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.

See other posts

Yes the steel string sound is a little thin and does lack bass response but I was looking for the classical model but were out of them at the San Fran. Guitar Center location so I bought the steel string model and thought I was buying classical strings but ended up with "Earnie Ball Classic Strings" whitch have nylon treble strings and bronze colored bass strings and much to my liking there was the missing bass and the treble strings sang like a real guitar so there you have it. Maybe its better to have a nylon travel guitar that sounds real instead of a steel string that does not.

For $200 bucks it is very well made and is all solid wood with no finish at all. I wonder what tounge oil would do?

Features are about what you would expect. 15 frets, you can reach them all. It's a solid thing, and it must be real wood because nothing smells like wood except wood. Tuners seem acceptable. The back of the neck is round, unfinished wood which feels like a baseball bat. Comes with a strap, which helps your ability to play it because it is unbalanced, and a gig bag.

Sounds horrible. It sounds worse than I expected, and I didn't expect it to sound anything like a full-size guitar. The question you need to ask yourself is whether you can tolerate bad sound in a travel guitar. I guess you could ask yourself whether something like the Washburn Rover sounds better, or whether you can travel with a 3/4 size guitar like the LXM or Baby Taylor.

You could probably achieve some sound effects with it, as some other reviewer has written. I tried to play some Stones songs in open G on it, didn't sound too good. I played some Neil Young songs on it, and that sounded about as good as anything, with me singing along as shrill as I could. It is thin sounding, no matter how you slice it.

It is a Martin, it looks like it is well-made. The set up out of the box is a little high, but you can tolerate it with the extra light strings. I could still play up the neck with no trouble despite the high action. I took the saddle out and looked at it and I believe you could lower it yourself without much trouble if you wanted.

The unfinished wood gives it a nice feel.

I think it is indestructible.

Don't know how long the warranty is, you won't need it anyway.

I have been playing off and on (mostly off) for about 30 years. This is my third guitar since I started playing again about 9 months ago. I have a nice sounding but beat up Ibanez acoustic that I bought in a pawn shop, and a beatiful sunburst warm-sounding Washburn D-10Q.

I bought this for travel, for which it will be adequate. I put it in my office and will play it when I get restless. For these purposes it is adequate.

Before I bought it I wish I tried out the Washburn Rover to see if it sounds better. I bought this sight unseen with modest expectations, because it is a Martin, and my avid-guitarist brother swears by his Martins. He has the LXM and decent 6-string and 12-string Martins, and I knew I wasn't buying anything even in the class of the LXM. For a Martin though, I expected it to be better than this. This sounds like a toy guitar. I can make use of it, but it didn't even meet my modest expectations.

I have a 2004 backpacker (I think that is the year). At some point recently they changed the design and I have the new design. I think it is a handsome little guitar. The satin finish looks good and the thing is solidly built. The tuners work very well and it holds its tune for quite a while, even after several times in and out of its slightly too small case.

The sound is just fine for what it is. Obviously, it is not a full size guitar and it simply does not sound like one. I played the older design and that one sounded very much like a cheap banjo. The new design sounds much better and much more like a guitar. Sometimes, I think I can hear it straining to sound like a grown up guitar.

As others have stated it is hard to play though as it wont stay flat. It wants to twist around and I have given up trying to play it without the strap. The strap seems to stabilize it somewhat.

The finish is quite nice. Satin and smooth. The action is ridiculously high and I took it to a luthier to have it lowered and it plays just fine as well.

It is a very solid guitar. It feels like it is made out of two chunks of wood hollowed out and welded together.

No problem so far. I did email Martin with a question about thier dreadnaught guitars and received a very prompt reply.

I like this little thing very much. My kids think it is really cool and like to monkey with it. I have a Takamine AN10 (the cedar one) and a Yamaha 12 string so far...

I bought this to travel with and for the price I really do not have to worry about it. For those with more keen ears and larger wallets and baby Martin or Taylor would probably sound better but those are less of a value and more fragile and would cause more worry. This guitar can be taken to the beach without any real worry so what is not to like?

