We’ve seen lot of electric travel-guitar designs over the years, but Ciari Guitars’ new Ascender is probably the most impressive. Developed in conjunction with Nashville luthier Joe Glaser and founder Jonathan Spangler’s extensive contacts in the field of sophisticated medical tools, the 24 3/4”-scale Ascender can go from tuned-up and ready to play to being stowed under the seat in front of you in a matter of seconds. How? A single lever releases string tension and the strings seem to magically stay in place as the neck folds back 180 degrees. Prices start at about $2,900 for beech- or alder-bodied models with Duncan humbuckers.