Martin Backpacker

Well, a Backpacker is a Backpacker is a Backpacker, so to speak - not a whole lot can change from one to the next. Mine is the acoustic (i.e., non-classical) version, accompanied by its standard brown strap and black bag. Quality woods, from what I can tell.

The standard debate around this guitar goes either as "This guitar sounds in no way like my full-body, it sucks" or as "It sounds weird, but it does the job, and it might actually grow on you". I'm of the latter clan - yeah, it sounds nothing like my Norman B-30, it has a rather banjoish or balalaikaish ring to it. Sustain is rather weak (although some harmonics ring for a surprising amount of time), bass is not exactly booming, and treble is crystalline but pleasant. I play with D'Adario custom lights, which are a good compromise, giving a bit more substance to the sound than extra-lights. The sound becomes more pleasant as you get used to it, but it always remains peculiar. Muted chords sound surprisingly great, though; the slight highs spring out of the general muffled noise to give you recognizable chords.
The rating is given keeping in mind this guitar's size and purpose; compared to any of my standard acoustics, it'd be a 2 or 3.

Action is fairly high and the neck is very rounded, therefore thick in the middle. The lightweight body and heavy neck/headstock make it very weirdly balanced, and the size makes it hard to wedge between thigh and chest; playing with the strap is a must, unless you play it very vertically, classical-style. Open chords are easier to do than barres.
High quality assembly; Martin didn't skimp on the materials or the worksmanhip. Thin varnish, I think it's urethane. Manufactured in Mexico.
Good Martin tuning keys, nothing to write home about, but they do the job. Needs retuning fairly often.
No truss rod.

As mentioned, the overall thing remains a Martin: good material, VERY good assembly, from what I can tell. This thing is tiny and light but feels solid. The finish is very light varnish as to keep maximum resonance, so this must be dealt with a bit more carefully, although it gives a very nice look and feel. No pick guard since there is no soundboard to scratch, although the whole thing is fairly scratch-resistant. I have the utmost confidence in the strap buttons, since they have so little weight to carry.

No idea, never dealt with them.

I've been playing guitar fairly intensively for about 2 years, but making music for 6. Guitar-wise, I own a Norman B-30 and an Ibanez JS-100 with a Fender Ultimate Chorus amp, a DiMarzio single coil pickup and a DiMarzio stick-on pickup. I think it's pretty obvious by now that I like this thing... it's much easier to bring with me everywhere than my full-sized acoustic, and still does the job. I wouldn't gig with it unless I specifically wanted that sound for artistic purposes, but for a campfire or beach or simple-nice-get-together-with-friends guitar, I love it. The shape is very endearing and raises a lot of eyebrows ("-What is that instrument called? -Um... a guitar"). I'd read the reviews before buying it, I knew what I was getting into sound-wise, and I'm actually pleasantly surprised, I think the D'Adario custom lights help a lot in this department.

One word of warning: if you intend on plugging that thing, the soundhole is too small for soundhole-fitting pickups.

Read above, its all been covered. Mine was a Steel String Backpacker purchased in 1998. Best guitar features were the case and strap. More on that later.

Sound is poor for any guitar and with Martins reputation I expected better. Normal chords come out like they have been played by a $4 transister radio. No bottom, None. Stays in tune for about 10 minutes if you don't play it. Just terrible.

Action was much as you would expect for a cheep guitar. Professional set-up is a must for playability. To acutally play it you need to have the strap (which Martin provides) and then be willing to be bit of a circus preformer to get your body to hold and play the instrument. Frets buzzed before and after setup. Light strings are required but only hurt the already awful sound.

Owned it for about a year. It traveled very well on airplanes and cars. Had to be careful due to soft case. Best thing about the guitar was its durability.

As a relatively short time player and frequent traveler, I wanted a guitar which would go with me and make playing in hotels possible. This guitar was portable but it sounded so bad that I found myself making excuses not to play it. I am now looking at Baby Taylors and other travel guitars to fit this bill. To bad that Martin could not make a quality guitar. I have already sold this largely unplayable item and stick to my full size guitars.

