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I admire those with musical talent (and those with the countless talents which I lack); but I have an aversion to enforced jollity.Dearest pilgrims,
I am flying to Paris in a little over 2 weeks, beginning my first Camino from SJPP on October 22! I am beyond excited and more than a little bit anxious.
So… I have a beautiful, foldable backpacking guitar which weighs in at about 3 to 3.5 lbs. I cannot decide whether or not to bring it - i.e., will it be worth the extra weight and hassle.
I am curious as to how pilgrims and others feel about musical instruments on the Camino. Have any of you experienced other pilgrims carrying and playing instruments, etc? Also, is it at all common for Albergues to have musical instruments on hand (I’m thinking mostly guitar or piano) for guests to play?
Thank you for your thoughts and opinions. Buen Camino!! TH.
Why would you want to bring it?Dearest pilgrims,
I am flying to Paris in a little over 2 weeks, beginning my first Camino from SJPP on October 22! I am beyond excited and more than a little bit anxious.
So… I have a beautiful, foldable backpacking guitar which weighs in at about 3 to 3.5 lbs. I cannot decide whether or not to bring it - i.e., will it be worth the extra weight and hassle.
I am curious as to how pilgrims and others feel about musical instruments on the Camino. Have any of you experienced other pilgrims carrying and playing instruments, etc? Also, is it at all common for Albergues to have musical instruments on hand (I’m thinking mostly guitar or piano) for guests to play?
Thank you for your thoughts and opinions. Buen Camino!! TH.
There are 2 screws. Take them out and the neck comes off. Also, it's a small guitar to begin with.Why would you want to bring it?
Are you a guitarist that needs to spend at least some time everyday in practice?
Are you planning to do a bit of busking now and then to top up your hiking budget?
Are you thinking of spreading song and joy amongst the assembled?
Are you planning on inflicting your foldable guitar (foldable guitar?) on anyone in hearing range because they’ll probably like it? Or at least admire your commitment?
Carrying a superfluous 3.5lbs of weight is of course a choice you are entitled to exercise. Using it to the distress of others ain’t.
Foldable guitar? Why am I so obsessed by the concept of a foldable guitar?
I’d love to see a picture
Hi - yes I have come across quite a few folks playing guitars in hostels on the caminos I have done. They seem to be quite a feature of these trips and backpacker trips in general. A few folks carrying them too. I really enjoy everyone getting together for a few drinks and some music in the evening. Certainly brings a lot of people together.Dearest pilgrims,
I am flying to Paris in a little over 2 weeks, beginning my first Camino from SJPP on October 22! I am beyond excited and more than a little bit anxious.
So… I have a beautiful, foldable backpacking guitar which weighs in at about 3 to 3.5 lbs. I cannot decide whether or not to bring it - i.e., will it be worth the extra weight and hassle.
I am curious as to how pilgrims and others feel about musical instruments on the Camino. Have any of you experienced other pilgrims carrying and playing instruments, etc? Also, is it at all common for Albergues to have musical instruments on hand (I’m thinking mostly guitar or piano) for guests to play?
Thank you for your thoughts and opinions. Buen Camino!! TH.
I just finished walking the Aragonés and parts of the Frances and took this photo a few days ago to send to some friends, commenting that it seems to have become a trend (and advertised feature) for many albergues to have a guitar available! I certainly haven’t noticed this as much in past years. I didn’t see any pianos. There were sing-alongs in a few places I stayed, with the same quiet / lights out rules applied to them. Have any of you experienced other pilgrims carrying and playing instruments, etc? Also, is it at all common for Albergues to have musical instruments on hand (I’m thinking mostly guitar or piano) for guests to play?
Awesome, thank you. Looks like I should bring a bathing suit as well.I just finished walking the Aragonés and parts of the Frances and took this photo a few days ago to send to some friends, commenting that it seems to have become a trend (and advertised feature) for many albergues to have a guitar available! I certainly haven’t noticed this as much in past years. I didn’t see any pianos. There were sing-alongs in a few places I stayed, with the same quiet / lights out rules applied to them
And yes, I did see a few people carrying guitars along the way as well.
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No, it's an actual 6 string acoustic guitar - A 'Baby Taylor' and it's lovely. I am a professional. I don't "have" to play everyday but I love to play and miss it when I'm away for a time. I would never impose (heaven forbid inflict!) music on anyone. It can be an enjoyable part of a social evening - or not, depending on the group.Closer to a guitara? 5 string rather than 6? Would go down well in Portugal for sure but you didn’t answer my other questions. I’ve been a professional singer but I don’t do that thing on Camino. Camino is what I do when I’m not doing the rest of my life
LOL my mind immediately went to the absurdity of carrying a cello! I'm glad that someone has done that, it would be amazing to hear someone play at the end of the day.There was another fellow that carried a cello on Camino!
