Finding the perfect travel guitar can feel like searching for a unicorn. I needed something small enough to fit in my carry-on but still playable enough to enjoy. That’s when I discovered an affordable mini guitar from Orangewood.
After spending several weeks with this compact instrument, I’m ready to share my hands-on experience. In this review, I’ll break down everything you need to know about this mini-concert acoustic guitar and briefly examine the Orangewood brand.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first guitar, a traveler needing a portable option, or a parent shopping for a child, this deep dive will help you decide if the Dana is the right choice for you.
- Concert style acoustic mini/travel guitar
- Layered spruce or mahogany top, mahogany back and sides
- Professional setup in Los Angeles
- Gig bag and adjustment tools included
Orangewood Dana Mini Review
Let’s check out the details of the Orangewood Dana guitar. This cool little guitar comes in two types: the Orangewood Dana Mahogany and the Dana Spruce Mini Guitar.
Overview of Orangewood Dana Guitar
Here’s a quick rundown of the key specifications of the Orangewood mini guitar:
- Shape: Mini Grand Concert
- Body Top: Layered mahogany or layered spruce
- Back & Sides: Layered mahogany
- Neck: Standard mahogany
- Fretboard and Bridge: Hybrid wood (Purple Heart)
- Number of Fret: 20
- Overall Size: 36.25 inches
- Body Size: 17.13 inches
- Scale Length: 23.50 inches
- Electronics: No
Who’s this guitar for? Primarily for Beginners, traveling musicians, and children. Its compact size makes it perfect for younger players and those with smaller hands, but it’s also great for experienced players who want a travel-friendly option.
Build Quality and Design
The Orangewood Dana stands out because of its super compact design. This 3/4 size guitar is smaller than a concert-style acoustic, making it a great travel guitar. It’s bigger than the Martin LX1 but smaller than the Taylor GS Mini, hitting a nice middle ground for portability.
The mahogany variant looks great, with an open-pore finish that highlights the natural wood grain. The body is made of layered mahogany, while the neck is solid mahogany. The bridge and fretboard use a hybrid wood. There’s also a spruce version with the same overall build, except the top wood is layered spruce.
For an affordable price point, the build quality is impressive. The satin neck feels smooth and easy to play. Features like enclosed tuners, a bone nut and saddle, and mother-of-pearl like inlay on the headstock add a premium touch usually found on more expensive guitars.
While solid wood guitars may have a richer tone, they’re more sensitive to humidity and temperature changes. The Dana’s laminate construction makes it more durable and resistant to warping or cracking. That’s why it’s a great pick for traveling musicians who need a small body acoustic guitar that can handle different conditions.
The Orangewood Dana is a solid choice if you’re looking for a short-scale acoustic guitar that’s lightweight, reliable, and easy to carry.
Sound Quality
The warmth and clarity of the sound are impressive for a mini guitar. While it may not rival solid wood guitars, its laminate construction provides durability without sacrificing tone. Many users noted that it sounds better than expected for its price point.
The spruce is going to make the overall sound of the guitar lighter and smoother. In contrast, if you like a richer, more punchy sound, then the mahogany variant would be a better choice.
Both versions have decent projection, making them suitable for various playing environments and musical styles, from folk to light rock.
The wood in Dana isn’t solid, so this carry on guitar isn’t going to mature and deliver better sound as you continue to play it. Not only that, but due to the smaller size, the guitar is going to deliver a less full sound, but that’s inherent to any mini guitar.
Playability
The Dana acoustic guitar is surprisingly easy to play. Its slim neck profile and comfortable C shape make moving up and down the fretboard feel natural and smooth.
For a small guitar, the 43mm nut width provides enough space between the strings, making it easier to play clean notes and chords. The action is set just right—low enough for beginners to press the strings easily but high enough to avoid buzzing.
One of the best things about the Dana acoustic guitar is that it comes professionally set up in Los Angeles before shipping. That means it arrives ready to play with minimum setup requirements.
However, shipping can sometimes cause the guitar to go out of tune. While most buyers find the setup great right out of the box, a quick tuning may be needed before you start playing.
