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Ships from: Alto Music Sold by: Alto Music
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Ships from: Alto Music Sold by: Alto Music
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80% positive over last 12 months
Martin Steel String Backpacker Travel Guitar with Bag
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | MARTIN |
Color | Natural |
Top Material Type | Spruce |
Body Material | Wood |
Back Material Type | Mahogany |
Neck Material Type | Mahogany |
Fretboard Material Type | Hardwood |
String Material Type | Bronze |
Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
Scale Length | 24.0 |
About this item
- Solid Spruce Top
- Solid Tonewood Back and Sides
- Unique Contour Neck Shape
- Features 24-Inch Scale Length
- Features 15 Frets
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This Item Martin Steel String Backpacker Travel Guitar with Bag | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | |
Price | $299.00$299.00 | $299.00$299.00 | $199.99$199.99 | $129.95$129.95 | $189.99$189.99 | $399.99$399.99 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Tomorrow, Mar 22 | Get it Mar 27 - 29 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 26 | Get it Mar 26 - 29 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 26 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 26 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Craftsmanship | 4.6 | 4.0 | 4.6 | — | 4.5 | 4.5 |
Value for money | 4.6 | — | 4.4 | 5.0 | 4.4 | 4.0 |
Sound quality | 4.1 | 3.8 | 3.7 | — | 4.2 | 3.8 |
For traveling | 4.8 | 4.5 | — | — | 4.7 | 4.9 |
For beginners | — | — | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.4 | — |
Sold By | Alto Music | Alto Music | Amazon.com | Rondo Music | Enya Music | Journey Instruments |
hand orientation | Ambidextrous | Left | Right | Right | Right | Right |
number of strings | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
fretboard material | Hardwood | Richlite | Walnut Wood | Basswood | Radius - Carbon Fiber & Polycarbonate | Ovangkol Wood |
back material | Mahogany | Mahogany | Mahogany | Basswood | Carbon Fiber & Polycarbonate | African Mahogany |
top material | Spruce | Spruce | Mahogany Wood | Basswood | Carbon Fiber | Spruce Wood |
string material | Bronze | Alloy Steel | Phosphor Bronze | Nickel | EXP16 | Elixir |
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Product information
Item Weight | 5.15 pounds |
---|---|
Product Dimensions | 4.8 x 4.5 x 9.6 inches |
ASIN | B000P63U74 |
Item model number | 11GBPC |
Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #5,588 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #8 in Classical & Nylon-String Guitars #19 in Steel-String Acoustic Guitars |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | July 17, 2007 |
Back Material | Mahogany |
Body Material | Wood |
Color Name | Natural |
Fretboard Material | Hardwood |
Scale Length | 24.0 |
String Material | Bronze |
Top Material | Spruce |
Neck Material Type | Mahogany |
Number of Strings | 6 |
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Sweet travel guitar just check this one thing
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Product Description
The Martin Steel-String Backpacker is a compact, travel-sized guitar that is lightweight, durable, easy to play, and easy to tune. The guitar features a unique shape that allows it to fit into small places, ideal for taking on the road. Great for campfire sing-alongs, road trips, or anywhere you want to be able to play, the Backpacker comes with a padded carry bag
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the sound quality, quality, portability, and size of the guitar. For example, they mention that it sounds great, it's beautifully made, and it'll make a great travel guitar. That said, some appreciate the size and value for money.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the sound quality of the guitar. They mention that it sounds great, has a good tone, and the intonation remains pretty consistent going up the board. Some say that it's sweet to play and listen to.
"...I’m happy with it!This guitar actually sounds pretty good, not a full guitar sound, but perhaps something in between banjo and guitar...." Read more
"...assure you, and here is the relative comment: This guitar sounds pretty damned good - period. Don't expect the sound of an SJ-200 or something...." Read more
"...He's sweet to play and listen to, and he's perfect for travel.I would highly recommend for experienced or beginner musicians...." Read more
"...That being said, this guitar sounds INCREDIBLY well for it's size, and I was pleasantly surprised by the sound quality and how well crafted the..." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the guitar. They mention that it's beautifully made, a solid choice, and an amazing instrument. Some complain about the tuning. Overall, most are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
"...It certainly does fit into some small spaces. Frankly, it’s a cute musical instrument. It’s very lightweight too. I’m happy with it!..." Read more
"...Incidentally, the guitar is quite tough. I joke about it by calling it my "club."..." Read more
"...The fret board has a solid, natural feel, so the transition was very easy.5. The strap solves the ills of the heavy neck...." Read more
"...The quality of this guitar is Martin, 100%.***Some people complained about the tuning knobs and action...." Read more
Customers like the portability of the guitar. They say it is easy to transport, good for travel, and small enough to pack easily. Some customers also mention that the guitar is light weight and incomparable to any they have ever heard.
