Thanks for this review, David. Your comments are very accurate and helpful and based on what you said about the nut and string issues - I agree with you that it's not ideal for a portable or practice Classical guitar. I am going to look at the Yamaha silent series, while they are not really portable in terms of size they are collapsible so might offer a better option. many of the comments are suggestion work that could be done to the guitar but I feel that at this price range, it should really just be an out-of-the-box playable instrument. to go to too many lengths to adjust seems to me to be a little pointless. if there is so much extensive filing bridging, truss rod, balling strings, etc work to be done on the guitar to make it playable, you are probably better off designing /building your own with the help of a local luthier. By the way, I use Augustines (Black and Blue) and haven't used Savaras..what are your thoughts on Augustines? Have you used them? Thanks again
I thought Augustine strings were fine, but I prefer the smaller diameter of Savarez because it makes it easier to generate bright tone, especially on the G string.
UPDATE; After the "Mod", I have played the Escape Classical often, with and without a pick! No further issue with popping string. In fact, the strings that were on the Guitar before the "mod" we reinstalled after the mod and are still on the Guitar. The "mod" does work! Still Love it! CAUTION: The Aluminium block has to be removed completely to perform the "Mod". Which, of course means, you have to remove the "truss rod" nut!
UPDATE: - Yes, another. I just broke my 6th string! NOT the 1st string. This is the original string set, which was removed for mod and put back on. The Guitar was purchased 3 March 2015! I figure, I got my use out of this set of strings. I know I should replace them sooner, but I wanted to see just how long they would last. Still LOVE my Guitar!
I realize it costs more than twice as much, but would a Godin perhaps be a better option than the Traveler? Or, if one wants to go cheaper than the Traveler, how about a low-end Washburn?
I don't understand, if the pickup was defective, why you didn't return or exchange the guitar? Also, I believe that the guitar was designed to use ball end nylon strings, not traditional tie end strings. I felt it worth mentioning since I did not see any other commenter pick up on this fact.
+Ronnie Williams Thanks for watching! Rounding out the end-cap as you suggest will be my next step, in addition to likely changing out the piezo element (not sure if I'll do that through warranty). That being said, I shouldn't have to alter a brand-new guitar just to make it usable. My expectations are higher than that with any product, much less one from a company whose other products have been very well-made.
I looked you up! Went to your web site, had a look around, viewed some of your videos. You are the real deal. I should not be allowed to converse with you. I'm no where near that level. I would say ... novice would be me. BTW, my Traveler Escape Classical works fine now!
With respect to the string breakage issue, I actually don't think that's a big deal. As mentioned in the comments, if you're willing to alter the instrument, you could just dremel down any rough edges. You could also put some wrapper around the strings wherever they touch metal. Shrink wrap tubing is cheap and would probably work. Its not particularly "classical", but ball end nylon strings might also fix this problem, and you can create your own "ball ends" by running the end of your strings through plastic beads, then tying them off. On string type/length, its not a particularly elegant solution, but you could just tie/splice on an extra piece of used string on the bridge end to lengthen your favorite type to make them fit. Not sure which tie would work best; that might take some experimentation, but I'm sure there is something that would work here. EG, fisherman tie nylon lines much like guitar strings together all the time. "Double fisherman knot" would probably work. Also maybe "Carrick bend". So long as your little extra bit was tied on after the bridge on the back of the instrument, it won't vibrate, won't affect the tone, and should barely affect the string tension.
I also found, by turning the Base completely off, lowered the base volume. Leaving the Treble high gave it a twangy sound, by turning the Treble completely off as well, gave it a nice mellow tone.
