Is The Martin Backpacker Worth Buying?!
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- Опубликовано: 22 июл 2024
- The Martin Backpacker is designed for travel, compact and lightweight, but is it worth the investment? The video examines the guitar's features, sound quality, and playability, and compares it to other travel guitars on the market. The video showcases the guitar's performance and demonstrates its suitability for different playing styles and applications like hiking, camping or even having that extra paddle on the kayak. Discover the guitar's strengths and weaknesses and be able to make an informed decision on whether or not to buy it.
0:00 Intro
1:00 Specs
5:05 Demo
6:04 Final Thoughts
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Bought one 20 years ago at the Martin outlet store as a refurbished for $99. The boy scouts played U2, guns and roses, ac/dc, Alabama and other on camp outs, played Fast Car on it tonight and the sustain was amazing.
For $99 it's absolutely worth it, but it's not worth $300
The Martin Backpacker was my first guitar. Mine was an older one with the different headstock, but a Backpacker none the less. It was also a nylon/classical Backpacker. Honestly, it was a great beginner guitar. It was the cheapest used guitar at Guitar Center, and we travelled so much it was the only practical choice there. It doesn't have the loudest greatest tone, but it's actually super great and durable. It shouldn't be your only guitar for life, but it's a sweet guitar. I reccommend them.
I've had one for years and have used it for backpacking. It's light and easy to bring along strapped to a fully loaded backpack. Being primarily a fingerstyle player, it's hard to get much volume out of it, so I end up using a pick with it. The sound may not be great, but when you're hiking in the Sierra Nevadas with a forty pound backpack on it's wonderful to be able to have any guitar along for the ride. It's really the only guitar I've seen that's viable for taking on a long backpacking trip. I don't use it much aside from while backpacking, but I'm sure grateful to have it when I'm at the end of a trail.
Yamaha Guitalele fits inside the rucksack. Even better!
I bought mine in 1998 and love it, yes its different and has its own unique voice but it always puts a smile on my face ... I fitted a Lace Ultra Slim Acoustic Humbucker on mine, its so slim it just slides in under the strings next to the bridge without me having to cannibalize the body of the guitar or drill holes in it.... gives your Backpacker yet another dimension
Bought one when they first came out. Was learning guitar. Was easy to practice in the car when my wife was shopping. Passed it down to my son a few years ago. Eagle scout that loves outdoors and hiking.
I spent Covid lockdown converting a 93 Chevy G20 conversion van into an off-grid capable camper van. The Martin Backpacker was the perfect solution to having an instrument on board that didn't take up precious space. I made my own removable "Compadre"-style attachment to solve the "gotta have a strap" problem. Plays comfortably now and it all fits in the gig bag.
I love my backpacker if only for couch noodling and practicing. The best practice fingerboard to be found. Thanks for the video.
The fact that it has been to space (aboard the Columbia space shuttle) and to the summit of Mt. Everest is reason enough to get one.
I've had one for many years, and it has been a great option for fitting in a plane's overhead bin. It's fun to play, but as you indicated I feel like I'm chasing it while playing even with the strap. Mine has a slight banjo sort of tone to it.
I'd really like to take one of these on vacation. I've kind of wanted one for years. That being said, for a much better experience, I'd probably continue just loading up my GS Mini and being done with it. But the desire to own one still stands.
Nice sound I'm just looking to get one, thanks for the review
They're very cool and they made the body a little bit wider and deeper so that the low notes speak more clearly.
I'll second what's been said that these are insanely easy to fly with. First time I've ever flown with a guitar and I was impressed with how effortless it was. Definitely sacrifices a lot of sound and they are harder to play. I just see it as a super easy travel guitar, good to live in the car for the odd song inspiration, and they do make for interesting conversation hanging up in my office 😅
Yes. Worth it. Bought mine 18 years ago. It's been around the world and I still love it.
I really wanted to purchase one about 2 years ago, they are great for their size. I liked the sound, but I hated the neck on every one I played. It felt a bit wide for my taste. I ended up getting the PRS Parlor P20E and it has been a great travel guitar. Again, would have preferred the size of this, but I don't think I'd have ever gotten over the way the neck felt to me.
I bought one of these back in 2010 for a three-month backpacking trip in India - see profile pic :) back then it cost €199. Great guitar to fly with, just goes in the overhead. Extremely light, very nice on a long backpacking trip. Yeah the sound is obviously thin, but not as thin as you'd expect given the tiny body. Not the easiest guitar in the world to play, hats off for doing so well without a strap! I've taken it on cycling/camping trips, not something I'd do with a larger travel guitar. All in all I'd say it's a fun guitar to own and play, it sounds better than you'd expect and whilst the body makes getting the playing position a challenge, it does have a really playable neck. It's also a great conversation starter.