I am an amatuer guitarist who plays little more than popular folk songs made of a few repeating chords and a few popular tab licks. This guitar is great for that purpose when traveling, either by air, car, or foot. I have learned to love its unique twangy mandolin banjo hybrid sound. I purchased it mainly for its compact shape, which fits nicely wedged under the side compression straps of my backpack. Bottom line, if you are a backpacker, this is the best guitar for running through miles of trails and welcoming the sunset and campfire with music. Bring along some harmonicas and a harp holder, they add a lot to a song and are very portable. The small sturdy resonance chamber of the Backpacker can take a beating would break any 3/4 size guitar. It is cheap, rugged, and is loud enough to get the job done.

Purchased in 1998; added a "stick-on" pickup in 1999 (foolish me to have not bought the model with the built-in pickup); other features as other reviews have indicated, no need to repeat them.

The sound is indeed light, virtually dulicmer-like. It's great for practicing when travelling, won't wake anybody up late at night in hotels, but can be used for performance in the right spots: I took it to Tahiti with me in 1999, jammed every night with locals at a hotel bar. They were playing local music on homemade ukes, 2 full guitars; the Backpacker fit right in, like it was made for this music! (I played way up the fingerboard, coaxing every drop of treble out of it.) At the end of my stay, the guys said goodbye, but could I please leave my guitar -- they loved it! The sound is great for what it is, don't compare it to a full-size guitar.

The guitar was set up perfectly, action seems just a tad high, but no problem. There is no finish to speak of, but it seems to last. The wear it gets (suntan lotion spots! sweat! a few nicks) add character, like stickers of where you've been on a piece of luggage.

This guitar is built like a rock. Mine has gone to Australia, Tahiti, England, France, Switzerland, the Caribbean, all over the USA, and is absolutely solid. You must play it with the strap. I've found that, with the strap on, I can rest my right forearm on the top of the guitar, pressing doen just a little, and play all day with no balance problems.

No problems, no need to call.

I've been playing for over 40 years, own 17 other guitars (don't ask), but this is great for travelling (I wouldn't use it for anything else). It's so convenient that I bought one for my son, and when we're on vacation we jam all the time. It's a great value for the money, just remember what it's supposed to be what it's not supposed to be. And you'll attract attention wherever you pull it out ("what the heck is that thing?").

I love this guitar, so want to add my views on just how great an instrument it is, despite the unlikely design. Mainly the same details of build as given in other reviews - the Backpacker is made out of a solid block of wood with neck attached and is very slimline indeed, looks unique and can be fiddly to hold. The wood is unfinished, so watch for knocks and scratches, it's very smooth to the touch though.
The neck is standard, looks a little shorter, it has a nice curved shape and feels very comfortable under the fingers, the action is very low too, this is a great beginner guitar as well as for travelling round with. Mine is the basic steel strung acoustic model, no pickups
It comes with a case and a strap - and believe me, you need the strap to hold it properly, its top heavy, fine once you get used to it though.
I would imagine this would be a great guitar for someone with a disablility, its light enough to be held for long periods and wouldn't be as cumbersome in a wheelchair, say, as full-size models.

I'm a beginner, learning chords and fingerstyle, mainly folk stuff. The sound of the guitar is unusual, louder than you might expect from something so small, it doesn't have the resonance of a full bodied guitar but its a pleasant sound nonetheless, a bit like a cross between a mandolin and a banjo, can get quite a range of sound from quiet to loud from it. Using a pick is ok, I get better results from fingers however. The top 4 strings sound bright and clear, the bass can be a little fuzzy at times when strummed.
Sometimes the twangy sound is annoying, and often chords don't sound as full, fingerstyle works very well on it however.

The set-up is fine, nice low action. The guitar needs light gauge strings, the recommended ones are Martin Silk & Steel or something, anything heavier and there's too much buzz. The overall finish is very nice, no flaws I can see, quality wood, machine heads shiny and secure. You can get replacement bridges if the action needs adjustment. The natural finish means the grain of the wood stands out, very attractive overall though it might seem a little plain to anyone used to a glossy finish.

