Any info on Traveler Guitars and/or passive pickups?

Question

I'm looking for a very light and compact guitar to take backpacking and the Traveler Guitar Ultra Light and Pro Series look promising, but I'm a bit new to acoustic and passive pick ups. These guitars have passive pick ups, so here are my questions:

Can I use my electric guitar amp (while I'm at home)?

Can I plug it straight into mini passive portable speakers?

What do you think of these guitars if you've tried/owned one?

Which would you choose; the Ultra Light or the Pro Series?

Answer 1

Hi P!  Haven't owned a Traveler, but can answer your first question - yes, an acoustic with passive pickups can be used through any amp.  

I also think that you will not be able to use it through passive (non-powered) portable speakers.  

You didn't ask, but I would recommend two other travel guitars if you are really interested in getting a quality guitar in a short scale instrument that you can take with you almost anywhere:  1) Taylor Baby (I own one), comes in a number of woods and configurations, and 2) Martin Lil' Martin - is made of a composite material which is both durable and sounds pretty good.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I have the Escape.  It has been a good guitar.  The passive pickup sounds good, primarily through headphones.  You can use your amp at home.  You can also buy a little battery powered amp to travel with if you want to hear the guitar around a campfire or whatever.  But passive speakers probably will not work.  The neck is impressive on my guitar and the size is great for traveling.  My one complaint is that they are difficult to tune, at least mine is, without knocking the other strings out of tune at times.  Also it is hard to restring the guitar.  You need to have plenty of time and be feeling patient to change them.