Shawn Smith: Road-Tested his Deluxe Voyager Case

It was one of the first motorcycle rides of the season. Shawn Smith strapped his Voyage-Air VAOM-06 to the back of his bike, and took off to join up for a group ride.

“It was a beautiful day, and I really looked forward to having my Voyage-Air along for the ride,” said Shawn. “I thought I had strapped it on pretty well with a couple of bungee cords.”

Some miles later on the freeway, cars were pulling up behind Shawn, honking and flashing their headlights.

“I pulled off the road, and looked back to see my Voyage-Air guitar, in its case, was dragging behind my bike. The case was still connected to the rack by a single bungee cord, and it was pretty torn up on the outside.

“I opened the case to find that the guitar was overall, just fine. There was one spot on one tuning peg that had small marks where the case ground through, but that was the extent of the damage to the guitar. Also in the case were my Apple iPod and some papers, and they were just fine.

“So this is just a note to say that the Voyage-Air (Deluxe Voyager) case is tough. Really tough. I have no idea how many miles I was dragging that case behind my bike, but I’m replacing the case and will strap it on better for the next ride. You can count on that!”

Shawn Smith

---

• 
• 
• 
• 
•  

 

I got my new VAOM-04BK a few months ago and I wanted to express my feelings about the instrument. The obvious part that is amazing, of course, is that it folds in half and can be transported aboard planes and carried around easily. That part is--albeit amazing in its own right--not really the best part of the guitar. I cannot imagine a better guitar on the market today that sells for $499 of any brand, and this guitar is most impressive on this count. It sounds like a guitar costing a thousand dollars more, and the build quality and attention to detail is better than many guitars with the high price tags. I am a professional, and set up my own guitars. For my playing, this one required very minor changes: I changed the saddle and the bridge pins and strings. I also installed a Seymour Duncan SA-6 pickup. The sound is very full, and the size is very surprising after you hear the projection. The Solid Spruce top sings, and even though the back and sides are laminate, they reflect and support structurally and sonically in all areas. I got the black model, and the vintage vibe is very cool. I can't fault the guitar in any area. It's on a par with any American made guitar of similar type and the fact that it folds in half makes it possible to have a real guitar wherever I go. I travel and play gigs in England and I also fly a lot within the US, and this guitar will allow me to have my own sound and feel without compromising for something that is less enjoyable to play--meaning every other travel guitar on the market. Thanks again for such a killer instrument, and I will keep you posted as I continue to play it! UPDATE: I recently did 3 gigs with my new VAOM-04BK, and the guitar performed and sounded great. I had numerous people come up and ask what kind of guitar I was playing because of how it sounded, not because it folded in half. When I showed them about it's special features, I got the general jaw-dropping response. I played for about 2,000 people at the Villages in Florida Sunday, and I was running through a large sound system. The guitar was sensational. The Seymour SA-6 is perfect for the guitar and I have no problems dialing in my tone. Sincerely, Paul Price, Florida facebook.com/pjpricey paulprice.yolasite.com

"Hi Voyage-Air Gang, I am a Seattle musician/comedian and I tour with a  guitar, lots of flying. Last March, I bought a Songwriter series VAOM-04BK, to try it out as a touring guitar. I LOVE IT! It has been so easy to take on the plane as carry on, and I can get a ton of gear in my backpack, too.  
I had a Highlander pickup installed, and the guitar sounds great, looks great, and plays great.  
I am really, really impressed with my Voyage-Air guitar, and love showing it to other musicians (I usually hear a loud "Whoa!" from band or crew when I break down/ set up the neck). So thank you for my incredibly cool guitar-- it makes my job a whole lot easier!
Big kudos,
Lisa Koch, singer/songwriter/comedian/actor/raconteur.


Here's a pic of me on my way to 2 weeks in Europe with my Voyage-Air guitar.    
My website is www.heylisa.com

Rev. Nettie Spiwack travels extensively, bringing her music to far points on the globe such as India and South America.  Nearly three years ago, she discovered Voyage-Air Guitar, and ordered a VAOM-06.  It’s been her constant traveling companion ever since.

Nettie wrote us a long letter about her experiences with various guitars in the past, and how her Voyage-Air was a revolution for her travels.

Here’s a clip from her letter:

“I was happily surprised by everything about the (Voyage-Air) guitar…how good it sounded, how easy the action was, how well my hands could manage the (mercifully flatter) neck. And how light it was! Truth be told, I have many purses and totes that are far heavier!

“Since 2009, this Voyage-Air guitar has traveled twice to India, several times to Brazil, and on countless trips around the USA. It’s been on every type of airplane, and by zipping off the computer case, I even managed to squeeze it under the seat on a small flight from Madurai to Bangalore when it looked like I might have to check it.

“My Voyage-Air never fails to cause a stir. It’s still not widely known, and I’ve even had flight attendants ask me to open it so they could see it!

“This summer in Brazil, a classical guitarist almost fell over himself when he saw me fold the neck down. He held it mesmerized, smiling, unable to believe the sound and the engineering.