The Backpacker isn't really designed to be gigged with, though I know some folks have, its quite a sturdy build so should be fine being travelled around with, its small size means it tucks away very easily so is less likely to be bumped or knocked. I've managed to scratch the wood just slightly, but then this is designed as a travel guitar, so a few blemishes aren't a real problem. Its reliable and because of the one-piece design of the body, hasn't got much that could go wrong. I doubt I'd gig with it, except as a specialist item.
I love the way I can take it around with me, I usually have it in the car and play it if I'm stuck waiting for someone, the small size means there's plenty of space for playing it, unlike a normal size instrument. I know there's one up on the Space Station where size really does matter!

Haven't had to deal with anyone. It has a 12 month warranty.

Been playing for about a year, I have a Yamaha AEX500, Peavey Blazer amp and classical guitar: the Backpacker is my only steel strung acoustic. I read a lot of reviews on this and wasn't 100% sure about it sight and sound unseen but am very impressed. Its a good solid well-made guitar for someone on a budget (much cheaper than the Baby Taylor or the Go Guitar, which I also considered). If anything happened to it I'd definitely replace it as soon as I could. I suppose I wish it had a pickup fitted, but doubt I'd use it with an amp much. For the price and quality, and sheer versatility, it's great!

Made in mexico by someone associated with Martin [ Martinos?] Got mine about 6 years ago [1995]. I wanted something different [ well got it] It still turns heads- no-body is sure just what it is. I play mostly bluegrass and even "Martin" people have never seen one. It is a striking strange duck of a guitar!
It's all stock- With a pickup [ which i only use to tune with an electronic tuner- the sound electrically is weak at best- it was never designed to be an electric/acoustic standout] BUT is is a nice travel/special use guitar. I use it on stage with 2 capos [ one drop D keyser and another keyser for the 6th string- I string the sixth string light to match the 4th in gauge but keep the E tuning- double capo to the fifth fret for a Banjo/guitar/nashville tuned/dulcimer sound all mixed together.

Good for a very small guitar. Its not a Dreadnaught! IT never will grow up to be one. Its sound is thin like a dulicmer. IT HAS NO BOTTOM. NONE! I didnt expect one. but-- its just not there. The pickup sound even through a good amp is weak and muffled. Acoustically it sounds much better. But, the sound is not that of a guitar. Its [ well????] like a backpacker. It works well in our school bluegrass band. Its sound is between the guitar and mandolin. Like a tenor guitar almost, with a banjo/dulicmer flavor. Its not a Tony Rice type picker, but a great soft but cutting chord sound. If you want a D-45 this is not it!.

IT made in Mexico. Fair fit and finish. Very light. It has no real FINISH on it. Its all mahogany/spruce? [I think] BUT the guitar has held together well, and I take it everywhere. No actual flaws in the construction, BUT its not made very well. With a cost of: $200 with pickup and gigbag [ cheaper now]. The metal parts have held up very well. Tuners are grovers i think and very good. No set ups was involved but with my weird tunings I'm always 'tweeking' it.

Been Playin' it hard for 6 yrs. Its still in good shape. DONT OVERSTRING IT. EXTRA LIGHTS only. and i custom fit the 6th string to no more than a 25. It is dependable. The guitar IS A BACKUP so i dont back it up.

Martin co. was great. They misplaced the gig bag at the shop and martin replaced it with new one quickly - no hastle! Typical martin style and service.

Ive been playing 30 years and i own quite a few instruments.
Its a neat little guitar for SPECIAL PURPOSES. Ive played other travel guitars and THEY SOUND MORE GUITAR LIKE than the martin does. But if you want something different - its different [ and cheap for a martin] Its fun to experiment with. It does a lot of things. [ Well most people dont want their guitars to sound like a banjo or a dulcimer so its not a strong selling point. but if you do its a lot of fun.] BOTTOM LINE; the little thing IS A LOT OF FUN. BUT its not professional guitar. My acoustic GUILD will blow it off the stage.

This is a uniquely built travel guitar. The sides of the body and the neck are all one piece - the sides have been splayed out (kind of like a wishbone) and then the top, back and tail have been applied.
Where I think Martin dropped the ball on this guitar is right up at the nut: The neck isn't shaped there and is actually still very square. I've remedied this with a capo, but on a light little guitar like this it throws the delicate weight balance way out and I shouldn't have to that anyway.
The finish isn't the least bit glossy - it has a very thin satin finish.
I've found the tuners to be a little "slippy".
Super light - 2.5 pounds or so.

