Easy Fold Travel Guitar FAQ
Everything you need to know before ordering, traveling with and maintaining your Makeev guitar or bass.
Easy Fold is different from a conventional electric guitar, so it is completely normal to have questions before placing an order.
Below you will find detailed information about the folding mechanism, tuning stability, playability, transportation, production, customization, payment, shipping, warranty and after-sales support.
If your question is not answered here, contact our team and tell us which model or configuration you are considering.
Below you will find detailed information about the folding mechanism, tuning stability, playability, transportation, production, customization, payment, shipping, warranty and after-sales support.
If your question is not answered here, contact our team and tell us which model or configuration you are considering.
It might need to be adjusted approximately a couple of cents. Just the same as ordinary guitar or bass taken out of the case on set - you still have to tune it a little before playing.
No, absolutely any brands and gauges you are familiar with will do, however, if you're going to use low tunings notify us please. Basses usually come with 45-105 sets and guitars with 10-46 sets.
No. The system is designed to fold with the strings attached.
Follow the supplied instructions and do not force the mechanism if the strings, strap or another object are preventing free movement.
If the string gets stuck between the saddles, lift it up with your fingers and put onto a saddle, no need to rewind it.
For 7 string models sometimes it is advisable but not necessary to loosen the 1st string a couple of tones to prolong its life.
Follow the supplied instructions and do not force the mechanism if the strings, strap or another object are preventing free movement.
If the string gets stuck between the saddles, lift it up with your fingers and put onto a saddle, no need to rewind it.
For 7 string models sometimes it is advisable but not necessary to loosen the 1st string a couple of tones to prolong its life.
The mechanism changes the way the instrument is transported, not the basic way it is played.
When unfolded and secured, the player uses a conventional neck, fingerboard, frets, bridge and standard strings. As with any new guitar, the neck profile, body shape and balance may require a short period of adaptation but trust us, due to the quality of assembly and low action it will be much more comfortable than most of the instruments sold on the market.
When unfolded and secured, the player uses a conventional neck, fingerboard, frets, bridge and standard strings. As with any new guitar, the neck profile, body shape and balance may require a short period of adaptation but trust us, due to the quality of assembly and low action it will be much more comfortable than most of the instruments sold on the market.
No, it sounds as loud and clear as all other strings and the sustain keeps the note length well. That is due to overall quality built of the bass and massive aluminium plate at the center.
24.75" or 25.5" on guitar and 29" on bass. 7 stringed guitars can be made with 25.5" or 27" scale.
Yes, we have developed a reliable and ergonomic design with good weight balance and performance. The neck does not dive down and you have a nice right hand support, especially on the Modern and Shark type bodies.
The warranty of the mechanism is limited by 2 years, but if you are careful and use silicon lubricant between the aluminium plates of the neck folding mechanism, it will work well for 10 years without replacement. It is easy to maintain and even if broken the new one is inexpensive and we cansend it worldwide, just as we send our instruments.
Guitar - 2 kg, 4-string Bass - 2.3 kg, 5-string bass 2.8 kg. 7 string guitars vary from 2.3 to 2.7 kg
Yes. Easy Fold guitars are designed to preserve the familiar scale length, string tension and playing position of a conventional electric guitar. They are not miniature practice instruments nor do they feel like toys. The exact scale length is listed on each product page. For example, the Easy Fold Shark 7 uses a 27-inch baritone scale.
The guitar is designed to fold with the strings attached.
Imagine it like an aggressive Floyd Rose use - the strings do not brake even if you push and pull the bar - same with our instruments.
String life still depends on the string brand, gauge, playing intensity, corrosion and correct folding technique. Replace strings if you notice visible deformation, corrosion or damage.
Imagine it like an aggressive Floyd Rose use - the strings do not brake even if you push and pull the bar - same with our instruments.
String life still depends on the string brand, gauge, playing intensity, corrosion and correct folding technique. Replace strings if you notice visible deformation, corrosion or damage.
The guitar leaves our workshop professionally set up.
However, wood reacts to humidity and temperature. After international transportation, minor adjustment of neck relief or tuning may occasionally be necessary, especially when the destination climate differs significantly from Kazakhstan. But still our instrument are built and designed to behave well in any climate,
However, wood reacts to humidity and temperature. After international transportation, minor adjustment of neck relief or tuning may occasionally be necessary, especially when the destination climate differs significantly from Kazakhstan. But still our instrument are built and designed to behave well in any climate,
Body dimensions can influence resonance, balance and acoustic response, but the amplified sound of an electric guitar is primarily shaped by the pickups, electronics, strings, construction and amplifier or signal chain.
Makeev guitars are designed as professional electric instruments rather than loud unplugged practice guitars.
Makeev guitars are designed as professional electric instruments rather than loud unplugged practice guitars.
The folded format makes air travel considerably easier, but no guitar manufacturer can guarantee acceptance as cabin baggage on every airline or aircraft.
