When my son was a Boy Scout I bought the Back Packer so I could join him on the camp outs.It is a GREAT, light weight, clear sounding instrument. I love the neck and fret board. I's small and ez to carry, but it sounds like a back packer guitar NOT a regular Martin. Goes to show, there is something for everything. For it's purpose, I find it ti be a wonderful instrument
blackbird singing in the dead of niiiiiiight, love how people call it shit but don't realize its purpose. You cant compare it to a full body guitar. When your out in the woods you rough it with everything and this is much better than no guitar while backpacking.
This was my favorite guitar out of my grandfather's collection, when he passed away, my grandma gave me it and now I'm trying to learn how to play, and I tell you what, it's a hard guitar to learn on. Lmao!
I have the steel string version and I am thinking of swapping for the classical one. Your video is one more data point to have in my decision. Thanks ! I too liked the Silent String guitar but its expensive right now.
I also have a "back-pack" or a "camping" guitar. I converted it with a loud and high steel nut and made it my "slide guitar". With a piezo P-U under the bridge, obviously. But those small girls are lots of fun to paly with. You are right-on, man!
Confused about the truss rod comment. Classical guitars don't have a truss rod; if your neck has bowed it sounds like something else. I have a steel string Backpacker, now that is a concern, but the neck is oversized to compensate. I have a Washburn Rover, a more traditional neck, but not fond of the tinny sound. I have a Yamaha silent, beautiful instrument to play. I also have a Traveler Pro Series electric, it's also a sweetheart to play amped up, but has a very, very, curious stethoscope affair that you can plug in, and play acoustically (for yourself only, not the greatest of sound, but the options there)
I had the Yamaha Silent guitar. But, I didn’t quite like it and sold it back to GC. I lost 50% of the value. I was wondering about this backpacker. I might go with a 3/4 classical, requinto
Sawlon I hear you. I am looking for a travel resistant guitar that I wouldn’t worry much if I left it in the trunk. I have a Martin LXM. But, it doesn’t feel that comfortable. The neck is real heavy and I miss the nylon sound. I will probably go with a 3/4 or 1/2 size all laminate classical. Maybe a carbon fiber.?
alot of reviews say its crap but its actual pretty good for what he said just camping, or in the woods. ive playde one before, yes it dosent have a really broad volume, but for the $ its pretty good
@southrules I bought mine in 1998 and I love it. I don't have any expectations that it should sound like an OM-28v or D-28. What it is great for is I can take it places and make and share music even when taking my good guitars is impractical -- like Chinese trains or airplanes. I love mine for what it is.
in my opnion for backpacking/ outdoors use, get a cigar box guitar. I built one and i take it fishing/ camping all the time. it is small and light weight and has the middle 4 strings of a regular guitar and tuned the same so it plays just like a 6 string but without the E strings.
From little Martins i have the LXK2 Koa finish, is a very fun guitar and solid, very well made, is not realy wood, is grained HPL with wood finish, so is perfect for the beech or any hight humidity place, plus the look of the koa is fantanstic and the sound is very nice and bassi for the size. Give it a try if you see one
I am not Mexican, but Mexican craftsmanship in musical instruments is recognized worldwide. They produce millions of stringed instruments... So to me, American made or Mexican made or whatever it was made, is irrelevant... We should concentrate of the sound and functionality, objectively... Amongs others, I own a Mexican made TAYLOR guitar that sounds wonderful... How many quality things are now made in China, Japan and Korea???? ;-) PEACE !
Nice demo,I was unaware they made a classical. The first thing I noticed was the width of the neck. A few negative comments here but the way I see it to each his own. Maybe it has low volume but when you are with friends in the middle of the woods it would sound great,I mean everyone really enjoy hearing a guitar out by a camp fire. I wish I could play a fraction as good as you. Cheers and thanks,I may look into one of these.
you need the strap even when you are sitting as demonstrated. Straps pack a lot easier than 2 more sq.ft of guitar just so you can sit it on your leg. I got used to it pretty fast. It is supposed to be a small guitar not a replacement for a big body accoustic. It has a cool bluesy slide guitar kinda sound all it's own. The steel string has great sustain. I love the action. I've heard them with a pick up and sound awesome and don't feedback too bad.
Hey Sawlon try putting the guitar in a plastic bag with a sponge soaked in distilled water (dont let the sponge touch the guitar) leave it sit for a few weeks and see if the bow comes out.. moisture is usually a problem... though Im sure your aware of moisture and/or lack of, being a problem..
