like subtleties between individual guitars due to the wood aging or growing or changing, or the nuanced sounds you can bring out of wooden guitars with delicate playing depending on the guitar.
• The appearance of the carbon fiber weave can be a turn-off to some players.

The Best Carbon Fiber Guitar

The best carbon fiber guitar, just like the best acoustic guitar , or best guitar for beginners , or best electric guitar , comes down to the style you’re playing, the feel you prefer and ultimately, your personal choice. Here’s a short list of the top contenders:

RainSong WS3000 12-String

We’ll start off with something a bit more unique; the RainSong WS3000 12-String. There aren’t very many carbon fiber twelve strings out there on the market, and this offering from RainSong (one of the most respected manufacturers of carbon fiber guitars out there) sets the bar high. Featuring a cutaway to allow you access to higher frets up the neck (perfect for those high Jimmy Page chords), this guitar offers a massive sound and with the carbon fiber build, you’ll get amplified and pitch-perfect resonance throughout the range that this guitar offers. This particular guitar also features a range of premium electronics built in.

On top of the high-quality manufacturing found in this guitar, you’ll also find that due to the strength of carbon fiber, this twelve string beast has one of the lowest actions you’ll find on a twelve string guitar. Carbon fiber is strong enough to resist the pull of the strings, which means the engineers at RainSong can tune your guitar to be eminently playable, without worrying about whether it can handle it.

RainSong WS1000 6-String

The six string sister of the RainSong WS3000, the RainSong WS1000 Acoustic-Electric is the more conventional (and cheaper) option. Featuring the same high-quality carbon fiber layering (RainSong call their exclusive build process “Projection Tuned Layering”) and a brace-free build, you’ll get crystal-clarity for every single note. This is an electro-acoustic guitar , so you’ll find the same premium on board electronics that you’ll find across the RainSong WS range.

Journey Instruments OC660M

Another niche choice from a top of the line manufacturer, Journey Instruments (as the name suggests) make travel guitars. The OC660M is a carbon fiber travel guitar, making the most of all of the pros that come with having a carbon fiber guitar. Lightweight and virtually indestructible, this guitar is the ultimate travel companion for the musician on the road. Featuring a patented and exclusive breakdown system for the neck, you can assemble this guitar and disassemble it again in under a minute. When disassembled, the guitar fits into a handy backpack (that comes with the product and has its own impressive tech spec sheet) that helps with transport even further. When assembled, it’s a full-size classic nylon strung guitar, that boasts the benefits of clear sound from its carbon fiber build.

This is one of those creme-de-la-creme guitar models that guitarists keep an eye out for, like a classic ‘59 Les Paul, or a 60’s strat . Coming in a range of attractive colours, veneers and finishes, the Emerald X7 is a top of the line guitar that can be bought in three tiers; the “In Stock” tier that allows you to pick from the models they’ve already built, the “Artisan” tier which is built to your specifications, or the premium “Custom Shop” tier that, like the Custom Shop of Fender fame, allows you to be exacting down to every single detail about the way their engineers put your guitar together – if you find yourself with deep pockets, this is the tier you want.

No matter what tier you pick, you’ll be getting amazingly smooth and precise tuners, a premium build for the body, layered and woven to produce a loud and consistent resonance throughout the entire body. Offering you all the benefits of a top class carbon fiber guitar, you’ll also receive the natural look with their series of wooden style veneers. This guitar helps you stand out from the crowd, not just sonically but also physically.

Now, obviously – these are somewhat expensive. These are the top-of-the-line, precision-engineered, super high quality guitars that really show off the pros of picking up a carbon fiber guitar. If you’re looking for something a little closer to a normal budget – I’ve compiled a list below

The Best Carbon Fiber Guitar on a Budget

The LAVA ME 2 Carbon Fiber is a pretty amazing piece of kit, with some great innovations. Serving as a semi-acoustic, it comes with a pre-amp built in that has a variety of built-in effects such as Reverb, Chorus and Delay without even needing to plug into an amp, and an innovative neck design called the FlyNeck, which is designed to make shifting and applying pressure to the fretboard much more comfortable. It’s also a guitar that looks great, and unique – people will want to know exactly what it is you’re playing!

KLOS offer a very strong contender in the form of their Black Carbon Fiber travel guitar. Carbon Fiber really is probably the perfect material for a travelling guitar, given that any guitar you’re travelling with needs to be hard-wearing and able to stand up to knocks, dings and temperature changes without any stress – and it’s crucial that it doesn’t weigh you down. Coming in at a featherweight 3lbs, you’ll have no problems with this one. There’s an onboard preamp here too – although it doesn’t come with effects like the LAVA ME 2 – just volume and tone knobs. This particular listing also comes with a strap, neck protector, a bag and a capo – more bang for your buck!

The Enya X4 carbon fiber guitar offers a single-cutaway option in case you want access to frets higher up the neck – and you’ll still get that recognisable carbon fiber tone, lightweight feel and high-quality build.

The Verdict

The carbon fiber guitar isn’t going anywhere – it’s here to stay. An immaculately engineered – if sometimes expensive – choice, there will always be a use for them. They conquer the downsides that wooden guitars have at times, being largely impervious to temperature and humidity changes, having a lower maintenance cost both in terms of effort and money, and offer an on-par and at times better sonic experience than their wooden counterparts.

Carbon Fiber Travel Guitar Review: The KLOS Deluxe Ups Your Campfire Singalongs

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You need a purpose-built guitar for traveling the outdoors. Here’s why.

For years, I searched for the perfect travel guitar to no avail. I needed an acoustic guitar compact enough for an overhead bin but resonant enough to command a crowd. It needed to be durable enough to bring on backpacking trips, but affordable enough to purchase with a modest paycheck.

As you might expect, that’s a tough combination to find. After 8 years and three retired (broken) wood-bodied guitars, I finally found the KLOS Deluxe carbon fiber electric-acoustic guitar last spring.

I spent all summer backpacking, truck camping, and traveling with it in tow. And I can finally say, without a doubt, this isn’t just an ideal travel guitar — it’s the only guitar I need.

What Makes a Great Travel Guitar?

The most important attributes of a travel guitar are portability, durability, and resonance. Unfortunately, those also tend to be conflicting qualities in guitar design, making most options that bid as “travel” instruments less playable — and thus less worth bringing along.

Time-tested manufacturers like Martin and Taylor attempted to achieve this balance with wood models like the Martin Backpacking Guitar and the Baby Taylor . But both fall short in at least one category.

The Martin version is weirdly shaped, tinny-sounding, and subpar in almost every aspect of its performance. And I found the Baby Taylor did a better job, though it’s still relatively fragile and awkwardly shaped for travel.

But with its durable carbon fiber body, portable, foldable neck, and deep resonance enhanced by top-quality components, the KLOS Deluxe nails this balance in unprecedented form.

KLOS Deluxe Carbon Fiber Travel Guitar

• 1 KLOS Deluxe travel guitar (available in a left-handed composition)
• Fishman Sonitone onboard preamp
• Graphtech ratio tuners
• Compact screwdriver
• Gig bag with neck attachment
• Guitar strap
• 2 medium guitar picks

Carbon Fiber Guitar: Nearly Bulletproof

Every KLOS guitar bears at least some aspect of carbon fiber construction, making the brand’s instruments far more durable, resonant, and lightweight than traditional wooden guitars.

Where some KLOS models carry entirely carbon fiber construction, the Deluxe   — KLOS’ premium travel guitar — features a carbon fiber dreadnought body and carbon fiber stiffening rods embedded within a rosewood and mahogany neck.

The benefits of the carbon fiber body, as it pertains to traveling, are eminent straight out of the box. Not only is it extremely durable , but it’s also incredibly light (about 2.5 pounds) and remarkably resonant for a smaller-bodied guitar.

The rich, powerful, natural tone that emanates from the Deluxe is a direct effect of the carbon fiber body, placing it in a league of its own in terms of sound performance. An adjustable carbon fiber truss rod runs the length of its collapsible neck (offering added resilience) and is adjustable using a hex wrench.

This allows the player to tune the distance between the strings and the fretboard to their own preference.

A Game-Changer for Travel: The Collapsible Neck

Aside from the carbon fiber body, the most unique feature of the Deluxe is its collapsible neck. Using a combination of the included string clamp and a Phillips-head screwdriver, the neck easily disassembles without removing the strings, via four electric guitar-style bolts at its base.

Loosen and clamp the strings, unscrew the neck, slide it into the included neck protector, strap it to the travel case, and you have a fully functional electric-acoustic guitar that packs safely into the confines of a midsize backpack. It takes me 2 minutes to reassemble and tune, then I’m ready to play.

You can adjust the neck to accommodate different players’ preferences. And with a rosewood and mahogany fretboard, it feels just like playing a well-made, traditional wooden guitar.

Unlike other travel guitars on the market, the frets offer ample space to accommodate my fat fingers. And there are a total of 19 playable frets, 14 of which are not suspended over the body.

A guitar designed for traveling musicians, by traveling musicians, KLOS didn’t cut any corners in the engineering of the Deluxe’s axe handle .

Top-Quality Components

KLOS offers more economic variations of its travel guitar, like the non-electric hybrid series and the nylon version . And while the Deluxe commands a price tag north of $1,200 for everything I get with it — including top-of-the-line components — I find it KLOS’ best-value guitar.

The package comes with a compact screwdriver, a hex wrench, a capo, a guitar strap, picks, and a rain cover, along with the most robust and functional soft gig bag I’ve ever owned.

Beyond the accouterments, the real upgrade with the Deluxe is in its components. Adorned with stout Graphtech ratio tuners, a walnut bridge, and an industry-premium Fishman Sonitone onboard preamp, it’s a gig-quality system that won’t go out of tune and will stand the test of time.

Plugged into an amp, I get a better response from the crowd than I do from my full-body Martin.

In terms of sound, this preamp paired with the resonance from its carbon fiber body produces a tonal quality that other travel guitars just aren’t capable of achieving. It may not be traditional, but sometimes it pays to break tradition.

Mike Misselwitz began his writing career as an editor for Surfing and SUP magazines while chasing stories, waves and powder around California in his van named Elmer. He then spent three years as a wilderness backpacking guide in Yosemite before moving to Seattle and buying a sailboat. He now works as a freelance writer while chasing stories, waves, powder and wind around the Pacific Northwest. You can follow Mike’s exploits on his Youtube channel, Dirtbag Dopamine .

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5 Best Carbon Fiber Guitars (Reviews 2023)

By: Author Justin Rowe

Posted on Last updated: October 18, 2021

Home » Musical Instruments » Acoustic Guitar » 5 Best Carbon Fiber Guitars (Reviews 2023)

Ovation was the first company to release a guitar with a carbon fiber soundboard in 1976. Just like wooden guitars, their carbon fiber cousins can be electric-acoustic or electric.

All of the carbon fiber guitars I am going to review below fall in the former category. They are more expensive than wooden guitars, but the higher price brings about certain advantages.

First, carbon fiber guitars are a lot tougher than their wooden cousins. Also, they are a lot more resistant to adverse weather conditions and mishandling.

However, what impresses me the most is that some of them have collapsible necks and can be folded into two, something unthinkable of a traditional wooden guitar with a neck joint.

Also, their sound holes aren’t placed in the body’s center like that of wooden guitars. Instead, they are moved towards the top and come in all shapes and sizes.

Without further delay, let’s take a look at the best carbon fiber guitars around right now.

5 Best Carbon Fiber Guitars

1. lava me 2.

• Unibody Acoustic Electric Guitar: With little to no gluing, LAVA ME 2 guitar offers a wide frequency range, producing resonant, dynamic sounds. At just 3.7 lb, it's compact and comfortable to hold and play for extended periods.
• Versatile L2 Preamp: With FreeBoost Technology, the L2 Preamp uses the guitar back as a speaker, allowing you to shape sounds with reverb, delay, and chorus effects. It also features a percussion sound-receiving mic to enhance your playing even further. All without plugging in.

The Lava Me 2’s sound is surprisingly bright and loud for such a small guitar (just 36 inches long). I first played in the acoustic mode, and it filled the studio with accurate and warm tones with a clearly defined lower midrange. The guitar’s carbon fiber body delivers superb sound projection.

There are three pickups on top that you can turn on to achieve different sound effects like percussion, chorus, reverb, or delay. The Lava’s patented FreeBoost Technology on the pickups uses the guitar’s back as a speaker, so you’ll never need a corded preamp again.

Playability

The Lava Me 2 is probably the most popular unibody guitar in the world. The company’s single-piece injection molded technology makes LAVA ME 2 very comfortable to hold and enriches its sound.

The Lava Me 2’s FlyNeck design intuitively senses the shifting positions in the different playing styles and further enhances playability. I could not feel the FlyNeck making any difference while playing, but I did notice the lack of tension in the lower strings, thanks to the short 23-inch scale.

The LAVA ME 2 weighs 3.7 pounds, which is less than a standard laptop. Yet, the ultra-light body makes the guitar a bit neck-heavy. In any case, the guitar’s compact design is preferred by smaller-framed players and traveling performers.

Build Quality

The guitar’s body is made of a carbon fiber composite called Airsonic, and the neck and the fretboard are made of a high-pressured laminate reinforced with carbon fibers. The guitar’s solid construction can resist temperatures from -4 F to 176 F and humidity from 10% to 90%.

The guitar sounds pretty lovely as it is, but it does not seem to have a truss rod that you can use to adjust its tone. The other problem I noticed while test playing the Lava Me 2 is that the frets are pretty rough.

The tuning keys are pretty nice and steady, so you won’t need to tune up your Lava Me 2 very often. It also comes with a semi-hard case, several really cute picks, and a versatile charging cable.

67% of the people who bought the Lava Me 2 from Amazon give the guitar five stars, which translates into an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5. This is not much, especially considering its retail price of about $800.

Most of the 3-star reviews mention difficulties charging the in-built pickup with the USB cable. Also, the battery is at the back of the unit, making it difficult to access and replace.

PROS 👍

• Rich and accurate sound
• Outstanding build quality
• Long battery life

CONS 👎

• The bass breaks up during hard strumming on stage
• Frets feel somewhat rough
• No truss rod

• ♫ CARBON FIBER GUITAR: As a substitute for tonewood, carbon fiber has the resembling tonal traits. The top of X4 Pro is made of a carbon fiber composite material with a purity of 95%, maximally transferring the string vibration energy into great acoustics performance, loud and balanced. You wouldn't believe how massive the low-end is when you hold it in your arms and strum a big open E major chord.
• ♫ STABLE AND RELIABLE: Unlike wood, carbon fiber never warps, cracks, or scratches, staying consistent across different temperature and humidity conditions. Take it on travels from Hawaii to Alaska and everywhere in between. It stays the same, sounds the same.

I like chord solos and fretting, so I instantly fell in love with the Enya X 4’s consistent intonation and chords’ integrity.

The Enya X4 also features an offset soundhole in the top right corner of its body. Its proximity to the fretboard accounts for an excellent sound projection and tone sustain even when the AcousticPlus Pickup system with a built-in actuator is not switched on. If you turn it on, you’ll get the chorus, delay, and reverb sound effects.

The Enya X4 has got a cutaway and feels like a classical dreadnought guitar. The guitar’s elevated C-profile neck reduces fretboard tension and enhances string vibration. I also like Enya X 4’s adjustable action, resembling that of a classical wooden dreadnought guitar.

While test playing the Enya X4, I was pleasantly surprised by the guitar’s swift response to various playing styles and its broad tonal range with clearly defined highs and lows.

The top of the Enya X4 Pro’s body is made of a high-purity carbon fiber composite that amplifies the string vibration energy and makes the guitar’s tone more resonant.

The Richlite & Silicon Crystal Inlay fretboard and the tremolo bridge give the guitar a futuristic look, while the black die-cast tuning keys are incredibly stable.

The Elixir® 16052 strings and the Tusq nut and saddle contribute precious warmth to the guitar’s design, while the Double® S4 AcousticPlus in-built pickup is USB-chargeable.

