This instructable shows how to make a folding guitar. The technique of folding the neck using a hinge to the body end of the neck is not new, but this guide shows a DIY version. This guide has some interesting ideas, but I would say its still in the development stage: I can't see a mechanism to lock the unfolded neck in place.

The Erlewine Chiquita has been around since the early 1980s. It is a travel sized electric guitar, just 28 inches long and weighing 4.5 pounds. Scale length is short, at 19 inches. Erlewine state that "Airlines accept the Chiquita in its hardshell case (with the mini practice amp!) as carry on luggage".

The lazer was designed by Mark Erlewine, and first patented in 1987. It is a headless design with a cut-down body. At a total length of 31 inches, and weight of 5.5 pounds, it would make a good travel guitar. Scale length is 25.5 inches, 24 frets, with neck-though construction. Pickups are a single-coil at the neck and humbucker at the bridge.

The Rees Rambler is a travel guitar. It has a full size neck (25.5 inch scale), but the smaller body (with no wasted space behind the bridge) and compact 3-a-side headstock mean it is small enough to fit into aeroplane lockers.

The Blackbird Rider is a compact, carbon fibre acoustic, which Blackbird claim sounds as good as a traditional, full-sized acoustic. Dimensions are 36" x 10.5" x 4.25" (scale length is a respectible 24.5" with 18 frets) and weight is 3 lbs. The recommended retail price (early 2008) is $1600, with an under-saddle pickup as a $140 optional extra.

Joe Luttwak and Kyle Wolfe founded Blackbird Guitars, and were later joined by Troy Stevens. Their vision was to produce a good sounding acoustic travel guitar. They use the latest tools and materials: 3D CAD , CNC laser cutters and routers, carbon-fibre, and structural foams. Their first model is the Blackbird Rider: a compact acoustic guitar with a full-bodied sound.

This is a striking 2 string fretless bass from Atlansia. It would make a good travel instrument as it folds to only 8cm wide by 6.5cm thick (although it is 101 cm long). The body and neck are a single piece of maple, with a folding maple strap supporter.

The Yamaha Silent Guitar (SLG100N) was first concieved as a practice or travel guitar. But it quickly caught on as a practical touring instrument for gigging musicans who needed a nylon string sound. It also has a cool modern appearance.

YAMAHA produced the APX T1 (TRAVEL SERIES) between 1994 and 1996. APXT Travel Series were designed with some of the same features as Yamaha's full size APX series, but much easier to carry and transport. The main difference is the smaller body, which is semi-hollow to balance the neck wieght.

This is a 3/4 size dreadnought guitar, so it is a good choice for younger guitarists with smaller hands. Taylor have cut a few corners to keep the price of this instrument down. It is made in Mexico with a solid Sitka spruce top with mahogany veneered back and sides. The neck is solid mahogany neck with 14/19-fret ebony fingerboard with plastic dot inlays.