My wife and I travelled for 10 years non stop on our motorbike and living exclusively of what we made making street music everywhere we went with our backpacker.(nylon)...everywhere being around the world ! It's over 20 years old, pickup incorporated, and it's had a tough life, but it's taken everything and still going strong ! Need a strap to play it comfortably !
Nice little guitar! Has a somewhat boxy tone, which to me sounds similar to those cheap vintage parlour guitars such as the stella. Its definatly has a cool vibe. Obviously nobody would expect it to sound like a big dreadnought haha.
Edit: I got a Backpacker the other day and ragged on the tinny, twanging sound. I took it out today to give it one more play before returning it and I feel in love with the tinny, twanging sound. I also love the action and don't mind the shape, so I'm keeping it!
I see I am still getting dissenting comments about my quip about guitar woods. Oh Boy...lets talk about guitar woods then...They are all made with Rosewood and Maple fingerboards and they all have Sitka Spruce tops and they all have mahogany back and sides and if they do not have these they then go to woods like Sapele which is basically a type of mahogany or all mahogany like my Martin 00015 etc etc. It was really meant tongue-in-cheek - as the wood conversation is always pretty much the same anyway hence my snarky, wink wink, not-to-be-taken-so-seriously comment. If you want to know the top is (Yup you guessed it) Spruce!! The sides back and neck are - drumroll here - Mahogany!! and the fingerboard is a composite called Richlite - which is meant to mirror the properties of rosewood altho its made from a paper/resin composite which is supposed to be eco-friendly. There you have it then...I feel much more like a serious guitar critic.
Oh Boy 🙂...lets talk about guitar wood...They are all made with Rosewood and Maple fingerboards and they all have Sitka Spruce tops and they all have mahogany back and sides and if they do not have these they then go to woods like Sapele which is basically a type of mahogany or all mahogany like my Martin 00015 etc etc. It was really meant tongue-in-cheek - as the wood conversation is always pretty much the same anyway hence my snarky, wink wink, not-to-be-taken-so-seriously comment. If you want to know the top is (Yup you guessed it) Spruce!! The sides back and neck are - drumroll here - Mahogany!! and the fingerboard is a composite called Richlite - which is meant to mirror the properties of rosewood altho its made from a paper/resin composite which is supposed to be eco-friendly. There you have it then...I feel much more like a serious guitar critic.
Heh, looks like a strum stick/dulcimer but in std key with all strings. I love this thing, and it doesn't look out of place at a folk music jam or over power other instruments
@@darrenkelfkens8539 If you do a search on google it seems a number of people had this issue too. I think the older Martin backpacker guitars in the 1990's which were a solid piece had less of this issue
Thanks for the vid! Nice playing! I've had my Backpacker since 1998 and still love it! It's been to SE Asia, Europe and the back woods of BC with me. I use d' D' Addario Silk and Steel strings (very light gauge) on mine and love the tone and feel! Cheers.
I am really thinking about going for one of these fellas for Christmas. I've got limited space and I really miss having a guitar in the house! Always wanted a Martin.
Watching/listening to you play reminded me of my brother. He would sit and just work his way around his guitar for hours. He passed away 15 years ago this coming Christmas...I still miss him. Thanks for triggering some wonderful memories.
I have one of these, I love it and it gets better with age! No, it has not got the bass of a large acoustic but it is bright as a button on the sound! You do have to wear the strap and I wish they made a kinda folding back for it!
I love this thing. It sounds great even compared to normal guitars at the same price point. That said, if you know how to play, you could fit strings on a broomstick and it will sound great. Yamaha guitalele doesnt sound as good, but it's 1/3 the price, much smaller and actually better if you want to practise your shredding skills. If you want to sing and entertain, this thing is obviously a lot better. I love them both.
Thanks for your review. The MBSS will be my first guitar. The points made regarding structure/finish/features, overall presentation of review, and demonstration of sound has convinced and inspired me. Thanks again.
While they are good I think Ed Sheeran using one isn't because they are good but because it's a recognisable Martin instrument and he's a Martin endorsed Artist.