The Enya X4 enjoys an 83% approval on Amazon or 4.8 out of 5 stars. Some excited owners have shared that the guitar’s sound is as rich as Martin D28’s.

Over time, you may need to tighten the neck retention bolts inside the guitar’s body to prevent unwanted intonation shifts.

• Outstanding manufacturing quality
• Loud and clear sound and a superb tone sustain
• The C-shaped elevated neck is very comfortable to play
• The user manual is in Chinese
• The guitar’s action needs professional adjustment
• The retention bolts may become loose over time

3. LAVA ME PRO

• Stage Performance: LAVA ME PRO is specifically designed for the stage performance. A powerful preamp system built-in with an ultra-reliable, portable form define this purposeful design.
• LAVA X L.R. Baggs: To create the most powerful L2 preamp system, we’ve developed a deep partnership with L.R. Baggs based on sharing the same value on innovation. The L2 PRO preamp now has the iconic features from L.R. Baggs, yet super easy to use.

The Lava ME Pro is a CF guitar designed explicitly for on-stage playing. It is a unibody CF guitar with a dreadnaught-like shape and an elliptical top-positioned soundhole.

The Lava Me Pro is so loud that it is unsuitable for in-house playing. The honeycomb structure of the guitar’s interior enhances tone resonances and projection. As a result, the high and the lows are well-defined, and the mid-range is incredibly prominent.

Although ultra-light, the Lava Me Pro has a massive body that may present particular challenges to small-framed fingerpickers.

The FlyNeck+ is also pretty wide, but the frets are nicely filed into place, and I could not feel any tension in my fretting hand while playing the Lava Me Pro.

Advanced Playing Modes

L.R. Baggs designs the L2 PRO electronic system. Lava’s engineers have taken the delay effect to a higher level with the tap tempo option. You can now control the speed of the delay by tapping a designated button.

Use the Mix Control to customize the guitar’s tone by accurately distributing the sound output between the built-in body microphone and the piezo.

The Turbo Mode is only available when plugged into an on-stage amp and boosts the guitar’s sound by 50%.

The Lava Me Pro features an AirSonic carbon fiber composite body that is weather and scratch-resistant.

The guitar that I got to test had a considerably high action, so I had to lower the bridge a bit with some fine sandpaper.

I also noticed some scratch marks on the frets and removed them with a special fret polishing kit.

On the whole, the Lava should have offered a better quality guitar for the $1,400 that they ask for their Pro model.

The Lava Me Pro’s rating on Amazon is 3.8 out of 5 stars, which is a red flag for me.

The biggest problem that Lava Me Pro owners complain of is that the inbuilt FreeBoost preamp does not create sound effects even when the operation indicator is on.

Poor communication with the manufacturer makes replacement a challenge.

• Loud and accurate sound
• Wide variety of playing modes
• Extremely durable and weather-resistant
• Problems with the electronics have been reported
• Build quality isn’t as high as I expected
• High retail price

4. KLŌS Hybrid Travel Guitar

• CARBON FIBER and DURABLE: Take your guitar on your next trip, whether it’s camping, hiking or traveling to a place you’ve never been with this travel-sized guitar made out of durable carbon fiber, composite material that will not warp or crack over time unlike wood instruments. Carbon fiber has a very high strength to weight ratio, which means it’s tough, resonant, and resistant to temperature and humidity changes.
• SOUND: The KLOS Travel guitar has rich, loud and resonant with a nice balanced tone. KLOS guitars compare to acoustic guitars from all the top wood and carbon fiber brands. Carbon fiber has a different resonance than wood, which makes the Travel have its own distinct and beautiful tone.

The KLŌS Hybrid Travel Guitar exemplifies a marriage of the past and the future. It has a CF body, back, and sides, but the bridge, the neck, and the fretboard are rosewood.

This is a carbon fiber acoustic guitar with a centrally-located soundhole. The KLŌS Hybrid is a small-sized travel guitar, and it sounds like one.

The Elixir Phosphor Bronze Nanoweb light strings resonate pretty darn good on the carbon fiber top with a Styrofoam inside. This CF sandwich acts pretty much like some standard tonewood and produces very warm and accurate tones with a clearly defined mid-range.

The detachable C-shaped neck is very comfortable, and the scale is 23 ¾ inches long. The jumbo frets are perfectly positioned on the white-dot inlay fretboard. This is the perfect CF guitar for seated playing and small gigs in the local club.

The carbon fiber top is solid and well-designed without any manufacturing flaws. It is reinforced with two tone bars running from the neck down to the bridge. The back and sides are also made of a single piece of carbon fiber.

I already mentioned the rosewood bridge and the mahogany neck, but I was surprised to find out that the nut and the saddle are made of natural bone.

The KLŌS Hybrid Travel Guitar has a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon. It is a ¾-sized guitar that some big guys find challenging to get used to.

Also, some owners say the guitar’s so slippery they had to install some sandpaper on the back. The bolts that keep the neck attached to the body may offer some resistance when you first try to unscrew them.

• The guitar features a beautiful combination of carbon and natural materials
• The detachable neck makes the guitar super-compact
• There is an adjustable truss rod
• The tone is accurate, but the sound isn’t loud enough
• The neck bolts are difficult to unscrew
• The guitar’s gloss-finished body is as slippery as a fish

5. Journey Instruments Carbon Fiber Travel Guitar

• FINALLY A FULL SIZE GUITAR THAT'S EASY TO TAKE WITH YOU - Our mini travel folding bass guitar with patented collapsible neck system allows you to quickly assemble and disassemble it in around 20 seconds, so you can carry it with you at all times.
• STURDY CARBON FIBER FOR PIECE OF MIND - This collapsible acoustic bass guitar has quality pre-impregnated carbon fiber fabrics on all core components making it stable and durable, so you can enjoy transfer of energy and significantly longer sustain. Whether you are performing for yourself, small crowd or a huge gig, your Journey Instruments Guitar is ready to deliver an epic performance.

The last spot on our list is for Journey Instruments’ Carbon Fiber Travel Guitar with a patented collapsible neck that allows it to fit in a plane’s overhead case.

I did not expect such a small guitar to blast the studio’s door off the hinges, and I was right. I could hear that the bass strings are quite a bit louder than the treble, likely due to their proximity to the soundhole.

The amp system works well, and the tones are pretty accurate. However, I keep hearing some annoying buzz on the D string.

The OB660M is a 4-string bass guitar with a cutaway. It is light and compact. I was not too fond of the guitar’s two saddles, one being higher than the other. Even with the low one, the action sits a bit too high.

This results in an annoying buzz of the D-string. Replacing the original strings with D’Addario nylon strings remedies the situation to some extent. Overall, I would not say the OB660M is very easy to set up and play.

The guitar’s body, neck, and fretboard are made entirely of carbon fiber. The OB660M’s neck can be detached and reattached to the body in less than a minute, unlike that of Klos Hybrid Travel Guitar.

Last but not least, I made quite an effort to tighten the knob that secures the neck to the body. Even so, the connection does not feel very stable. Klos’s four bolts do a better job, I must admit.

The guitar’s Amazon rating is 4.2 out of 5. Most of the users are disappointed with its playability and high retail price.

On the plus side, Journey Instruments offer a Product Customization option, so you can have the action of your OB660M adjusted as needed.

• Compact design & collapsible neck
• 100% carbon-made
• Top-quality Grover Mini Tuners
• The neck joint is not very stable
• The action is too high
• Soft carry-bag

Things to Consider Before Buying a Carbon Fiber Guitar

At this point, you are probably thinking of purchasing one of the five carbon fiber guitars reviewed above. Before clicking the “Buy Now” button, take a minute or two to read my valuable tips below.

You have already noticed that carbon fiber guitars are significantly pricier than their wooden siblings. This is so because the manufacturing process involves the synchronized operation of many precision cutting machines and mounting presses.

The cheapest CF guitar I could find on Amazon.com was Ovation’s WJCRYPD 12-string carbon fiber guitar, selling for just over $675. Alternatively, you can buy a CF ukulele like the Nova U 23 by Enya for $75.

2. Components

All of the guitar’s critical components like the body, neck, bridge, and fretboard should be made entirely of carbon fiber. The honeycomb CF pattern inside the guitar eliminates the need for bracing.

You can equip your CF guitar with a set of strings that fits your playing style. You can even install a set of carbon strings that traditionally have better sustain than nylon strings.

The electronic components of a CF guitar are usually inbuilt, so you do not have to plug it in. Over time, you may need to replace the rechargeable battery, but this isn’t something you should worry about right now.

3. Size & Shape

Carbon fiber guitars come in many different sizes and shapes. Most of the candidates reviewed above are pretty compact in length, and their bodies are somehow elliptical.

However, Emerald Guitars has taken the CF design to the next level with its futuristic Solace model. This is a Weissenborn-Style lap Guitar, meaning that you lay it down on your lap with the strings facing up.

Let’s wrap up the key moments of this post. First, almost all CF guitars come with a hard-shell case, which can’t be said about their wooden siblings.

Carbon fiber guitars are more expensive than most traditional guitars, although some feature fiberglass or composite backs and sides. At first, your CF guitar may feel slippery and uncomfortable.

Expensive as they are, carbon fiber guitars can still have manufacturing flaws and issues with their in-built electronic components.

#1 Product Recommendation ​​

• Plek’d FlyNeck: Machined with the Plek Pro with a 0.01mm accuracy, LAVA ME 2’s FlyNeck features a minimum string height and stays in tune just fine. Designed by tracking finger movements on different positions, it lets play any fret in any style without an effort.
• Weatherproof and Travel-friendly: Built from Super AirSonic carbon fiber material, LAVA ME 2 withstands temperatures between -4°F~194°F and humidity from 10% to 90%. So it works for you wherever you go, in hot deserts or polar regions.
• Complete Guitar Package: LAVA ME 2 guitar package includes an Ideal Bag, Ideal Pick (Mix), charging cable, and cleaning cloth.

The Lava Me 2 is not a cheap guitar. Yet, it occupies the top spot on our list because of its fantastic sound and superb build quality. I did not expect a guitar made in China to feel so comfortable in my hands. 

It required little tuning, and the three mode switches on top of the guitar are incredibly responsive. And once it is fully charged, the pickup’s battery seems to last forever.

Justin is an audio engineer with years of experience in the field. He has been creating and playing music his entire life, but he really found his passion for engineering when he was introduced to Logic Pro at age 10. Justin has spent countless hours perfecting his craft and now works as a freelance engineer out of Boston, MA.

• Acoustic Guitars

KLOS Carbon Fiber Travel Guitar Review (2024)

Playtime is every time, anytime and anywhere.

The first and the only hybrid carbon fiber and wooden acoustic travel guitar ever built.

The Klos Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar features a high-quality mahogany and blackwood neck, a carbon fiber foam core sandwich soundboard, a carbon fiber body, blackwood bridge, D’Addario 11 gauge steel strings and an ABS nut, saddle, and bridge pins.

No wonder it is the best companion for traveler-musicians, both beginner and expert alike.

When you are a traveler, you cherish not only the scenery of the places you go to but also the things you do while you do not site seeing. As for me, my constant companion has always been my guitar. However, guitars are usually bulky and heavy, but when I discovered the Klos Carbon Fber Acoustic guitar, travelling has never been this fun.

KLOS Carbon Fiber Guitar Specs

• Guitar Style: Mini Dreadnought
• Body Material: Carbon Fiber Composite
• Neck Material: Mahogany
• Fingerboard Material: Blackwood
• Guitar Body Length: 15 inches
• Guitar Body Width: 11.5 inches
• Guitar Body Depth Rear: 3.5 inches
• Guitar Scale Length: 24 ¾ inches
• KLOS Branded Carbon Fiber Guitar
• KLOS Branded Custom Fit Gig Bag
• KLOS Branded Custom Fit Gig Bag Rain Cover
• KLOS Branded Custom Fit Neck Sleeve
• KLOS Branded Cotton no-slip with leather ends guitar strap
• KLOS Branded Capo
• KLOS Branded Neck Detach Screwdriver
• D’Addario Phosphor Bronze strings already installed
• Hex Wrench for Truss Rod Adjustments

VIEW MORE AT KLOSGUITARS.COM   With everything you need to start playing straight out of the box and start adventuring, this guitar is surely made for anyone and everyone who wants to play the guitar anytime and everywhere.

Even the experts can say that, even though this guitar is not full scaled, it does not hinder them to fully utilize their capability with this guitar’s ability.

Meanwhile, beginners will love the fact that it is compact, easy to grasp and light weight, for them to familiarize themselves with the instrument before going on to play the bigger ones.

Carbon Fiber Body

This guitar’s body, made from composite carbon fiber has a plain carbon fiber purfling with a gloss finish for the main body while having a semi-gloss finish for the top giving it its fancy look without the burden of heavy wood.

Carbon Fiber is a very durable material that it is highly in demand for manufacturing objects, even for military grade use. One can really be sure that this guitar will not only play well, but will also stay strong.

With a sound hole diameter of only 3.75 inches, one might easily be misled that this baby sounds inferior. Despite its size, this compact and relatively lighter weight compared to others, this guitar surely comes to par with others.

Detachable Neck

One thing I really adore about this guitar is its detachable neck made from mahogany making it strong and durable—perfect for travelling without the fear of it being too fragile.

This guitar is made with a detachable electric guitar style neck join but with a traditional acoustic fingerboard style making this guitar the best of both worlds- an acoustic guitar with the portability of an electric guitar.

Excellent Playability

One of the best qualities a guitar can have is great playabilty. This guitar has a low action, and it’s really comfortable. No problems even if I play it for hours.

You know that a guitar is THE ONE when it plays right.

Pick it up once, and it sort of feels like it’s meant to be yours. You can glide on each fret with ease, and the spacing on each string is just right. You’ve been there, and you know what I mean.

Impressive Sound Profile

Most people would say that size is relative to how loud a guitar can be. This would mean that smaller guitars will tend to have lesser sound volume compared to most full-size guitars.

Well, spare this guitar away. Though it is smaller in size, it sure doesn’t sound like one. It’s even better than most full-size guitars . The  defined tone on each string will blow you away.

Then try strumming it and you’ll be surprise how this bad boy can deliver a defined sound. The tones just sort of bounces back and forth inside the guitar, which to me is outstanding.

Minimalistic Headstock

Durability— that is what the makers probably had in mind when they designed this guitar. However, aesthetics was not compromised with ABS pearl as the machine head material. The Klos Carbon Fiber guitar surely gives vibe of both sturdiness and elegance.

Due to a smaller headstock size, there’s not much space between each tuning peg. So I have a bit of a trouble tuning each string. Not a major issue though. It sure does keep the tuning intact, so still a win for me.

Carbon Fiber Stiffening Rods

This guitar is nothing short of strong. Although the mahogany and Blackwood neck are already strong and resilient materials, the carbon fiber stiffening rods used in the neck makes it even more durable resilient to temperature and humidity changes.

With two carbon fiber rods inserted alongside the truss rod, parallel to the truss rod, one on each side, making sure that the neck setup is more permanent, ensuring that all the guitar action will ever hardly change despite being in various climates that often affects the materials of the guitar and also its performance.

Like its machine head, the bridge pins are also made with ABS material. What makes this material great is that it is very durable but still lightweight. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or ABS for short is a common thermoplastic polymer.

Its glass transition temperature is approximately 105 °C. ABS is amorphous and therefore has no true melting point which makes it an awesome material. Meanwhile, the bridge is made from Blackwood with a traditional acoustic styling.

• Lightweight
• Durable and resilient
• Space saver with its detachable neck, even fits in overhead compartments
• More options for customization
• Though small in body size, the 24 3/4″ scale length makes it feel like a full-size guitar
• Easy to play
• Available model for left handed
• Not cluttered with knobs and switches
• Good sound pick up
• Compact and comfortable to the hands
• No Pick guard
• Tuning is required every time the neck is detached and reattached
• Possibility of wrong attachment, damaging the guitar
• Plain carbon fiber design
• Smaller than standard size guitars
• Not a cheap buy

Final Opinion

Whether a traveler or not, a beginner or a professional, in gigs with audience or just in the backyard with friends, the KLOS Carbon Fiber Acoustic is a great companion. Lightweight, durable, and aesthetically pleasing—I sure will look forward to future variants and more upgrades of this beauty.

