Martin Backpacker

Made 1997 in Mexico, 15 frets, plain acoustic, no pickups or volume knobs or anything. Regular nonlocking Martin tuners. Gig bag, strap included. With extra set of strings and the "Backpacker Songbook" included. Rating is 8 because there are few features, but you can't expect a lot of features from a simple lightweight travel guitar.

The sound surprised me, actually. It doesn't sound like a full sized acoustic, but it doesn't sound like what it looks like it would sound like. It actually has some usable tone in the guitar. I use it to play old classic rock acoustic stuff when I go camping or travelling (Neil Young, Led Zep, etc). Sound is much better than I expected.

Martin actually put some time into making these things. They are a steal for $200-$300 bucks. I'd buy one for double that price. The one flaw that I have seen in this guitar that annoys me is that the heaviest part of the guitar are the tuners, which means the guitar tends to fall off your lap towards your fretting hand. If you have ever tried to play this way, you'd know it's a lot harder than it seems.

As I stated earlier, this guitar is very well made and had some time put into it. It surprised me for being as small and dinky as it is, it's alot less dinkier than it seems.

No need to ever deal with them, but they seem to be a very solid company.

This guitar is well made from top to bottom with the exception being the weight balance. As stated earlier, the tuners are heavier than anything else on the guitar, so it's hard to play and hold the guitar at the same time. I've tried different positions to counter it, and I've found if you use the strap in a short position and put your right arm 3/4 through to use your elbow to push down the right side of the guitar, that works fine but it restricts your playing a bit.

electro-acoustic, 1997, 17 fret, all solid tonewood top and mahogany neck back and sides,satin finish, travel sizechrome enclosed tuners, 2.5 pounds, included gig bag and strap, made in Mexico.

This is a good guitar for anyone who wants to practice while traveling. It is a bit on the bright side, expected due to the size. Very little string noise, the set up was good from the factory. The factory strings were a bit disappointing. I use it with a small Fender amp and a fender mini twin travel amp. If you bring the high end down and punch up the mid a bit it sounds great.

I have not found anything wrong with the guitar in the five months I have had it. It has been so good that I have decided to buy a full size Martin.

This travel guitar is more for practice, although I have heard of some artists who have used it live and in recording due to the unique sound.

Have not dealt with the factory, one year warranty, 90 days on electronics.

I have been playing guitar for seven months, music for 26 years. I would defintely buy this guitar again. The size for traveling is perfect with very little sacrifice in tone. I recommend this guitar. I also own a Fender Stratocaster and an acoustic Epiphone which I will replace with a new Martin soon.