This guitar sounds almost like a banjo sometimes. There's a serious lack of bass and very little sustain. It sure is surprisingly loud, though, given its diminutive size.
In an effort to find a sound I liked, I took up playing slide. In this role, the Backpacker is excellent.

Action leaves a little to be desired.
There's not much of a finish to speak of.
The joinery is quite nice.

I've played this guitar in ten countries on four trips. It's been around the world with me twice and it goes on every business trip I take. The softcase actually makes a nice carry-on because there's room for spare (light) clothes etc.

Can't say.

I've been playing for sixteen years.
I've looked at other travel guitars and this is the smallest I've seen. If I lost this one I might consider another brand for better sound or comfort, but size would be a major issue.
Remember that this guitar is a compromise for travel, so you give up a little on comfort and sound for the payback of being able to play anywhere. In this role, it's a 9. In a stage or bedroom role, it's a 4.

Features? This adoreable little 15-fret dwarf acoustic serves it's main purpose - convenience. I have considered travel/portable guitars for years but have always ended up not getting one. Then one day I was on an Amtrak from Sacramento to Los Angeles and this 50-year-old hippie dude whips a Backpacker out of his compartment and proceeded to play comfortably in a 2" area without whacking his seat partner with the headstock...which is something I have always managed to do with even 3/4 sized acoustics. That did it for me. I bought one in L.A.

I used this guitar in 6 of 10 tracks on my CD just for fun. It has a very unique sound. It's annoying to some - but not to others. People always ask me what kind of guitar it is when they hear it. I just smile.

The action on the steel version is just fine. As said numerous times before: use extra-light strings! You'll prolong the life of the guitar. I loved the finish, but had to fight the temptation to have it customized. The guitar remains the same.

It's the most durable little monster I have ever owned. I never have to worry about it getting beat up or damaged.

N/A

After 20 years of slinging strings, this is the only guitar that I actually named. Her name is Willow - she's earned a place in my heart as well as anywhere else that I can cram her into.

Very portable and sturdy.

Unfortunately the backpacker sounds exactly how you would expect it to sound. Pretty tinny, and less appealing than a uke.

The action is ok- I just cant get past the sound. Get a baby taylor!!

As I stated before, looks to be very durable.

Martin has unfortunately been making lower quality instrument over the past years. (Check out all their laminated guitars for 400 to 800+) I can't believe they would damage their name the way they have been. Yes the high end guitars are still superb, but put the lower quality stuff under the Epiphone label like you have done for years.

The basic shape,size etc has been described by the other reviews so I won't go over it again.
Mine is the model without the pickup, although I've thought about putting having one fitted, the guitar is always an attention grabber and would like kinda chic on stage (although maybe not for heavy metal etc)

I bought this little axe about 4 years ago and due to the nature of my work it has been around the world about four times. It's been bounced on it's head by a brain dead fellow passenger who opened the aircraft locker without looking, and it's had to suffer a few thousand miles of African roads ( I use the word "road" loosely)in the back of a 4WD. There is no doubt this is a tuff little sucker and with the supplied carry bag is a genuine piece of backpacking equipment.
I use it basicaly for practising and the occasional jam so I'm not really concerned if it dosen't sound like a dreadnought, the tone is not bad, however, just lacks base. When I'm home I tend to play my other guitars but I'm away from home a lot and the backpaper has become a travelling companion that I'll probably keep long after I've replaced my other axes.

The fit of the frets could be better but really it dosen't affect the playability. Overall it's utilitarian but has a charm that grows on you. Make sure you only use ultra light strings (did I mention that mine is the accoustic version)cause I'm pretty sure theres no truss rod in there and heavy strings could bow the neck. In fact I tend to tune mine down an octave from concert pitch and it seems to hold tune better.

Tuff and light!! One slight annoyance is the way it goes out of tune with any change of humidity, probably due to the lack of a truss rod, in fact it's almost a barometer..pitch going up? get the brolly out.
The strap supplied is OK but I replaced it with a heavy duty unit and this makes the guitar a lot more stable to play- well worth the money because any guitar with a body this small tends to slide around a bit.

Had no problems so far.

No other guitar I know of could have done what I asked of this one, a long term travelling mate that has done it tough, kept me playing and supplied the music when theres nothin else around.