Martin Backpacker Steel String

2009 Satin finish, steel strings, thick neck, no truss rod, no pick up system. Made for one thing and that is as a travel guitar. I give it a 10 because there is nothing else like it.

Before I bought the guitar, I was a little worried about the tone but I figured the space saving size on camping trips would make up for it. It is a perfect size, as I figured, but I am surprised at how good the tone can be with one exception: it does get very thin sounding (for me) if you play with a pick. I got much better sound results by using fingerstyle picking and fingertip-strumming. This works for me because I do a lot of finger picking in a country folk style.

The action was a little high from the factory, thats ok easy to set (I do my own set ups these days) I was a little worried about how to hold this guitar and if it would be comfortable with such an odd body shape. As long as I use the strap it works just fine, cinching the strap up a little higher for when I am sitting and a little lower for standing, and I was able to find a very comfortable position for my pick hand/arm. Your wrist/forearm end up resting on top/side of the side arch whether sitting or standing The neck is very stout (especially towards the 12th fret area) as it has no truss rod but it is a very comfortable guitar to play.

After its first camping trip where I played it while I was covered in sunscreen and mosquito repellant, fell on a steep hill with the guitar strapped on my back (it hit the neck on the ground and I thought for sure it would have broke the neck off - it didn't) and it dropped once from out of the back of my van when I opened up the back hatch while it was in the soft case. I came home, wiped it off and it cleaned right up and looks and plays brand new even with all the abuse it went through! :)

I am looking forward to many years of playing this guitar while hiking and camping. Thank you Martin Guitars, you made me a very happy camper.

There is nothing else like this guitar with its extreme space saving design. I figured I might have to compromise on sound and playability to get such a small guitar but it's turned out to be a very playable, toneful and durable instrument.

The body is comfortable to hold sitting down, I put the base in my lap, the neck feels comfortable. No finish on this guitar, the wood smells wonderful. Not electric, but I didnt buy it to plug in. Just wanted a small practice guitar I can leave in my living room and pick up when Im in the mood.

I bought this guitar to practice fingerstyle folk and blues.

The first day I thought it sounded quite thin. the E string sounded flat. I though it sounded more like a mandolin than a guitar. But on the second day, it started sounding more like a guitar to me. I played around with drop D and open D tuning, and the more I played the more the guitar sounded right. I tried to play slide an found the guitar sounded pretty good.

The factory setup was fine for me, the action was not too low and the intonation was pretty good. The E string bothered me a bit, it didnt sound right but after beating up the string a bit and using a chromatic tuner, it started to fit in.

I dont plan on taking this guitar all over the place, but it seems to be built to quite a high standard. Everything feels solid.

Hope I dont need it.

Been playing since I was twelve, Im 47 now.

I like minimilast guitars. I play a steinberger bass and 6 string Hohner steinberger copy. This is my first Martin, and I am impressed.

Love the smell of the wood, and the feel of the neck. if lost would replace it immediately. For $ 150 I would recommend it to every guitar player regardless of ability. For what I bought it for, its perfect.

Bought new in 1998
Features as stated by others.
Non-electric.
BOught really for novelty value

If strummed gently sounded quite good. Any thrashing immediately sounds forced.

Action out of the box was poor. Overall finish was OK.

Didnt keep it long, but probably would last if cared for. main problem is that it's just too much like a cricket bat - sooner or later you'll give in to the temptation!

Never tried

As I said, I bought it really as an experiment. It's interesting, but too me you can't consider it a guitar. My main problem is that I use a flat pick most of the time and am used to resting the heel of my hand on the guitar body. Only this doesn't have body in that place! Result, I can't really play it at all!
Overall, I think if you want a travel guitar, buy something that you wouldn't care about losing and a decent case, it's better

Old model Martin Backpacker. Spruce everything with the old style mini-tuners [ which have the 1/6 strings turned backward to work]. Made in Mexico. It came with the little gigbag and strap. In fact the music store gave me a chipboard case until the gig bag came in. Martin strap included. Not many features on this instrument, but its made that way. be practical and small. Very nice martin style bridge.