Hi Darren. I found your review very helpful and you make it sound much better than I can. My main point is disability is overlooked at times when creating instruments. I have arthritic shoulder joints and getting my arms to hold standard guitars is very painful. This little gem is perfect for me. It’s sits nicely on my lap and no stretching needed to play or fret the strings. There must be a large market for guitarists with shoulder mobility problems. This guitar suits my disability. (I’m still rubbish btw )
Let’s admit, the people trashing this guitar, can’t play the guitar to begin with
Lol...that's the best comment EVER!
My wife and I travelled for 10 years non stop on our motorbike and living exclusively of what we made making street music everywhere we went with our backpacker.(nylon)...everywhere being around the world ! It's over 20 years old, pickup incorporated, and it's had a tough life, but it's taken everything and still going strong ! Need a strap to play it comfortably !
Wow awesome story!
Nice little guitar! Has a somewhat boxy tone, which to me sounds similar to those cheap vintage parlour guitars such as the stella. Its definatly has a cool vibe. Obviously nobody would expect it to sound like a big dreadnought haha.
The sound of this makes me name it the Guitjor. Still a unique sounding great instrument to have handy when you travel.😊
Edit: I got a Backpacker the other day and ragged on the tinny, twanging sound. I took it out today to give it one more play before returning it and I feel in love with the tinny, twanging sound. I also love the action and don't mind the shape, so I'm keeping it!
It's very much a personal preference thing - if you hate it send it back
@@darrenkelfkens8539 - I edited my comments. I'm a Backpacker fan now! Thanks.
@@MDOurMD That's funny...but yeah the sound can be part of the charm! It's a little banjoey ukelele-ish
I see I am still getting dissenting comments about my quip about guitar woods. Oh Boy...lets talk about guitar woods then...They are all made with Rosewood and Maple fingerboards and they all have Sitka Spruce tops and they all have mahogany back and sides and if they do not have these they then go to woods like Sapele which is basically a type of mahogany or all mahogany like my Martin 00015 etc etc. It was really meant tongue-in-cheek - as the wood conversation is always pretty much the same anyway hence my snarky, wink wink, not-to-be-taken-so-seriously comment. If you want to know the top is (Yup you guessed it) Spruce!! The sides back and neck are - drumroll here - Mahogany!! and the fingerboard is a composite called Richlite - which is meant to mirror the properties of rosewood altho its made from a paper/resin composite which is supposed to be eco-friendly. There you have it then...I feel much more like a serious guitar critic.
You had me until you said different woods is of no consequence
Oh Boy 🙂...lets talk about guitar wood...They are all made with Rosewood and Maple fingerboards and they all have Sitka Spruce tops and they all have mahogany back and sides and if they do not have these they then go to woods like Sapele which is basically a type of mahogany or all mahogany like my Martin 00015 etc etc. It was really meant tongue-in-cheek - as the wood conversation is always pretty much the same anyway hence my snarky, wink wink, not-to-be-taken-so-seriously comment. If you want to know the top is (Yup you guessed it) Spruce!! The sides back and neck are - drumroll here - Mahogany!! and the fingerboard is a composite called Richlite - which is meant to mirror the properties of rosewood altho its made from a paper/resin composite which is supposed to be eco-friendly. There you have it then...I feel much more like a serious guitar critic.
Thanks, just bought it because of reviews 🙏🙌 looking forward to getting it 🤗
Sweet enjoy!
I'd love to hear a full cover of banana pancakes on this guitar. great review, looks fun!
i love my martin backpacker
Heh, looks like a strum stick/dulcimer but in std key with all strings. I love this thing, and it doesn't look out of place at a folk music jam or over power other instruments
Just got a chance to try out oneof these. The sound has almost a mandolin quality to it
Not bad for finger picking but crap to strum
Ed Sheeran plays this Guitar & man it sounds quite strong.
I Love mine! Rocking at 6621 ft.
Interesting some people are tuning them to DADGAD and get a better sound Nashville high tuned stings also help bring it to life.
great playing i m getting one of this
Many Thanks from France Darren I play acoustic guitar and I will buy one after watching your video ... really love it
yes..its a real guitar...i learned the leads from...couldnt stand the weather... on this guitar...its a great little guitar..well built too
I think you’re over looking one thing…it sounds very bad. You tried your best but it sounded very bad.