Regarding the Nylon, Martin delivers it with M 160 Silver Coated Ball Ends. Any high tension ball end will do, I even string with conventional high tension strings.
I was thinking about buying the "Backpacker" once ( I like camping and backpacking too) but after playing it I really didn't like it...no body (hard to play) or volume..you are better off with the Uke or even a small "kid's" guitar I've found for those camping weekends. I like the Little Martin XLME guitar I bought last Sept and is in my recent videos...nice sound and playablilty. --Van I had a Uke that got too close to the campfire...It wound up in the fire before the weekend was over--ha ha
Ahhh, I used to play this thing at lunch time at my school, they said that if i wanted to preform the way i did, that i had to bring a smaller instrument, my principle hated me and my music. So when i came to school the next day and he saw that thing, his jaw almost fell off.
Yep, it's from the song "Blackbird" which was written by Paul McCartney the Beatles. It's a classic riff, one that a lot of us fingerstyle players learn early-on, and it's a great one too. According to Wikipedia, "Blackbird" was inspired by J.S. Bach's Bourrée in E minor. The lyrics to Blackbird were inspired by the events of the escalating tension in the USA from the civil rights movement; specifically the events of the spring of 1968. Cool history lesson!
@Eisenwisser Is it really a piece of shit? He made it sound pretty good. I travel(fly) all the time so I want something to take with me, I already have a Yamaha G-40 miniature but it's a little bulky still, to carry on.
A lot of people don't like this guitar. But I'm no pro and I only play for myself and my wife. Don't need a fancy guitar. As far as it being neck heavy: tie the strap up by the head. That fixes that.
liked this cap too what is it called?
I'm not sure what these caps are called. I have quite a few of them. This one I believe I bought at Walmart.
Thank you!
@@Sawlon thanks man i do have my martin backpacker need to buy that cap if you can share some online links will be great also sharing my song
@@Sawlon ruclips.net/video/Ejwi0gCRsxQ/видео.html
I love watching your reviews, you are soo laid back and cool....very easy to watch, thanks!!
When my son was a Boy Scout I bought the Back Packer so I could join him on the camp outs.It is a GREAT, light weight, clear sounding instrument. I love the neck and fret board. I's small and ez to carry, but it sounds like a back packer guitar NOT a regular Martin. Goes to show, there is something for everything. For it's purpose, I find it ti be a wonderful instrument
blackbird singing in the dead of niiiiiiight, love how people call it shit but don't realize its purpose. You cant compare it to a full body guitar. When your out in the woods you rough it with everything and this is much better than no guitar while backpacking.
+Richard Silva Amen. :o)
You can compare it with other travel guitars which are cheaper and sounds better.
@@parrotbrand2782 but they don't fit your backpack
Hey cool, thanks for sharing, matey!
That was the most laid back demo I've ever seen haha. I like your style = )
This was my favorite guitar out of my grandfather's collection, when he passed away, my grandma gave me it and now I'm trying to learn how to play, and I tell you what, it's a hard guitar to learn on. Lmao!
I wasn't expecting 'Blackbird', but the little ditty just made the rest of my day :)
Sweet video.
Shit, I almost thought this you were Willie Nelson LOL
I am.
Lol well you got the look for sure. Love Blackbird demo.
mrchanandlerbong samee
@AvidiaNirvana You're so welcome! Thanks!
@AvidiaNirvana and, what is you final decicion?
Achually starts at 1:50
have a backpacker and love the thing.realy needs light gauge strings to stop it from bowing.
Nice review!
Thank you!
was was that noise in the background right at the end of the video.
@marceloiacovone Blackbird?
Hey thanks for the video. I was hoping to see what they sounded like and you just showed me. Thanks. Btw, great song choice.
I have the steel string version and I am thinking of swapping for the classical one. Your video is one more data point to have in my decision. Thanks ! I too liked the Silent String guitar but its expensive right now.
Sweet, I've been thinking of getting one of these for a while now. Thanks for the video!
How much sound quality do you lose from down sizing to the backpacker? it's hard to tell in videos
Is the neck still bowed with the strings off? If not then you could get higher gauge strings to relieve some tension.
Seems like a nice little guitar. You can make any guitar sound great!
Nice little sound.
I also have a "back-pack" or a "camping" guitar. I converted it with a loud and high steel nut and made it my "slide guitar". With a piezo P-U under the bridge, obviously. But those small girls are lots of fun to paly with. You are right-on, man!
Whats that song being play around 1:40?
Thanks
@clemorockt I don't think I would use it very often and don't have the extra cash so I prolly won't get one.
@salsaguy1964 You're so welcome!