Some of the small travel guitars have
Internal speakers which give some reverb and fatten up the sound. Would be interesting to see that developed for this guitar.
I like the different sound it has and is great for what it is. Also a great boat guitar!
Nice playing Cooper. I have struggled to find the right position to play mine, and even with the strap, it's still not easy for me. You have given me motivation to try a little harder!
I couldn't post a picture of the homemade "Compadre" attachment I built. Google "Backpacker Compadre" to see a cool solution to the "gotta have a strap" issue. The attachment is removable and fits in the gig bag for travel.
Nice balanced review. I appreciate it. My choice is Furch's Little Jane.
I love mine. Stays in tune like you wouldn't believe 🙀🎯❤️
I have a backpacker, it is perfect to travel and practice with. They sell a secondary market foam attachement that gives a regular guitar shape, which makes it much easier to play. Fits great in overhead luggage of a plane.
Can you tell me where I can get the secondary attachment? I haven't been able to find it. Thank you!
To me, it sounds great. It doesn't sound the same as a full size guitar, it sounds like something else. But you play it like a guitar (with the caveats you mentioned), so it seems awesome for actually doing what the name implies. I'm a beginner still and I'd love to be able to play something while sitting around outside and even the baby Taylor just seems too big for that.
I just got one of these and it feels light as a feather and tiny, like I could strap it somewhere on my bike or back and go for a ride (which is my plan).
I currently have 1 travel guitar. It's an Orangewood Dana Mini. It's easy and fun to play and the first one I pick up when I practice. I've only been playing about 3 months now, and already I'm looking to upgrade. I've got my eye on a Taylor BT1. I think it's going to be my next guitar.
I had one and sold it a few years ago for an LX-1 and then sold the LX-1 for a D-10 Jr. Mine was an older model that had opened up and had a nice woody tone to it. I sorta miss the Backpacker because my kids loved it but as mentioned it can be awkward to play.
Nice review, and you stated the plusses and minuses well. I bought one new for about $200 some years ago. It had all the resonance of a boat paddle with strings, and was very difficult for me to play (arthritic fingers) so I sold it for almost as much as I paid for it. Cute, novel, just not for me. Got a Olympia By Tacoma Op-2
It's still one of Martin's best-sellers, if you can believe it!
I've had a backpacker for years that I never play. It is so incredibly neck-heavy you have to fight with your fretting hand to keep it in position. I agree that a strap helps a bit but not if you attach it to the strap buttons. Attaching one end of the strap to the headstock is the only way to get it semi balanced. This video reminded me that I need to sell mine.
What replacement bridge should I get? Mine is chipped, so it should be replaced.
Can Alamo help me up with a custom shop built backpacker? I am thinking adi top, BR back and sides, and mountains of pearl.
is this a full size neck? im leaning towards the yamaha 3/4 xp
Mine saved me when I had to learn new songs to play at a funeral the next weekend, but had to catch a Monday plane and be in a hotel all week. It fit in the commuter jet overhead as a carryon. I was able to practice in the hotel for 5 days. Fretboard is standard size. If you can play it decently on the backpacker, you'll play it even better on your regular guitar on game day. It comes with a strap. I found it best to use the butt end strap button but tie it off at the headstock. This better balances it to enable better fretboard work without having to chase the fretboard around. (first I tried the two strap buttons and the balance was off).
I just got one, and I love it. Sounds fantastic. Not exactly my OMC X1E HPL but for what’s it is and what’s its for and the price for Martin quality its great. Just have to get used to positioning it. Cheers
I love my backpacker! I take it to nursing homes. You sounded great playing it!!!
It's well made, takes some getting used to (I attach the strap to the headstock for better balance), I leave it out in all temps and humidity and seems rather indestructible. If you want a travel guitar for flying though you need one that fits in a backpack to fly on Lufthansa unless you buy it a seat.
I’m a first year player and have one of these to be able to practice when traveling. It doesn’t hold the same as a full size. It doesn’t sound like a full size. (I think it sounds like a dulcimer.). I’m finding rotating between instruments is good for learning. Your results may vary.
Will be nice a video about the best travel guitar options
I’ve tried them. As stated the body fit is awkward. I considered one for travel but I like to join in on beach jams ect and need something that can be heard. I’ve been going with used full size guitars for travel but Air Canada did bust an older Fender in two. I just went with a removable neck guitar so I’ll see how I fair with that.