Carry-on limits depend on the airline, route, aircraft, fare type and airport staff. Always compare the packed dimensions with the current rules of your airline before traveling. But if it's not a Ryanair type of airline - you should be fine with a guitar ina backpack.
Carry-on limits depend on the airline, route, aircraft, fare type and airport staff. Always compare the packed dimensions with the current rules of your airline before traveling. But if it's not a Ryanair type of airline - you should be fine with a guitar ina backpack.
- Choose Easy Fold Modern Basic if you want the most practical and accessible six-string model for everyday travel.
- Choose Modern Pro if you expect intensive use and prefer an upgraded locking system, stainless steel frets, rosewood fingerboard, professional electronics and more finish options.
- Choose Telefoldster Pro if you prefer traditional Tele-style ergonomics.
- Choose Shark 7 if you need seven strings, a 27-inch baritone scale, low-tuning performance and customizable specifications.
- Choose Bass Basic for a practical four-string travel bass.
- Choose Bass Pro 5 if you require a professional five-string configuration and extended low range.
- And of course choose custom - it does nor mean that the guitar will get very expensive, but you will get much more flexibility in choices
While ordering, it is important to keep in mind that this is a series guitar with a choice of configuration. After agreeing on the order and making an advance payment, we cannot guarantee to notify you every time we switch from one stage of production to another and we cannot always send photos due to high time loads. We will notify you when it's done and send it after final payment.
The production time depends on the workload of the workshop and currently varies from 3 to 12 weeks depending on the specs you choose. Sometimes we also have ready-to-go models in stock.
Attention! Serial made guitars may have minor imperfections of wood, such as small knots, unevenness of the structure, however, the more expensive setup you selected, the more strict visual choice of wood will be made. Never, in any configuration, these imperfections do not affect the sound, design or technical properties of the instrument. Serial guitars do not subject to the requirements of the "custom" and class AAA wood. On average we use - A grade for the body and AA for the neck.
When selecting wood our focus is always on the required cut structure of the workpiece (the structure and directions of the fibers), its evenness and dryness of the wood - that is, what really affects the technical properties, durability of the guitar and ease of use. Choosing the wrong piece and insufficient dryness will lead to a curvature of the geometry of the neck and /or fretboard. That is what we pay high attention to.
If you want to select a specific blank for the neck / body /fretboard for your instrument, the order will be transferred to the Custom status, the cost and timings will be increased, and all the wood will be selected not only by mechanical, but also visual properties.
The production time depends on the workload of the workshop and currently varies from 3 to 12 weeks depending on the specs you choose. Sometimes we also have ready-to-go models in stock.
Attention! Serial made guitars may have minor imperfections of wood, such as small knots, unevenness of the structure, however, the more expensive setup you selected, the more strict visual choice of wood will be made. Never, in any configuration, these imperfections do not affect the sound, design or technical properties of the instrument. Serial guitars do not subject to the requirements of the "custom" and class AAA wood. On average we use - A grade for the body and AA for the neck.
When selecting wood our focus is always on the required cut structure of the workpiece (the structure and directions of the fibers), its evenness and dryness of the wood - that is, what really affects the technical properties, durability of the guitar and ease of use. Choosing the wrong piece and insufficient dryness will lead to a curvature of the geometry of the neck and /or fretboard. That is what we pay high attention to.
If you want to select a specific blank for the neck / body /fretboard for your instrument, the order will be transferred to the Custom status, the cost and timings will be increased, and all the wood will be selected not only by mechanical, but also visual properties.
Not necessarily. They can be if you choose all the premium options, but we made customizing possible to offer our customers more flexibility and choice and creativeness. Available options may include the body shape, finish, pickups, electronics, fingerboard, fret material, hardware, control layout, engraving and selected visual details. The available choices depend on the model and technical compatibility.
Personalized instruments, engraved products and configurations using customer-selected custom pickups or other non-standard components are not be eligible for return. Standard models can be returned with customer covering the shipping cost and paying a 15% restocking fee.
No. We do not outsource complete instrument production to an anonymous third-party guitar factory.
Some of the specialized components may come from established external manufacturers, as they do in most professional guitars, but the instrument itself is cut out of wooden blanks, built, painted, assembled and inspected through our production process in our workshop in Almaty.
Some of the specialized components may come from established external manufacturers, as they do in most professional guitars, but the instrument itself is cut out of wooden blanks, built, painted, assembled and inspected through our production process in our workshop in Almaty.
For most international private orders, we issue a PayPal invoice that can normally be paid using a PayPal account or bank card.
Bank transfer may be available for organizations, dealers and selected orders.
Our standard arrangement is normally a 50% deposit to begin production and the remaining 50% before shipping.
Full prepayment may also be available and may be more convenient for lower-priced orders.
Bank transfer may be available for organizations, dealers and selected orders.
Our standard arrangement is normally a 50% deposit to begin production and the remaining 50% before shipping.