+Ronnie Williams Most of the power of the classical guitar is in the mid-range, so I usually dial off both bass and treble a bit when using a piezo, and it does give a better tone as you suggest. In the case of this guitar, the piezo element is actually defective. I tap tested the pickup after pulling off the strings and bridge, and the treble side of the element where the first string is doesn't pick up anything. Unfortunately its not something I can easily EQ. I turned the bridge around and it helps, but if I want it to sound correct I'll need a new piezo element :-/
Hi David, If you are after a performance guitar, have you looked at the Cordoba thinline classical guitars. They make a few models, the budget model is the C5-CET with a Fishman Isys+ pickup it has a solid top and sounds OK played acoustically or through an amp. The 55 FCE however is an all solid wood with a Fishman Prefix Problend pickup which allows a blend between the piezo and a microphone in the body, they have a few models in the range covering blanca and negra woods.
+sjcallcott Thanks for watching! I had a Cordoba C-5 (an older spanish one, better than the new ones) that I used to gig on (I got rid of it because I at last got tired of its bad neck proportions), but it had the same problems that I imagine the guitars you are talking about will certainly have, which is feedback. That is why I am looking for a guitar that is a solid-body (I mean solid, like an electric guitar). I want to be able to play at full volume without worrying so much about speaker placement, monitor issues, etc. By full volume I mean FULL VOLUME. I want to be able to play through my boogie, or at least compete with it. There are other options, most of them expensive, but some budget items. The search continues. The guitar in this vid has an excellent feel, especially with the left hand, but unfortunately is less than ideal for on-the-go gigs.
+David Stewart Ah I understand now, street performer and youtuber John H Clarke plays a 55 FCE amplified and by careful mix of mic and piezo I think you can minimise the feed back, but the only guitar I have seen (not mine in a store) is the Yamaha Silent Guitar which is an odd looking beast but definitely wont suffer from feedback, it folds up too. I really enjoy your videos btw.
+sjcallcott Yeah I played on the Yamaha back when it came out and actually found the piezo to be quite bad. Godin makes good stuff, but it's quite expensive to get something that actually has the correct nut width, etc. and I wanted find something more budget-friendly. If this guitar were to be stolen or broken on the road I wouldn't be that upset. A 2500 dollar Godin - yeah, I'd be out quite a bit of cash. If I'm playing solo I usually just mic up my good guitars, but I move a lot and don't like worrying about the mic bumping into my instrument, hence the desire for a more "plug in" -able guitar. Also, I want to be able to use my classical guitar in the context of my metal compositions, which of course are going to be in a much noisier environment than what most acoustic-electrics are designed for. I appreciate the advice and the feedback, by the way. I'll take a look into what Cordoba is offering these days.
One trick that may help is to take a thin guitar pick and cut it into small strips. Remove the bridge and put the strips under the weak strings. This will increase the pressure on top of the element in select locations. Maybe this will help.
If the bridge saddle and the nut are made of cheap plastic, as is the case with a lot of these travel guitars, you might try replacing those with Corian or bone. Unscrew the aluminum headpiece, take it to a machinist and have them countersink and file the holes.
David, great review. Thank you. I was seriously thinking about buying one of these and its awesome to get the perspective of an actual classical player here. FWIW, in my limited experience with these sorts of solid-body classical guitars pretty much NONE of them ever sound "right". Piezo just isn't good at reproducing a classical guitar tone. In addition to the poor string/string balance (which this one seems to have in spades), most also just also make a sort of "boingy"/scratchy tone that doesn't sound right. Under saddle piezo also just picks up tons of finger squeak/noise which doesn't help. Best one I've personally tried is a Godin, which although still not exactly like a real classical, is at least good enough that you could credibly perform with it. I think if you really want a classical sound out of a solid body guitar you have to process the heck out of the piezo signal. There are aftermarket processors that will do this (Pandora has/had one: *Edit, sorry that's "Korg Pandora"*) and I think the newer Yamaha silent guitars do this onboard.
Could you by any chance use silk and steel strings on it since it has a steel trus rod? I know silk and steel strings don't have the same feel and tone of nylon strings, but maybe having a good working guitar would be better than a $500 frustration
The new end caps are beveled, so strings don't break. Sometimes those nanoflex pickups do go bad regarding balance. I'd send it back and let them look at it.