HAS a GREAT sound. everyone is shocked when I bring it to a bluegrass jam or perform on stage with it. They say "What's that and man, what a sound". It's range falls between other instruments when capoed to the 5th. So you ALWAYS hear it. I have the one with the built in pickup -but i never use it. The 6th string [bass E] never had any volume so I replaced it with what I call a "Wheeling high- strung tuning' --a .23.24 on the 6th tuned to E'. I use 2 capos. a drop 'D' keyser and a regular keyser [like a banjo capo -just on 6] to enhance the banjo like 6th. sound. Capoed to the 5th fret you get a great high "g" chord. It can sound like a guitar, high strung guitar, mandolin, banjo all at the same time.

This is my 2nd backpacker, the first I had for about 5 months and it developed a crack. I took it back and martin replaced all. No problems since. It has held up very well for 10 years of use. It is what it is. Action is slick. GREAT. never had to adjust anything.
It could use one more fret, but I'm being picky. And I love the 'what the heck IS that' look from people. That's worth the price alone.

Well my 1st one developed a crack, the new one is 10 yrs old and still great. a bit dirty looking but 100% complete!

Martin replaced my orig. one no hastles, no charges

I own 4 other guitars [ Alverez/Yari, Guild, Martin, Martin Goya] 2 mandolins, octive mandolin, Dobro, Banjo. and I still wind up taking this to most gigs and festivals. It's about my favorite instrument.
If lost- I'd try to get another old style. I like the old style tuners and head shape.

Before I start, I want to say something for those that are looking for honest reviews of this guitar. There is a BIG rivalry between Martin and Taylor owners. This is obviously reflected in several of the reviews. Comparing this to a Baby Taylor is simply NOT FAIR!!! The Baby Taylor should be compared to the Martin that is similar to it (I think it's the xlm?). This is a unique instrument, with unique body dimensions and sound. Comparing the Backpacker to a guitar with a standard shape and relative dimensions, is flat out wrong. These people are doing it because they either a) own Taylors and hate Martins or b) don't have a clue what a wonderful unique guitar they have in the Backpacker.

This guitar is what it is and it does it very well!!!

-end of rant-

Others have described it well.

I play mostly finger-style. I do use a pick at times however. I got this guitar used, with worn out strings. I did 2 things that I STRONGLY recommend all to do, to improve the sound.

1) Since the guitar is unfinished, moisture easily escapes from the wood. You NEED TO KEEP IT AROUND HUMIDITY!!! There is a product called a "Damp It," which is a perferated hose with a sponge inside. It works great for keeping instruments sounding good. Since this is a small insturment, I fashioned my own version for this guitar. I used an old pen cap, one with a plastic clip, so it wouldn't mar the wood. I rolled up some paper towel, put it in the cap, moistened it and cliped it to the soundhole and put her back into it's gigbag. 2 days later, the tone was much improved. Always keep some form of humidifier with this guitar.

2) The guitar needs X-tra Light strings on it. I put a set of Elixir Polywebs on. From past experience, they are the loudest strings and have the best tone, period, end of discussion (no, I don't work for them). Totally changed the character of the Backpacker.

Obviously, this isn't going to sound like other guitars and will have it's OWN sound. To my ears, I get a wide range of tones, depending on wheather I'm fingerpicking (bare fingered, btw) or using a pick. Also, playing over the sound hole produces a much more mellow tone than by the bridge. The sound of this is somewhere between a guitar, mandolin and Strumstick (after all, McNally did design this).

As for volume, again, this guitar has a small body. It simply doesn't have the sound projection of "regular" guitars. It wasn't designed for that. For what it is it has ample volume (espically once fitted with Elixir strings). You could use it to play for a room of (quiet) people, but not for gigs. Again not designed for it. 100% PERFECT for playing around the house for self enjoyment. Also, considering the overall volume max, this does have a wide range of volume nuances. Play softly, play hard, each will produce it's own flavors.

I LOVE the sound of this guitar. It is VERY hard to put down, even at home as a regular, NOT travel guitar.

I bought it used, but it was in "as new" condition, not a mark on it. Some of the frets could have been done better, but that's about my only complaint. Nice looking wood grain. Action...I have no complaints here. I like highish action. In reality, I don't think it's high at all. Many classicals come with action this high. I love the feel of the beefy neck. Reminds me of a 1930's Kalamazoo archtop I once had. Also, rather 1950's Les Paul Junior feeling. I DON'T like where they put the strap button on the neck. Should have been on the body/heel, imho.