“My Larrivee, (that I named) Angel I, now holds court in my house and steps out once in a while for local gigs. She’s enjoying her retirement, and truth be told, sometimes I look at her wistfully when I’m going on the road, thinking maybe this time I’ll take her. But (my Voyage-Air that I named) Angel II always wins out.”

Thanks Nettie.  Click here for her complete letter.

Rev. Nettie M. Spiwack
Interfaith Minister
about.me/nettiespiwack
revnettie.com
www.nettiespiwack.com

I'm a professional music major at Berklee College of Music going into my last year this September. I'm also a singer/songwriter and I've been playing the guitar since I was 16. I am the lead singer and rhythm guitarist for my band Coffee Blue. I was the winner of a Voyage-Air guitar recently during a raffle at a Berklee College of Music Clinic given by John Oates. Watch my video and listen as I describe my experience talking with John Oates about the Voyage-Air and how I love my new guitar. Then check out my original song called "Gypsy" I perform with my band in the Boston area. Thanks so much for listening, Brie.

A note to the staff at Voyage-Air Guitar: “My wife and I recently saw the Shark Tank episode, where there was a re-cap about how the Voyage-Air Guitar company was doing. This was the first we had heard about these folding guitars. They seemed perfect for our use and upcoming travels. “After some Internet research and a few phone calls, I couldn’t decide between the new BelAir electric guitar, or if I wanted just a Transit Series acoustic guitar… so I ordered one of each from TakeYourGuitar.com. Both guitars arrived in perfect condition, in just a few days. “The sound of both is great! I have compared the BelAir to my usual Fender electric guitar, and I have to say that the sound is better, with more clarity to the notes. “Now that I have had a chance to play them both, I am very happy with the quality of both the acoustic and the electric BelAir. I find that I am playing guitar much more frequently since I got them. “Soon, my wife and I will take a trip to Greece, and I am planning to give the VAOM-02 to my nephew there, so I will need to buy another Voyage-Air Transit Series acoustic guitar. “Just this morning, my grandson ‘Max’ age 5 walked into my closet and picked up my VAOM-02, and he sits down to play a song. Where he got the words, I don’t know, but I grabbed my video camera and have included it here. In the past, we tried to get Max going with other inexpensive guitars. Turns out no: Max wants a Voyage-Air! Read about Bob Pellizzi in Greece, click here. mceTempObject “I am amazed by the quality and tone of the inexpensive Transit Series guitar. With this quality, I would probably have paid more for an upgraded Songwriter Series guitar. But now, with my experience, I’m going straight to the Voyage-Air Premier series for my next guitar. “Thank you, Voyage-Air. Your guitars have changed the way that I play my music, how often I play, and the way that I am able to pass the magic of music to my family.”   Sincerely, Bob Pellizzi - Buford, GA

Dear Voyage Air Guitar...

Well the guitar arrived on Saturday 3/2 ! I didn't really get to put it thru its paces until late afternoon Sunday and then Sun night I set it up to my liking (preferred string gauges, raised the action and reset the intonation) heavier strings gave the neck a bit more relief as I prefer, so didn't need to touch the truss rod adjustment.

I have to say the case/ packaging (and of course the neck joint) are extremely well engineered and very clever.  The fit and finish are high quality, QC is obviously a top priority - set-up was very well done.  Varnish is flawless.

But guitar itself… To qualify my comments, I have mostly high end instruments (ES-355, PRS Custom 24, LP 58 RI, Fender EJ Strat and a Rice relic Tele, among others, including some high end and old acoustics, etc).  This is a nice guitar !! Frets are very well set and finished,  Loved the pickups, pretty damn good neck, too.  Excellent - a great value even without the folding neck joint.  What a find ! You did a great job in design and outsourcing - kudos.

I'm enjoying the guitar a lot, worth the wait (well, almost - I hate to wait, but even so…).  One happy new owner here.

Thanks,
Paul L

Al Petteway on the VAOM-1C

"You don't have to loosen the strings to fold it and when you you snap the neck back in place it's nearly in tune. Amazing."

Al Petteway

Listen to hear Al Petteway play the Voyage-Air VAOM-1C

Steve Stern is a singer/songwriter based in Nashville. Originally from WV, he blends traditional mountain and country music themes into a unique story-telling style, with new lyrics and melodies that are familiar, yet fresh and new.  Check out his CD "Steam Powered Stern", recorded by Jack Irwin at Silvertone Studio in Nashville, and check out the high calibre musicians who were involved in the project. This blend of country, bluegrass, and mountain music is energetic, but still warm and embracing.  He regards his Voyage Air Guitar as a no-compromise choice when playing and recording, and the portability is a marvel, and real bonus.

Pictured here with his 1984 Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide "Shovelution"  and VAOM-02. Photos by Selena's Shoots

Some guy named guitarlj put up this cool video on YouTube, and we thought we would share it...
Thanks guitarlj!

Dear Voyage-Air:
I can't recall ever writing a company praising their product – even the great ones – but the Voyage-Air guitar is a special case for me. I think any guitar loving addict like me would feel the same way.

It is all about being able to take a great sounding guitar with you in the overhead storage rather than having it languish with the luggage and in the baggage bowels of airports.