Related Articles:

Best Travel Guitars

Best Carbon Fiber Guitars

Editor’s Note: I will be travelling on some of the best islands here in the Philippines on May and June. Of course, will carry my KLOS Acoustic Travel Guitar with me to get it in action. Will update the images here soon. Comment your email address below to get updated or email me at theguitarjunky[at]gmail.com

Related posts:

• Seagull Entourage Rustic Guitar Review (2024)
• Why Would the Guitar be a Good Companion for Your Next Solo Trip?
• 5 Best Classical Guitars Under $300 in 2024
• 14 Important Things to Know Before Buying an Acoustic Guitar

Thanks for the review! I’d really like to hear about how your experience was traveling with it to the Philippines.

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Best Travel Guitars 2024: Top Portable Instruments From Lowden, Furch, Martin and more

From short scale acoustics to carry-on electrics, we look at the best travel guitars available right now

• Best acoustic
• Larger body
• Best foldable
• For small hands
• Best electric
• Best full scale
• Best offset

Buying advice

How we test.

1. Quick list 2. Best acoustic 3. Best with larger body 4. Best foldable 5. Best for small hands 6. Best electric 7. Best full scale 8. Best offset 9. Best Strat 10. Buying advice 11. How we test

If you’re looking for something compact to take out on the road, or maybe even on holiday to keep on top of your practice schedule, then one of the best travel guitars is the way to go.

From smaller bodied acoustics that take up less space in a car or on a train, to super compact electrics designed to be taken on a plane as hand luggage, the best travel guitars mean that you don’t have to stop playing the moment you leave the house. A good travel guitar can even be great to have around the home – something with more compact dimensions can sometimes be really comfortable. 

The best travel guitars come in all shapes and sizes, and are available in both electric and acoustic formats. Here, we’ll look at what’s on offer, and provide our picks for both categories.

Though this might be on the larger side of a travel guitar, it is still more compact than all of Lowden’s other offerings. Simply put, the Wee Lowden is one of the best sounding smaller-bodied acoustic guitars on the market.

Read more below

Not Taylor’s smallest offering, but definitely one of their better sounding compact instruments, the GS Mini has proven to be a hit with all manner of guitarists. You’ll even see pros use them on the biggest stages in the world.

Folding guitars have been done before, but the Furch Little Jane is a folding guitar that actually sounds very, very good. This acoustic travel guitar is made from all solid woods – a solid red cedar top and solid mahogany back and sides, giving it a beautiful, mellow and warm sound. 

Probably one of the most popular compact six-strings ever made, the Martin LX1E has truly earned its place on our list of the best travel guitars. It’s around a 3/4 size, with a 23” scale. 

Blackstar’s Carry On range aims to provide players with quality instruments that are easy to take on planes so that you don’t have to skip your practice sessions when you’re traveling.

A travel guitar doesn’t necessarily always have to be short scale, and this is a case in point. The Ultra-Light Travel Guitar boasts a full 24.75” scale length, but the entire thing measures just 28”. 

A 3/4 size guitar is smaller all over – smaller scale length (22.75” in this case), smaller body, neck, headstock etc. You might have to adjust your playing somewhat to accommodate these shrunken features, but most players can become accustomed to it.

This effectively cuts the body of a Strat down to just its scratchplate, reducing its size dramatically. The 6-in-line is then reduced to 3+3 making a further size reduction. 

Best acoustic traveler

1. Lowden WL-35 Wee Lowden

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

It’s incredibly bold and punchy, with superb note definition and clarity. Its dimensions are smaller than that of a more traditionally sized acoustic guitar, but the projection that it delivers would have you fooled – this guitar is loud when you push it. It also reacts beautifully to playing dynamics, offering all the shades of quiet and loud that you’d want.

Different versions of this guitar are available, but the mahogany back and sides combined with the red cedar top deliver a wonderfully balanced sound. The build quality is absolutely second to none; though of course, at this price point, you’d expect that.

Best with larger body

2. Taylor GS Mini-e Koa Plus

This GS Mini-e Koa Plus sports a solid koa top and laminate koa back and sides which allow notes and chords to ring out with complete clarity and detail. Koa responds really well to your playing – it’s responsive and dynamic so allows you to play with lots of expression. The shaded edge burst finish looks truly incredible and adds a touch of class to the whole thing too. 

This 23.5” scale guitar comes fitted with Taylor’s flagship pickup system as well – the ES-2. This allows you to amplify your guitar through a PA system or amp in a way that’s more dynamic and more natural. It ships with a fantastic Aero Case that offers nearly as much protection as a hard case, but is much lighter.

Best foldable traveler

3. Furch Little Jane

Folding guitars have been done before, but the Furch Little Jane is a folding guitar that actually sounds very, very good. This acoustic travel guitar is made from all solid woods – a solid red cedar top and solid mahogany back and sides, giving it a beautiful, mellow and warm sound. It’s harmonically rich, and has some of that parlor-style punch in the midrange. It’s also extremely dynamic, projecting when you want it to, but responding nicely to softer playing. 

It’s extremely well designed. The body, neck and headstock are all separate when packed down, but it’s very quick to construct when it’s time to play. The clever locking mechanism keeps the neck in place, adding the right tension to the strings, and even retaining tuning somewhat between sessions. The Furch Little Jane even comes with its own padded backpack so you can take it on your travels right away.

Best for small hands

4. Martin LX1E

Probably one of the most popular compact six-strings ever made, the Martin LX1E has truly earned its place on our list of the best travel guitars. It’s around a 3/4 size, with a 23” scale. Players who are already accustomed to a full size guitar might get along with this particularly well as the neck width is about the same, measuring 1 11/16” at the nut.

Solid spruce sits atop a high pressure laminate mahogany back and sides creating a balanced but fairly bright tone. There is a touch of that boxy sort of sound you often get with smaller acoustics (though nowhere near as much as some cheaper models), and there aren’t tons of low end frequencies, but that’s if we’re being picky. Overall, the projection and tone of the LX1E is excellent. 

It is available without (Martin LX1), but this is equipped with a Fishman Sonitone pickup. The controls are easily accessible and it’s very much a case of plug in and play, making it one of the best travel guitars for potentially gigging with. If you’re navigating public transport to get to shows, then this is definitely one to consider. 

Best electric traveler

5. Blackstar Carry On Travel Guitar

Cheaper versions of this are available, but the flagship Carry On model has a number of features that make this one of the best travel guitars on the market. Made in partnership with the master luthiers at Gordon Smith, this compact instrument has a one-piece okoume body, set neck and a coil-splittable humbucker. This gives you a range of amazing tones, as well as bags of sustain. 

It stays in tune well, and the intonation is just right. It’s really compact, but it plays more like a full size guitar, so you don’t lose much of the feel you’d normally get with a bigger instrument. It also comes shipped with a quality gigbag, so you’re ready to hit the road as soon as you get it.

Best with full scale length

6. Traveler Guitar Electric Ultra Light

A travel guitar doesn’t necessarily always have to be short scale, and this is a case in point. The Ultra-Light Travel Guitar boasts a full 24.75” scale length, but the entire thing measures just 28”. They say that it’s actually 28% shorter and 68% lighter than your average electric guitar . The lap rest detaches when not in use too, making it extremely portable. 

It’s fitted with a single dual rail humbucking pickup that delivers punchy but articulate tones. It’s not the most versatile instrument in the world, but that’s not really the aim here. Still, you can probably tackle most styles of music with it. The tuning pegs are also built into the body which obviously gets rid of the necessity for a headstock, and they actually work very well too.

If you’re flying a lot, or maybe space is at a premium in the car and you want to take this and maybe a battery powered amp with you, then this makes for a fantastic travel guitar. 

Best traveling offset

7. Squier Mini Jazzmaster

A 3/4 size guitar is smaller all over – smaller scale length (22.75” in this case), smaller body, neck, headstock etc. You might have to adjust your playing somewhat to accommodate these shrunken features, but most players can become accustomed to it. The short scale also lends the guitar a really nice slinky feel, so you might find yourself playing a little differently to normal, which can spark creativity. 

This fantastic looking offset is fitted with a pair of quite high output, punchy sounding humbuckers. So, if you’re seeking a portable guitar for rocking big riffs and ripping solos, then this is absolutely one to consider. 

It’s also well priced. Maybe you’re just seeking a guitar to take out occasionally, enabling you to leave your main instrument at home. This is of a good enough standard to do the job well, and it means that you’re not having to throw your more expensive guitar in the back of a car or van etc.

Best for Strat fans

8. Traveler Travelcaster Deluxe

This effectively cuts the body of a Strat down to just its scratchplate, reducing its size dramatically. The 6-in-line is then reduced to 3+3 making a further size reduction. All in all, it’s about the size of a regular Strat, minus the headstock, making it altogether a lot more portable. 

You’re not having to sacrifice anything in terms of tone here. The Travelcaster has three single-coil pickups and a five-way selector, giving you all the chimey, glassy tones that you’d expect from this kind of configuration. The tremolo works nicely too – again, something you don’t have to sacrifice. 

What’s particularly great about this model is that it has the full 25.5” Strat scale length meaning that your fretting hand won’t have a clue it’s playing on a travel guitar. Chords, scales and licks will feel as they do on a full size guitar, though you might just have to slightly accommodate for a different neck profile. 

What Do We Mean By Travel Guitar?

You can trust Guitar Player. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

When we’re talking about the best travel guitars, we’re looking for instruments that are physically easier to travel with. Size and weight play a huge part, so the above choices will all be smaller than your regular full-size guitar, which in turn, will make them lighter. 

Some might just have slightly reduced dimensions when compared to a full size, making it a little more practical to take out on the go. Others might have completely different designs that render them suitable for taking on planes as hand luggage. How small you want it completely depends on your wants and needs.

Electric Or Acoustic?

Of course, one of the main considerations when shopping for the best travel guitar is whether to go electric or acoustic. Acoustics, by their very nature, tend to be a little bigger with deeper bodies, but you don’t need an amp to get the most out of it. If you’re playing live, then you’ll need some amplification, but for playing on your own or with friends, you’re fine with just the guitar.

An electric travel guitar can be played without an amp, but you’ll get more from it if you plug it into something. There are some great portable amps on offer, but there’s that, plus cables, to then consider. 

On acoustic travel guitars, you’ll find that some of them have a pickup fitted and some of them don’t. If you’re after a compact instrument to travel to and from shows, then having a pickup installed can be really useful. If you’re just after something to take on holiday or camping perhaps, then a pickup isn’t necessary. Buying one without a pickup will probably save you a bit of money too. 

Of course, with an electric, the pickup plays a very important part in shaping your sound. You’ll find the best travel guitars are fitted with various different pickup configurations. If you’ve found a model that you like but it’s got a single coil instead of a humbucker, for example, it’s always worth checking to see if other versions are available. 

Scale Length

It’s likely that a travel guitar will have a shorter scale length. Reducing this can allow the makers to produce a physically smaller guitar. It’s worth considering how that might feel for you to play, though. If you’ve got bigger hands, you might find squeezing your fingers into frets, particularly the ones higher up, more difficult. Look at the scale length, alongside the number of frets – 18 frets spaced over 23” for example, will give your fingers more space than 22 frets over the same scale.

That said, there are travel guitars that have a full length scale. They can reduce the size of the instrument in other ways, so if you know that you’re after a full scale travel guitar, then you don’t have to compromise.

At  Guitar Player , our team of writers aren't just music enthusiasts; we're real-life musicians. Our hands-on experience with travel guitars ensures that our reviews and recommendations are backed by practical knowledge and real-world testing.

When it comes to selecting the best travel guitars, we leave no stone unturned. Meticulously evaluating factors like tonal versatility, sonic character, build quality, and value for money, it's only after rigorous testing in a variety of playing scenarios do we choose products for our guides. We stand by our selections, ensuring that every set of strings we recommend is one we'd use ourselves.

Read more on  how we test gear and service at Guitar Player .

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After spending a decade in music retail, I’m now a freelance writer for Guitar Player, Guitar World, MusicRadar and Reverb, specializing in electric and acoustic guitars bass, and almost anything else you can make a tune with. When my head’s not buried in the best of modern and vintage gear, I run a small company helping musicians with songwriting, production and performance, and I play bass in an alt-rock band.

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View our wide range of instruments including carbon fiber travel guitars, wood acoustic travel guitars, and stellar travel ukuleles

Overhead Collapsible Carbon Fiber Travel Guitars (12)

Overhead and First Class Collapsible Wood Travel Guitars (22)

Overhead Electric Travel Guitars (5)

Overhead Collapsible Travel Basses (5)

Ergonomic Touring and Student Guitars (6)

Journey Ukuleles (5)

Electronics & Pickups (7)

Instrument Cases (10)

Parts and Components (31)

Strings & Accessories (16)

Journey instruments.

Journey Instruments specializes in premium grade travel guitars, acoustic travel guitars, acoustic electric travel guitars, carbon fiber travel guitars, collapsible guitars, ergonomic guitars, folding guitar, guitar flight cases and instrument cases designed for optimal comfort and portability.

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Overview of our products, overhead collapsible travel guitars.

Journey Instruments® launched in 2012 with our Overhead® series collapsible ergonomic acoustic travel guitars in both wood and carbon fiber . No longer do you need to buy an expensive guitar flight case to have a great guitar when you travel by air. Our collapsible travel guitars employ our patented removable neck mechanism for complete assembly in 20 seconds! Our Overhead® acoustic travel guitars are available in carbon fiber and wood. They employ a thicker Manzer© wedge body that makes them super ergonomic and results in a surprisingly big tone for such a small travel guitar body. These travel guitars come equipped with passive piezo pickups and are available in steel string, classical, and a 27” scale acoustic carbon fiber travel basses. The OF660 collapsible carbon fiber travel guitar series is arguably the best acoustic travel guitar you’ll ever find. If you’re looking for a packpacker acoustic guitar, a carry-on travel guitar, or just a great sounding small-bodied acoustic guitar that’s a joy to travel with, look no further.

First Class Collapsible Travel Guitars

Our First Class guitars are the ultimate acoustic travel guitars for musicians looking for a stage-worthy acoustic travel guitar experience. These premium travel guitars feature our modern ergonomic wedge guitar body with arm bevels and premium appointments applied grand auditorium, parlor guitar, and Torres classical guitar body formats. They also feature our upgradeable passive under-bridge pickups and convertible roller-case backpack gig bags.

RoadTrip and Journey Junior Guitars

Our RoadTrip™ and Journey Junior™ ergonomic guitars are fixed-neck student and touring guitars with our wedged guitar body that enables easier fretting for beginners or musicians with wrist injury or shoulder pain. These are a great value for gigging musicians and students looking for big tone in a small, expandable package.

Travel Cases and Gig Bags for Guitars

We design our instruments and cases together, so that the travel case is not a mere afterthought, but a core part of the entire travel guitar experience. For the Overhead travel guitar series, this means you can fit all your gigging accessories into the patented gig bag that fits into standard carry-on dimensions of major airlines. Our guitar gig bags designed for our Journey Junior™ and RoadTrip™ series travel and touring guitars fit most 36″ to 39″ travel guitars and have a plethora of pockets, daisy chains, and straps that can expand to accommodate tablets, pedals, stands, and cables.

J-uke Ukuleles and Ukulele Travel Cases

Our ukuleles include pickups and a full-featured ukulele travel case. The US490CTE , a thin bodied travel ukulele at only 22 inches total with the case is our most popular model. Our J-uke travel ukulele gig bags are equally expandable, come with rain covers, and can clip on to any other bag and accommodate gear and stands as well.

