1. Introduction
The TRAVELER GUITAR Ultra-Light Nylon / Maple is a compact and lightweight travel guitar designed for portability without compromising playability. It features a neck-through-body construction made of satin natural finish maple and is equipped with a Shadow under-saddle piezo pickup. This model utilizes nylon strings to deliver a softer, classic gut guitar sound. With a 24 3/4 inch scale length and 22 frets, it offers a familiar playing experience comparable to a full-size instrument.
Image 1.1: The Ultra-Light Nylon / Maple guitar alongside its custom gig bag.
2. Setup
2.1 Unpacking and Contents Verification
Upon receiving your TRAVELER GUITAR Ultra-Light Nylon, carefully unpack all components. Ensure the following items are present:
- TRAVELER GUITAR Ultra-Light Nylon / Maple Instrument
- Removable Lap Rest
- Custom Gig Bag
- Truss Rod Adjustment Wrench (if applicable)
Image 2.1: All included components: the guitar, lap rest, and gig bag.
2.2 Attaching the Removable Lap Rest
The Ultra-Light Nylon features a detachable lap rest for comfortable playing while seated. To attach:
- Locate the metal rod of the lap rest.
- Insert the end of the rod into the designated hole on the lower bout of the guitar body.
- Ensure the lap rest is securely seated and positioned for comfortable playing.
To remove, simply pull the lap rest out of the body. This allows for even greater compactness during transport.
Image 2.2: The removable lap rest component.
2.3 Initial Tuning
Your guitar's strings may be loosened for shipping. Tune the nylon strings to standard pitch (E-A-D-G-B-E). Nylon strings require a break-in period and may stretch, necessitating frequent re-tuning during initial use. This is normal for nylon strings.
3. Operating Instructions
3.1 Basic Playing
Hold the guitar comfortably, utilizing the attached lap rest if seated. The Ultra-Light Nylon is designed to provide a natural playing feel despite its compact size.
3.2 Amplified Use
The guitar is equipped with a Shadow under-saddle piezo pickup. To amplify the sound:
- Connect a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable to the endpin jack located at the bottom of the guitar.
- Connect the other end of the cable to an external amplifier or audio interface.
- Adjust the volume and tone settings on your amplifier as desired.
Image 3.1: Key features and components of the Ultra-Light Nylon guitar.
4. Maintenance
4.1 String Care
Nylon strings are known for their warm tone but can be prone to stretching, especially when new. Regularly check your tuning. Replace strings when they become worn, dull-sounding, or difficult to keep in tune. Use nylon guitar strings of appropriate gauge.
4.2 Cleaning
Wipe down the guitar body and neck with a soft, dry cloth after each use to remove sweat and oils. For a more thorough cleaning, use a guitar-specific cleaning solution on a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.
4.3 Truss Rod Adjustment
The guitar features a truss rod to adjust neck relief. If you experience fret buzz or high action, the neck may require adjustment. Use the provided truss rod wrench for minor adjustments. Turn the wrench in small increments (quarter turns) and allow the neck to settle before re-evaluating. If you are unsure about performing this adjustment, it is recommended to seek assistance from a qualified guitar technician.
4.4 Storage
Always store your guitar in its gig bag when not in use to protect it from dust, humidity changes, and physical damage. Avoid exposing the guitar to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.
5. Troubleshooting
5.1 Tuning Instability
Nylon strings inherently stretch more than steel strings, especially when new. This can lead to frequent tuning adjustments. Continue to tune the guitar regularly; the strings will stabilize over time. Ensure strings are properly wound around the tuning pegs.
5.2 Fret Buzz or High Action
Minor fret buzz or action issues can sometimes be resolved with a truss rod adjustment (refer to Section 4.3). If the issue persists or worsens, consult a professional guitar technician for a proper setup.
5.3 No Sound When Amplified
If you are not getting sound when connected to an amplifier, check the following:
- Ensure the instrument cable is fully inserted into both the guitar's endpin jack and the amplifier's input.
- Verify that the amplifier is powered on and its volume is turned up.
- Test with a different cable or amplifier if possible to isolate the problem.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | ULN MPS |
| Neck Through Body | Eastern American Hard Maple |
| Fingerboard | Black Walnut |
| Frets | 22-medium |
| Scale Length | 628mm (24 3/4 inches) |
| Fingerboard Inlays | None |
| Neck Width at Nut | 49.2mm |
| Body Width | 133mm (excluding lap rest) |
| Overall Length | 711mm |
| Weight | Approximately 1.3kg |
| Pickups | Shadow Piezo (under-saddle) |
| Hardware | Chrome 16:1 Gear ratio |
| Finish | Natural Satin Finish |
| Strings | Nylon (.028-.0322-.0403-.029-.035-.043) |
| Body Material | Maple |
| Top Material | Maple Wood |
| Back Material | Maple Wood |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Bridge Type | Non-adjustable |
Image 6.1: Dimensions and size comparison of the Ultra-Light Nylon.
7. Warranty Information
Specific warranty terms and conditions for your TRAVELER GUITAR Ultra-Light Nylon / Maple are typically provided with the product packaging or can be found on the official TRAVELER GUITAR website. Please refer to these resources for detailed information regarding coverage, duration, and claims procedures.
8. Support
For further assistance, technical support, or inquiries not covered in this manual, please contact TRAVELER GUITAR customer service or your authorized retailer. Contact information can usually be found on the manufacturer's website or in your product documentation.