One super cool thing is the harmonics. You can produce these all over the neck with ease. A sign that they did set this up correctly.

Body shape. I have no issues with the ergonomics of this guitar. Some will, some won't. It's kind of like playing a Flying V. Sitting, I rest it's butt against the inside of my right thigh and hold it like a classical. (At times, I also just rest the body on the top of my thigh and hold it flat. Generally, when holding it this way, I also point the headstock away from me.) Standing, I hold it more at the height I would an electric, not an acoustic.

I don't forsee anything going wrong with this guitar. Seems very solid. Of course, it's an acoustic and thus fragile to a point. I'd be concerned of some cretin shoves his travel on bag into the overhead compartment and onto it. I usually stow mine under the seat.

I've been playing guitar for 30 some odd years and have owned about everything, from all quality levels, acoustic and electric. I also have owned and played mandolins, banjos, dulcimers, strumsticks....

I can honestly say that this is a unique and super cool instrument. *NOTE* I said "instrument" and not specifically "guitar." This turly has it's own vibe going on. Different tone/volume, etc. Also, with using extra light acoustic strings (10's) it plays more like an electric guitar at times. You can do some crazy string bends.

As a travel guitar, easily a 10

As a around the house guitar, I'll also give it a 10, since I have an extremely hard time putting it down.

As for "fantastic value," for what I paid, I'd give it a 16!!!

If lost or stolen, I would get another, the same day. In fact, I'm already considering getting the nylon string version too.

If you keep the wood humidified and put Elixirs on it you WILL be very happy!!!

Hi all,

Got this Made in Mexico Backpacker for SGD290, brand new from City Music Singapore. It's their year end sales and I waited 3 months for the collection!

Nevertheless, the guitar is well made with slight over-cutting of fret slot in 2 of my lower frets. The solid spruce top is nice and featured some random "bear-claw". I like the streaky rosewood fret board - more character than plain looking wood grain.

The back and side, and neck seem like laminate to me. Especially the neck, featuring some weird grain that only through laminate one can achieve. That said, I believe the guitar is still built like a tank and can withstand the rigors of some rough handling.

There are NO finish on the guitar. It feels like Ikea furniture where you can choose to apply your own finish or just leave it bare -good for those who're gung-ho and DIY-prone! For those who are worried about wear and tear, I suggest applying some wood sealing from hardware shops. They are available in combination of synthetic and organic wax/oil. NOT SURE IF IT WILL HAVE DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON THE TONE SO TRY AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!!!!

Basically the guitar comes equiped with almost everything you need for a backpacker - gig bag with big pocket, adjustable strap, 2 strap buttons (but strapping on the neck gives better balance), and a limited warranty. The only thing I can think of that is not included but essential is a digital tuner and maybe a capo, but of course I think I'm too demanding!

I got mine without the Martin thinline passive pickup and sort of regretted that decision. Although it will not be my main gigging guitar but I hope I can have the option to use it on stage plugged-in. That said, I subsequently bought the Fishman Natural Matrix passive piezo ceramic pickup that comes with the switchjack. Problem: How do I install the switchjack via the small soundhole?!!!Arrgghhhhh....I hope when there's a will, there's a way!

It received an 8 cos it's a funky, well made guitar ready to go around the world.

The usual, lack of bass but I dun care cos it's not a full-fledge guitar and we all know that. Hang around and I'll try to update you guys when I have managed to fix the piezo pickup in! Hopefully with my LR Baggs PAra DI, it'll sound fuller. Fingers crossed.

That said, Baby Taylor definitely has a fuller sound, same goes for other brands that's jumping onto the traveller bandwagon. For those looking for a guitar lying around the house to jam, get Baby or something. Backpacker is definitely the off-road variant!

Singapore's humidity is around 65% and naturally, my Backpacker has high action right out of the box. Given the action, the tone is good but a finger-killer. Considering proper string breaking angle, I dun think I can lower my saddle too much. Just have to find the optimum.
Another way is to reduce the nut height. I find my Backpacker's nut slightly too high for upper fret barre chords.