I picked one up yesterday used at a shop for $50. It had a minor crack on the back that I fixed with some humidity and glue. After a setup and some work on the nut / bridge it plays amazingly well. NEEDS a strap though haha. I also like the sound, it's kind of like a lute and fuels my bard jams in the shower with that showerverb & all.
I bought one second hand years ago when Martin made them with an optional under the bridge pickup. Sounded good when amplified but is fine unplugged. The volume is low which is a plus when playing in a motel room....otherwise, not such a good thing. I am glad I bought it when I did. It's good for travelling and camping. It *is* wooden so I have never taken it canoeing. Regardless of Cooper's suggestion to use it as a paddle, I'd hate to get it wet.
LOL! "There will always be another 000-42 out there!" I don't have one, but when I was a Scouter (back in early 90s), there was another Scoutmaster who had one. Interesting little guitar, and could be fun for truly light travel guitar!
I love love love this Guitar. Its quirky but really does what it was intended to do. Really just love this guitar...can't say enough about it.
I love mine. The bass register is surprisingly good, especially in drop D tune. With the short neck, it bends like an electric. A great add-in to your guitar quiver.
I have one. It's the perfect guitar for traveling in the Great Smoky Mountains.❤
Acoustically, I think it makes more sense to buy a guitalele, that is a guitar tuned a fourth up with a body like an ukulele. It sounds very nice, is even more compact than the Backpaker and makes a perfect travel/campsite guitar. There are now many companies making these: Yamaha, Ortega, Ibanez, to name just three.
all-hpl little martin is definitely my preference over these
I used to have a ukulele version of the Backpacker! Wish I'd kept it...didn't realize at the time out hard to find they are! Definitely not the most playable or best tone...but damn they are actually kind of neat and quirky!
Sounds amazing, considering the body style! The kayaking is priceless 🤣.
Don't have one...have a 000-15M and a Godin parlor.
Thanks Cooper for the info and demo! 🎶🎶🎶
Bought one for 179.00 new a few years ago. Plays fine , sounding better all the time. No worries
The smaller the guitar, the more of Cooper we get to see❤ Sounds amazing too◇
Ive heard some biased opinion on the sound but you stated portability without breaking the bank, and thats what sold me. It doesnt have a huge sound chamber so I understand. Its a TRAVELER. Just ordered one today. Cheers.
Nice review. I suspect anything would sound good in your hands!
Travel < Never leave the house and play my nice guitars
Been playing 56 years now and learned my lesson taking my nice guitars to parties. After I played a gal said can I look at your guitar? I handed it to her she put it on her lap looked down at it, and puecked in the sound hole. Recently got a Gretsch Rancher acoustic electric for $399 not bad.
@@flynnstone3580 I’m sorry that happened to you Flynn, I hope you got the smell out and it still sounded the same. I love Gretsch great guitars; I have my heart set on a Martin, hoping to pick up a 000-15M in the near future.
@@jalenborden8262I'm sure its like having your frame damaged in an accident. It's never going to be the same.
Johnny never had no use for one but I can see you know if you in a tight spot maybe on the road trip. She said camping it be great and not to mention Barton is the best
Geeez! You even make that thang sound good Cooper! It actually has kind of a sweet sound to it. I think you could come up with a tune to record with that that would be nice....I think you just did. I had to listen several times.
I’ve got one of these and am very happy with it. I work on a boat and have to fly to work every few weeks. You can’t beat this guitar in situations where you don’t have a ton of extra space but you want to keep up with practice. I’ll take it camping or to the beach when I go. I’ll bring it out in the yard with me when I’m burning yard debris or just hanging out on the front porch. If you want to play but not worry about your guitar, this thing is a champ. Also, I’ve found if you play it finger style you can pull a warmer / nicer sound out of it than if you play it with a pick. Big open chords sound thin, but finger style or a slight palm mute warm up the sound nicely.
Similar situation, I fully support everything in this comment, and the guitar.
Best couple hundred bucks I'll ever spend in my Iife, I reckon
Happy playing there banjo the bandito 🤟😎👌
Edit: safe sailing sailor
I almost bought one, but I bought a Cordova mini II instead because of the regular tuning and same size in height for less than one fifty new and another thirty for a case
Hi Alamo, could you guys do a recommendation video for Worship Guitars. Big Fan from WV keep it up.
I like mine. Not as much as my DJR or tele of course. But it is great for weekends at the in-laws or for quick practice sessions. BTW the DJR could do the same, but it is a much less stealth guitar to slip off for some alone time affair. Also, I’ll put the backpacker in the trunk/boot but not the others.
Sold mine , difficult to hold and play , why is the neck so thick ?love my d28 but not a fan of the oddball..