Recently purchased 2003. Bought for portability and to play in apt. late at night, camping, etc. I own a Japanese 4wd regular cab pick-up so I was looking for something small to fit behind the seat. This fits the bill perfectly.
17 Frets slightly smaller than full-size but not that noticable.
solid wood contruction.
Martin brand tuners(well made, hold tuning, tight)
Finish is light with an untreated (not oiled, ala natural) look and feel
Nice bag extra strap, gig bag strap(kinda looks like a gun case) did I mention the thing fits behind the seat of a Nissan truck

It's not a full size Dread so why would you expect it to sound as rich? the sound hole is about 3 inches in diameter.
Like all have said the sound is a bit thin(not much bass) but it's a very unique sound and grows on you . Like other mentioned kinda like a cross of a banjo, madolin, ukelele with a bit o guitar.

Craftmanship is top notch, looks very durable, made in Mexico(but supposedly inspected at Martin)
The fit--- USE the strap otherwise it slides all over the place(but you can place it but up against your knee without a strap. Playit like un upright bass(only if you lose your strap) You could also play it on your lap(like Ben harper)
Kneck is fatter than normal and seems more narrow. A capo will work but you really gotta stretch it out.
Great for fingerpickin'
I mainly play fingerstyle and the sound is somewhat thin and low. I tried a pick and wow! the sound is quite different surprisngly loud and almost a Fullsize Dreadnought sound.

On a final not the Strap. It comes with a place on the body to mount your strap but also comes with a"shoestring ) to attach at nut. This seems to be the best balancing spot. Also if the body slides around too much try wrapping the strap arond (soit lays flat on the front of body, pulling it inwards toward your body)

Haven't owned long enough

I own another mid level Martin and customer support is top notch.

I own a couple electrics and a bass, also a Martin D-1.
If this were lost or stolen I'd buy another

All the technical info is adequately provided by other reviewers. The neck is thicker than a standard dreadnought, but still easily playable. The tuning keys are solid, keeping the guitar in tune after weeks of use, non-use and/or abuse by my 2 year-old son.

The strap, included, makes playing much easier. The gig bag was not included in the price, but the guitar was priced $20 cheaper than anywhere else, with the bag costing an "extra" $20. According to Martin customer service (same day email response), this is acceptable practice.

For everyone griping that it doesn't sound like a dreadnought, surprise, it ain't a dreadnought--the same way your radio alarm doesn't sound like your home stereo. But just as some bedside radios sound better than others, the backpacker sounds much better than the Taylor. Being a Californian, I wanted to support a California business, but the Taylor sounds too thin. The Backpacker has a rich, albeit funky sound. More trebly than bass, it has elements of mandolins, banjos, and balalaikas in it.

I use it at home and on the beach so far. It isn't loud, so I'm strumming harder when I'm competing with the surf. That said, an acoustic stringed instrument with such a small body should not sound this good, but it does. I happened to see this instrument being used in a small folk setting, and it definitely added some quirky flavor to the ensemble's sound. Bottom line: play it before you buy it; don't buy it online w/o playing it.

Sound: Martin says to use light-gauged strings, yet they strung it with medium gauge. These strings really make the Backpacker sound mote like a banjo. Once I restrung it with Martin Silk and Steel strings, they really softened the twanginess. This simple restringing had a major positive influence on sound quality. I suggest everyone do this ASAP.

The action was a bit high, so I took it to a luthier at Folk Music in Claremont, CA, and he adjusted it for $40--well worth it.

Note: the luthier absolutely LOVED the sound. He sells, plays, and works on all kinds of stringed instruments from around the world, and was very impressed with the amount of sound this little package produced.

The fit and finish were top-notch. It's great to see Martin treats all their products the same. The luthier agreed that this is a very well put together instrument.

I would love to use this some day on stage, when my playing ability allows me. This guiter seems nearly indestructible. My two year-old seems keenly fascinated with whichever guitar I play (this, or my Takamine G 330S), and beelines it toward me and starts thwapping on the strings. When not in use, I stow it away, but he still finds ways to get to it, and he rough houses with it, but has made no dents on it. This is a solid piece of work.

