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Guitars > Acoustic Guitars > 6-String Acoustic Guitars > Martin Backpacker (Steel String)

Martin Backpacker (Steel String)

Item ID: BackPackerS

6-string Acoustic Guitar with Mahogany Neck, Back, and Sides - Natural

2 models to choose from:
 

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From Our Research Team:

The ultimate travel guitar!

Just because you're leaving home doesn't mean you need to give up guitar playing — the Backpacker can go anywhere you go. The Backpacker is perfectly shaped and constructed for portability and travel, yet it still provides the best in tone and feel. Features steel strings. Comes with Padded Carrying Bag.
Specification Detail
Number of Strings 6
Body Style/Shape Backpacker, 15-fret
Color Natural
Finish Matte
Top Wood Solid Spruce
Back & Sides Wood Solid Tonewoods
Body Bracing Backpacker
Neck Wood Solid Hardwood
Fingerboard Material Select Hardwood
Fingerboard Inlay Dots (5th and 12th fret only)
Binding No Binding
Neck Shape Backpacker
Number of Frets 15
Scale Length 24"
Tuning Machines Chrome with Small Knobs
Bridge Material Select Hardwood
Nut/Saddle Material Corian/Micarta
Nut Width 1-11/16''
Electronics No Electronics Onboard
Case Included Gig Bag
Notes Comes with a carrying bag and a strap
Manufacturer Part Number Backpacker Steel String

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Reviews

based on 5 reviews

Best paddle with strings

by Jgeesy from Juneau, AK
January 16, 2012
Music Background: Guitar player
Many travel guitars are just a little smaller than a full size guitar, deferi g the purpose. This little ax is light, built well and travels like a champ. And in a pinch can get you down the river w... read more [+]ith out your paddle! close [-]

Really Great.

by from
October 24, 2010
Music Background:
I can honestly say that this guitar plays as well or better than any other acoustic guitar I've played. What it lacks in volume (not very much) and fret number (only 4 above an octave...) it makes up... read more [+] for with a great, clear tone. It works great for fingerstyle playing, and it's got very nice sustain. It's not hard to play at all, and it's great for playing at high speed.

I also love the shape and lightness of the guitar. It's incredibly portable (as one would expect); it's great for long drives and hiking trips. It's also great for simply playing at home, you can pick it up and multitask playing guitar with something else (like writing reviews). It looks great, too, I really like the color and texture of the wood used.

I would recommend this guitar to anyone looking for a travel guitar, or
even anyone looking for a guitar in general. close [-]

Great vibe, great weight, great treat

by Crossing Go from Vermont, USA
June 2, 2010
Music Background: Singer/Songwriter
Right out of the box, the Backpacker was not only fun to play but a unique experience as well. It sounds very good, has interesting sustain, and its quirky appearance and balance kind of begs you to m... read more [+]ake it your own and feel out what it can do. The sound is definitely not a full-size acoustic, but in this instance different = wonderful. Not only great for travel and home application, but if you suffer from any kind of back or shoulder pain, it is a tremendous relief to play a guitar that almost isn't there. close [-]

Realistic expectations = A better experience!

by marindavid from Northern California
December 1, 2005
Music Background:
After having read many reviews of this instrument, I decided to take the plunge anyway - at a point in my life where a good many long-distance trips are coming up and my 40-year old (hard to play and ... read more [+]wonderful) Harmony Sovereign full-size Western Flat Top) is just too cumbersome to travel with. Many of the criticisms leveled by other users are certainly valid.
It is a very small and oddly shaped small instrument with a proportionately small sound. It would, indeed, be easier to play if the saddle were lowered a bit and if it came out of the box as the manufacturer and designer recommended re strings - it does not. It is awkward to hold.
All of that being said, I am able to honestly recommend it - perhaps because my old Harmony is even harder to play! I have never been spoiled by the experience of owning a really well made guitar (like a full size Martin or Gibson)- so, to me, it plays easily and produces a sound much like I feel it is reasonable to expect from such a small body.
I have had it for about a week and am enjoying it a lot.
Of course, it sounds best in small spaces, wired with thin gauge (bronze 80/20) strings and played with a thin pick.... something that is taking some adjustment on my part - having always used medium gauge picks before.
Because the instrument is disproportionately heavy on the tuning-peg end, playing it standing (pretty much a requirement) works a lot better with the strap tied to the tuner - rather than connected with the hardware installed on the neck side of the Backpacker's mini-body. Otherwise, the tuning end is drawn by gravity making it harder to play than is necessary.
The prices have come down quite a bit - partly, I expect, due to the poor reviews both here and at other sites.
I paid $160. from SameDayMusic - shipping included.
To paraphrase an old tune:
"If you can't play the guitar you love, love the one you play." Attitude has a sound of its own!
This does not require a theatrical suspension of disbelief so much as it necessitates realistic expectations and the ability to enjoy a good effort to create a truly portable Martin. close [-]

Martin Backpacker guitar

by Daniel Clements from Richmond, VA
February 1, 2004
Music Background:
this is one of the most interesting guitars I have ever played, I would recomend it not only for travel but even for stage. The sound produced when a pickup is added is a sweet ethereal tone, perfect ... read more [+]for rhythym guitar. an all around good guitar! close [-]

Also popular

See Also: Martin , Martin 6-String Acoustic Guitars

Martin Backpacker (Steel String)

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