For the uninitiated, there's no truss rod for Backpacker.
but the fret distant is not standard length. That's one thing I like about the Backpacker - it allows be to practise my scales and chording easily rather than cramping fingers together.

This is a cool and tough travelling guitar and I have no problem bringing along everywhere I go.

There's no pick guard and from the look of it, no place for one as well! However, I find myself strumming and scrapping the sides of the guitar so I'll probably sick something there to protect it.

I like the feel of raw unfinished wood but I also want to apply finish to protect it. Dilemma!

I own a 5 year old Taylor 814Bce with peeling finish due to the humidity in Singapore and both the authorised dealer and Taylor refused to do anything about it.

I also own a '75 Gibson Mark-35 featuring fan-bracings. No peeling!

3 year old Yamaha FPX 300N Nylon string with B-band pickup. No peeling!

11 year old Gibson Les Paul US Standard. No peeling.

7 year old Fender Strat US standard. No Peeling.

15 year old Peavy Patroit Bass. Satin finish. No Peeling.

Prior to Martin Backpacker, I bought 2 Baby Taylor and subsequently sold it off. Love-hate relationship. Expensive toy.

I just bought this little thing about three weeks ago, right away I took it to a trip to Dominican Republic and put it through the test! It?s 2005 or 2006 year of production. It has solid spruce top, mahogany back, sides and neck (I believe also solid wood). Tuners are decent, it stays in tune as good as instrument can, when you carry it around all the time in a soft case. The only complaint is finishing. It?s basically unfinished. I realize that it cost less money that way, but I would rather pay another $20-$30 for at least a thin satin finish. The way it is now, its easy to stain, let alone scratch. Comes with a decent gig back and strap (strap is a must to use it) Gig bag fits the guitar and you can stick few more items in it, like swim shorts, pair of sandals, etc. Gig bag also has a good size pocket with zipper. Good for tuner, spare strings and a pair of sunglasses! I lower the rate because of no finish. Other then that ? no complains.

Now, this is a tricky question! It does not sound like your favorite Taylor or Martin. But did I mention it fits easily in the overhead compartment in the airplane?! Anyway, it produces a guitar like sound and it sounds good for its size. People who try to compare it to full size guitars will be a bit disappointed. But that?s the point of a travel guitar ? give up some sound and gain flexibility of taking it anywhere! I am not going to rate the sound.

Ok, I admit, this guitar needed some help when I got it. Saddle was too high, and what?s even worse ? nut is too high as well. The only excuse for Martin to have that kind of set up is because this guitar does not have a truss rod. So, neck itself is not adjustable. I had to cut down saddle and cut down nut a little, and now it?s very comfortable to play. Again, I see why Martin does it this way ? when you can not adjust neck, its better safe (too high of an action), then sorry (too low), but still I deduct some points.
If you can?t do this kind of repair yourself, you can take it to any guitar shop and ask for set up, but expect to pay $25-$50 for it?

Reliability is good. I want to say great, but I only took it to one trip so far. However it went on airplane twice, it went to beach, it was under direct sun light, it went through severe temperature change and its fine. Other then a few minor scratches, it?s as good as new. Again, I think scratches are result of no finish.

No data.

I have been playing for over 20 years. And I have extensive knowledge of acoustic guitars structure and design as well. Currently I own Taylor 910 (my main axe) and Taylor 514 (just something different), but I go through guitars fast. I use to own a few more Taylor?s as well Bourgeois, Fox, and may more guitars.
One thing to remember if you consider backpacker: DO NOT try to compare sound to a full size guitar. That would be unreasonable to say least.
Here are a few suggestions, if you are considering this guitar:

1. if you try it in the store, keep in mind, that most likely it needs a set up to be comfortable
2. give it a few days of play, because first it?s probably not going to be comfortable to hold due to it?s strange shape
3. do not buy it to play out loud in a large group of people, it does not have volume for it. But it?s loud enough to play to a group of 5-10

That?s about it. Enjoy!

Decent construction with a (previously noted) unfinished light wood, I believe a laminate of some sort. This is to enable as much sound as possible - a laquered finish wouldn't work on this little fella. The included case is indeed snug, but the rectangular shape strategically overcomes any possible objections from flight attendants, and the pocket is most handy. The extra space in the case is perfect for stuffing extra T-shirts. The included strap is no bonus - it is REQUIRED to play the guitar. It is neck-heavy, an acceptable offshoot of the small design.