He made a movie of his Camino: Strangers on the Earth.LOL my mind immediately went to the absurdity of carrying a cello! I'm glad that someone has done that, it would be amazing to hear someone play at the end of the day.
Tinkatinker:
[[Are you planning to do a bit of busking now and then to top up your hiking budget?
Are you thinking of spreading song and joy amongst the assembled?]]
I met my friend Lindsay from Scotland on the Camino a few years ago. He builds classical guitars, so built himself kind of a unique little travel guitar. Yes, he DID busk in cities along the way sometimes! And I would say that not just other pilgrims enjoyed his playing and singing; so often did the locals, which was even much better! Late one night walking around Santiago, Lindsay and I started to enter a small bar that was getting ready to close. But after a slight hesitation, the guy let us in. It was just the bar owner and three of his friends, who had known each other since childhood in Santiago. Here is a video clip of that marvelous evening. (Sorry it turns sideways part way through)
Reading Tincatinkers post, I thought of this (Animal House, Jim Belushi, Guitar Scene):Why would you want to bring it?
Are you a guitarist that needs to spend at least some time everyday in practice?
Are you planning to do a bit of busking now and then to top up your hiking budget?
Are you thinking of spreading song and joy amongst the assembled?
Are you planning on inflicting your foldable guitar (foldable guitar?) on anyone in hearing range because they’ll probably like it? Or at least admire your commitment?
Carrying a superfluous 3.5lbs of weight is of course a choice you are entitled to exercise. Using it to the distress of others ain’t.
Foldable guitar? Why am I so obsessed by the concept of a foldable guitar?
I’d love to see a picture
Bring it along with you........music is international, adds to the mood and would be welcomed by many Pilgrims relaxing after a days walk.No, it's an actual 6 string acoustic guitar - A 'Baby Taylor' and it's lovely. I am a professional. I don't "have" to play everyday but I love to play and miss it when I'm away for a time. I would never impose (heaven forbid inflict!) music on anyone. It can be an enjoyable part of a social evening - or not, depending on the group.
Hiya, just returned from walking the Portuguese Central Camino, and met a French couple who had brought ukes with them at the Rates albergue.Dearest pilgrims,
I am flying to Paris in a little over 2 weeks, beginning my first Camino from SJPP on October 22! I am beyond excited and more than a little bit anxious.
So… I have a beautiful, foldable backpacking guitar which weighs in at about 3 to 3.5 lbs. I cannot decide whether or not to bring it - i.e., will it be worth the extra weight and hassle.
I am curious as to how pilgrims and others feel about musical instruments on the Camino. Have any of you experienced other pilgrims carrying and playing instruments, etc? Also, is it at all common for Albergues to have musical instruments on hand (I’m thinking mostly guitar or piano) for guests to play?
Thank you for your thoughts and opinions. Buen Camino!! TH.
Why would you want to bring it?
Are you a guitarist that needs to spend at least some time everyday in practice?
Are you planning to do a bit of busking now and then to top up your hiking budget?
Are you thinking of spreading song and joy amongst the assembled?
Are you planning on inflicting your foldable guitar (foldable guitar?) on anyone in hearing range because they’ll probably like it? Or at least admire your commitment?
Carrying a superfluous 3.5lbs of weight is of course a choice you are entitled to exercise. Using it to the distress of others ain’t.
Foldable guitar? Why am I so obsessed by the concept of a foldable guitar?
I’d love to see a picture
Dearest pilgrims,
I am flying to Paris in a little over 2 weeks, beginning my first Camino from SJPP on October 22! I am beyond excited and more than a little bit anxious.
So… I have a beautiful, foldable backpacking guitar which weighs in at about 3 to 3.5 lbs. I cannot decide whether or not to bring it - i.e., will it be worth the extra weight and hassle.
I am curious as to how pilgrims and others feel about musical instruments on the Camino. Have any of you experienced other pilgrims carrying and playing instruments, etc? Also, is it at all common for Albrgues to have musical instruments on hand (I’m thinking mostly guitar or piano) for guests to play?
Thank you for your thoughts and opinions. Buen Camino!! TH.
Good idea. If I strike up my ukulele, I’ll never have to worry about finding space in an otherwise full albergue.Dearest pilgrims,
I am flying to Paris in a little over 2 weeks, beginning my first Camino from SJPP on October 22! I am beyond excited and more than a little bit anxious.
So… I have a beautiful, foldable backpacking guitar which weighs in at about 3 to 3.5 lbs. I cannot decide whether or not to bring it - i.e., will it be worth the extra weight and hassle.
I am curious as to how pilgrims and others feel about musical instruments on the Camino. Have any of you experienced other pilgrims carrying and playing instruments, etc? Also, is it at all common for Albergues to have musical instruments on hand (I’m thinking mostly guitar or piano) for guests to play?