I plan to take it with me to Taiwan next summer, and will be doing some travelling into the rural, mountainous areas, knowing the guitar will withstand the bumps and knocks.

I contacted Martin customer service via email, and they responded the same day with a polite and thorough response to my question.

Playing for two years now. My other guitar is the aforementioned Takamine acoustic G-330S.

I would replace it in a heartbeat if my backpacker were lost or stolen.

It really looks like apiece of art, like some kind of stringed instrument from days gone by or some travelling gypsy troupe. This is why I often hang it up in my living room--it's really a quaint, charming instrument, which can add a special something to a small folk or bluegrass ensemble, both visually and sound-wise.

Another advantage of playing this, in my humble opinion, is, being a scaled down guitar, the fret spacing is smaller--narrower, making me to become more disciplined in my fingering. I'm forced to be more precise, which has improved my playing on my standard sized Takamine.

In the end, it's a nice guitar-type instrument that will always have a place in my home.

Solid top, steel string travel acoustic guitar that comes with strap and gig-bag. Bare wood finish, chrome machine heads, mahogany back and sides, 24" scale length, 15 frets.

I was fairly surprised at the sound of this guitar, mainly because I'd read all of the reviews here at HC, and really expected it to sound a lot thinner than it did. I played it in the music shop and though this actually sounds pretty good. Okay so it's light on base - that's to be expected due to the size of the body, but there is still a quality and uniqueness to the sound that I really like. The guitar really suits finger picking but is an okay strummer too, perfect for night around the camp-fire in those hard to reach places!

The guitar is really beautifully constructed and finished considering the price. It's neat and tidy - no rough edges, with perfectly finished frets. The action is a little high but I presume Martin ship them like this so the players can change it themselves - an easy job even for a novice guitar player. Even so, most music shops could do this for you if required.

I've only just bought this guitar so this is hard to rate. It looks solid enough and reading the other reviews, some people claim to have put them through pretty bad conditions to no adverse effects. The guitar is really light though so I'm yet to be convinced, strenght often comes from weight. Saying that, it is a travel guitar so I'm glad it is not heavy - It will be going to the Andes after all!

No dealings with Martin.

I've been playing about ten years, playing gigs, recording, jamming with friends etc. I play mainly a USA strat, Gordon Smith and S & P Pro Mahogany acoustic. The Martin is a good edition to my collection.
I'll soon be travelling the world for a year and the though of having no guitar, or carrying a full size acoustic up the Inca Trail was worrying me a little. I tried some of the 'baby' guitars but they were mainly heavier, bigger and more expensive. Great for certain applications and they usually have a bigger sound, but they can't out backpack the Backpacker!

Made in Mexico. Medium-Fat neck, feels comfortable.
Gig bag is handy, I sometimes stuff a few books and even a pair of shoes in it.

Given the extremely small size, it produces good volume, even when fingerpicked. The tone is not bad, especially as it ages. Doesn't sound like a guitar, but that's what makes it interesting to me. I would describe its sound like a cross between a mandolin, a balalaika, a banjo and - yes - a guitar. If I were to pick just one adjective to describe its tonal qualities, I would say "woody".

The original set-up was a little high. I had the saddle lowered, and now it plays effortlessly.
Quality is good: I especially like the "continuous" mahogany of the neck that goes on to form the body.

Playing fingerstyle, I found the backpacker sturdy enough. I've owned it for a few years now, taking it to some very extreme wather conditions, from Brasil to the Greek islands, and I never had any problems with it.
The finish is very light, but I like it that way. A heavier coating would be too much for such a tiny instrument.
It's dependable, I'm planning to use it on a gig, without backup.

Never dealt with the company.

I've been playing for 30 years. I own a Bourgeois Martins Simpson, an Italian made jumbo, a Gibson Les Paul.
If my backpacker got stolen, I would probably buy a new one. I didn't compare it to other travel guitars, because when I bought it there weren't any alternatives.

I bought this second hand at Andy's in Denmark street London in late '99, I've no idea how old it is. It's the old style model with the Martin logo on the body and the small headstock. Mine has the built in pickup.

