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I generally take an acoustic 6 string or my ukulele when we go camping. I'm no guitar whiz, but I do like to sing and play a little around the campfire in the evenings, often have a neighbor family join in. I may sometimes take it along on the pontoon. Under those varied outdoor conditions I'd rather not take my Fender dreadnought, and even my old Yamaha is too big for the closet in the camper trailer. Do you have any recommendations that you've played that could fit these criteria:
* Compact size
* Doesn't suck
* 6 string
* $200 or under
* I won't cry if it gets rained on or covered in campfire ash
Thanks for your input. If you're driving around northern Minnesota this summer stop by for some tunes and a s'more.
Tim

How about a cigar box guitar?

Amazon has kits and pre made guitars

See https://a.co/d/g9d3U7d

The Kala travel guitar is, unfortunately, $99 over your budget. It does not suck. I have played travel guitars that I liked better but they were a good bit pricier. The ones I have played that were less expensive were better suited to heating up s’mores than playing music.

https://kalabrand.com/products/ka-gtr-trvs

You might be able to pick up a Martin backpacker at a guitar center near you used in good condition just under $200.

I bought my youngest kid back when she graduated from middle school one of those Baby Taylor six string guitars used. They’re classified as 3/4. Bought it used for $150 or so and it was mint. That was like 14 years ago but prices are still in that vicinity I think - don’t know if the quality is still the same or where they are made now Really nice size and sound - a good guitar. She’s an amazing versatile musician vocal, piano, flute etc Even though she graduated with her Chemical Engineering Degree doing very well in her profession, but she’s actually been pretty successful in her other vocation making money off her music recordings and a bit of touring. She has been a ukulele fan for the last few years as well. I’m not sure what she’s using as she has several.

I have a Ibanez 3/4 Mini Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar for camping. It is great because it was only $170 so I don't worry about it. Sounds and plays good enough to me, but then again I am a crappy guitar player.

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez/PF2 ... 5000643.gc

Thanks for these ideas and recommendations. Oddly, I hadn't thought of shopping for used! There's a very good guitar and pawn shop in Brainerd, about an hour away. I need to give them a look. Another good guitar shop in Alexandria about an hour south.
The cigar box idea is nifty, but does look rather fragile.
My dad had a baby Taylor that he enjoyed. My sister has it now, in Oregon. Wish I could try it.
The guitalele idea looks fun and very small.
I did see a 3/4 sized carbon fiber model online. I'd think that would better withstand the outdoors than wood. Any experience?
Tim

Isn't an alto saxophone in a gig bag even smaller? I'm thinking that your fellow campers would really enjoy that.

A pocket oboe mebbe?

How much do travel ophicleides run these days?

Or rather, how much do other people run from them?