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GUARANTEED LOWEST PRICE:
$199.99
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General Media
Built for portable durability . . . and great sound!
Don't let the diminutive size of the Martin Backpacker Acoustic Guitar fool you. A braced, solid tonewood top with a solid mahogany neck, back, and sides gives this cool little guitar a surprisingly big projection. Built to withstand the rigors of camping, hiking, and off-road traveling. Includes high-quality chrome-enclosed tuners. A unique bridge on the nylon-string version accepts either plain or ball-end classic strings. Weighs less than 2-1/2 lbs.
Martin Steel String Backpacker Acoustic Guitar Features:
- Solid top
- Mahogany neck, back, and sides
- Enclosed chrome tuners
- Lightweight, small size
Martin Steel String Backpacker Acoustic Guitar Includes:
With our 30/30 Guarantee on most products, you can be assured of complete satisfaction and the lowest available price, or your money back!
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Realistic expectations required!
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 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.
Reviewed by marindavid on 10/27/2006 who plays Folk, blues.
34 people found this review helpful.
0 people found this review unhelpful.
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Great for its intended use!
Like most things musical, and most things in general, you must buy this guitar with a view to its use. For what it was designed for, it is great. It plays well, feels well put together, even smells great. No, it doesn't have a big "D" or "000" sound, but that is not the intent.
I haven't traveled with it yet, but I frequently have this around my neck while relaxing in the family room with the children, or in front of the computer looking for tabs, or with my music lesson books (I am teaching myself to play again after 30 years of not playing). It's so darn convenient to have around, even if you never travel. But you can bet that this will be with me for the yearly family trip to Vermont.
The exterior has your instrument's serial number - a nice touch So is the soft case and the strap. Feels more expensive than it is. I would definitely buy this again.
Reviewed by Ed on 7/6/2007 who plays Blues, Rock.
8 people found this review helpful.
1 person found this review unhelpful.
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I Love To Love You Baby
This martin backpacker is awesome, small & portable it's easy to tote. If you are a guitar addict like me, and you need to have a guitar with you at all times or you'll have withdrawl, this is a great solution. It's easy to play & sounds great, it's a martin!!!
Reviewed by fxmusician on 10/16/2006 who plays All Styles.
8 people found this review helpful.
3 people found this review unhelpful.
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Martin Backpacker
There are a lot of cool things about this guitar. Its small enough to travel with or just to play in the living room while watching tv. The sound it makes is unique.. its a bit twangy and bright, but its enjoyable to listen to. There are some downsides as well... the body is easily nicked and bruised, and the strings sit a bit low, but they can be adjusted. Overall, it suits its purpose as a travel guitar fairly well, and its nice to have around just for thinking of new song ideas.
Reviewed by thedeathlypallor on 5/2/2007 who plays Indie Rock, Acoustic, Punk.
5 people found this review helpful.
1 person found this review unhelpful.
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Martin Steel String Backpacker
The Martin Backpacker is small and it sounds great. I would take it everywhere I go, but the only problem I have is that you have to use the strap for it not to fall off while playing. You can't just hold and play it because of its small body. But this is great for travel and it sounds awesome.
Reviewed by Pablo on 10/12/2006 who plays Acoustic.
5 people found this review helpful.
1 person found this review unhelpful.
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