Composite Acoustics Cargo HG ELE – Solid Red – Hipshot Drop-D Tuner – Includes Gig Bag – Used Very Good
The Composite Acoustics Cargo is one of the most genuinely clever travel guitar designs ever produced — not a compromise instrument or a scaled-down approximation of something better, but a purpose-built carbon fiber acoustic-electric that was engineered from first principles to be impervious to climate, consistent in playability, and genuinely great-sounding regardless of where you take it. The one-piece body and neck construction is the key structural decision — no joint to move, shift, or fail, just a single rigid composite unit that holds its setup indefinitely without truss rod adjustments, humidity control, or temperature anxiety. The offset soundhole with integrated top bracing technology is a CA design innovation that optimizes the top's acoustic performance while keeping the profile compact and travel-friendly. At 22.75-inch scale length with 21 medium stainless steel frets on a proprietary reinforced polymer fretboard, the Cargo plays more like a full-size guitar than its compact dimensions suggest, and the cutaway gives comfortable access through the full upper register. The L.R. Baggs Active Element pickup system delivers a natural, transparent amplified tone that holds up on any stage. Ultra-precise 18:1 tuning machines keep it in tune reliably, and the handcrafted USA construction reflects the standard of care that Composite Acoustics was known for. These guitars are genuinely useful in a way that most travel instruments are not — airport overhead bins, hotel rooms, backstage, outdoor gigs in any weather — and this one has been upgraded with a Hipshot drop-D tuner on the low E, giving the player instant access to drop tuning without retuning by hand. A genuinely inspired addition on an already versatile instrument.
In solid red high gloss this Cargo is visually striking and distinctive — not what most people expect when they see a travel guitar. It is also not what most people expect when they hear one — this guitar is loud, with a surprisingly huge bass response for its compact dimensions, a combination that consistently catches people off guard in the best way. Plays great, set up well. Some superficial finish wear consistent with travel use, and some light wear on the fretboard edges, but no chips, dings, or structural issues — presents really well overall. Comes with the original gig bag, original paperwork, and some extra parts.
- Make: Composite Acoustics
- Model: Cargo HG ELE
- Finish: Solid Red, high gloss
- Construction: All-composite, one-piece neck/body
- Scale length: 22.75"
- Body: Carbon fiber composite
- Neck: Carbon fiber, no truss rod required
- Fingerboard: Proprietary reinforced polymer, dot inlays
- Fingerboard radius: 14"
- Nut width: 1-3/4"
- Frets: 21, medium stainless steel
- Soundhole: Offset with integrated top bracing technology
- Electronics: L.R. Baggs Active Element pickup system
- Tuners: Ultra-precise 18:1 ratio
- Drop-D tuner: Hipshot (installed on low E)
- Strings: Elixir Nanoweb .012-.053
- Modifications: Hipshot drop-D tuner installed
- Condition: Used Very Good – superficial finish wear, light wear on fretboard edges, no chips, dings, or structural issues, presents really well
- Includes: Original gig bag, original paperwork, extra parts
Ships carefully packed and insured for full value. International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.