You are a compassionate Guru with a great personailty ! Thanks for such a review and coming across as so genuine. I currently have the Godin SA multiac for 4 years now. To your knowledge that has a authentic neck right in regards to width of a classical? I have always thought it did...Have you tried the Nylon Escape Traveler? Not the mark II, The one that looks like a warped piece of wood? I'm thinking about getting that one after watching this video...
+brokenstring21 I have a Godin Multiac Grand Concert, which has a full width nut. They make several models, but as far as I know, only the "Grand Concert" variety has the 2" nut, which is a necessity for me as a classical player. My caution about the escape classical is in the metal piece that you attach the strings to. Due to the manufacturing methods of the guitar that produces a sharp set of edges, that piece will shred your nylon strings. The guitar in the video had a big tendency to shred the strings. Also, although it says that you can use any set of strings, only certain sets are actually long enough to use. There are a lot of downsides to the guitar that I don't mention in my first video on it, that only came to light after some use. If you already have a Godin I believe that is a superior product for most performance applications, but if you are in need of an ultra-compact guitar, the escape series works. The original escape nylon I think is a bit easier to use than this one, only because it is easier to manipulate the tuners. Thanks for watching!
I've got a little Washburn Rover travel guitar--cost 150$--that sounds miles better than that thing. No pickup but one can be easily installed. Can't you grind that edge off the nut? Should be easy, even with a small file.
This is a silent guitar solution above most other factors; the acoustic qualities of the guitar are moot. And yes, you can file the end cap, but you will be at it quite awhile. A dremel tool or a bit for a drill press is a much better option. But even so, I believe a product ought to at least ship as functional.
OK. So, I'm finished with my MODs on the Escape Classical, David you're right, I shouldn't have to, but my pocketbook can't afford anything better, so I Modded it. It's better, not perfect. If you're looking ... Try "Blackbird Guitars", the Carbon Fiber Guitars!
+Ronnie Williams Well, I actually think the design of the escape classical is pretty darn cool, its just that one flaw. I'm going to do the mod you suggested and that ought to make it a good player, and still a very cool compact travel guitar, so thanks for that tip! I just googled the blackbird guitar. Certainly a chin-scratcher. I'll have to find a way to play one and see what they are all about.
Thanks. Fortunately, I am pretty sure Sweetwater will let me return (if they don't have a specialized person in the area to fix/make the high E string reap more sound, as I requested, awaiting a reply.) That string currently sounds like a broken-muted-toy, but the others sound pretty good. If a tech could raise the volume on the high E, I would actually keep it. Have a good one.
Thanks for a good honest review! You made me decided NOT to buy one. It's just crap! In addition to the problems you listed, I can also add: It has a thick and not comfy neck. No reverb in the preamp, like Yamaha Silent guitar has got. Bad balance with a strap, the body is just too small. Then we have six (!) major flaws with this guitar. Better options are: Yamaha, Tenayo (good sound! short body, plane-able), Godin (bigger, but the best neck ever. Not headphone out though). Vester, Melody, Gibson (or Epiphone) Chet atkins are other 'slab' versions of classical guitars. I use my Yamaha Slg the most for practice, and Godin nylon Sa for recording
Thank you, a truly honest review from an experienced classical guitarist. Very much appreciated!
Thanks for this review, David. Your comments are very accurate and helpful and based on what you said about the nut and string issues - I agree with you that it's not ideal for a portable or practice Classical guitar. I am going to look at the Yamaha silent series, while they are not really portable in terms of size they are collapsible so might offer a better option. many of the comments are suggestion work that could be done to the guitar but I feel that at this price range, it should really just be an out-of-the-box playable instrument. to go to too many lengths to adjust seems to me to be a little pointless. if there is so much extensive filing bridging, truss rod, balling strings, etc work to be done on the guitar to make it playable, you are probably better off designing /building your own with the help of a local luthier. By the way, I use Augustines (Black and Blue) and haven't used Savaras..what are your thoughts on Augustines? Have you used them? Thanks again
I thought Augustine strings were fine, but I prefer the smaller diameter of Savarez because it makes it easier to generate bright tone, especially on the G string.