JourneyTek™ Passive Piezo Pickups

Finally our JourneyTek™ premium acoustic pickups are featured in most of our products and employ an upgradeable passive piezo pickup system with German-Made piezo elements for unparalleled transparent amplification of your instrument’s natural tone. These under-bridge passive piezo pickups are the best value around for transparent acoustic instrument amplification. We see many artists installing our pickups on vintage and premium hand-made acoustic guitars and ukuleles. Click Here for an independent on Youtube.

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Best travel guitars: Top acoustic and electric guitars for musicians on the go

Out top picks for practicing your guitar on the move, wherever the road takes you

Best for tone

Best for volume, best for value.

• Best Strat-alike
• Best electric
• Best full-scale
• #1 acoustic-electric

Best for portability

• Best solid wood
• Buying advice
• How we choose

1. The quick list 2. Best for tone 3. Best for volume 4. Best for value 5. Best for Strat players 6. Best electric travel guitar 7. Best full-scale travel guitar 8. Best acoustic-electric model 9. Best for portability 10. Best solid-wood travel guitar 11. Buying advice 12. How we choose products

As guitar players, our passion and joy shouldn’t have to stop the second we leave the house or the practice room. Sometimes, when you’re on the go; whether that be travelling for work or just for fun, you want to be able to take your music with you. That’s where the best travel guitars come in.

Travel guitars are smaller, more compact instruments that are easier to take on the road. If you’re heading out on a road trip, and space in the car is tight, a travel guitar will fit in a much smaller gap than a full-size guitar. Some of them even pack down into a rucksack so you can take them on a plane as hand luggage.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re more into playing acoustic or electric, we’ve picked out the best travel guitars currently on offer to make sure that the music doesn’t have to stop when you hit the road.

Chris Corfield is a journalist with over 12 years of experience writing for some of the music world's biggest brands including Orange Amplification, MusicRadar, Guitar World and Dawsons Music. Chris has spent years writing about and testing guitar gear for MusicRadar, in addition to nerding out about everything from synths to microphones, DJ gear and music production hardware.

Best travel guitars: Quick list

Want to cut to the chase and find out exactly which we think are the best travel guitars on the market right now? Below, you’ll find a round-up of our top choices. You can jump to a more detailed review of every pick, along with our price comparison tool to help you find the best deals.

This ¾-sized dreadnought comes with all the quality and projection you’d expect from one of the acoustic world’s biggest names, just in a size that can be hauled around anywhere without breaking your back. Or, indeed, your wallet. 

Read more below

The Martin Backpacker has a unique body shape, that’s for sure, but coming from a name like Martin you can rest assured this guitar will perform brilliantly. What surprised us was the volume and projection this little guitar pumps out, thanks in part to the solid mahogany used in the body.

The Steinberger Spirit GT-Pro Deluxe definitely fits the travel guitar bill due to its distinctive size and shape. Despite the smaller body, the Spirit GT-Pro Deluxe features a scale length of 25.5”, making the actual playing area larger than that of a standard Les Paul.

You can instantly see those famous Stratocaster outlines of the pickguard, the three single coil pickups and the control knobs. Yet the eagle-eyed among you will have noticed anything on the body that isn’t underneath the pickguard has been shaved away, leaving a guitar which is 35% lighter and 14% shorter than a regular Strat.

This is a short-scale travel electric guitar featuring a single mini-humbucker, two-piece poplar body, bolt-on neck and fairly sturdy tuners. It doesn’t pack down any smaller than it is, though it’s very compact already and if you really needed to, you could always take the neck off, if you were packing it up in a suitcase for example.

The Shorty provides full scale-length familiarity which, when combined with the tiny body, makes for a comfortable playing experience. The single humbucker at the bridge is meaty enough to blast out your favourite riffs, while you’ll feel instantly at home with the classic maple/rosewood combination neck and fingerboard.

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The Traveler Escape Mark III comes equipped with plenty in the way of tools and toys, and it all comes in 26% shorter and 10% lighter than a standard dreadnought. The Escape Mark III features tuning pegs within the body itself, which means it has no need for a headstock and is instead strung in reverse.

This handy, foldable acoustic is great for players who want something quality but affordable. It’s got a solid spruce top and layered mahogany back and sides. You can get a great tone from it, whether you’re playing with a pick or with fingers. It’s dynamic, and while it might not be as loud as a full size guitar, can still throw out a good amount of volume.

This is one for serious acoustic players. It bears a hefty price tag, but you can get some serious tones from this guitar. Boasting a solid red cedar top and solid African mahogany back and sides, the Furch Little Jane yields a beautiful, rich and balanced tone with a good amount of projection. 

The best travel guitars right now

MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.

Below you'll find full and detailed write-ups for each of the best travel guitars in our list.

1. Taylor Baby Taylor

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

If the more outlandish styles of travel guitar aren’t for you, maybe the Baby Taylor will be. This ¾-sized dreadnought comes with all the quality and projection you’d expect from one of the acoustic world’s biggest names, just in a size that can be hauled around anywhere without breaking your back. Or, indeed, your wallet. 

The Baby Taylor would be the perfect option as a second (or third) guitar in anyone’s collection, designed to be stashed in the included gig bag and taken anywhere. Players with larger hands may feel a bit cramped navigating the 22.75” scale length, but for the majority of people the Baby Taylor is easy to recommend.

2. Martin Backpacker

We weren’t lying when we said travel guitars can jar a bit visually. The Martin Backpacker has a unique body shape, that’s for sure, but coming from a name like Martin you can rest assured this guitar will perform brilliantly. What surprised us was the volume and projection this little guitar pumps out, thanks in part to the solid mahogany used in the body.

Originally launched in 1992, the Martin Backpacker has carved itself a nice niche in the world of travel guitars, and its exceptional build quality means it will last for many more years to come.

3. Steinberger Spirit GT-Pro Deluxe

While not officially marketed as a travel guitar, the Steinberger Spirit GT-Pro Deluxe definitely fits the bill due to its distinctive size and shape. The classic Steinberger ‘headless’ design is correct and present, making the same bold visual statement of its more expensive stablemates, yet the decision to use wood over composite materials makes the whole thing more cost-effective and suited for travelling. 

Despite the smaller body, the Spirit GT-Pro Deluxe features a scale length of 25.5”, making the actual playing area larger than that of a standard Les Paul. It’s also pretty rare to find neck-thru bodies at this price point, which all adds up to a decent value instrument regardless of how you end up using it.

Best for Strat players

4. Traveler Travelcaster Deluxe

It’s called ‘cognitive dissonance’. That conflict you feel when something you know to be right is challenged. The Traveler Travelcaster Deluxe is a relative example; to look at it, you can instantly see those famous Stratocaster outlines of the pickguard, the three single coil pickups and the control knobs. Yet the eagle-eyed among you will have noticed anything on the body that isn’t underneath the pickguard has been shaved away, leaving a guitar which is 35% lighter and 14% shorter than a regular Strat. 

Weighing in at only 5 lbs, the Travelcaster Deluxe may take some getting over visually, but in use it provides that same Strat experience, the same 25.5” scale length and the same tonal versatility of those pickups. If you can get over the cognitive dissonance, it may just be the perfect travel guitar for you.

Read the full Traveler Travelcaster Deluxe review

Best electric options

5. Blackstar Carry-On Travel Guitar ST

This is a short-scale travel electric guitar featuring a single mini-humbucker, two-piece poplar body, bolt-on neck and fairly sturdy tuners. It doesn’t pack down any smaller than it is, though it’s very compact already and if you really needed to, you could always take the neck off, if you were packing it up in a suitcase for example. 

It plays great and the shorter 20.7” scale length doesn’t take long to readjust to - younger beginners might find that they can fret chords and make stretches between frets more easily too. The mini-humbucker covers a lot of ground, so will suit any musical style you can throw at it. Whether you’re playing clean or super distorted, this little thing can really pack a punch! 

There is a more expensive version that’s around double the price with some upgrades, but in terms of value for money, we feel that the Blackstar Carry-On ST is one of the best travel guitars around. 

Best full-scale experience

6. Hofner Shorty travel guitar

The Hofner Shorty has been around since the 1980s, and has long been a favourite for players looking for a portable electric they can travel with. It provides full scale-length familiarity which, when combined with the tiny body, makes for a comfortable playing experience. The single humbucker at the bridge is meaty enough to blast out your favourite riffs, while you’ll feel instantly at home with the classic maple/rosewood combination neck and fingerboard.

Sure, it’s not going to win any awards for tone, and you’re unlikely to see them used on album-of-the-year contenders, but as an inexpensive way to add a bit of portability to your line-up the Hofner Shorty is well worth consideration. 

Best of both worlds

7. Traveler Escape MKIII Mahogany

Choosing a travel guitar doesn’t necessarily mean compromising on your needs. The Traveler Escape Mark III comes equipped with plenty in the way of tools and toys, and it all comes in 26% shorter and 10% lighter than a standard dreadnought.

The Escape Mark III features tuning pegs within the body itself, which means it has no need for a headstock and is instead strung in reverse. The onboard electronics are both extensive and useful too, with an under-saddle Shadow NanoFlex piezo system, tuner, aux-in and studio headphone out making for quite a comprehensive setup for the traveling player.

8. Journey Instruments PJ410N

This handy, foldable acoustic makes for one of the best travel guitars for players who want something quality but affordable. It’s got a solid spruce top and layered mahogany back and sides. You can get a great tone from it, whether you’re playing with a pick or with fingers. It’s dynamic, and while it might not be as loud as a full size guitar, can still throw out a good amount of volume.

It fits perfectly inside the included padded rucksack, and can be assembled in 20 seconds. Simply put the neck into position, snap it in place and lock it from the back of the body. Then you’ve got a guitar with a 23” scale ready to play. It’s great for experienced players who want something that sounds good while they’re on their travels (the bag will fit under many airline seats), but also makes for a great beginner guitar for kids . 

Best all-solid option

9. Furch Little Jane LJ-10

This is definitely one of the best travel guitars for serious acoustic players. It bears a hefty price tag, but you can get some serious tones from this guitar. Boasting a solid red cedar top and solid African mahogany back and sides, the Furch Little Jane yields a beautiful, rich and balanced tone with a good amount of projection. 

The guitar can be folded down and fit into a rucksack (included). The headstock, neck and body are separate from one another to save space but can be assembled into one piece very quickly and easily. Once the neck is locked into position using Furch’s proprietary assembly system, it’s ready to play and will even go back in tune. 

The included rucksack is well padded and will ensure that it’s protected enough on your travels. Travel acoustic guitars seldom sound this good, and to be fair the price reflects that, but it really is one of the best out there. 

Best travel guitars: Buying advice

What is a travel guitar?

Essentially, a travel guitar is a guitar designed with portability and mobility as its key function. This will usually mean the guitar has a significantly smaller body or weight, and they often boast creative solutions to common issues like tuning or storage. From conception to construction, the travel guitar is designed to be thrown in a bag and transported anywhere, everywhere, and all those places in between. 

Standard-sized guitars can be, as we know, too large, too heavy or too delicate to carry around for long stretches, so travel guitars offer a specialist tool for those specific situations. Realistically, you’ll not find too many studio musicians reaching for the travel guitar to nail that perfect tone, but then that’s not what they’re for. Portability, size and weight are order of the day here, and it helps that there are travel guitars on the market today which also nail that other crucial element; tone. 

What makes travel guitars different?

At first glance, the sight of a dedicated travel guitar can jar a little. Often, they have quite striking aesthetic differences from regular guitars. Like looking at something you know, only quite different. Manufacturers employ all kinds of measures as they seek to reduce the overall size and weight of the guitar, and it’s not uncommon to see guitars without headstocks, or with radically different shaped bodies, or even no body at all. Yet a guitar still has to function, so there is still the need for tuning pegs, a bridge, and other essential components.

What are the key features of travel guitars?

There are two major schools of thought when it comes to travel guitars. One is to take a regular sized guitar and zap it with a shrink ray, keeping the same proportions relatively but in a smaller overall package. This approach ensures the instrument retains its familiarity, and also makes them attractive to younger learners.

The other approach is to redesign the instrument completely, perhaps taking the tuning pegs and installing them in the body. Of course, such radical design changes can create other problems, so you may see these compensated for with the inclusion of detachable arm and leg rests, for example. While these guitars may look unfamiliar, the playing experience should be largely the same as a regular guitar. Scale lengths, fret locations and pitch will be the same, even if the physical form of the guitar is quite different.

Are travel guitars playable?

If you’ve never had the chance to play a travel guitar, you may be looking at the best travel guitars in this list and wondering if it’s playable in the same way as a regular guitar. The good news is that yes, absolutely they are playable. In the same way that jumping from the thin neck of an Ibanez RG-style electric to a 50’s style Stratocaster neck may take a bit of readjustment in your technique, so too will the leap from a regular to certain travel-sized guitars. It’s not difficult to adjust though. You may also have to sit differently to accommodate the smaller body, but as these guitars are inherently lighter in weight, this shouldn’t cause too much of a headache. Or, more accurately, backache.

Electric or acoustic?

All of the best travel guitars will either be electric or acoustic. Electrics do tend to be thinner, as the body doesn’t need to resonate as much to get a good sound, although it’s worth remembering that you’ll need an amp to get the most out of it. The body of a travel acoustic will normally be deeper, but as a result of this you can get a fairly loud sound without any amplification.

What do I get when I spend more?

The quality of the best travel guitars does vary, and as you might imagine, it does go up as you spend more money. As the price increases, you’ll likely find better hardware, which can not only help keep the guitar in tune and playing nicely, but can also improve how it sounds too, increasing resonance and sustain.

On electrics, you’ll find better quality pickups - these will be more dynamic and have a wider frequency range so you’ll get more detail and clarity. With travel acoustic guitars, you’ll get better quality, and even solid woods which will give you a better, more responsive and richer sound.

Who might use a travel guitar?

The breadth of today’s range of travel guitars means there is a guitar to suit most playing styles and genres, so the quick answer is that yes, there is a travel guitar for everyone. In terms of scenarios, travel guitars are, as their name suggests, designed to be taken places ordinary guitars cannot reach. 

Small enough to fit on your back as you scale a mountain, or taken on a plane as part of your hand luggage, travel guitars give players the freedom and convenience of being able to play anywhere, at any time. For that, we applaud them. Let’s examine some of the best travel guitar options available today.

Can you buy travel guitars for children?

Travel guitars, as well as being the perfect accompaniment to a musician on the go, can also make for great instruments for children. If you’re looking for one of the best travel guitars to get a kid started on their guitar playing journey, then look for one that has a shorter scale length. This will mean that the notes are closer together and will be easier for small hands to fret. 

Scale length and string gauge

Speaking of short scales, the gauge of strings you use is also worth considering. The strings on a guitar with a shorter scale will feel slinkier - they will be easier to bend and to some players may even feel too loose. One way to combat this is to use thicker strings, so something like 12s on an electric might make them feel a little more like 10s on a full size guitar. Though, if you’re just starting out then the thinner, slinkier strings might be better so they don’t quite hurt your fingertips as much.

How we chose the best travel guitars for this guide

Here at MusicRadar, we are experts in our field, with many years of playing, creating and product testing between us. We live and breathe everything music gear related, and we draw on this knowledge and experience of using products in live, recording and rehearsal scenarios when selecting the products for our guides. 

When choosing what we believe to be the best travel guitars available right now, we combine our hands-on experience, user reviews and testimonies and engage in lengthy discussions with our editorial colleagues to reach a consensus about the top products in any given category.

First and foremost, we are musicians, and we want other players to find the right product for them. So we take into careful consideration everything from budget to feature set, ease of use and durability to come up with a list of what we can safely say are the best travel guitars on the market right now.

Find out more about  how we test music gear and services  at MusicRadar.

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Chris Corfield is a journalist with over 12 years of experience writing for some of the music world's biggest brands including Orange Amplification, MusicRadar, Guitar World, Total Guitar and Dawsons Music. Chris loves getting nerdy about everything from guitar and bass gear, to synths, microphones, DJ gear and music production hardware.