Thank you for your thoughts and opinions. Buen Camino!! TH.
A Taylor, lovely. I'd love to hear it. Camino can be rough on people never mind guitars but if you can wear the weight and the risks - go for it.No, it's an actual 6 string acoustic guitar - A 'Baby Taylor' and it's lovely. I am a professional. I don't "have" to play everyday but I love to play and miss it when I'm away for a time. I would never impose (heaven forbid inflict!) music on anyone. It can be an enjoyable part of a social evening - or not, depending on the group.
*runs away screaming*Just no Taylor Swift, James Blunt or Ed Sherrin........more Leonard Cohen, Roy Orbison, Warren Zevon, etc
Well I am confirmed ‘Swiftie’!!*runs away screaming*
I will likely not be the typical reply, but outside of specific venues- churches, plazas, restaurants, etc - I always feel much of the impromptu ‘music’ is akin to aural graffiti.Dearest pilgrims,
I am flying to Paris in a little over 2 weeks, beginning my first Camino from SJPP on October 22! I am beyond excited and more than a little bit anxious.
So… I have a beautiful, foldable backpacking guitar which weighs in at about 3 to 3.5 lbs. I cannot decide whether or not to bring it - i.e., will it be worth the extra weight and hassle.
I am curious as to how pilgrims and others feel about musical instruments on the Camino. Have any of you experienced other pilgrims carrying and playing instruments, etc? Also, is it at all common for Albergues to have musical instruments on hand (I’m thinking mostly guitar or piano) for guests to play?
Thank you for your thoughts and opinions. Buen Camino!! TH.
In tone, I find the Baby Taylor just a teensy bit lacking of the same level of detail and fullness of the compact/same size Martin. That does not include the “backpacking Martin” which I find to be a tinny sounding, anemic instrument, but good enough if I were desperate enough to need a guitar to play on.A Taylor, lovely. I'd love to hear it. Camino can be rough on people never mind guitars but if you can wear the weight and the risks - go for it.
I carried a Taylor GS Mini (6lbs) on two caminos, just attached the gig bag to my backpack with bungies and straps. It is extra weight, but I'm glad I took it. I would often stop during the day and practice for an hour. I only played it for other people if they asked me to. That has pluses and minuses, there were some great evenings playing and singing with others; other times, people ask you to play and then continue to have conversations as if you weren't there.Dearest pilgrims,
I am flying to Paris in a little over 2 weeks, beginning my first Camino from SJPP on October 22! I am beyond excited and more than a little bit anxious.
So… I have a beautiful, foldable backpacking guitar which weighs in at about 3 to 3.5 lbs. I cannot decide whether or not to bring it - i.e., will it be worth the extra weight and hassle.
I am curious as to how pilgrims and others feel about musical instruments on the Camino. Have any of you experienced other pilgrims carrying and playing instruments, etc? Also, is it at all common for Albergues to have musical instruments on hand (I’m thinking mostly guitar or piano) for guests to play?
Thank you for your thoughts and opinions. Buen Camino!! TH.
A few albergues, and some rest stops in between, will have a guitar or other basic instrument.Dearest pilgrims,
I am flying to Paris in a little over 2 weeks, beginning my first Camino from SJPP on October 22! I am beyond excited and more than a little bit anxious.
So… I have a beautiful, foldable backpacking guitar which weighs in at about 3 to 3.5 lbs. I cannot decide whether or not to bring it - i.e., will it be worth the extra weight and hassle.
I am curious as to how pilgrims and others feel about musical instruments on the Camino. Have any of you experienced other pilgrims carrying and playing instruments, etc? Also, is it at all common for Albergues to have musical instruments on hand (I’m thinking mostly guitar or piano) for guests to play?
Thank you for your thoughts and opinions. Buen Camino!! TH.
Always tricky trying to second-guess what people will prefer . . .A few albergues, and some rest stops in between, will have a guitar or other basic instrument.
I think most pilgrims would just as soon prefer not be intruded upon by your musical stylings.
I was volunteering in August at the Pilgrim Office greeting English-speaking pilgrims, I met a German man who had carried an accordion and he and the other pilgrim friends he had made had sang along the way. He played and sang for us and some Australians had brought some small handheld shakers (probably have a proper name) we had a good sing song all together! However, I do appreciate it's not for everyone and some like to walk with more silence. So if you do take it, be mindful of others.Dearest pilgrims,
I am flying to Paris in a little over 2 weeks, beginning my first Camino from SJPP on October 22! I am beyond excited and more than a little bit anxious.
So… I have a beautiful, foldable backpacking guitar which weighs in at about 3 to 3.5 lbs. I cannot decide whether or not to bring it - i.e., will it be worth the extra weight and hassle.