What is the battery amp that you discussed?
UPDATE; After the "Mod", I have played the Escape Classical often, with and without a pick! No further issue with popping string. In fact, the strings that were on the Guitar before the "mod" we reinstalled after the mod and are still on the Guitar. The "mod" does work! Still Love it! CAUTION: The Aluminium block has to be removed completely to perform the "Mod". Which, of course means, you have to remove the "truss rod" nut!
+Ronnie Williams Thanks so much for the update! I'll try what you suggest as soon as I can clean up my shop.
UPDATE: - Yes, another. I just broke my 6th string! NOT the 1st string. This is the original string set, which was removed for mod and put back on. The Guitar was purchased 3 March 2015! I figure, I got my use out of this set of strings. I know I should replace them sooner, but I wanted to see just how long they would last. Still LOVE my Guitar!
+Ronnie Williams Man, those are some long-lasting strings!
How often did they break!?
I realize it costs more than twice as much, but would a Godin perhaps be a better option than the Traveler? Or, if one wants to go cheaper than the Traveler, how about a low-end Washburn?
I have a Godin. Excellent, but less portable.
Why not Yamaha Silent? Thinner neck also, and buit in reverb
How does it sound unplugged ?
I don't understand, if the pickup was defective, why you didn't return or exchange the guitar? Also, I believe that the guitar was designed to use ball end nylon strings, not traditional tie end strings. I felt it worth mentioning since I did not see any other commenter pick up on this fact.
it's more than 5 years later following this review. Has this instrument been improved?
By rounding the top edges of the Aluminium Nut and tapering the string holes, solves the string popping problem. I have one and love it!
+Ronnie Williams Thanks for watching! Rounding out the end-cap as you suggest will be my next step, in addition to likely changing out the piezo element (not sure if I'll do that through warranty). That being said, I shouldn't have to alter a brand-new guitar just to make it usable. My expectations are higher than that with any product, much less one from a company whose other products have been very well-made.
I looked you up! Went to your web site, had a look around, viewed some of your videos. You are the real deal. I should not be allowed to converse with you. I'm no where near that level. I would say ... novice would be me. BTW, my Traveler Escape Classical works fine now!
+Ronnie Williams Great to hear. Looking forward to doing what you suggested on mine.
And thanks for the compliment... I'm really "just some guy."
With respect to the string breakage issue, I actually don't think that's a big deal. As mentioned in the comments, if you're willing to alter the instrument, you could just dremel down any rough edges. You could also put some wrapper around the strings wherever they touch metal. Shrink wrap tubing is cheap and would probably work. Its not particularly "classical", but ball end nylon strings might also fix this problem, and you can create your own "ball ends" by running the end of your strings through plastic beads, then tying them off.
On string type/length, its not a particularly elegant solution, but you could just tie/splice on an extra piece of used string on the bridge end to lengthen your favorite type to make them fit. Not sure which tie would work best; that might take some experimentation, but I'm sure there is something that would work here. EG, fisherman tie nylon lines much like guitar strings together all the time. "Double fisherman knot" would probably work. Also maybe "Carrick bend". So long as your little extra bit was tied on after the bridge on the back of the instrument, it won't vibrate, won't affect the tone, and should barely affect the string tension.
I also found, by turning the Base completely off, lowered the base volume. Leaving the Treble high gave it a twangy sound, by turning the Treble completely off as well, gave it a nice mellow tone.
+Ronnie Williams Most of the power of the classical guitar is in the mid-range, so I usually dial off both bass and treble a bit when using a piezo, and it does give a better tone as you suggest. In the case of this guitar, the piezo element is actually defective. I tap tested the pickup after pulling off the strings and bridge, and the treble side of the element where the first string is doesn't pick up anything. Unfortunately its not something I can easily EQ. I turned the bridge around and it helps, but if I want it to sound correct I'll need a new piezo element :-/
Hi David, If you are after a performance guitar, have you looked at the Cordoba thinline classical guitars. They make a few models, the budget model is the C5-CET with a Fishman Isys+ pickup it has a solid top and sounds OK played acoustically or through an amp. The 55 FCE however is an all solid wood with a Fishman Prefix Problend pickup which allows a blend between the piezo and a microphone in the body, they have a few models in the range covering blanca and negra woods.