I give it a generous 7 because it sounds pleasant for WHAT IT IS. I feel sorry for the folks that bought a travel guitar of any brand and expected dreadnought tone. On our veranda at breakfast or in the late eve, or around the table at 3 Dive's Jerk Chicken up cliffside in Negril, I couldn't ask for a more appropriate tone. It's midrange-y but decent.

Here they dropped the ball, severely. My backpacker came with an absurdly high action setup. Sure, you can press down on extra-light guage strings, but with the nut so high at the neck your intonation will always be skewed - fretted strings, especially unwound, go way sharp. I handled my own setup which transformed the backpacker in to a playable ax. The bridge removes easily, and filing it down is no problem. For the nut I used a precision luthier's tool (a serrated kitchen knife) to gently file down the string grooves to a reasonable height. CAREFUL while doing this - there's no turning back.

The STRAP will FALL OFF if you try walking about with the guitar slung neck-down as it will hang, so I stronly recommend screwing the strap into the guitar body using the strap button screw (I do this on any guitar I own without a straplock system anyway).

Road worthy, and not to be worried about.

I have had no support issues with this baby.

Grain of salt - I haven't owned or even used a baby Taylor etc, so my opinion is most subjective

The Martin Travel Guitar - What can I say that has not already been said? I suppose I agree with everyone both those who hate it and those who have become fond of it.

This guitar has a full size neck. This is one of the main reasons I bought it. I tried a Fender travel guitar and was unimpressed with the neck. It sounded more like a guitar than the Martin but the finger placing was too different from that used on a full size guitar and, for me, not worth mastering.

The thing about the sound it makes - it is a subjective matter. You can make
it sound quite attractive with practice. The extra light strings demand a
different technique. As someone else said, it is an unforgiving instrument
demanding accurate finger placement and a delicate touch. Many of the
world's finest stringed instruments, the old violins in particular share
this characteristic. Now I am not claiming that this strange and small
instrument is in the top league but only that it is a good training
instrument due to this characteristic. It is also top heavy so requires a
change in technique to be able to play it comfortably.
I wouldn't try to play this guitar trying to make it sound like a dreadnought. If you play it for what it is, it can sound surprisingly good.

I have to say that it is, like all Martin instruments, beautifully crafted. It is a collection of wood pieces that will improve with age. It resembles somewhat a stretched balalaika. The head, neck and the back and sides are carved from a single piece of chocolate coloured hardwood and the top is a single piece of spruce. I might polish the wood lightly and gradually with a beeswax polish. Over time it should develop a protective veneer and darken in colour. It has a removable saddle so it should be easy to change the action by carving a new saddle a fraction taller or shorter. I have just left it the way it was when I bought it.

It is a fragile feeling instrument so I take care of it. The supplied gig bag does not really provide sufficient protection and I am still looking for a replacement.

N/A

Three factors make me like this guitar.

1. the challenge of making a pleasing sound with it
2. the fact that I can take it anywhere easily
3. the full size neck

The experience of owning this has broadened my horizons. I am keen to
explore other small, stringed instruments like parlour guitars, the lute and the balalaika. I don't think I'd buy another dreadnought.

15 fret, Sealed tuners, Made in Mexico (I m going to guess made in Martins Sigma guitar factory) nice satin finish. Comes with gig bag and strap.

Anyone that thinks that this is going to get a full sound is out of their mind but it exceeded far my expectations. I take this thing to work and one gentleman that purchased a baby taylor wishes he had purchased the Martin.

Excellent craftmanship. I own a full size Martin and know that their Q/A is top notch. The action is set up to achieve the volume from the size of the body. Not hard to lower the saddle if needed. Great slide guitar

Travels well. I carry this thing on the back of my Harley and of course all the guitarist at work love to play it so it gets passed around.

Have not had any issues with this guitar. The waaranty for backpackers is 1 year compared to lifetime with full size Martins.

This is the best $159 to your door shipped portable travel guitar Ive seen or played. Yes I would replace it in a heartbeat if stolen/ damaged etc. I purchased this thing to practice with at work( on break time) and it is great for keeping the fingers working.