I can't really add anything to the other opinions here regarding its acoustic sound, just bear in mind it IS a travel guitar.
Here's where it gets weird, I use mine plugged in and live (!!!!) it has been gigged more often than any other instrument I own. It NEEDS to be radically EQ'ed (I use a 7 band Ariston EQ pedal) and it lends itself really well to effects. In conjuction with the EQ pedal and a ZOOM 505 mk 2 the bacpacker can be made sound like pretty much anything (including a convincing bass when used with an octaver). I will confess that I was prompted to get the backpacker after seeing and hearing John Jennings use one in concert with Mary Chapin Carpenter (check out the 'Live At Wolf Trap' video).
As a working musician playing cover versions of many styles of music I need to have a range of sounds, starting from a good authentic acoustic sound (a lot of stuff I do is request based so I can't rely on backing tracks or other musicians to fill out the sound, solo guitar and voice work always sounds better with an acoustic).

Action and intonation on mine were both great, maybe it had been set up by it's previous owner.

Oooohh it stands up to live playing alright! mine gets played for average 2-3 hours at least twice a week in a bar/restaurant type setting,hasn't let me down yet.
It has toured Europe in planes trains and buses, and holds its tuning well.
My only slight beef is that the finish wears easily, I've put a 'pickguard'(a strip of gaffa tape) on the lower edge as it was starting to get chewed up.
The strap button around the jack socket tends to unscrew itself, not a big problem really.
The pick up is excellent and extremely versatile. I have no qualms about using it without a backup instrument.

N/A

Ive been playing guitars for nearly 25 years. I own way too many instruments, love Danelectros.
I've got this insured at new cost price 'cos I'd be lost without it, would buy another immediately.
I love the look and feel of the instrument, it's supremely easy to use (hell, you can even cycle to gigs with it!). My favourite feature has got to be the lack of weight.
I never got the chance to compare it to other travel guitars as at the time I bought it there were no other travel guitars easily available in the UK.
I'd like one with a telecaster style pickup added to it and a much tougher laquered finish, perhaps some body binding (that'd look well Bo Diddley!)
Check out my website (complete with pictures of my backpacker)at http://hometown.aol.co.uk/gusglen1306/GusGlen.html

2002 Model Steelstring Backpacker - solid mahogany neck, back, and sides, braced tonewood top. Satin finish and crome enclosed tuners. Came with Martin strap and gigbag.

I was surprised out how loud this little guitar is. Bright clear sound, bass sounds aren't too bad either. Has a "mountain music" kind of sound to it.

When I first played the guitar, I knew right away it needed some adjustments with the action. The action was very high, and since the backpacker is one solid piece with no neck ajustments, I had to have the saddle cut down to the maximum. (The backpacker comes with the recommended adjustment measurements.) Even after this the action was still too high. I bought a set of Martin Silk and Steel strings, extra light weight (recommened by Martin) and with this combination the action feels fine.
The tuners are very nice. Doesn't loose tune easily. The wood is beautiful on this little thing. Doesn't smell like glue, smells like wood. Frets are smooth, no rough edges.

Seems to be very rugid. It's called the backpacker for a reason! Very solid little guitar. I seems like it would hold it's own on stage. I would want a backup on stage with it though.

1 year warranty. Not had to deal with the company though.

Been playing guitar for 2 years. Made a nice "buddy" to my Taylor Big Baby. I have 2 other low quality acoustics and a Cort electric. If it were lost or stolen, I've not decided if I would pay to replace it (it was a gift). I love this guitar, but because of the odd shape and high action (before the adjustments), I couldn't find a comfortable way to hold it. I definately can't play it without a strap because it won't exactly set on your leg. Even with a strap, it tends to "roll" because the body is so small. It's easier to play now. Kind of a love/hate relationship at first.

My wife bought this for me as a birthday present, maybe three years ago--an "older style" Backpacker. Some may consider the neck a little thick. For me, this does not detract. It's comfortable. Martin includes a roomy gig bag and a strap, a complete starter package for a beginning guitarist.