+sjcallcott Thanks for watching! I had a Cordoba C-5 (an older spanish one, better than the new ones) that I used to gig on (I got rid of it because I at last got tired of its bad neck proportions), but it had the same problems that I imagine the guitars you are talking about will certainly have, which is feedback. That is why I am looking for a guitar that is a solid-body (I mean solid, like an electric guitar). I want to be able to play at full volume without worrying so much about speaker placement, monitor issues, etc. By full volume I mean FULL VOLUME. I want to be able to play through my boogie, or at least compete with it. There are other options, most of them expensive, but some budget items. The search continues. The guitar in this vid has an excellent feel, especially with the left hand, but unfortunately is less than ideal for on-the-go gigs.
+David Stewart Ah I understand now, street performer and youtuber John H Clarke plays a 55 FCE amplified and by careful mix of mic and piezo I think you can minimise the feed back, but the only guitar I have seen (not mine in a store) is the Yamaha Silent Guitar which is an odd looking beast but definitely wont suffer from feedback, it folds up too. I really enjoy your videos btw.
+sjcallcott Yeah I played on the Yamaha back when it came out and actually found the piezo to be quite bad. Godin makes good stuff, but it's quite expensive to get something that actually has the correct nut width, etc. and I wanted find something more budget-friendly. If this guitar were to be stolen or broken on the road I wouldn't be that upset. A 2500 dollar Godin - yeah, I'd be out quite a bit of cash.
If I'm playing solo I usually just mic up my good guitars, but I move a lot and don't like worrying about the mic bumping into my instrument, hence the desire for a more "plug in" -able guitar. Also, I want to be able to use my classical guitar in the context of my metal compositions, which of course are going to be in a much noisier environment than what most acoustic-electrics are designed for. I appreciate the advice and the feedback, by the way. I'll take a look into what Cordoba is offering these days.
Stopped at 1:15, this is not the guitar I'm looking for, thanks David.
One trick that may help is to take a thin guitar pick and cut it into small strips. Remove the bridge and put the strips under the weak strings. This will increase the pressure on top of the element in select locations. Maybe this will help.
Thank you very much for this valuable info... I'll wait till they fix it before I buy.
If the bridge saddle and the nut are made of cheap plastic, as is the case with a lot of these travel guitars, you might try replacing those with Corian or bone. Unscrew the aluminum headpiece, take it to a machinist and have them countersink and file the holes.
Thank you for you review. I was very, very usefull
David, great review. Thank you. I was seriously thinking about buying one of these and its awesome to get the perspective of an actual classical player here.
FWIW, in my limited experience with these sorts of solid-body classical guitars pretty much NONE of them ever sound "right".
Piezo just isn't good at reproducing a classical guitar tone. In addition to the poor string/string balance (which this one seems to have in spades), most also just also make a sort of "boingy"/scratchy tone that doesn't sound right. Under saddle piezo also just picks up tons of finger squeak/noise which doesn't help. Best one I've personally tried is a Godin, which although still not exactly like a real classical, is at least good enough that you could credibly perform with it.
I think if you really want a classical sound out of a solid body guitar you have to process the heck out of the piezo signal. There are aftermarket processors that will do this (Pandora has/had one: *Edit, sorry that's "Korg Pandora"*) and I think the newer Yamaha silent guitars do this onboard.
I did a review of the Godin Duet Ambiance. I definitely recommend it. Thanks for watching.
Have you ever try the Yamaha SLG 200 silent guitar?
Yeah I've tried it out. It's pretty good. The best silent guitar I tried was made by Miranda, but they went out of business awhile ago.
Could you by any chance use silk and steel strings on it since it has a steel trus rod?