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The 6 Best Carbon Fiber Guitars on the Market in 2022

Home » Instruments » Guitars » The 6 Best Carbon Fiber Guitars on the Market in 2022

Simon Mattav

• wrote on December 14, 2021

There comes a point in every guitarist’s life where the same old guitars don’t cut it anymore, when they want something new and exciting. It can get monotonous playing on slightly different variations of the same kind of guitar, whether it’s acoustic or electric, not to mention the inconvenience of carrying these hefty guitars everywhere whenever you travel. This is where the carbon fiber guitar comes in.

Do you find yourself facing these annoyances? Do you wish you had a guitar that was fresh and exciting, along with being easy to carry? Then you’ve come to the right place. Below are some of the most popular and sought-after carbon fiber guitars on the market. Read also The 5 best acoustic guitars for worship in 2022!

Why you should consider carbon fiber guitar?

Best carbon fiber acoustic guitars are rapidly gaining popularity due to the many benefits they have. Not only are they durable, stylish, and elegant, but they also differentiate themselves significantly from standard electric and acoustic guitars, allowing guitarists who use them to stand out in a crowd.

The best carbon fiber guitars you can buy

1. klos black carbon fiber travel acoustic guitar.

The Black Carbon Fiber Travel Acoustic Guitar is one of the most popular guitars in its class, made by KLOS, who specializes in carbon fiber guitar versions of wooden instruments like guitars and ukuleles. It is fashionable, lightweight and ergonomic, and has been developed by a tenured brand that has been in this business for years.

It boasts a body made out of nothing but carbon fiber and a neck made of mahogany, which KLOS describes as “premium.” This neck can also be easily removed, requiring just 4 screws to be unscrewed. The guitar comes with a stand and a bag with special compartments for different guitar parts.

It is also incredibly light, sitting at just 2.88 lbs., with a great weight-to-height ratio. This guitar is all built around the idea of making it as easy to carry as possible, and these specifications illustrate just how easy it would be.

However, the main consideration we have to make is this: does it sound good? All signs point to yes. KLOS describes the sound of this guitar as “very rich, loud and resonant” and claims that the audio experience is favorably comparable to traditional wooden guitars of leading companies. Though it keeps traveling convenience in mind, this KLOS guitar does not sacrifice the sonics.

• Competitively priced at $925
• Made by an established brand
• Convenient to use and carry
• Rich and deep sound quality, suitable for use by professionals
• Eye-catching design
• Comes with many accessories bundled in
• No apparent cons.

Specifications:

2. LAVA ME 2 with Effects 36-Inch Acoustic-Electric Travel Guitar

The LAVA ME 2 is the follow-up to the popular LAVA ME, which was also a carbon fiber acoustic-electric guitar. This one is touted as a significant improvement over the original.

The design is eye-catching, with vibrant colors and a sleek design and logo, which is unlike anything else on the market. The ME 2 will turn the most heads of all the guitars on this list. Its neck is known as the “Fly+” neck, which according to Lava, was “designed by tracking the different forces of shifting positions while players are playing.” This makes for a more ergonomic and comfortable experience for playing overall.

The ME 2 can also be played electrically without an amp since the guitar can use the FreeBoost technology with the L2 pickups to essentially use them as speakers, making travel much easier for people who are tired of lugging around an amp with them constantly.

Lava dubs its formulation of carbon fiber AirSonic, and it incorporates the same stiffness as regular carbon fiber but with 70% of the weight. Reviewers laud this guitar’s impressive tone, dynamic range, and consistency while at the same time comparing it favorably with wooden guitars. Add the portability and focus on convenience and the traditional advantages of carbon fiber guitars, such as having a low weight, and you have a strong case for the LAVA ME 2.

• Well priced at $799
• Strong emphasis on comfort and ease of use
• Vibrant colors and striking design that will turn heads
• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Good sound quality
• Amp is not required
• The company is not as established
• Customer support may be lacking

3. Enya Carbon Fiber Acoustic-Electric Guitar

This carbon fiber guitar offered by Enya is another classy and sleek acoustic-electric guitar. The X4 was developed by Enya Music Inc., a company based in Houston, Texas. The X4 is the newest inline in Enya’s popular X series of guitars, succeeding the X2 and X3.

 Like others on this list, it offers the ability to play it as an electric guitar on the go, using something known as the Enya AcousticPlus pickup system. Check also Cheap Electric Guitars !

This system picks up on string vibrations to produce reverb and other effects to emulate playing guitar with an amp. The soundhole, which has been improved upon since the X2 and X3 models, can also function as an EQ.

The X4 can also be played in acoustic guitars mode, catering to all kinds of guitar players. All of this is packed in a sleek and stylish form factor, with the characteristic striking all-black look you would expect from a carbon fiber guitar.

The low weight of this instrument coupled with what is essentially a built-in amp makes it the perfect choice for musicians on the go who like to travel light.

• Considering the features the X4 packs, it is priced quite reasonably at $899
• Sound quality is excellent, expected of a guitar at this price range
• Great appearance that will make you stand out in a crowd
• Lightweight and compact form factor
• Built-in reverb and amp effect (using AcousticPlus)
• Customer support is less helpful than many of the established companies on this list
• Difficult to set up associated programs and services, including software
• Difficult to find replacement parts

McPherson Touring Carbon Fiber Guitar

McPherson is a well-known brand in the field of high-end guitars. They have been constructing exotic, beautiful wooden guitars for years before finally venturing into the carbon fiber guitar space in 2014. Their latest effort is the McPherson Touring Carbon Guitar.

This guitar caters mainly to dedicated musicians who need a durable and trustworthy guitar to take on a tour. Its carbon fiber body enables its great size-to-mass ratio, and its slender neck and fine-tuned action mean almost all guitar players will be comfortable with playing it out of the box.

Besides the trademark durability and low density that guitars of this category offer, McPherson Guitars have paid special attention to how this guitar sounds. It is meant to be a guitar for professionals, and playing it perfectly illustrates this point as it has a full, rich, and incredibly clear sound that is very close to the traditional wooden guitars everyone loves.

The truss rod is non-adjustable, so professionals can play this guitar for hours at a time daily for months without ever having to adjust the rod since it stays aligned the whole time.

The design is more toned down and less flashy than others on this list, but in a way that feels mature. It functions equally as well as an art piece as it does an instrument.

• Excellent sound quality
• Lightweight and durable
• Tuned perfectly out of the box
• Great customer support, the brand is established
• Beautiful design
• The truss rod stays aligned indefinitely
• Comes with 2 different cases
• High cost coming in at $2699

Journey Instruments Carbon Fiber Travel Guitar

The Journey Instruments Carbon Fiber Travel Guitar is a top-of-the-line guitar developed by Journey Guitars. It is lightweight and portable, with a special focus on ease of travel, hence the name.

This guitar has the potential to be a traveling musician’s best friend. Thanks to Journey’s patented detachable neck, the Travel Guitar can be easily disassembled in under 20 seconds, packed in the complimentary bag, and lugged around. Disassembling is easy, requiring you to unscrew just one screw.

It is also extremely comfortable, fitting snugly into the player’s lap and the shape of the neck complements that of the hand quite well. Its carbon fiber body makes it feel almost weightless, ensuring you can play it for hours at a time.

However, the most important quality of any guitar is the sound, and Journey instruments didn’t skimp out on it. Sound is rich and detailed, with a distinct timber and clear tone that will satisfy any serious musician. The Carbon Fiber Travel Guitar also offers a wider range of customization for different types of playing.

• Good ergonomic design that is comfortable in any hands
• Stylish, classic all-black look
• Lightweight and easily disassembled
• Durable and weather-resistant
• Comes with a padded travel case
• A bit pricey at $1400
• Needs to be set up properly after unboxing
• No adjustable sound settings on the guitar itself

Emerald Guitars X20 Carbon Fiber Finish Guitar

One of the biggest visual standouts on this list, the Emerald Guitars X20 is one of the most beautifully designed instruments on this list.

It offers a clear and technically perfect sound that greatly resembles that of a wooden guitar. Many customers have made it clear how good it feels to play the X20 and hold it in their lap or in their hands.

The unique soundhole gives a powerful full-spectrum projection to the player and the audience. It also has an LR Baggs Element Active System VTC acoustic pickup system.

This carbon fiber guitar weighs just 2 kgs, or 4.4 lbs., and includes the usual benefits of a body purely made out of carbon fiber. The X20 is extremely durable, resistant to all kinds of dents and scratches while only weighing a fraction of the weight of similar guitars.

This guitar has a high gloss finish on all surfaces and can be fully customized on Emerald Guitars’ website. Emerald Guitars aim to cater to all kinds of personal tastes and preferences with the X20.

It features an ergonomic design that allows it to sit comfortably in the player’s lap, and the asymmetrical design allows it to be perfectly balanced in such a position. The neck has a side contour making it comfortable to grip.

• Elegant and customizable design
• Ergonomic form factor which is comfortable to play and hold for hours at a time
• Rich and detailed sound suitable for professionals
• Weather and physical damage resistant
• Quite expensive, starting at $2400 going up to $4000+ depending on how much it is customized
• Only available in physical shops or through the company’s website

The pros of having a carbon fiber guitar

• Using these guitars offers a host of advantages, some of which are below:
• Due to the low density of carbon fiber, especially when compared to other popular materials such as metal or wood, carbon fiber guitars are extremely light, making them easy on the shoulders and significantly easier to travel with.
• Carbon fiber is inherently extremely durable.
• Carbon fiber is also extremely hard and rigid. The shape of the guitar won’t change significantly over time. Yes, this means no more DIY truss rod adjustments or having to take your guitar to a technician.
• Carbon fiber guitars don’t wear easily, so they’ll be less affected due to weather and the elements, and you can show off your guitar skills in the rain.
• Carbon fiber produces a clearer tone than wood.
• Carbon fiber guitars are usually quite eye-catching, whether it’s the trademark black look of the material or a different approach some companies opt for.

Best Carbon Fiber Guitar Buyer’s Guide

There are a lot of good carbon fiber guitars out there, and it can be difficult to decide between them. What’s the point of having a carbon fiber guitar? How will I benefit from owning one? There’s a lot of information out there, so we’ve summarized some of the most important points you’ll need to decide on a purchase.

Picking a suitable carbon guitar

It’s important to judge whether or not a carbon fiber guitar fits in your life.

Do you find yourself wanting to play the guitar for hours but eventually feeling tiredness in your hands and discomfort from holding it for so long? Do you travel frequently? Or maybe you love playing outdoors, but it frequently rains where you are, or it’s too hot and dry.

The carbon fiber guitar is specially designed to alleviate all of these complaints, offering durability and weather resistance, and an excellent weight-to-height ratio, owing to the low density of carbon fiber. Read also How Much Do Acoustic Guitars Weigh?

If you ever wish to deal with all of these issues at once, the best carbon fiber guitars are for you.

Picking the right carbon fiber acoustic guitar

In the burgeoning carbon fiber guitar market, consumers are spoiled for choice. In a sea of excellent options, it’s important to discern which one is the best fit for you.

In the lower range of prices for the best carbon fiber guitars, you’ll find many that specifically appeal to the traveling musician. These guitars disassemble easily, have ergonomic and small form factors and can be carried with ease due to their low weight.

Higher-priced carbon fiber guitars attempt to address a big complaint many have with guitars in this category: inferior sound when compared to wooden guitars. Here you’ll find guitars that are expertly tuned by some of the biggest names in the business, offering professional quality sound out of the box.

Customers who frequently travel and want a road companion or have frequent gigs may find the lower-priced, convenience-oriented best carbon fiber guitars more appealing. Audiophiles and stout professionals may prefer the pricier but sonically deeper high-end guitars.

FAQs about carbon fibre guitars

What should my budget for a carbon fiber guitar be.

Carbon fiber guitars will cost you anywhere from $700 to $4000.

The typical customer will prefer a more palatable price which is closer to the $1000 mark, and guitars at this price range are still very convenient and well made, with excellent sound quality.

How will I benefit from playing a best carbon travel guitar?

Carbon fiber guitars are typically user-friendly, with an emphasis on ergonomics. They are easy to hold and play and are often ready to play out of the box, requiring a slight setup process in some cases.

They are lightweight and compact and often easy to disassemble. They can be carried easily and are convenient to travel with.

The durability of the material ensures a long-lasting life, and users can toss the instrument around worry-free as carbon fiber guitars are also shock resistant.

How long will my best carbon guitar last?

Due to the durable nature of the material and the general rigidity it provides to the guitar body, guitars made from carbon fiber are extremely long-lasting.

They are very tough and well made, and proper care and responsible usage could see them last for years, if not decades.

Can I play my carbon fibre guitar in the rain?

Yes. Carbon fiber is weather-resistant, so you can play in any weather conditions, whether it be scorching heat, snow, rain, or anything in between.

One of the main benefits of owning a carbon fiber guitar is the ability to play it any time, in any climate, without having to worry about damaging it.

Is the high price worth it or ?

Considering the detailed sound, excellent builds and beautiful designs, the price can easily be justified.

Many high-end guitars cost thousands of dollars, compared to best carbon fiber guitars that start from around $700 and are basically guaranteed to last years and years, especially with proper care.

The material’s sturdy design and rigid nature mean there are fewer technical faults, too; users can play these guitars for months without the neck needing to be realigned or the truss rod to be adjusted.

Do best carbon fiber acoustic guitar sound good?

Reviewers have consistently praised the rich and detailed sound of these guitars. They are playable at even a professional level. Most users will frankly not be able to tell a clear difference between carbon fiber guitar and wooden acoustic guitar.

However, some audiophiles do contend that they sound different compared to traditional wooden guitar. This is just a minor complaint, and many have come to prefer the unique sound of carbon fiber guitars over their traditional counterparts.

Carbon Fiber Guitars Conclusion

Carbon fiber guitars are fresh and exciting and look to be a great prospect for many guitar players. Whether it’s the durability, the unique sound, the ease of transport or just the toughness and weather resistance they offer, it’s clear to see why so many consumers and manufacturers have fallen in love with these guitars.

However, our personal pick would be the KLOS Black Carbon Fiber Travel Acoustic Guitar. Its relatively low entry cost makes it appealing to those who want a fresh new guitar without breaking the bank, and it offers robust sonics and excellent build quality.

Carbon fiber guitars have quickly proven themselves to be reliable and a solid long-term investment for people who don’t want to keep replacing guitars. So what are you waiting for? Buy one today and play some music!

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Top 6 Best Carbon Fiber Guitars in 2022 (Reviews & Buying Guide)

There are many different types of guitars on the market today. Some are built with wood, others are built with metal, and some are even made out of carbon fiber. Each type has its own pros and cons, but if you are looking for the best carbon fiber guitar, then you’ve come to the right place.

Carbon fiber guitar is a kind of guitar that made from carbon by using the process of carbonization. Carbon fiber guitars has many advantages than guitars made of wood like strong, durable and light.

We’ll take a look at the top carbon fiber guitars currently on the market, so you can find the perfect instrument for your needs.

Top Pickups For Best Carbon Fiber Guitars:

• Premium Choice: KLOS Black Carbon Fiber Full Size
• Best Overall: KLOS Black Carbon Fiber Travel
• Best Value: Enya X4 Pro
• Journey Instruments OF660M
• Best Budget: Enya Nova Go

Best Carbon Fiber Guitars Reviewed

1. klos black carbon fiber full size acoustic guitar.

The KLOS Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar is a full-size acoustic guitar that is made entirely from carbon fiber. It’s extremely lightweight, making it easy to move around. This guitar also has an extremely unique neck that is removable.

With the neck off, you have full access to the entire length of the guitar. The best part of this guitar is the fact that the neck can be removed and reattached easily.