Whats the song at 2:55? I cant seem to remember.
Banana Pancakes by Jack Johnson
The ones I have seen have tons of body cracks.
Wow I have never seen that
@@darrenkelfkens8539 If you do a search on google it seems a number of people had this issue too. I think the older Martin backpacker guitars in the 1990's which were a solid piece had less of this issue
Pretty cool! it's got a Ukulele sound!
Picked one of these up today for 150.00 I'd say it's a fair price not a great price but I feel the value is there...
When flying with it, do you put it under the seat or in overhead compartment?
I keep it with me...so under the seat. Just don't trust other people with their bags in overhead.
I love this little Guitar. The Body on it is a bit longer & deeper so it sounds more like a Normal Guitar.
Thanks for the vid! Nice playing! I've had my Backpacker since 1998 and still love it! It's been to SE Asia, Europe and the back woods of BC with me. I use d' D' Addario Silk and Steel strings (very light gauge) on mine and love the tone and feel! Cheers.
I am really thinking about going for one of these fellas for Christmas. I've got limited space and I really miss having a guitar in the house! Always wanted a Martin.
Watching/listening to you play reminded me of my brother. He would sit and just work his way around his guitar for hours. He passed away 15 years ago this coming Christmas...I still miss him. Thanks for triggering some wonderful memories.
What a lovely comment...my brother (older than me by 1 year) passed about 2 years ago, still can't believe it.
I've managed to get one from a collectable shop so it's for sure older than the Martin I'll send a pic if anyone knows the maker (no makers mark)
My acoustic has a very large body which gives it a lovely bassy tone and I've always appreciated how different these sound so small and tinny
I have one of these, I love it and it gets better with age! No, it has not got the bass of a large acoustic but it is bright as a button on the sound! You do have to wear the strap and I wish they made a kinda folding back for it!
B.S. - Heading for the crusher. Lipstick 💄 Pig 🐖, etc!
🤣 Everybody has one...not a backpacker...an opinion!
Great review 😊👍
nice honest demo ta
it's not a substitute for a full-sized guitar, it's a substitute for NO guitar!
Damn right...what a great quote 😉
Love the Fleetwood Mac intro
watched review. purchased instrument. nicely done haha
Haha...you made me laugh out loud...don't know why but your quip just tickled me!!
Great video, question, what's the melody at the 3:50 mins mark?
Tears in the rain by Joe Satriani
I love this thing. It sounds great even compared to normal guitars at the same price point. That said, if you know how to play, you could fit strings on a broomstick and it will sound great. Yamaha guitalele doesnt sound as good, but it's 1/3 the price, much smaller and actually better if you want to practise your shredding skills. If you want to sing and entertain, this thing is obviously a lot better. I love them both.
Thanks for your review. The MBSS will be my first guitar. The points made regarding structure/finish/features, overall presentation of review, and demonstration of sound has convinced and inspired me. Thanks again.
Looks like a cricket bat you might wanna smack someone over the head with if they tried to steal it, forgetting that it's a guitar 😂
Mine is beat up ash but she still plays you can’t even read the Martin logo
Whats the name of the song in the beginning of the video.
It's Never going back again by Fleetwood Mac
Stop making videos please
I don't know if it's your hands or the guitar but it sounds awesome.
My only complaint about this guitar is the lack of a custom fit hard case
While they are good I think Ed Sheeran using one isn't because they are good but because it's a recognisable Martin instrument and he's a Martin endorsed Artist.
Hi Darren. I found your review very helpful and you make it sound much better than I can. My main point is disability is overlooked at times when creating instruments. I have arthritic shoulder joints and getting my arms to hold standard guitars is very painful. This little gem is perfect for me. It’s sits nicely on my lap and no stretching needed to play or fret the strings. There must be a large market for guitarists with shoulder mobility problems. This guitar suits my disability. (I’m still rubbish btw )
I had a good laugh at your final remark!!
Just the job I think, thanks for the review.