I know silk and steel strings don't have the same feel and tone of nylon strings, but maybe having a good working guitar would be better than a $500 frustration
The new end caps are beveled, so strings don't break.
Sometimes those nanoflex pickups do go bad regarding balance.
I'd send it back and let them look at it.
You are a compassionate Guru with a great personailty ! Thanks for such a review and coming across as so genuine. I currently have the Godin SA multiac for 4 years now. To your knowledge that has a authentic neck right in regards to width of a classical? I have always thought it did...Have you tried the Nylon Escape Traveler? Not the mark II, The one that looks like a warped piece of wood? I'm thinking about getting that one after watching this video...
+brokenstring21 I have a Godin Multiac Grand Concert, which has a full width nut. They make several models, but as far as I know, only the "Grand Concert" variety has the 2" nut, which is a necessity for me as a classical player. My caution about the escape classical is in the metal piece that you attach the strings to. Due to the manufacturing methods of the guitar that produces a sharp set of edges, that piece will shred your nylon strings. The guitar in the video had a big tendency to shred the strings. Also, although it says that you can use any set of strings, only certain sets are actually long enough to use. There are a lot of downsides to the guitar that I don't mention in my first video on it, that only came to light after some use. If you already have a Godin I believe that is a superior product for most performance applications, but if you are in need of an ultra-compact guitar, the escape series works. The original escape nylon I think is a bit easier to use than this one, only because it is easier to manipulate the tuners. Thanks for watching!
@@DVSPress Thanks!
wow.... thanks for the follow up ..I'm still looking at the eg1 ..ect.good to know that someone else has issues with just the price alone...
I've got a little Washburn Rover travel guitar--cost 150$--that sounds miles better than that thing. No pickup but one can be easily installed.
Can't you grind that edge off the nut? Should be easy, even with a small file.
This is a silent guitar solution above most other factors; the acoustic qualities of the guitar are moot. And yes, you can file the end cap, but you will be at it quite awhile. A dremel tool or a bit for a drill press is a much better option. But even so, I believe a product ought to at least ship as functional.
Right--that sharp edge is an astonishly bad idea.
OK. So, I'm finished with my MODs on the Escape Classical, David you're right, I shouldn't have to, but my pocketbook can't afford anything better, so I Modded it. It's better, not perfect. If you're looking ... Try "Blackbird Guitars", the Carbon Fiber Guitars!
+Ronnie Williams Well, I actually think the design of the escape classical is pretty darn cool, its just that one flaw. I'm going to do the mod you suggested and that ought to make it a good player, and still a very cool compact travel guitar, so thanks for that tip! I just googled the blackbird guitar. Certainly a chin-scratcher. I'll have to find a way to play one and see what they are all about.
Shoulda gotten a yamaha silent guitar instead.
I watched this review a year ago but still went ahead and bought the original nylon escape traveler and the same thing happened.
Sorry :(
Thanks. Fortunately, I am pretty sure Sweetwater will let me return (if they don't have a specialized person in the area to fix/make the high E string reap more sound, as I requested, awaiting a reply.) That string currently sounds like a broken-muted-toy, but the others sound pretty good. If a tech could raise the volume on the high E, I would actually keep it. Have a good one.
Thanks for a good honest review! You made me decided NOT to buy one. It's just crap! In addition to the problems you listed, I can also add: It has a thick and not comfy neck. No reverb in the preamp, like Yamaha Silent guitar has got. Bad balance with a strap, the body is just too small. Then we have six (!) major flaws with this guitar. Better options are: Yamaha, Tenayo (good sound! short body, plane-able), Godin (bigger, but the best neck ever. Not headphone out though). Vester, Melody, Gibson (or Epiphone) Chet atkins are other 'slab' versions of classical guitars. I use my Yamaha Slg the most for practice, and Godin nylon Sa for recording
you’re wrong I find the guitar very comfortable
I feel for you. It looks like you have a crappy guitar.
I don't like this guitar's voice. It is like the robot sound.