It has a very rich, full sound that is reminiscent of classic guitars from the 60s and 70s. Despite being a full-sized guitar, it feels quite light and easy to play. It is also incredibly durable and can easily withstand abuse from your practice sessions.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the KLOS Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar is an excellent option. The design of the guitar makes it very comfortable to play, and the carbon fiber construction makes it incredibly lightweight and durable.

Related: Best Lightweight Electric Guitars

2. KLOS Black Carbon Fiber Travel Acoustic Electric Guitar

This set is made of carbon fiber and is designed to offer a comfortable playing experience.

KLOS uses carbon fiber material to make its guitars, which has many benefits. Carbon fiber is more durable than metal, but it also weighs less and is lighter than traditional wood. This makes it ideal for acoustic guitars that are typically much heavier than electric ones. The guitars also sound more clear and detailed, and have a richer, fuller sound.

The Fishman Sonitone Onboard Preamp system is a great feature, as it offers three different modes, including Acoustic, Clean, and Jazz. You can switch between them at any time using the buttons on the front of the instrument.

This is an excellent guitar for beginners who want to learn how to play an acoustic, as it has an extremely easy-to-play neck design. It’s also a great choice for players who are looking for a more affordable acoustic option.

If you’re a beginner, the KLOS is a fantastic choice because it’s very easy to play and has a great sound. But if you’re looking for a more advanced acoustic guitar, we can’t recommend the KLOS enough.

It’s a carbon fiber guitar with a nice deep sound and a very rich tone. It has a full-scale length neck and a very comfortable design that makes it easy to play even for people with no prior experience.

It comes with a removable neck for easy access to all the frets. It’s also easy to put in or take out the strings. You’ll never have to worry about the neck slipping off your fretboard.

3. Enya X4 Pro Carbon Fiber Acoustic Electric Guitar

The guitar is made entirely out of carbon fiber – which has a ton of advantages over wood, including no warping, no cracking, and no fading. Carbon fiber is also incredibly durable and won’t wear out, so you can take it on trips all over the world without worrying about it getting damaged.

And unlike wood, it’s incredibly consistent – the same sounds will sound the same across different temperature and humidity conditions. Take this model on trips from Hawaii to Alaska, and you’ll still get the same fantastic tone when you return home.

The Enya X4 Pro comes with the AcousticPlus Pickup system, which works for both acoustic guitars and acoustic-electric hybrid guitars. This system lets you get reverb, chorus, and delay with no effects pedals. Simply turning it on will give you more sonic possibilities. We hope this feature will ignite the sparkle of your creative musical process.

This best carbon fiber guitar has an elevated neck design that releases pressure to the top created by the fretboard from the 14th fret and up. The vibration of the top is drastically enhanced, providing better tonal response and dynamic range.

4. LAVA ME 2 Carbon Fiber Guitar

The LAVA ME 2 is the world’s best unibody guitar. It is the first guitar to have one-piece injection molding technique, making it more comfortable to handle and providing exceptional acoustic performance.

The instrument weighs only 3.7 pounds, making it lighter than most laptops. It has the ability to produce a powerful, wide-range frequency tone. It has an excellent sound quality and a long sustain, making it ideal for live performances.

Its body is built of carbon fiber, making it lighter and more robust. Despite being the world’s greatest unibody guitar, the LAVA ME 2 is also relatively simple to play. It contains a set of L2 pickups that allow you to play guitar with effects without needing to connect in.

There is a reverb, delay, chorus, and percussion sound receiving mic on the pickups. It also has FreeBoost technology, which allows you to play guitar with an amp when necessary.

The fretboard is also made of the new Super AirSonic material, which makes the guitar more robust and pleasant. The FlyNeck concept is to develop and create the most comfortable and intuitive guitar neck imaginable. The FlyNeck’s geometric form was created by measuring the various forces of moving locations while players were playing.

5. Journey Instruments OF660M Carbon Fiber Travel Guitar

It’s simple to understand why this guitar is popular among musicians: it’s highly adaptable, yet it’s small enough to fit within most airlines’ overhead bins. It folds up in about 20 seconds, making it convenient to transport anyplace. And the neck design is incredibly comfy, allowing you to strum with minimal effort.

It comes with everything you need to get started, including a cushioned bag to keep your guitar safe while you’re on the road. You also get a nylon backpack with which to transport it.

It contains high-quality pre-impregnated carbon fiber textiles on all essential components, making it sturdy and long-lasting, allowing you to experience energy transfer and substantially longer sustain.

This guitar is incredibly portable, and it may also be used to record music. It’s also made of high-quality materials, so it’s solid and durable, and it won’t break easy when you need it the most. This acoustic guitar is ideal for anybody looking for a flexible instrument that they can carry with them wherever they go.

6. Enya Nova Go Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar

The Nova Go from Enya Guitar is the best carbon fiber acoustic guitar that’s lightweight, durable, and comes at an affordable price. It’s an amazing choice for anyone who wants a quality guitar without spending a fortune on it.

Enya’s Nova Go is a great value for the money, with a beautiful design, quality construction, and a ton of features. It’s a truly unique acoustic guitar, which means it’ll stand out in a crowd.

This guitar has a carbon fiber body that’s a little smaller than standard guitars. This makes it lighter and more compact – perfect for beginners who want a guitar that’s easy to carry around.

The Nova Go has an impressive tone that’s perfect for any kind of music. The fretless design is a revolutionary concept for acoustic guitars, and allows the strings to vibrate freely, while still providing a very good sound.

The Nova Go also has a set of magnetic steel frets, which makes tuning a breeze. You can adjust the string tension and the height of the fretboard to fit your preferred playing style.

The Nova Go also comes with a EVA case, which you can use as a stand to store the guitar in when it’s not being used. It also features a hexagonal wrench, so you can easily remove the guitar’s strap and strings.

What Is a Carbon Fiber Guitar?

A carbon fiber guitar is a guitar made with a layer of carbon fiber. It looks like a regular guitar, but it is lighter than a regular guitar. Carbon fiber guitars are much more expensive than regular guitars, but they are also lighter, stronger, and have a longer life.

Pros and Cons of Carbon Fiber Guitar

• It’s stronger than wood, and can be lighter than aluminum.
• It has more sustain than other woods, and it can be used to make a wide variety of sounds.
• It’s easy to work with, and it takes paint very well.
• It can be painted to blend in with any color scheme.
• It’s much easier to keep in tune than wooden guitars.
• It’s relatively inexpensive.
• It’s more expensive than other woods, and it requires special handling.
• It takes a lot of time to learn how to play it.
• It can be difficult to find a good quality instrument.
• It may not be suitable for your style of playing.
• It can be difficult to tune.
• It requires special equipment to maintain it.

How to Choose the Right Carbon Fiber Guitar?

Carbon fiber guitars have been around for years, but it’s only in the last few years that they’ve become the hottest item on the market.

Why? Well, a carbon fiber guitar is built from a strong composite material that offers incredible strength and durability and is extremely lightweight.

It also boasts a warm tone with a lot of sustain, and has the ability to handle a wide variety of styles and music genres.

The fact that carbon fiber guitars are relatively new to the market means there aren’t as many models available as there are for other guitar types, so this makes finding the right one for you even more difficult.

In order to make the most out of your carbon fiber guitar purchase, you should keep some things in mind. Here’s a quick guide on how to choose the best carbon fiber guitars for you:

This is an important consideration when buying a carbon fiber guitar, as it will play a major role in how you use it. The size of the guitar you choose will depend on the size of the neck and fretboard.

If you’re just starting out, you might want to stick with the smaller sizes, such as a 6-string acoustic or a 4-string electric, since they’re easier to learn and play on.

If you want a bigger instrument, then you’ll probably want to consider a 12-string, 14-string, or 16-string guitar. These types of guitars are usually made for people who want to play multiple chords or songs at once.

The size of the frets will also play a big role in determining the size of the guitar you buy. The more frets there are, the higher the pitch. The frets are usually numbered from the first string to the twelfth string so the higher the number, the higher the pitch.

Some carbon fiber guitars come with pre-installed frets, while others require you to purchase them separately. It’s a good idea to take a look at the frets before you start shopping so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Another consideration when buying a carbon fiber guitar is weight. You’ll need to think about how heavy the instrument will be in your hands. If you plan on playing multiple songs, you’ll definitely want to go for a lighter instrument that can handle the extra weight.

However, if you plan on only playing a few songs or a single song, then you might want to consider a heavier instrument. This will allow you to play longer without feeling fatigued.

Construction

One of the most important factors when choosing a carbon fiber guitar is its construction. You’ll want to make sure it’s made out of the highest quality material and that it will last for years.

If you’re not sure whether a model is made from carbon fiber, then it’s always a good idea to look for carbon fiber parts. For example, look at the bridge, nut, saddle, headstock, neck, and fretboard. These are the areas where carbon fiber guitars differ from regular guitars.

Are carbon fiber guitars waterproof?

Carbon fiber guitars are usually waterproof, but they are not designed to be submerged in water or even submerged under a waterfall. This is because most carbon fiber guitar strings are attached with epoxy resin, and the surface area is not as large as the typical guitar strings.

How do you clean a carbon fiber guitar?

What is lighter wood or carbon fiber?

Carbon fiber guitar is lighter than wooden guitars, but if you have the skill to craft it well, then it will provide better stability, and hence, make your guitar feel more solid.

Final Thoughts

The above article lists out the best carbon fiber guitars available in the market. The carbon fiber guitars are made of some of the high quality material and incredible craftsmanship put into them, they are meant to last a lifetime. If you want a good quality carbon guitar that you may be able to pass on down from one generation to another, then the above mentioned list will surely help you choose one.

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7 Best Carbon Fiber Guitars of 2024 (Expert Picks)

Last updated on December 19th, 2023

Today we are looking at the best carbon fiber guitars on the marketplace. This is a new type of guitar made from carbon fiber. These guitars are known for their increased lightness, strength, and brighter sound. 

These futuristic guitars are an exciting creation using modern materials and design techniques.

Rather than being made from wood like most guitars, these are made from carbon fiber which is a synthetic material. The effect of this material being used creates interesting effects on the feel and sound of a guitar.

I tested 6 products and found the LAVA ME PRO 41 to be the best carbon fiber guitar.

This carbon fiber guitar is a real treat to use. Its price point definitely puts it in the professional range, but this futuristic guitar is ready to welcome your musicianship to the 21st century. 

It’s slimmer than traditional acoustic guitars while maintaining a comfortable scale length. It features a built-in pickup with effects, so you can plug it directly into amps, PAs, and recording gear. The effects are fun to play with and bring an extra sonic dimension to your musical arsenal. 

I’ve always been interested in carbon fiber guitars. There’s something so interesting and unusual about them . Maybe it’s because of the futuristic black appearance of carbon fiber. These fascinating instruments look like space-age technology. I’ve been exploring the wide range of carbon fiber guitars available to bring you this list. 

The best carbon fiber guitar for you depends on your style, skill level, budget, and taste.

There are quite a few different types of carbon fiber guitar. Some are more styled like traditional acoustic guitars, others favor a more electric-looking design. There is a large difference in the performance of these guitars. Some of these guitars are more suitable for electric players, others are better for acoustic guitarists. 

I’ve included both acoustic and electric style carbon fiber guitar models, just to show some of the variety out there. If you want to play the guitar without an amplifier or electronic gear then you should pick an acoustic guitar style. 

Keep reading for our full review of the Best carbon fiber guitar!

Alternatively, check out our lineup of the best guitars for beginners ! 

Or if you’re looking for some nice electric guitars, have a look at the best Epiphone Les Pauls !

Need new bandmates? Jam out with our creative sample packs .

Best Carbon Fiber Guitar in Our Tests

• JAMMY G (Jammy Guitar) App-Enabled Digital MIDI Guitar & Controller
• Enya Nova Go Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar 1/2 Size Beginner Adult Travel
• LAVA ME PRO 41 Inch Carbon Fiber Guitar
• KLOS Black Carbon Fiber Travel Acoustic Guitar Kit
• LAVA ME 2 36 inch Carbon Fiber Guitar with effects
• Enya Carbon Fiber acoustic-electric Guitar X4 Pro

Best Carbon Fiber Guitar Reviewed in Detail

1. jammy g (jammy guitar) app-enabled digital midi guitar & controller.

The Jammy Guitar is a new take on the electric guitar. It bridges the gap between the digital and analog world of music. Equipped with a built-in MIDI interface, you can plug into any MIDI-enabled device, or use the Jammy Guitar as a controller for your favorite midi-enabled software.

Jammy is designed for maximum playability. The neck is slim and easy to hold, while the strings are closer to the fingerboard – making it easier to reach chords on the higher frets.

The most exciting thing about Jammy is its built-in MIDI interface. Jammy is compatible with any midi-based devices or software. Jammit turns your phone into a guitar controller. With Jammit for iPhone and iPad, your phone is your new guitar. This guitar can sound like any instrument under the sun and beyond. 

The JAMMY G is a MIDI guitar made for the digital age. It’s a versatile, plug-and-play guitar that can be used as a MIDI controller. Jammy Guitar has a built-in lithium-ion battery that lasts up to 4 hours on a single charge. Jammy Guitar is USB-powered and can be used as a MIDI controller for any DAW, iOS app, or Mac/PC software as well as an instrument for any MIDI-compatible software such as GarageBand.

If you’re looking for a guitar-based midi controller, this guitar makes for the ultimate instrument at a reasonable price.

Product Specifications:

• Body Material: Carbon Fiber and plastics. 
• Fretboard: 16 x Carbon Fiber Frets.
• Pickup Configuration: MIDI Based / USB

Pros & Cons:

• Creates a MIDI Signal.
• Can be used with any kind of MIDI device or software.
• Revolutionize the way you play guitar with this modern instrument.
• Must be used with other gear, limited uses in stand-alone mode. 

This one-of-a-kind digital electric guitar will completely change the way you play. This will enhance a musical workflow in the 21st century.

The JAMMY G features a sleek design that is lightweight and easy to transport, making it the perfect addition to any musician’s set. Jammy Guitar is a digital MIDI guitar and controller which will completely change the way you work. Jammy Guitar is designed to be fun and expressive with a full range of dynamics and articulation.

2. Enya Nova Go Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar 1/2 Size Beginner Adult Travel

The Enya Nova Go Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar is the perfect travel guitar for your next adventure. It is lightweight, comfortable to play, and delivers a rich sound.

The Enya Nova Go Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar is half-sized, with the entire body being a lot smaller than traditional guitars. This guitar is fantastic for travel, small hands, and new players. This is one of those journey instruments that you’ll want to keep by your side all the time. This guitar is extremely lightweight, so it’s perfect for traveling without taking up too much weight. 

This model features a light and durable carbon fiber neck with a gloss finish and a synthetic bone nut and saddle. The Enya Nova Go Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar was designed with a smaller body and shorter scale for easy playability.

The Enya Nova Go is constructed with a special bridge to help it stay in tune when you’re playing it for hours on end. The lightweight body and neck, along with the adjustable truss rod, make for a comfortable playing experience for most players. 

The Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar is a small-scale, travel-sized acoustic guitar for the beginning player. It is made of carbon fiber and has a spruce top for increased sound projection.

This small guitar still sounds great and is louder than most half-sized acoustic guitars. It has a bright, cutting tone and a balanced frequency response. Whilst small, it will still compete with a full-size guitar. 

• Body Material: Carbon Fiber & Polycarbonate
• Fretboard: 21 x rosewood frets
• Pickup Configuration: None, acoustic only. 
• Super small and lightweight, ideal for traveling.
• Sturdy carbon fiber top, body, and neck.
• Excellent acoustic performance.
• Withstands temperature and humidity changes.
• No electronics, acoustic only. 

The Nova Go is an extremely comfortable guitar for the player who wants to be able to take their guitar on the go. It is very lightweight and compact, which makes it perfect for someone who doesn’t want to carry a heavy guitar around with them. It’s not the loudest or best-sounding guitar, but for a small and sturdy carbon fiber travel guitar you can’t go wrong.