Let's face it. The sound is poor. But what can you expect from a guitar of this size? Considering this insurmountable strike against the design the sound is pretty good. However, if you are buying this instrument for the sound you're buying it for the wrong reason. I suspect that many complaints about the admittedly tinny sound have to do with the unorthodox appearance of the instrument. It's psychological. An instrument that LOOKS like a guitar, but sounds exactly like a Backpacker, wouldn't draw nearly as much criticism. I think the sound is the Backpacker's weak spot.

The workmanship was fine. Strangely, this guitar looks at once well-made and frail. It probably wouldn't survive getting sat on. Come to think of it, sitting on ANY guitar is inadvisable. I find this instrument more comfortable to play without a strap. That's one of the great things about it. I don't think there's any other guitar a person's more liable to play spontaneously than this one, just another aspect that makes a Backpacker an ideal beginner's instrument.

Nobody in their right mind would want to use a Backpacker for live performance. They'd get laughed off the stage. Martin should have put a tougher surface on this guitar. I usually play fingernails only because a pick would shred the top right away. As it is, I have to be content that I'm only slowing down the shredding process. Pick guard(s) would have to protect the body at both the light and heavy gauge string areas. Is there enough surface area for a pick guard? Maybe Martin shouldn't have used wood at all, at least not for the body.

No experience.

Been playing on and off for 30 years. Would I replace it? I don't know. I don't find the newer style Backpackers as aesthetically pleasing as the old. The added bulk is certainly meant to address the sound problem. (I haven't played one of these so I can't say if the redesign works.) I have another travel guitar (the now discontinued Applause Voyager). I like it better in many ways, but it doesn't have that "pick up and go" quality of the Martin. Anyone who buys a Backpacker will have to put up with lots of ribbing about its appearance. The uninformed will swear it's not a guitar. Expect questions about what made you pick up the balalaika, etc.

Hey, the main feature is portability. And portable it is too.

has a bag - big plus - but then for a guitar like this the only alternative is a shotgun bag.

Small, thin in the bass, but great for fireside stuff, and doesn't annoy people in the next tent.

Just had to tune it.

Action is a bit high but with the light strings you don't need to lower it much

Dependable yes

Durable - no use as a paddle, or as a bat - but - don't sit on it - it looks fragile.

No worries yet

Amateur player - nuff said

CORRECTION TO THE REVIEW OF AUGUST 19, 2002, OF THE NEW DESIGN BACKPACKER:

The lower bout of the new design is 5/8 inch wider.

Took my weeks old old-design B'packer back to GC and compared with a new design model.

In addition to the "shoulders" on the upper bout, the new design seems slightly wider in the lower bout - about 1/8 inch. Also, some may wonder if it is still a continuous peice of mahogony from the neck and down the sides. It is. The spruce tops on both are equally bearclawed (whoop-de-doo. I remember when nobody used wood that looked like that, or they painted it. Now we're supposed to believe that the magic bear swipes the wood and makes it sound wonderful.)
Whatever "select hardwood" was used on the fingerboard of the new one, it is very tight-grained and rather colorful. I like it. As advertised, the sound hole is bigger.

Old design smells like glue - new design smells like wood.

Much nicer headstock on the new design - flares out like a normal headstock, not crowded.

They moved the CFMartin decal from the soundboard to the headstock.

The new design seems a little heavier, more stable.

The new design neck seems to become broader as it approaches the body - good for neck stability.

BIG differences in playability and sound. The new one is MUCH more comfortable to hold, and can be held on the knee. The old one was about impossible to use that way. Strapped on, the new one is more stable, doesn't seem to want to roll like the old one. The sound is fuller, bassier, louder - sounds more like a guitar.

Looks better than old design. Finish and fit are excellent, seems like it will withstand camping, etc. Action is fine.

Old one seemed fragile, new one seems durable - I guess just the dimensions do that. You could take this on a trail and bat away small rodents.

They are friendly and informative via e-mail. No other contact.

A really big difference, though somewhat intangible, is that the new one is much more inviting. I felt I could play it longer and more comfortably, instead of, "OK, I'm done". Instead of being packed away for next time, this new one is likely to be left out within reach to be picked up and played more often.
Old one seemed fragile, new one seems durable - I guess just the dimensions do that.