Cooper, thank you for your review of this guitar. My wife had one and just couldn't get used to it. She traded it in on a full size acoustic which she still plays. I prefer the sound of an archtop myself. Please keep up the great reviews. You are excellent!
Got mine at an auction a few months ago, best couple hundred bucks I'll ever spend. If im not doing anything else this lil gal is in my hands
Lol its probably taken time away from my nicer guitars.. perfect for when inspiration strikes and need something at your side
Happy playing folks 🤟😎👌
I traded an electric guitar for this little guy. Amazingly, it really sounds good (it's a Martin, so it should right?). Light and compact, a bit brighter than a typical acoustic, but has warm characteristics. Decent output as well. Perfect for jams around a fireplace or just playing it quietly in a bedroom. Love this thing!
I had one for ages. Gave it to a nephew (I later gave him a Les Paul). Always kept a strap on it. Think of it as a different instrument that is tuned like a guitar.
I switched to one because bilateral shoulder impingements made playing my regular guitar too painful. I just couldn't wrap my shoulder around a curved body anymore.
Lol, tho it's a big body compared to my strumsticks, which were also designed my Robert McNally, as was the original Backpacker before Martin took over the design.
If I remember how this started, a person picked through Martin Guitars' trash and started building these from rejects including necks. Furch has a nice travel guitar but much more $$. I don't have a packer and have a McPherson carbon fiber. Thanks Cooper
I’ve had one for about 10 years now, got it at yard sale for $30 and it’s easily the best little guitar to take traveling.
I think even 10 years ago those were still 299-399 guitars. What a bargin. Probably did not know what a Martin was. Bravo!
@@kevinbishop7512 yeah your probably right i just know it was a deal
I bought one on an impulse over 25 years ago when I purchased my 000-18. It was a bad idea. I never play it. It doesn't play easily and it doesn't sound . . . good. But I hung onto it. Maybe I'll hang it on the wall. I actually DO like the way it looks. So maybe it wasn't such a bad purchase after all. And now it always reminds me of Horatio Sanz! So there's that.
Infamous is a great word description.
When I was looking for a travel guitar I went with the Martin LX1E. A larger guitar and more money. Ed Sheeran sold out Wembley stadium playing a similar guitar.
The Furch 'LJ' is a good backpack guitar.
I don’t have one but I think I’ll need to get one
I was surprised by how good it sounded!. I completely understand why you keep selling them. It did sound “bout-less” to my ears, and reminiscent of a uke on some notes, but I’d be happy to own one, if I didn’t have ti lay down any money for it. But that is my own opinion. Thanks for bringing it to us here!
Hello Guitar People. I own a lefty backpacker. The action is ridiculously high. It flops around and is hard to hold still. I put lighter strings on it to try and get it to sound better. It didn't work. Yes it is small and fits in overhead storage compartments. That to me is the only pro. I like Martin guitars, just not this one. It's an expensive wall ornament and I would be happy to sell it for half price.
@@joeakre7944 Sorry to hear that you don't like your lefty backpacker because I love mine. I bought mine when they were $200.00 and I thought that was a high price then. But $300.00 today is something that I cannot wrap my head around.
I also changed the strings to my normal medium gage. I would try that and to fiddle with that tail nut at the bridge, mine is pushed back slightly. And make sure that those string pegs are pushed down all of the way.
It does take some tweaking before you completely tune up but it should lower the action. It has on mine. I don't think you will have to shave the tail nut down to lower the action but try adjusting it first.
The backpacker does tend to neck dive. If you are not standing all of the time, try playing it sitting down with your body turned to the right slightly with the body of the guitar resting on your left upper hip. But in all cases play it with a strap.
And finally, just play the heck out of it one day. Take it somewhere and get lost in time with it. You may develop a different outlook on the guitar.
I say this because as a fellow lefty once we buy guitars we really need to value them unless they are poorly made. But I don't have that problem with the backpacker. I hope that helps.
Sound just isn't too rich but there isn't much of a body to resonate a good sound.
I love my little Martin. The sound is full.
You make it sound Great
So, what's the playbility?
Ive played this for 20 years
6:06 Its more than worth it
It will become a friend and companion to you
You will have an idea in your head..pull it out of the trunk and secure your idea.
And it doesnt matter if you keep it in the trunk wherher its 20 below or 110 degrees.
This guitar will be in tune
It plays leads like a stratocaster
I learned the leads from Stevie ray Vaughns
Couldnt stand the weather
On this guitar
I got it when it was 225$
299 is a little steep
Just being honest
But youre getting a lifetime purchase
Its a hell of a great weapon too..when youre somewhere youve never been
You can really do some damage to someone with this little girl..