I interviewed all the "travel" guitars that were in stock at the San Francisco Guitar Center. They were all wanting of a decent guitar sound. Then, the salesman told me that they recently had a full sized folding neck guitar that really did sound great and that really could be easily folded and put back into play again (with a little tuning.) He said Guitar Center had the guitars on order but I didn't want to wait so I took a chance and ordered the Voyage-Air VAD-2 dreadnaught model online: sight unseen and unheard!

I figured I would return the guitar if it didn't meet my quality standards.

I should state here that I have a forty year old Martin D-35 and a Taylor 12 string. I may not have "golden-ears" but I do know what a quality guitar sounds like.

My new Voyage-Air passed the audition with flying colors. The sound is very good and will only get better with age. The construction and materials are quality, and I can take it anywhere.

My excitement over this guitar reminds me of when I purchased the first generation iPod: finally I was able to conveniently take my music with me – just like I can now take my guitar with me.

For a lover of music and guitar playing, who could ask for anything more?

Now I'm thinking about that electric Voyage-Air.

Cheers,
Edward McShane

• 
•  

I got the guitar yesterday and I'm really impressed with everything.

Brilliant design for the instrument and the carry bag.

Great work!"
William Belote
Music House Productions, Granada Hills, CA

I've been playing for decades, have enjoyed many styles of guitar music, and played lots of guitars from the lowest imaginable quality to some truly fine instruments.

The Voyage-air guitars more than hold their own against anything I've played at a similar price point, excel compared to many far more costly factory guitars I've played, and represent truly excellent value even disregarding their foldablity. Their portability is more than mere icing on the cake. One does not truly appreciate this until one hauls a Voyage-Air everywhere daily, and discovers the remarkable ease with which they fit into spaces that are not guitar-friendly to any guitar that does not fold.

To Harvey, Hank, Lance, and everyone else at VG, hats off, thumbs up, right on, hooba hooba, and full speed ahead. Your trip is just beginning. Y’all have done something remarkable for the world of guitar players.

Thank you.
Hank Alrich

I had seen the ad for Voyage-Air Guitars a few times in Acoustic Guitar Magazine but I didn't give them much attention. Folding your guitar is a difficult gimmick to get by. It was the glowing review in that same mag that persuaded me to buy. Prior to that my travel guitar (also my play on my breaks at work guitar) was a Vagabond Travel Guitar - nice but awkward, the best sound (thin and tinny) you're going to get from a small guitar. But when I traveled I really yearned for the sound and feel of a full size OM.

Normally I'd NEVER buy a guitar sight unseen but after talking to Jim Wolcott at "Take Your Guitar" I took the plunge.

I love this guitar. I paid $697 and if I'd known the quality of the guitar and case (wow) I'd have paid a lot more. I show it to everyone. I've taken it to my local shops to show it off and I recently brought it to a weekend guitar and fiddle camp. It's a great product, a great idea, well executed, and I just want to see you guys succeed.

I play primarily finger-style though this little foldable OM can stand right up to a much heavier hand. My other guitars include a Huss and Dalton OM and a Taylor Limited Edition Maple dread and I don't feel my Voyage Air is a "travel guitar" compromise at all.

Staci Leonard
Goffstown, NH

 

 

Editor's Note: Staci was one of the early players! She owned and played her Voyage-Air for over 6 months before contacting us with this unsolicited review.

“In the price range you mention, hands-down, the Voyage-Air VAOM-06… awesome playability and a sweet sweet tone.”

Don Hindenach - From the 13th Fret Forum

“I recently bought it (an OM Songwriter) and have been playing for about two weeks. It has settled down nicely and started to respond very well to my playing. Although this is the lowest end of their line-ups, it has very nice mahogany sound and intonation/tuning is very stable especially when capo is used (better than my Martin). I own two high-end guitars (Martin and Collings) both of which are rosewood-based and this nicely complements my collection without spending a fortune. I also researched heavily before I purchased it and have no regrets. I highly recommend it to everyone whether you have travel needs or not. If you have any issues or questions, customer service at Voyage-air will gladly help you I had one issue when I received it (one of tuner nuts was not screwed in tightly) but it was fixable and they were very helpful throughout the process.”

Tosh in New York

 

"I like the mahogany voice of this one, it's strong and clear. The folding design is a great idea and allows you to take a real, wood guitar anywhere you want to go. No limits!"

Paul Heumiller

 

“I’ve spent too many nights in strange cities, wishing I could pass the time playing music, but unwilling to accept the risk and hassle of checking one of my good guitars through baggage. I’ve tried all the usual travel guitars, but they’re just too unsatisfying to play. So I was intrigued when the people at Voyage-Air, aware of my passion for the guitar, asked if I’d be willing to audition a performance-quality travel guitar. Sounded like an oxymoron to me, but why not?

“…The amazing truth remains that, once you unfold the neck and tighten the bolt (without retuning!), you never once realize that you’re playing a guitar that folds in half! And the tone is every bit as good as the more expensive Martin, Santa Cruz and James Goodall guitars now in my collection. Brad Paisley and Steve Miller both play one, and that’s good enough for me!

Lee Harrington of the Herrington Catalog