I am curious as to how pilgrims and others feel about musical instruments on the Camino. Have any of you experienced other pilgrims carrying and playing instruments, etc? Also, is it at all common for Albergues to have musical instruments on hand (I’m thinking mostly guitar or piano) for guests to play?
Thank you for your thoughts and opinions. Buen Camino!! TH.
Well, I plan to make my next Camino with a cornett in three parts, not much weight, easily packed in a pouch. Can not stop playing for the length of my walk, lose my embouchureWhy would you want to bring it?
Are you a guitarist that needs to spend at least some time everyday in practice?
Are you planning to do a bit of busking now and then to top up your hiking budget?
Are you thinking of spreading song and joy amongst the assembled?
Are you planning on inflicting your foldable guitar (foldable guitar?) on anyone in hearing range because they’ll probably like it? Or at least admire your commitment?
Carrying a superfluous 3.5lbs of weight is of course a choice you are entitled to exercise. Using it to the distress of others ain’t.
Foldable guitar? Why am I so obsessed by the concept of a foldable guitar?
I’d love to see a picture
We had a few delightful musicians on our Camino in 2017. One gentleman had a ukulele and he played it some evenings. The municipal albergue in Granon had guitars available. I would say you would be welcome to play anytime (before bedtimeDearest pilgrims,
I am flying to Paris in a little over 2 weeks, beginning my first Camino from SJPP on October 22! I am beyond excited and more than a little bit anxious.
So… I have a beautiful, foldable backpacking guitar which weighs in at about 3 to 3.5 lbs. I cannot decide whether or not to bring it - i.e., will it be worth the extra weight and hassle.
I am curious as to how pilgrims and others feel about musical instruments on the Camino. Have any of you experienced other pilgrims carrying and playing instruments, etc? Also, is it at all common for Albergues to have musical instruments on hand (I’m thinking mostly guitar or piano) for guests to play?
Thank you for your thoughts and opinions. Buen Camino!! TH.
Oh, bring it! I’m almost done with my journey (trying to stretch out the last leg to make it last). Some of my fondest memories are when people played their musical instruments! What a gift to the rest of us! If you can carry the extra weight without a problem, my vote is BRING IT!!Dearest pilgrims,
I am flying to Paris in a little over 2 weeks, beginning my first Camino from SJPP on October 22! I am beyond excited and more than a little bit anxious.
So… I have a beautiful, foldable backpacking guitar which weighs in at about 3 to 3.5 lbs. I cannot decide whether or not to bring it - i.e., will it be worth the extra weight and hassle.
I am curious as to how pilgrims and others feel about musical instruments on the Camino. Have any of you experienced other pilgrims carrying and playing instruments, etc? Also, is it at all common for Albergues to have musical instruments on hand (I’m thinking mostly guitar or piano) for guests to play?
Thank you for your thoughts and opinions. Buen Camino!! TH.
I'm 72y/o and have been playing the guitar since I was 14years old. When home I play every day however i find it refreshing to leave the instruments home. You will find from time to time guitars at albergues. The point being is to step out of the familiar and replace it with something else. Also 3.5 lbs is a lot of water, clothes,snacks and books you have intended on getting to. Leave it home. Buen camino. MikeDearest pilgrims,
I am flying to Paris in a little over 2 weeks, beginning my first Camino from SJPP on October 22! I am beyond excited and more than a little bit anxious.
So… I have a beautiful, foldable backpacking guitar which weighs in at about 3 to 3.5 lbs. I cannot decide whether or not to bring it - i.e., will it be worth the extra weight and hassle.
I am curious as to how pilgrims and others feel about musical instruments on the Camino. Have any of you experienced other pilgrims carrying and playing instruments, etc? Also, is it at all common for Albergues to have musical instruments on hand (I’m thinking mostly guitar or piano) for guests to play?
Thank you for your thoughts and opinions. Buen Camino!! TH.
A lot of people bring guitars on the camino. Some of them know how to play them.
Great place to practice though - all those open spacesA lot of people bring guitars on the camino. Some of them know how to play them.
Think there might be one at Refugio Guacelmo tooI can say with certainty there were guitars at Grañón, San Miguel in Estella, Zamora, when I served and I believe now at Canfranc Pueblo. The donativo albergues with volunteers working as hospitaleros have a tradition of music and one of our Canadian hospitalero friends, Tom Friesen, leads workshops each fall in Spain to help hospitaleros learn to lead pilgrims in song. My husband has attended in the past and sang online with Tom and others from around the world as a way of coping through the pandemic. At Grañón, pilgrims often literally sing for their supper at times.
There is also a tradition of music at Carrion de los Condes with the sisters at the Santa Maria albergue. I feel like your music would be very welcome in albergue environments where pilgrims gather for communal meals or in a common room. Maybe not so much at hotels where people seek privacy and quiet.
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