Thanks!
That is "Blackbird" by the Beatles.
Dave
Confused about the truss rod comment. Classical guitars don't have a truss rod; if your neck has bowed it sounds like something else. I have a steel string Backpacker, now that is a concern, but the neck is oversized to compensate. I have a Washburn Rover, a more traditional neck, but not fond of the tinny sound. I have a Yamaha silent, beautiful instrument to play. I also have a Traveler Pro Series electric, it's also a sweetheart to play amped up, but has a very, very, curious stethoscope affair that you can plug in, and play acoustically (for yourself only, not the greatest of sound, but the options there)
what was that noise in the background??
@Alexsuppan that was prob blackbird -the beatles
I had the Yamaha Silent guitar. But, I didn’t quite like it and sold it back to GC. I lost 50% of the value. I was wondering about this backpacker. I might go with a 3/4 classical, requinto
The Backpacker is main;y if you are hiking and camping. I wouldn't recommend it for a home guitar.
Sawlon I hear you. I am looking for a travel resistant guitar that I wouldn’t worry much if I left it in the trunk. I have a Martin LXM. But, it doesn’t feel that comfortable. The neck is real heavy and I miss the nylon sound. I will probably go with a 3/4 or 1/2 size all laminate classical. Maybe a carbon fiber.?
@IG40kman You're so welcome!
My sister has one too. A friend once commented while we were playing around the campfire: "Hey look it's a bird house with strings!"
@powerpuffgirlzrule Cool!
Thanks for commenting!
Man! I wish I could get that one, the new ones are awesome but the way the neck is the same size as the body is trippy!
Most recommend the Washburn rover or a 6 string uke for travel
Great commentary, nice guitar and nice life my man, hope your travels find you safe!
Thanks so much, Steve!
alot of reviews say its crap but its actual pretty good for what he said just camping, or in the woods. ive playde one before, yes it dosent have a really broad volume, but for the $ its pretty good
Very pretty. Thanks for the post
Thanks, Sheryl!!!
Got one of the steel string travel guitars today for real cheap. Neat little guitar to take around with you. :)
@PeacefulAvatar Yikes is right! Chiquita's are very nice guitars. Had a used where I used to work.
Thanks for the scoops!
@southrules I bought mine in 1998 and I love it. I don't have any expectations that it should sound like an OM-28v or D-28. What it is great for is I can take it places and make and share music even when taking my good guitars is impractical -- like Chinese trains or airplanes. I love mine for what it is.
in my opnion for backpacking/ outdoors use, get a cigar box guitar. I built one and i take it fishing/ camping all the time. it is small and light weight and has the middle 4 strings of a regular guitar and tuned the same so it plays just like a 6 string but without the E strings.
What's the song you're starting to play at 1:40 ?
From little Martins i have the LXK2 Koa finish, is a very fun guitar and solid, very well made, is not realy wood, is grained HPL with wood finish, so is perfect for the beech or any hight humidity place, plus the look of the koa is fantanstic and the sound is very nice and bassi for the size. Give it a try if you see one
I am not Mexican, but Mexican craftsmanship in musical instruments is recognized worldwide. They produce millions of stringed instruments... So to me, American made or Mexican made or whatever it was made, is irrelevant... We should concentrate of the sound and functionality, objectively... Amongs others, I own a Mexican made TAYLOR guitar that sounds wonderful... How many quality things are now made in China, Japan and Korea???? ;-) PEACE !
Not Mexican? ok Mr. Lopez
You are right, although China and Taiwan are both producing some decent saxophones these days.
:)
Nice demo,I was unaware they made a classical. The first thing I noticed was the width of the neck.
A few negative comments here but the way I see it to each his own.
Maybe it has low volume but when you are with friends in the middle of the woods it would sound great,I mean everyone really enjoy hearing a guitar out by a camp fire.
I wish I could play a fraction as good as you. Cheers and thanks,I may look into one of these.
Thanks! :o)
you need the strap even when you are sitting as demonstrated. Straps pack a lot easier than 2 more sq.ft of guitar just so you can sit it on your leg. I got used to it pretty fast. It is supposed to be a small guitar not a replacement for a big body accoustic. It has a cool bluesy slide guitar kinda sound all it's own. The steel string has great sustain. I love the action. I've heard them with a pick up and sound awesome and don't feedback too bad.
@micmoable I hear ya. Thanks!
@bassgroove21 Quite a bit! I still like them though.
Thanks for asking!
Dave
'd like to own one, also great video! What song is at 2:05? I have a feeling I know it but can't think of the name.