Full prepayment may also be available and may be more convenient for lower-priced orders.
Yes. We ship Makeev guitars and basses internationally from Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Availability, cost and delivery time depend on the destination and current carrier restrictions.
Delivery time depends on the destination, carrier, customs clearance and seasonal workload.
International delivery may take from approximately 7-14 days. Carrier estimates are not guarantees.
Availability, cost and delivery time depend on the destination and current carrier restrictions.
Delivery time depends on the destination, carrier, customs clearance and seasonal workload.
International delivery may take from approximately 7-14 days. Carrier estimates are not guarantees.
Export documentation from Kazakhstan is prepared as part of the shipment.
VAT taxes and import taxes are not included or covered by us and are different for every country.
Import procedures, local customs clearance and destination-country requirements remain subject to the rules of the receiving country except for the USA customers - we prepay the tariff and charge you before the item is shipped
VAT taxes and import taxes are not included or covered by us and are different for every country.
Import procedures, local customs clearance and destination-country requirements remain subject to the rules of the receiving country except for the USA customers - we prepay the tariff and charge you before the item is shipped
The Easy Fold mechanism is covered by a two-year limited warranty.
The neck and fretwork are covered for one year.
Other components and situations are reviewed according to the nature of the issue, the component manufacturer’s conditions and the circumstances of use.
The warranty covers eligible manufacturing defects discovered during normal use within the applicable warranty period.
It does not cover normal wear, accidental damage, misuse, unauthorized modification, incorrect setup, corrosion, extreme environmental exposure or damage caused during transportation by third parties.
Unauthorized modifications that cause or contribute to a problem may exclude that problem from warranty coverage.
Contact us before drilling, routing, altering the mechanism or making structural changes.
The neck and fretwork are covered for one year.
Other components and situations are reviewed according to the nature of the issue, the component manufacturer’s conditions and the circumstances of use.
The warranty covers eligible manufacturing defects discovered during normal use within the applicable warranty period.
It does not cover normal wear, accidental damage, misuse, unauthorized modification, incorrect setup, corrosion, extreme environmental exposure or damage caused during transportation by third parties.
Unauthorized modifications that cause or contribute to a problem may exclude that problem from warranty coverage.
Contact us before drilling, routing, altering the mechanism or making structural changes.
Rarely.
Depending on the issue, we may send replacement parts, provide adjustment instructions or coordinate work with a qualified local guitar technician.
Return shipment to our workshop is used when remote service is not appropriate. We designed the instrument so simple that people without any technical skill or experience are able to fix the folding mechanism themselves.
We do not cover the shipping costs for the guitar to get to us in case of breaking - it is much easier and cheaper to fix it locally.
Shipping responsibility depends on the confirmed cause, location and required service.
Do not send the guitar or purchase repair services without receiving written instructions from Makeev Guitars.
Depending on the issue, we may send replacement parts, provide adjustment instructions or coordinate work with a qualified local guitar technician.
Return shipment to our workshop is used when remote service is not appropriate. We designed the instrument so simple that people without any technical skill or experience are able to fix the folding mechanism themselves.
We do not cover the shipping costs for the guitar to get to us in case of breaking - it is much easier and cheaper to fix it locally.
Shipping responsibility depends on the confirmed cause, location and required service.
Do not send the guitar or purchase repair services without receiving written instructions from Makeev Guitars.
Will it remain perfectly in tune after every flight?
Probably not perfectly. Check the tuning after unfolding.
Will every airline accept it as carry-on?
No manufacturer can guarantee that. Check your airline’s current rules.
Is the mechanism indestructible?
No mechanical system is indestructible, but it is designed to be durable and serviceable.
Will it feel exactly like my current guitar?
It will feel like a real guitar, but neck shape, body balance and specifications differ between instruments.
Can every custom idea be built?
No. We approve only technically compatible and reliable configurations.
Will wood remain completely unchanged in every climate?
No. Wood responds to temperature and humidity, just as it does in conventional guitars.
Probably not perfectly. Check the tuning after unfolding.
Will every airline accept it as carry-on?
No manufacturer can guarantee that. Check your airline’s current rules.
Is the mechanism indestructible?
No mechanical system is indestructible, but it is designed to be durable and serviceable.
Will it feel exactly like my current guitar?
It will feel like a real guitar, but neck shape, body balance and specifications differ between instruments.
Can every custom idea be built?
No. We approve only technically compatible and reliable configurations.
Will wood remain completely unchanged in every climate?
No. Wood responds to temperature and humidity, just as it does in conventional guitars.
Still Have a Question?
Tell us which model you are considering, how often you travel, your preferred tuning and the specifications that matter most to you. Our team will help you choose a suitable Easy Fold model before you place an order.
Tell us which model you are considering, how often you travel, your preferred tuning and the specifications that matter most to you. Our team will help you choose a suitable Easy Fold model before you place an order.