Included Accessories
For the price, you’re also getting an excellent gig bag. It has really good quality and certainly won’t be falling apart any time soon after purchase. With that said, it’s only good for keeping dust away from your guitar – there is little to no padding in it for protection.
Aside from the gig bag, Dana comes with a self-adhesive pickguard and adjustment tools. Keep in mind that once you attach the pickguard to your guitar, returning it to the company will no longer be an option.
Optionally, you may also get Dana with an accessory pack. The accessory pack includes a few useful items such as a tuner, strap, guitar picks, a string winder, a chord chart, a polishing cloth, and a capo.
The quality of these accessories is fairly nice, though if you were to buy them separately, you would probably be able to get better craftsmanship and durability.
Value for Money
The Orangewood Dana is super inexpensive, costing less than $150. At this pocket-friendly price, the build quality isn’t as polished as a high-end acoustic guitar, but it still holds up well for what you pay.
Many players are happy with its sound and durability, especially compared to other budget options. It’s not top-tier, but it doesn’t feel flimsy or like it will break after a few sessions.
Orangewood’s customer service is also a plus. They offer a one-year warranty, which adds peace of mind. I didn’t need to reach out to their support team, but reviews suggest they are helpful and quick to respond, making the whole experience smoother.
Check this video review of Dana Mini (Spruce Version) :
Alternative of Orangewood Dana
While I love my Orangewood Dana, I know some folks might be looking for other options in the mini guitar world. Let’s chat about a couple of budget-friendly alternatives that caught my eye.
First up, there’s the Fender Sonoran Mini Acoustic Guitar. It’s a bit pricier than the Dana, but hey, it’s got that Fender name backing it up. With a spruce or mahogany top and a ¾ body size, it’s another solid choice for travel or smaller hands. The slim-taper “C”-shaped neck could be comfy for some players.
Another interesting pick is the Donner Hush-I Acoustic-Electric Silent Guitar. Now, this one’s a real head-turner with its headless design and removable frame. It’s great for silent practice, but it’ll set you back about twice what the Dana costs.
If you’re interested, check out our full review of the Donner Hush-I travel guitar.
Honestly, though? For the price, it’s tough to beat the Orangewood Dana. It’s my go-to recommendation for anyone hunting for the best mini guitar or looking into Orangewood acoustic guitars. But hey, everyone’s different, so try ’em out if you can!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Orangewood guitars any good?
Yes, Orangewood guitars have a good reputation, especially for their price. With their competent sound and easy playability, these instruments are an excellent option for both beginners and budget-conscious players. Models like the Dana and Oliver Jr. get a lot of praise for their build quality and setup.
While Orangewood isn’t on the same level as high-end brands like Martin or Taylor, it offers great value for those who want an affordable and durable guitar. Many people see it as a fantastic entry-level brand that delivers what they need.
Where are Orangewood guitars made?
Orangewood guitars are made in China with good craftsmanship. After production, each guitar is sent to Los Angeles, California, where expert technicians check the quality and set it up properly. This process ensures the guitar is ready to play and performs well before being shipped to buyers.
Who owns Orangewood guitars?
Orangewood is owned and was founded by brothers Eddie and Sooj Park. The original idea behind the brand was to offer quality at an affordable price. Aside from that, Orangewood pursues a direct-to-consumer approach and offers excellent customer support.
Final Words
In this review, I cover a budget-friendly pure acoustic guitar with no built-in electronics. While it doesn’t have the deep, rich sound of high-end models, it still plays well and offers good quality for the price.
Many players like its durability, especially for outdoor use, which makes it a great backpacking guitar for travelers. Its compact size also makes it one of the best guitars for small hands.
With a one-year warranty and helpful customer service, it’s an excellent choice for casual practice or for those who don’t want to risk damaging an expensive guitar.
Thomas M., the founder of Guitar Top Review, boasts 15+ years of guitar experience and was a church band member in L.A. Transitioning from piano to acoustic guitar, his first love remains his Taylor GS Mini. Alongside like-minded hobbyist friends, he launched the site, driven by a deep love for music that transcends professional boundaries.