3. LAVA ME PRO 41 Inch Carbon Fiber Guitar

The LAVA ME PRO 41 Inch Carbon Fiber Guitar is a high-end, professional-quality instrument. This is made by one of the best carbon fiber guitar brands and brings traditional wooden acoustic guitars into the 21st century with carbon fiber and modern electronics, including chorus and reverb effects. 

The LAVA ME PRO 41 Inch Carbon Fiber Guitar is a culmination of what LAVA offers. If you’re looking for the best of the best, then this is it.

The 41-inch body and the U-shaped neck design provide a more comfortable playing experience. The neck is more conducive to both speed and comfort. The body is slimmer than your standard traditional wooden guitar, making it even sleeker and more comfortable to play. Made from a carbon fiber composite, this guitar is exactly what the guitar industry needs – a powerful, strong, fully-featured instrument. 

The string spacing on the LAVA ME PRO 41 Inch Carbon Fiber Guitar is wider than that on most acoustic guitars, which makes it easier to transition between chords and solo across strings. This guitar offers all of the great features of the Carbon Fiber Guitars with some added bonuses. This means increased comfort, increased durability, and increased playability. 

The LAVA ME PRO has a high gloss finish and is lightweight and durable. The body is constructed with a high-gloss, double-wall, vacuum-bagged, vinyl laminated for maximum durability and reduced weight. This guitar has excellent resistance to temperature changes and includes all the benefits you’d expect from using composite acoustics. This guitar has a fantastic sound, with a soundhole mounted preamp and composite fingerboard. The built-in effects include choruses, reverbs, delays, and more. It even comes with a boost mode which increases the maximum volume output by 50%, and a built-in tuner to keep your rocking in tune. Unlike some guitars, it has strap pins for attaching a guitar strap to.

• Body Material: Carbon Fiber.
• Fretboard: 19 x
• Pickup Configuration: Built-in with effects.
• Superior build quality.
• Excellent sound and tone, covers the entire acoustic spectrum
• Versatile electronics including effects and built-in tuner. 
• Feels great to play, has a low weight, and high durability. 
• Uses a traditional dreadnought body style. 
• Louder sound than most guitars.

This is a professional grade carbon fiber guitar, and could be one of the best on the market. If you’re looking for a modern instrument in the shape of a traditional wooden guitar, this is a great choice. This might be too expensive to buy as your first carbon fiber guitar, but comes highly recommended for professionals or those who can afford it.

4. KLOS Black Carbon Fiber Travel Acoustic Guitar Kit

The KLOS Black Carbon Fiber Travel Acoustic Guitar Kit is the perfect travel guitar for any musician. Travel guitars are becoming increasingly popular in today’s society, and for good reason. The technology is at an advanced stage, where we can easily build guitars from carbon fiber and other modern materials. 

It features an adjustable neck truss rod so you can adjust the neck and action. Even more exciting is that this guitar features a detachable neck, making it even better for traveling guitarists who need to save space. The removable neck comes with a custom neck sleeve for keeping it safe whilst attached. You won’t see a detachable neck on many guitars, but it’s a welcomed addition. 

The KLOS Black Carbon Fiber Travel Guitar is a fantastic guitar for the traveling musician. It’s lightweight and can be stored in a backpack or suitcase, ensuring that it is always easy to carry on the go. 

The KLOS Black Carbon Fiber Travel Acoustic Guitar is an acoustic-electric hybrid instrument that you can take with you anywhere. Not all versions come with pickups built-in, so make sure you choose the right version for you if you need electronic capabilities. The link to this particular guitar is not an electric one, but you can choose an electric version in the purchase options. 

We really liked the way this guitar sounds. It has a bright, full tone with a nice resonance when unplugged. It has a tight and concentrated sound, rather than the wild loose sound typically created by wooden guitars. I really like the sound carbon fiber guitars make, and this lives up to that expectation. It makes wooden instruments seem like a thing of the past, that cavemen play!

This guitar comes as a kit that includes a gig bag, strap, capo, and spare parts. 

• Body Material: Carbon Fiber
• Pickup Configuration: Optional internal pickups available. 
• Removable neck, making it one of the best carbon fiber guitars for traveling musicians. 
• Incredibly strong and durable.
• Very light and comfortable. 
• Includes accessories.
• Some versions have pickups, not all do.
• No cutaway – limited access to higher frets.

This is a perfect guitar for traveling. It is lightweight with a carbon fiber body that reduces weight and volume, and the removable neck makes it fold down to a tiny, easily transportable size.

The KLOS Black Carbon Fiber Travel Acoustic Guitar is the perfect guitar for anyone who needs a strong guitar for touring. It sounds great, it’s much stronger and louder than a traditional guitar and feels nicer to play than many others.

5. LAVA ME 2 36 inch Carbon Fiber Guitar with effects

This guitar may look familiar to another one on this list. It’s nearly identical, although this is a slightly smaller, more affordable version than the Lava ME 41 Pro.

The LAVA ME 2 is lightweight and versatile, with an easy-to-play neck. With a 36-inch length, this guitar is perfect for musicians of all levels.

LAVA ME 2 36 inch Carbon Fiber Guitar is a revolutionary guitar with a difference! This new guitar design is a world first and a game-changer. It is lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly. The new carbon fiber guitar has a unique ability to be tuned to any musical scale, from the most common Western tuning to an exotic Eastern tuning.

Lava is a well-known and trusted brand in the music industry and has been for over 30 years. Lava strives to create professional, high-quality instruments that are affordable for everyone. They are one of the industry leaders in carbon guitars and are known to make some of the best carbon fiber guitars on the market. The LAVA ME2 36 inch carbon fiber guitar is a shining example of their dedication to this goal.

The LAVA ME2 36 inch carbon fiber guitar is a professional-grade instrument that is constructed of ultra-lightweight, microscopic crystals and carbon atoms, making it durable and resistant to temperature changes. It’s waterproof too, so you can play in bad weather without the need for a rain cover. 

The LAVA ME 2 has a carbon fiber body with a gloss finish. It provides excellent sustain and a wider array of articulation. The LAVA ME 2 features a natural finish and is crafted from a single piece of carbon fiber for a full, rich sound and excellent resonance. The guitar comes with 10 pre-programmed digital effects, a tuner, and an amp simulator that allows you to plug it into any amplifier or PA system.

The LAVA ME 2 can be used in a variety of settings such as live performances, practice sessions, recording, and jamming with other musicians. 

• Fretboard: 16 x Carbon Fiber
• Pickup Configuration: Internal pickup with effects and tuner. 
• Smaller than the Lava Pro 41 inch, easier to transport, lighter.
• Includes pickup with built-in tuner and effects.
• Durable, waterproof. 
• Slightly quieter unplugged sound than the 41. 
• Relatively expensive.

The LAVA ME 2 is a 36 inch Carbon Fiber Guitar with electronics, effects, and a tuner. This is a smaller version of the PRO 41, so it’s more recommended for smaller players or those on the road. This guitar is guaranteed to satisfy any guitar junkies and is easily one of the best carbon fiber guitars around. It might just be a bit too expensive for most players.

This beautiful instrument is perfect for serious guitar players and music enthusiasts.

6. Enya Carbon Fiber acoustic-electric Guitar X4 Pro

Enya Carbon Fiber acoustic-electric Guitar X4 Pro is a truly innovative guitar. It features a carbon fiber neck and back, which makes it incredibly lightweight and durable. 

The Enya Carbon Fiber acoustic-electric Guitar X4 Pro also features a patented magnetic pickup system, which can be custom-tailored for each instrument to produce a tone that is distinctive for that guitar.

The Enya Carbon Fiber acoustic-electric Guitar X4 Pro is the ultimate way to combine the tone of an acoustic guitar with the ease of play of an electric guitar. The carbon fiber body not only looks great but is also lightweight and strong. Plus, it’s equipped with a pickup system for easy amplification.

The AcousticPlus pickup system sounds great and includes a bunch of effects, including reverse, delay, chorus, and more. There’s no need for a pedalboard with this guitar, all the controls and effects circuits are built into the guitar itself!

I like the shape and size of this guitar. It has a nice angular cutaway which makes it easier to reach upper frets, and the scale length felt really comfortable to play. Unlike a guitar with a wooden neck, this guitar is fully carbon fiber. The neck uses a special elevated design, which releases pressure applied to the top by the fretboard. This drastically enhances the vibrational properties, creating an improved dynamic range and tonal response. 

• Body Material: 100% Carbon Fiber
• Fretboard: 21 x Richlite
• Pickup Configuration: Internal Enya S4 AcousticPlus pickup and preamp.
• High-quality pickup with effects and tuner. 
• Cutaway for reaching upper frets.
• Extremely high build quality.
• Feels super nice to play. 
• Lightweight and strong.

The Enya Carbon Fiber acoustic-electric Guitar X4 Pro is a precision-crafted instrument that is not only designed for the stage but also the studio. With its carbon-fiber body, it’s able to produce a sound that’s clear and crisp. And with its onboard preamp system, you’ll be able to plug into any amp or recording gear. This is a seriously nice instrument that will keep professional guitarists excited for many years to come.

Carbon Fiber vs. Wood: What’s the Difference?

Do carbon fiber guitars sound good, buying guide: what to consider before buying a carbon fiber guitar.

What to look for when buying a carbon fiber guitar.

There are a few things you should consider before buying a carbon fiber guitar. This section explains some of the key areas of interest to think about when buying a new instrument. It will help you to pick the best instrument for your needs and style.

Type – Acoustic Vs Electric

One noticeable difference when it comes to carbon fiber guitars is the style of guitars sold. There is a clear distinction between acoustic and electric style carbon fiber guitars. Acoustic style guitars have a larger, hollow body, whereas electric styles have a smaller solid body. 

The main difference is the sound projection and the need for amplification. 

Solid electric-style guitars will need an amplifier or some kind of electronic music gear to use properly, but acoustic-style guitars will be loud enough on their own. 

Effects 

Many carbon fiber guitars come with built-in effects. This can be useful for creating a wider variety of sounds and tones with a guitar. It’s particularly useful if you don’t have a bunch of guitar pedals, and can help you to get more creative with your guitar tone. They often need a battery to work though. This is something rarely seen in traditional wooden guitar builds. 

Carbon fiber guitars come in all shapes and sizes. Much like solid wood guitars, you can find these instruments in full, ¾, and half size, or pretty much anything in-between. Smaller guitars make excellent travel or journey instruments, but full-sized guitars typically have a better, louder sound

Overall, I thought the best carbon fiber guitar was the LAVA ME PRO 41 Inch Carbon Fiber Guitar .

This guitar is seriously unreal. It might be pricey, but this is one of the best-featured guitars of the modern era. It’s super light and slim, making it very comfortable to play. It comes with built-in pickups and effects, providing players with a huge amount of sound creation potential. 

It’s a serious investment, but if you can afford it you really can’t go wrong with this guitar. It’s also available in a slightly smaller, more affordable 36-inch model. 

Check out the LAVA ME PRO 41 Inch Carbon Fiber Guitar today!

Didn’t find the guitar you were looking for? Check out our post about the best Squier guitars , for some affordable electrics.

Pssst…. Audio Assembles new sample pack marketplace is a one-stop shop for all your production needs.

Noah is an accomplished audio engineer with several years of experience producing music for major companies and independent artists. He enjoys sharing his vast knowledge of audio engineering topics to help musicians and music producers create great music.

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

Godzillas Hostel is one of our favourites in Moscow but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

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• The 7 Best Nightclubs For...

The Best Clubs in Moscow, Russia, for Partygoers

If you’re heading to Moscow , the capital of Russia , and hoping to experience the nightlife for yourself, these are the unmissable clubs to visit for an epic night out.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Nightclub, European, $$

Propaganda is a legendary club, bar and restaurant that’s been around for 20 years. Today, it continues to draws crowds – even on weekdays – who love to dance until the early hours of the following day. Monday is the only evening the club shuts before sunrise, while on Sundays it hosts the most popular LGBTQ parties in town. In the daytime, this catch-all spot offers delicious steaks and sandwiches.

Bar, Nightclub, European, Russian, $$

Head to 16 Tons to enjoy a pint and catch a roster of Russian and international music talent. This concert hall and pub-style venue, in the centre of Moscow, is most famous for the music and functioning brewery. The name of the club takes inspiration from the Merle Travis song Sixteen Tons , which was written in 1946 and became popular in 1955 after Tennessee Ernie Ford sang it.

Lookin Rooms

Bar, Restaurant, Nightclub, Russian, European, $$ If you’re serious about partying, head to Lookin Rooms, where you can dance under strobe lights until 6am along with 800 new friends. This two-storey building wouldn’t look out of place in New York, featuring a huge dance floor along with balconies and lounge areas. On weekdays it is open from 11am till 12am and functions as a restaurant and bar, while on Fridays and Saturdays the party goes on from 11pm till 6am and showcases top house music DJs.

Fancy dancing to electro, house and local pop? Join up to 300 others on the Gipsy dance floor and get to know like-minded people at the outdoor terrace. From Thursday to Sunday, this is the place to be for all partygoers in Moscow. By day, Gipsy is a restaurant that’s known for excellent Indian dishes and an immense selection of signature cocktails.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

See & Do

The top things to do in moscow.

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‘killing eve’ – konstantin’s world.

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Moscow Must-Experiences

You are here.

Whether you've been to Moscow before or are traveling for the very first time, there's always room for discoveries in this mighty city. Here is our list of top places not to miss on your unforgettable  tour to Moscow .

1. The Kremlin

The  Kremlin  is located in the very heart of the capital and is definitely one of Moscow's oldest and most picturesque parts. It is an ancient fortified building complex standing on the banks of the Moskva River. In fact, the city took its name from the river almost 1000 years ago. The whole complex encompasses four majestic cathedrals, five palaces, the Kremlin Wall, and the Kremlin towers.

Some of the palaces are now amazing museums, such as the well-known  Armory Chamber , which is famous for weapons, jewelry, and household objects of the tzars and the collection of fifty marvelous Faberge eggs. The Kremlin is an important cultural and architectural sight considered a true embodiment of its magnificence and poverty. What is more, it is still the current residence and executive office of the head of Russia. It is often used as a metonym to refer to the Russian Federation's government. Moscow Kremlin's complex was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 and highlighted every tour of Russia's capital.

2. Red Square

Red Square  is the oldest square in Moscow and is its main and central one. The name Red (Krasnaya) derives from another meaning of this Russian word beautiful. Located between the citadel of Kremlin and "Kitai-gorod" - a historic quarter of merchants, it is the starting point of the capital's major streets. For over 500 years, the square has been the stage for Russia's political, social, and historical changes and development. And its main buildings recall the solemn events that took place here.

In the XVI century, the Red Square was a site of execution, where Ivan the Terrible put prisoners to death, and where he later began the construction of the famous St. Basil's Cathedral as a repent of his cruel deeds. It was the location where Napoleon stayed with his army in 1912. From 1924 the Red Square complex was supplemented with Lenin's Mausoleum as a monument to the era of Communism. The Red Square (together with the Moscow Kremlin) was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in 1990. And today, it is a grandstand for national celebrations and parades and a major tourist attraction. Visiting the Red Square is one of the most exciting experiences during  tours to Moscow .

3. St. Basil's Cathedral

This gorgeous cathedral in the name of Saint Vasily the Blessed is considered the most emblematic architectural masterpiece symbolizing Russia. Located on the Red Square in Moscow, the colorful red-bricked beauty is its main precious decoration. Tsar Ivan the Terrible began its construction in 1552. Built in the XVI century, the cathedral originally had eight chapels. The ninth was added in honor of Basil the Blessed.

On the inside, the church is a narrow corridors system, joining perfectly asymmetrical towers, together forming a labyrinth within the cathedral space. The legend says that after the church's construction was completed, Tsar Ivan the Terrible was immensely excited and impressed by the cathedral's beauty. Surprisingly, he sentenced the architects to have their eyes put out. Such cruelty was applied so that the blind masters could never again build such a magnificent church. The  St. Basil's Cathedral  has no close analogs globally and is definitely among the absolute must-visits in Moscow.

