Musical Instruments on a Sailboat

[biltong]

Hi Duckwheat, I travelled for many years with two guitars, a steel and a nylon string. Both were well looked after and as a result performed well in the tropics and in more temperate oceans. Perhaps the player could have performed better. Playing certainly helped me stay awake during my midnight watches. If you are cramped for space and have the money, Martin and Co make a compct travel guitar, worth owning and playing if you are a traveller of any sort.

[FSMike]

marksman -
I've always thought that my guitar's seeming indifference to humidity was due in part to being made in Vancouver. It's a Morgan that I lucked out and got a deal on. Of course it may just be grateful that I took it to Florida.

[Christian Van H]

I destroyed a really nice old Hohner guitar in around a year and a half of full time tropical cruising. The spruce top developed a huge wave below the bridge. I left it laying around the boat, never in a case. The estimate for the repair was more then two new ones...

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by sabray

had a neighbor back a few who played only green sleeves on the pipe. worse yet rehearsal was ohh my its @%$&&^ on a sunday morning, bagpipes are good in the afternoon on tuesday only.
just an opinion

Made the mistake of anchoring next to a guy who used to strum a beat up guitar and yodel Hank Williams songs, both very badly, when he got into his cups. His name was Otis (not Redding) but I don't think his elevator went to the top floor.

[Mule]

Originally Posted by osirissail

I have a concert grand piano onboard my sailboat. Thing takes up the whole main salon but my wife is a concert pianist and I love to hear her play. Many, many cruisers have all sorts of musical instruments onboard and it is common to have cruiser jam sessions in many ports and harbors.

Yeah me too, I have the piano right next to my snooker table, (regulation of course)

[Bash]

Originally Posted by Christian Van H

I destroyed a really nice old Hohner guitar in around a year and a half of full time tropical cruising. The spruce top developed a huge wave below the bridge. I left it laying around the boat, never in a case. The estimate for the repair was more then two new ones...

1. the guitar must live in the case whenever it's not being played. Hard case.

2. ultralight strings.

[s/v Necessity]

Check out The "cargo" made by composite acoustics. It's all carbon fiber with stainless steel frets, and it's scaled down and fairly small, but still plays comfortably. I've played one and was very impressed. It plays and sounds better than many full size wooden guitars (although it does have a bit too much bass). I've seen carbon fiber mandolins also, but the only ones i have seen were quite expensive.

[CalebD]

I have a carbon fiber 'cello that has never been on my boat - it's too big for a 27' sail boat. I have been surprised at how nicely the CF body resonates.
Carbon Fiber Mandolins - New Millenium Acoustic Design (NewMAD)
6 Sexy Carbon Fiber Guitars : Carbon Fiber Gear

[alaska pirate]

I've had 2 acoustics and 2 electrics aboard here in Alaska for over nine years with no ill effects. One of the acoustics is almost always out of its case except when underway. I live aboard so the temp swings are minimized but you do have to be aware of the humidity (lack of it here when it's really cold outside).

As far as a traveling guitar, the Martin is certainly packable but severely lacks tone. I've owned a Larrivee Parlor guitar for 7 years now and it's become my main guitar. Made in Vancouver, BC, it has a tonal and fairly loud voice yet will fit in the airliner overhead compartments. Mine has been to Mexico twice and all over the west coast. Look for the unadorned ones used. The fancy ones with all the inlays and bindings are pretty spendy.

[Canibul]

I've got an electric fiddle that I can play through headphones when I wanna be quiet, or full bore through a small amp. Could be played through a boats stereo, too.
And a bunch of Hohner Marine Band blues harmonicas.

the fiddle is for blues, too. BTW. It would work well on a boat. It's not wood.

[Christian Van H]

Originally Posted by osirissail

I have a concert grand piano onboard my sailboat.

Picture and / or video please... produce this and I'll never question anything you say again...

[Duckwheat]

Hey thanks for all the feedback. Guess I can go ahead and see if I am cut out for learning the Mandolin.

Dw

[Polunu880]

try a fluke or a flea. It's a great little instrument, a year on board and no problems. It's a type of ukulele. look up magic fluke company.

[Christian Van H]

Originally Posted by Duckwheat

Hey thanks for all the feedback. Guess I can go ahead and see if I am cut out for learning the Mandolin.

Dw

Well, I wish you well. I tried once...the thing feels like someone built it as a joke to me! I can almost wrap my fingers around the neck twice! I just bought one for my son, an Epiphone MM-30. It was $179.99 at guitar center, and has a great sound for the money. He has 12 years of classical violin training, and the mandolin is tuned the same way...

[Fiveslide]

Originally Posted by Bash

2. ultralight strings.

Stringed instrument with adjustable ... - Google Patent Search

Or one of these. ^ Invented and used by Mr. Edward Van Halen.

I've never owned one but you can relieve or apply more tension to your strings when you please.

I was just thinking of buying a cheap pawn shop guitar just for the boat so I don't ruin anything I really value.