Just sayin
I got one but i am actually backpacking in the back country so i also went and got the absolute cheapest small guitar on the market knowing is gonna get rained on and put through the paces.
Taylor GSMini all the way, great camping guitar
Mary Chapin Carpenter 's " Why Walk when you can Fly " features one of these
I have had one for about 10 years, it lives in my camping gear, gets thrown in the car along with pack stove, backpacks, sleeping bags and Tents when we head for the mountains and that is the only time I see it. I cannot play it without a strap.
My Backpacker is 30yrs old and is easily played with strap and braced under my elbow, and I taught myself to fingerpick on it.
One thing you didn’t mention is that there is no truss rod.
It sounds uniquely like a cigar box with strings.
I don’t have a backpacker but I do think it would be a great sofa guitar.
sofa king 👑 backpacker
Try it with nylon strings. With metal strings, it sounds a bit like a banjo. With nylon strings it sounds surprisingly rich and full for its size.
There you are, Ladies and Gentlemen! All the proof you need that Cooper can even make a 2 x 4 sound musical!! I’ve owned one for 13 years, and although I appreciate Cooper’s frankness re “playability,” (in my experience it is brutally uncompromisingly impossible to play) his playing belied his assessment re “playability.” Guitar gods are so conflicted!! 😂
Did not like the Backpacker when I played it years ago. If I don't have room to bring my Jim Dandy, which is less than half as expensive as the Backpacker, sounds surprisingly good, and plays surprisingly well, I just do without a guitar. Would be more inclined to stick with that or spend the extra money for one of those travel guitars where the neck comes of the body.
I bought a used backpacker and was not to impressed with the action, and as I remember there was no adjustment on the truss rod, it was a long time ago and I may be wrong, anyway I sold it and kept my Ovation travel guitar that has a fantastic action for a cheap guitar
What they are good for is Learning , full size neck so you can practice all sorts of fingerings whilst watching TV. Sound is better on the Washburn rover and cheaper , I have 3 Martin's but prefer rover for the smallest travel guitar.
If you are literally a backpacker or canoer, its the best to bring on any trips where you're traveling every day.
I like it because one of my videos, featuring the Martin Backpacker, received 2/3 of the total views and 1/2 of the total likes on my YT channel! 😎😎😎 But seriously, if you try to play your normal guitar repertoire on a Backpacker, you'll probably be disappointed. On the other hand, some of Backpacker's sonic features, that would normally be considered as disadvantages (e.g. lack of depth, lack of sustain), can be quite inspiring. It is better to think of it as a different instrument, than as a substitute for a normal guitar.
I had the opportunity to pick up the original version of this last summer for $45.00 and I declined. I did purchase an Alvarez 00 for $300. It is my camping guitar and is more like a real guitar, just laminated back and sides.
I have one. Im not much on it....but yeah it's cool to have.
I just bought one last week, and I can't believe I waited so long. I find it the perfect couch/bed practice guitar. I have a Yamaha CSF3M which is amazing, but I haven't touched it since i got the Backpacker
Might not be the most convenient to fly with but for the price it's probably the best travel guitar out there
I played one and was not impressed with the sound. I got a GS Mini Koa E along with another Taylor when they had the Minis for a significant discount when purchasing another Taylor. I love the GS Mini Koa e!
"Play it like this and you'll be a fool"😂 I got rid of mine that had a passive pickup in it... It has its uses I recorded with it in a song to get that banjo sound... I sold it because there's no easy way to play it... Easier with a strap but I have 2 little martins..$1295 here in NZ for a little martin by the way..$900 for the backpacker
That was so funny but true. You do need a strap always and in some cases an inner forearm to steady it.
Someone should put a K&K in that. I'd love to hear it. 😂
Had one for years. Bought it basically because it was a Martin and cheap! Ended up as my boat guitar when my wife and I sailed around the world from 2006 to 2013. Hard to hold, sounds terrible…. Indestructible! Sailing on a small boat in all kinds of weather is a hard, hard life for a guitar. After 7 years the darn thing still looked as it did the day I bought it. Played as it did. I’d do it again but don’t believe it sounds anything like “good.”
i wanna play riptide song in it and lucy rose songs . it is so interesting ,. it would be fun to own interesting
i just bought a blueridge bg160 from a guy and he sold me a backpacker for an extra 50 bucks. i ll prob take it to work(security watchman) and practice licks.
There’re great for people who play, practice and write while laying in bed.. which I do a lot.. for when a guitar with a lot of body isn’t wanted.