All told, small improvements made a giant difference - mind you, I liked the old design well enough, but the result of the new design seems like the thing evolved to what it should be. I'll give Martin and their amigo's south of the border an "A" for most improved.

By the way, since the old one was under 30 days from purchase, GC let me swap them and take home the new design one. I'm a much happier "camper".

This little jewel was made in Mexico. I bought it for camping. Solid spruce top, mahogany sides and back. Typical asoustic style bridge. Martin sealed tuners. The first and sixth strings are angled sharp coming off the top nut, this has to cause some tension. When I change strings I believe I'll expeiment reversing the rotation to eas the stress up a bit, get the two strings to come off the bridge starighter.

This guitar sucks when played as a conventional guitar but I play blues slide in open G and for that it passes the test. It is also soft in sound, not loud. I worried about taking my resonator to camp grounds because it is loud which may bother other campers and I also feared condensation would rust up the metal parts. This Backpaker is perfect for camping applications. There is little bass to it but the treble and highs ring out and that is where I get my swampy blues sound from. Mind you that I am rating the sound based on the blues I slide.

The action is high which is perfect for slide guitar. To hold down chords with this guitar would be difficult, the action would have to be lowered to do that. The head stock is the same width as the neck which alows me to slide down to A with out a capo, I like that. It has to be played with a strap and the body does try to twist up. I rest my wrist on the bridge with a pick between my thumb and index finger, I also pluck the 1st and 2nd strings using my middle and ring finger (I play my reso this way, too) so I hold the body against me. I find it easy to play this way. The finish is nice but I had to take some steel wool to the neck. My hand would drag and catch on two spots, high on the neck and low on the neck. The steel wool smoothed it out and now I slide with ease. The fret boad is pretty flat, little curve to it. For my style this is fine but it is almost to flat for bar chords.

They advertise it for ruggedness but they recommend using extra light strings. The body is very light and I don't think it would take many drops. It feels fragile. Because the mountains I will be in are very high and the day to night temperature changes can be as much as 40 to 50 degrees, I'm hoping it won't warp. The neck is thick, that I'm not to worried about but the solid top feels thin. I'm counting on Martins reputations for fine instruments

I bought it from my local favorite store. Been with these guys for 25 years. I could of payed $30.00 less from Musicians Friend or even gone over to Guitar Center but I have no problem supporting the little guy. These cats have backed up everything I have bought from them regardless what I paid for it. They are stand up dudes and I know they'll back up this guitar also.

I bought this guitar for blues slide while camping. I have played it some and for my application it passes. I have been playing music on one instrument or another for 32 years. I have owned alot of guitars and for what this will used for I am confident it will do the job.

The first thing that meets the eye on this guitar is, of course, its unique body style. I've heard it compared to a lute, a mandolin, and a balalaika, but it doesn't really fit any of those descriptions. The sealed tuners are a great feature and do their job admirably. the guitar comes with a woven strap and a very nice little gig bag. Other than that, though, this really is a no-frills guitar.

I've heard some complaints about the sound, most notably its poor performance on basses. However, this guitar performs amazingly well for its tiny size. With nothing more than a heavy pick, my backpacker has produced a bright, well-balanced sound that can be heard, unamplified, from the back of a large auditorium.

The action . . . well, the action is just incredible. It compares favorably to some of the best electrics I've played. The rubbed finish is ideal for someone who wants a good-looking instrument but doesn't have the time to polish it. As befits a Martin instrument, I couldn't find a single blemish or imperfection on this guitar. (I see others have had trouble playing this guitar without a strap - I actually prefer it that way. Just tuck the butt end into your armpit and you're ready to go.)

This thing is solid. SOLID. My Backpacker has been through hell and high water and come back asking for more. It's been tossed by porters, dropped, and had heavy baggage piled on it and not even been dented.

It's a Martin, and Martin had one of the industry's best reputations for customer service. These people take pride in their products, and I have no doubt they would be eager to help if I were to have any trouble with this guitar - not that I can see that happening.

Since buying this guitar, I have not had a single problem with it. It's been to both coasts and appeared in three plays and still sounds like the day I got it. I recommend this to anyone who wants a great travel guitar.