I'm not sure. I was just strumming an Em chord to D / f sharp to G5.
@zenyricardo Thanks!
@Gilmour3 Cool! Thanks!
Beautiful video sir!! I'm getting one of these in like a week!
@afrocoolio25 Thanks!
i like the sound of it, and ur good to tell info :) thumbs up
@Mrbluegold1 Great for backpacking! Thanks!
Washburn traveler does have a truss rod
@loliz76 Cool! It's great for a hike in the woods! Thanks!
Hey Sawlon try putting the guitar in a plastic bag with a sponge soaked in distilled water (dont let the sponge touch the guitar) leave it sit for a few weeks and see if the bow comes out.. moisture is usually a problem... though Im sure your aware of moisture and/or lack of, being a problem..
yo this vid is cool and laid back like someone else said, dude has a really wry style and cool fingerpickin, man
Thanks for the info , been looking at one on ebay and wondered what people thought of them .
Thanks from Damian on Penny Lane Liverpool.
You're so welcome Damian!
Thanks!
@FreezyAbitKT7A Good scoops! Thanks!
@dscott333 Thanks!
@caulinrocker1 Yep!
What's the name of the song you play? It sounds great.
Nice playing and helpful review.
+Paul Gregory Thanks, Paul!
I think it sounds great for the size and its cool it only weighs like 2 lbs =D! Wish it had more frets though =/.
Why you not play?
Thanks!
oh good sound thx !
What music is that you playd?
Black Bird by The Beatles.
nice invention
Great video! Congratulations!! Dou you know where I can buy this guitar in Miami?
I don't since I'm from Michigan. Thanks!
Rogério Martins you can buy them for under 200 on Amazon.
ClearedCrayon thanks Guy! but I'm from Brazil, and I'll stay on EUA in the next month, because of this I asked specifically where I can buy in Miami
no problem
1:46 ...Song name? :)
@TheCrazyWolf I hear ya!
What strings do you use on your Backpacker? Very nice demo video.
Regarding the Nylon, Martin delivers it with M 160 Silver Coated Ball Ends. Any high tension ball end will do, I even string with conventional high tension strings.
You're so welcome!
was this one american made? because i know that they now make them in mexico.
Yes it is. Rarely play it. Thanks for the scoops! :o)
I was thinking about buying the "Backpacker" once ( I like camping and backpacking too) but after playing it I really didn't like it...no body (hard to play) or volume..you are better off with the Uke or even a small "kid's" guitar I've found for those camping weekends. I like the Little Martin XLME guitar I bought last Sept and is in my recent videos...nice sound and playablilty.
--Van
I had a Uke that got too close to the campfire...It wound up in the fire before the weekend was over--ha ha
@rogeliosarambeta It does sound like that. :o)
Hi I noticed you played something that sounded Hawaiian and want to know if you could let me know what that song was it just sounded awesome
It was Blackbird by the Beatles. Thank you!
Ahhh, I used to play this thing at lunch time at my school, they said that if i wanted to preform the way i did, that i had to bring a smaller instrument, my principle hated me and my music. So when i came to school the next day and he saw that thing, his jaw almost fell off.
You look like one of the coolest guys to jam with ever :D
Cheers
Sounding great btw
Hey man nice playin! What song were you playing around 1:50?
Blackbird. Thanks, Sam!
Yep, it's from the song "Blackbird" which was written by Paul McCartney the Beatles. It's a classic riff, one that a lot of us fingerstyle players learn early-on, and it's a great one too. According to Wikipedia, "Blackbird" was inspired by J.S. Bach's Bourrée in E minor. The lyrics to Blackbird were inspired by the events of the escalating tension in the USA from the civil rights movement; specifically the events of the spring of 1968. Cool history lesson!
@itsfloodindownintex lol They're great when you can't take the big stuff! :o)
Willie Nelson? Is that you?
Thanks!!!
Cool!
Thank you for telling it like it is! Enjoyed the chords.
Thanks, Rafael!
Thank you.
You're so welcome, Holger!
yeah sounds like it.
@Alexsuppan Blackbird. :o)
You look like a cool dude and confirmed that when you played blackbird
Thank you, Jesus!!!
@Eisenwisser
Is it really a piece of shit? He made it sound pretty good. I travel(fly) all the time so I want something to take with me, I already have a Yamaha G-40 miniature but it's a little bulky still, to carry on.
A lot of people don't like this guitar. But I'm no pro and I only play for myself and my wife. Don't need a fancy guitar. As far as it being neck heavy: tie the strap up by the head. That fixes that.