Like it has been mentioned, it is up to the mission president what he can and can not take. When I served MY mission....... seems like a million years ago now, but I went to France and then hurt my knee so bad that I finished my mission in Salt Lake City, I know that is weird to serve in two totally different missions but I did. Anyways, in both missions I would say NO to the ipod, but guitars were allowed in both. I had companions in both missions that had their guitars and I learned to play a little while serving.
What I would do, is when you get the list of approved items, if the guitar is not on the list, write to the mission president and ask...... afterall, what is the worst he can say? "No?"