4. The State Tretyakov Gallery

By far, the  Tretyakov Gallery  is the most important art gallery in Russia, and it's fair to say that it is among the world's most renowned and prestigious ones. Its history goes back to 1856 when Pavel Tretyakov, a local wealthy merchant, and art collector, created an exhibition of modern works by Russia's contemporary fine artists. The collection was first shown in the big hall of the Tretyakov's family house. Merely ten years later, the "Moscow City Gallery of Tretyakov" was opened to visitors as a gift to the city of Moscow, its expositions encompassing more than 2,000 artworks!

Today the State Tretyakov Gallery is often referred to as "the treasury of national fine arts" for the reason that over 150,000 masterpieces are on display, representing every possible genre and the country's rich traditions. Exquisite sculptures, centuries-old icons, gorgeous paintings, some created by anonymous masters, others by world-known, and admired names. Thus, for those who highly appreciate art, the Tretyakov Gallery is a must-visit place while on  vacation in Russia . It provides a great chance to see modern colorful canvases and the legacy of all generations of artists.

5. The Moscow Metro

The  Moscow Metro  is a huge underground world that not only provides its citizens with fast and comfortable travel about the city but is also among the capital's most famous attractions. Many stations have become considerable landmarks and are protected by the Russian Federation as valuable cultural objects. Every one of the 177 stations has its own unique appearance. Paintings, monuments, bronze statues, and mosaics of marble and stained glass were used in their decoration. The "Sokolnicheskaya" was the first metro railway line in the Soviet Union built as part of the capital's modernization program and opened for citizens in 1935.

The beautiful, almost luxurious space of the first stations is often called "the underground palaces of Moscow." They were carefully designed by the country's best architects and can be truly considered a museum. The concept and style of the stations mostly reflect Soviet values and ideology. For instance, "Revolution Square," "Komsomolskaya" or the "Novoslobodskaya" are named standards of Soviet architecture of pre- and after-war periods and were created as monuments in honor of the Soviet success in industrializing the country and as symbols of the pride and victory of the Russian nation.

6. Bolshoi Theater

The building of the  Bolshoi Theater  was founded in 1825 and has overcome many changes. The biggest theater in the capital traditionally stages opera and ballet, which have always been very significant arts for Russia, pleasing viewers each season with 3-4 new shows. Yet it must be noted that the Bolshoi theatrical and ballet collectives were established much earlier - in the late 1770s. Throughout the years of their existence, they have gifted the world community with many magnificent shows. Bolshoi's Ballet company is among the oldest and largest ones globally, with more than 200 dancers performing here today.

What is more, the Bolshoi Theater's orchestra is now an individual virtuoso ensemble that gives concerts of classical and modern symphonic music playing masterpieces created by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Verdi, and others both in the theater and on tours. The name "Bolshoi" has the meaning of "great" or "big," reflecting its importance for the Russian culture. Bolshoi steadily keeps the status of a world-class ballet and opera theater and is definitely worth visiting when in Moscow.

7. Kuskovo Estate

Situated in Moscow's outskirts, the Kuskovo Estate is a great example of typical Russian summer estate architecture. The complex was built in the XVIII century and was first owned by a Russian count Boris Sheremetev, a maven in arts. He turned the palace, park zone with ponds, and pavilion buildings into a real masterpiece combining classicism and baroque styles. Although the palace was located a whole day's travel from Moscow and had no guest rooms, the estate was a trendy place among Moscow's nobility.

Balls were given here twice a week, making Kuskovo a major entertainment site for the city's cream. In 1919 after the Revolution, the edifice and its surrounding territories were turned into a natural history museum, and today, it is a place where ceremonies, summer festivals, and concerts are held. Apart from its beautiful buildings and park, Kuskovo also encompasses the famous State Museum of Ceramics, which exhibits fine porcelain and glass collections created by Empress Maria Fedorovna.

Although Moscow might seem like a huge bustling megalopolis it has it's own unique charm and inimitable beauty. Its vast expanses and awe-inspiring atmosphere are a memorable experience for all who travel to Russia's capital. We will be happy to plan your memorable Moscow vacation, feel free to  contact our specialists .

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When is the best time to visit Moscow? | Weather, budget, events by month

• July 14, 2023

Discover when is the best time to visit Moscow. In this blog post, I will talk about weather, budget and other things to know to choose the best time when to go to Moscow for you. I cannot account the times when we went in Moscow. Here are the pros and the cons of each month taking all main criteria into account!

I will first describe the main criteria that will help you choose when to go to Moscow:

• Climate in Moscow: temperatures and weather

Special events in Moscow

• Budget and visa

Then I will talk about each season (go directly to this party if you already have an idea of ​​the desired departure date):

• Advantages and disadvantages month by month

The weather cannot be the only criterion to decide when is the best time to visit Moscow for you. Even if the temperatures drop low, Moscow in December is just magical! This is why I advise to take into account several criteria at the same time. Also remember that it takes at least a month to get the Russian visa.

When to go to Moscow: climate and weather

The seasons are well marked. The mid-season months are not necessarily the best for the weather. However, they are not necessarily to be avoided, because, as we will see later, Moscow is a city that changes all the time and the prices can be more attractive. For example, for a lot of people winter is the best time to visit Moscow.

Weather in Moscow. Moscow is inland, making the city “more protected” from changing weather. For example, the weather is much more changeable in St. Petersburg. On the other hand, the weather in Moscow is more and more scorching in summer, we can then easily reach 30 degrees (for the Russians, it’s already the heat wave).

Moscow temperatures

As soon as you think of Russia, you want to do “Brrrr”. Let’s prepare our down jackets! Indeed, the Russian climate is not the mildest on the planet. However, it all depends on the region, because the country is very large. Moscow is almost at the same latitude as Copenhagen. As Moscow is relatively far from the coast, there is a pronounced continental climate. It is hot in summer and cold in winter.

In addition, global warming is there. For several decades, annual average temperatures have always been recorded above the past. I suggest you look at the averages over the past five years to be as close as possible to reality:

Sunshine and precipitation

Sunshine. This is surprising, but there is more sunshine in Moscow than in Paris or even in Berlin: 1,731 hours in Moscow, compared to 1661 in Paris and 1626 in Berlin.

Duration of the day in winter. We had questions about the length of the day in winter. So, here are a few things. As in Europe, the shortest days are in December. In Moscow, at the end of December, the sun rises around 9 a.m. and sets around 4 p.m. Then the day gets bigger until the end of June, when the day is the longest.

Precipitation. There is more precipitation in Moscow than in Paris (705mm against 637mm).

When is the best time to visit Moscow: interesting events

Moscow is a city that moves a lot. It is even said that this city never sleeps. So there are a lot of events, forums, exhibitions, conferences. Here I’m going to talk about the main recurring events that punctuate the year and that may help you decide when to go to Moscow.

End of year celebrations in Moscow

December 31 rather than Christmas. The Russians are eagerly awaiting the holiday season. Here on December 31 is like Christmas with us. Religion, “opium of the people” according to Marx, and, above all, its official absence marked the country during the Soviet years. This then reinforced the celebration of December 31, while Orthodox Christmas is January 7.

Russian calendar. In addition, it should be known that the first week of January is a bank holiday. Many Russians therefore do not work during this period. Europe also greatly influences the habits of Muscovites. Consequently, the Christmas markets start in early December and, for some, continue until early February!

Fairytale atmosphere. If you are wondering when to go to Moscow and you love the holiday mood, then the end of December – early January, and even February, is for you! There are many things to do during this time: for example, Christmas markets, decorations, winter games, skating rinks. In 2016, Moscow opened the largest ice rink in Europe. In short, the city is doing a lot of entertainment during this period and the general atmosphere is at the top! However, everything comes at a cost. You can see more detail below in the article, month by month.

Find our more in this blog post: Christmas and New Year in Moscow .

Visit Moscow in May

May 1 and 9 are two big festivals in Russia. Both dates are known worldwide. May 9 in Russia is May 8 with us in France. The signature that marks the end of the Second World War. The shift day is explained by … the difference in time zone.

The May 9 holiday is a very important holiday for the Russians. The Soviet human losses amounted to millions. So there are many families who have been directly affected by the war. The first big parade was organized by Stalin on June 24, 1945 in Red Square in Moscow. Later each year the USSR and then Russia organized a parade on May 9. Here is the video of the first parade dating from 1945 in color, then the last – that of 2016.

A disadvantage of the beginning of May. For the planned events, Red Square will not be completely empty. There are always installations for May 9, but also rehearsals. So, to the question “when is the best time to visit Moscow”, I would not say that May is the best one. You can find out more in the article “Moscow in autumn” below.

Throughout the year, the Moscow City Hall organizes free events (festivals, small markets, concerts, etc.) in the Red Square and in the streets of the city center. For example, there are two major interesting events:

• Festival of Lights “Around the World”: in 2019, it was from September 28 to October 4.
• Anniversary of the city of Moscow always celebrated the first weekend of September.

When is the best time to visit Moscow: budget, price seasonality, visa

Most touristy periods. Many travelers come to Moscow from May to October. This is the period when we see the most tourists in Moscow. In addition, many are also those who come at the end of December and at the beginning of January for the New Year. The beginning of May and the first week of January are also strongly requested, in particular by the Russians (school holidays, public holidays).

Accommodation. Hotel rates therefore necessarily increase during these periods of the year. But they do not go so far as to triple. To give an idea, count at least 80 euros in the city center for a double room with breakfast. You can read more about the districts of Moscow in my article: Where to stay in Moscow?

Guides and tours. Also take into account that during these periods it will be more difficult to find a guide at the last moment. It’s best to do it 2-3 months in advance. There will be more waiting or difficulty obtaining tickets during the months of high tourist influx: late December, early January, May, June, July, August.

Visa for Russia. The cost of the visa does not change depending on the month of the year. On the other hand, the deadlines can be longer if you make the request for the high tourist season (from May to October). Allow about a month. Getting the Russian visa is not complicated, there is a procedure to follow.

In Russia, the seasons are divided as follows:

• Fall: September, October, November.
• Winter: December, January, February.
• Spring: March, April, May.
• Summer: June, July, August.

Discover Moscow in autumn: when is the best time to visit Moscow in autumn?

From the beginning of September, we feel that the temperatures begin to drop gradually, especially at night.

Moscow in September

More and more travelers are choosing the month of September to go to Moscow. Because it is not cold yet and there are fewer tourists than in summer. Prices drop slightly, but remain higher than in the lean months of the year. There is also the city’s birthday on the first weekend in September, but also the “Around the World” festival towards the end of the month.

Moscow in October

You are likely to come across the colors of autumn from the beginning of October. The accommodation prices are starting to drop gradually. There is less waiting in the places to visit. Temperatures are not very low: during the day they are generally around +6 degrees. On the other hand, the only negative point can be the cost of plane tickets, if you leave during the French school holidays.

Moscow in November

It’s one of the least calm! Temperatures drop and can approach zero during the day in mid-November. Hotel rates are low, there are few tourists, and therefore less waiting in museums. It’s easier to get tickets for the Kremlin Palace of Armor, which can be very difficult in the summer. Guides also have more availability. So why not go to Moscow in November?

Discover Moscow in winter: when is the best time to visit Moscow in winter?

Winter is a very nice time to go to Moscow, because the Christmas and New Year decorations are installed from the beginning of December and are not removed until the end of February. To learn more about the different activities in winter, read this article: What to do in Moscow in winter? If winter temperatures scare you, check out Moscow in the spring (see below).

Moscow in december

Normally, negative daytime temperatures set in, although the weather can vary significantly from year to year. In general, from mid-December the snow is durable. It is from December 20 that more and more travelers come to Moscow. December 31st is celebrated like Christmas in France. Accommodation rates are higher from mid-December. It’s also more complicated to find a guide at the last moment. Furthermore, as in Europe, the days of December are the shortest of the year. But if you want to mark New Years Day, you will have lots of memories!

Moscow in january

January is also a very festive month. The first week of January is a public holiday in Russia. Besides, it’s also a week of Russian school holidays. There are more people in the streets, museums and everywhere in the city. To find out more about this time of year (Christmas markets, itineraries, etc.), read: Christmas and New Years in Moscow . Prices remain high during this week, but drop from mid-January.

Moscow in February

It’s the second quietest month of the year. In February, winter clearly takes its ease. The temperatures are the lowest, it’s a real winter! The days are longer in February than in December. So we’re enjoying the day more, and with the snow it’s really nice, because the weather in Moscow in February is pretty sunny. Accommodation rates are at their lowest, and the decorations are still there. So, if you are looking for when to go to Moscow, if the cold does not scare you and you appreciate the snowy landscapes, why not consider the month of February?

Discover Moscow in spring: when is the best time to visit Moscow in spring?

Spring is a contrasting period between March, which is still quite cold, and May, when we really feel the arrival of summer.

Moscow in March

The ice and snow begin to melt around mid-March. Winter is coming in March, but spring is not quite there yet. It’s the third quietest month of the year. It is therefore possible to visit the city more quietly. Accommodation prices are low, guides are available. The weather in Moscow in March is milder than in February. In addition, the days are longer, so you can take many walks.

Moscow in April

It is only from mid-April that we begin to feel the beginnings of sunny days. The weather in Moscow in spring and April in particular is getting milder and colder: we can expect +7 during the day. In addition, there are not many travelers yet and we fear to enjoy the places more quietly, but we feel that the start of the tourist season is approaching. Accommodation rates are lower than in May.

Moscow in May

The early May holidays attract many travelers to Moscow. There are also many Russians who come to the capital on public holidays. It is therefore advisable to plan visits in advance to avoid queuing once there. Red Square can be closed or partially closed for rehearsals for the May 9 parade, the same day and one or two days after. More info in: Moscow in May: events, budget, what to do?

Discover Moscow in summer: when is the best time to visit Moscow in summer?

All summer months are great, if you take temperatures into account. The weather in Moscow in summer is quite pleasant. However, in recent years, there have been great heat peaks or heat waves in July (30 degrees during the day).

Moscow in June

From June, you can take long walks in the city’s parks, very numerous and much appreciated by the locals. Boat trips are more enjoyable from June. On the other hand, the prices of accommodation in Moscow are higher than in the lean months. There are also more tourists. Book your hotel, tours and activities in advance.

Moscow in july

July is the hottest month, but we’re not on +40. Moscow is a city inland and therefore there is little fresh air, if it is very hot. We can do lots of walks to discover the city. We have written several complete itineraries so as not to miss anything of Moscow in our special Moscow travel guide. It also contains tips to save time and enjoy the city off the beaten track, as there are so many tourists during this time of year.

Moscow in August

Temperatures are starting to drop gradually, but there are still so many people. In order to be sure of the choice of accommodation, I advise you to book in advance. The same goes for guided tours or entrance tickets to the Kremlin. It’s also a good time to discover the city differently by going to places that are less touristy and more frequented by locals.

When is the best time to go to Moscow? In summary!

The best time to discover Moscow depends on the criteria you want to favor: the weather, the budget, the tranquility of the visits, the special events to be experienced on site.

In summary:

• The peak tourist season in Moscow begins in early May and ends in late September.
• Late December and early January is the best time to experience the holiday mood, but it comes at a cost.
• End of January, February, March, beginning of April, November are the quietest months of the year, when you can visit the city more calmly and on a reduced budget.

So, have you decided when to go to Moscow? 🙂 Do you plan to visit Moscow in spring, summer, autumn or winter?

Travel idea! As in all cases you will get a visa and there is only 4 hours by train between Moscow and Saint Petersburg, why not visit both cities? Read an example of a route here: Moscow to Saint Petersburg in one week.

If you still have doubts, take a look at what you can visit in Moscow in order to choose the best period: Things to do in Moscow in 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days.

For a great trip to Moscow:

• Visit Moscow and St Petersburg in one week: itinerary
• Where to stay in Moscow?
• Tourist voucher for Russian visa

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