Product Review: Traveler CL-3EQ Acoustic-Electric Guitar

By Steve McKinley

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A perfect fit for beautiful tone…anywhere you go.

When I think of Traveler guitars, what comes to mind is their brilliant signature compact headless design. So, when I first saw their CL-3E acoustic guitar with its blend of classic design, choice woods, and modern features, it was clear that their creations continue to shine.

First, with its ¾ size, I hold it in closer to my body, so it’s more like a part of me. When I’m in “deep create state of mind” in writing or carefully going through a musical piece, I find myself in something of a hunched over, almost sitting fetal position, and with the CL-3E’s smaller size and lighter weight, it’s a perfect fit.

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”Its crown jewel is how beautiful its tone shines.”

Next, I am totally digging the upper beveled top so there’s no edge to rub against my forearm and the cutaway which allows for easy access to the high frets. It’s comfortable to play and I’m free to glide around the fretboard.

Moving on to its good looks, the warmth of the spruce top with mahogany back and sides is stunning. The all wood binding adds a dark chocolate silhouette and the maple inlay at the 12th fret and on the face of the headstock are a two-tone classy touch. The Traveler “T” logo is reminiscent of the vintage Travis Bean guitar headstocks and the high-quality gold tuners are an excellent choice. So, its attractive looks are a double thumbs up.

As if all this isn’t enough, there’s more. The onboard electronics sound clean and clear and are so useful. With its tuner, headphone, and Aux In jacks with Volume, EQ and phase, there’s everything you need right at your fingertips. It’s like the Traveler team sat down and thoroughly thought this one through. I used the tuner and headphone jack the most, but it’s super easy to plug in your jams to play along with and tweak the tone to your liking. So, I’m jazzed about the onboard electronics – gold star!

“The more you play it, the more it becomes a part of you.’

As I’ve been “traveling” a lot with my CL-3E, I’ve found myself playing it at newly found times and places (pun most definitely intended). It’s been perfect when at a traffic standstill on I-285 (I get nods of approval from neighboring drivers), waiting at the airport for a flight (of course, I take it with me), and late-night parking lot impromptu jams with friends, which are fun and let the mojo flow.

Aside from all its offerings, its crown jewel is how beautiful its tone shines. You bask in its sonic glory that when you hear it, you want to play and play and play. The neck feels so natural and your fingers vibe on the fretboard as your mind’s ear comes alive. With or without the headphones, time just melts away. It sings when playing solo and is superbly musical when playing with others.

“The warmth of the spruce top with mahogany back and sides is stunning.”

While words can only express so much, the best way I can sum it up is that the more you play the Traveler CL-3E acoustic guitar, the more it becomes a part of you.

My hat’s off to Traveler for their ingenuity and their passion for delivering beautiful tone…anywhere you go. Gig bag included! 

$399.00

www.travelerguitar.com

GGM Staff

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