"...Frankly, it’s a cute musical instrument. It’s very lightweight too. I’m happy with it!..." Read more
"...I have no difficulty with carrying and safe stowing. Incidentally, the guitar is quite tough. I joke about it by calling it my "club."..." Read more
"...He's sweet to play and listen to, and he's perfect for travel.I would highly recommend for experienced or beginner musicians...." Read more
"...Plus... it's a travel guitar. Compact size is the name of the game.Overall, I'm very happy with this purchase...." Read more
Customers like the size of the guitar. They say it's compact, takes up very little room, and is perfect for traveling. Some customers also say that the guitar fits perfectly in overhead compartments in airplanes. They also appreciate the playability at a compact size and the well-shaped neck.
"...It certainly does fit into some small spaces. Frankly, it’s a cute musical instrument. It’s very lightweight too. I’m happy with it!..." Read more
"...This one is small enough you can easily find space in an overhead compartment on a plane. So stoked for my next trip to travel with this little gem." Read more
"...Now I'm left with a decent-sounding guitar that's remarkably small. It's an excellent fit for a weekend trip, and the comfortable neck is a bonus...." Read more
"...Fairly wide at the nut, thus pretty easy to pick.* Has little strappy-mounty pegs already on so you can strap at the body or the nut.*..." Read more
Customers like the value of the guitar. They say it's an excellent value for the money, the go-to budget travel guitar, and holds its value. Some customers also mention that it'll hold its value as a used product.
"...Lots of fun, and a great purchase for its intended purpose." Read more
"...easily into a dorm room or to take to a music festival and it's inexpensive enough to not worry about what temperature extremes and humidity will do..." Read more
"...These guitars are cheaper than when I bought my first one, and I can say that I am 100 % satisfied with this purchase...." Read more
"...It’s bigger and plays and and sounds so much better and comes in near the same price point. I never did get used to the weight balance...." Read more
Customers find the guitar fun, addictive, and interesting. They say the neck is quite playable, and the sound is nice. Some say that the guitar is completely playable and packs a punch.
"...used to due to size and shape but it’s actually very easy and fun to play...." Read more
"...But it's almost magical in the way it projects, and if you strum strong and loud, you'll definitely get plenty of volume for travel...." Read more
"...It's also fun to play...." Read more
"...my "real" guitars because of this convenience and because it is fun to play...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the performance of the guitar. They mention that it plays well, works great, and performs like a champion. Some say that it's compact yet perfect in every way. They also mention that the guitar works well for practice and soothes them at the end of a long day in a hotel. Overall, customers are happy with the functionality and performance of this beautiful and functional product.
"Have flown to UK and traveled a bit with this guitar, it does the job well. Sound is (to my ear) somewhat like a combination of mandolin and dobro...." Read more
"...but it is not true that you must stand to play it -- it works just fine in my easy chair when I watch sports -- where my regular guitars will not..." Read more
"...looking for options, I wanted a guitar that was very light, and played well. How do I like it? I love it...." Read more
"...But I don't use it for that. It works for practice and soothes me at the end of a long day in a hotel somewhere." Read more
Customers are mixed about the comfort of the guitar. Some mention that it's comfortable to play, with a natural feel on the fret board. They say it'd be a good way to relax while standing, but sitting is absolutely fine. However, others say that it feels weird to hold and takes some getting used to. They also say that the guitar has an unfriendly feel to it and is incredibly awkward to play.
"...The fret board has a solid, natural feel, so the transition was very easy.5. The strap solves the ills of the heavy neck...." Read more
"...It's funny to hold at first, but you'll figure it out and make it work...." Read more
"...It's an excellent fit for a weekend trip, and the comfortable neck is a bonus...." Read more
"...I could not be more disappointed. The guitar has an unfriendly feel to it. I can't get it into tune so that even typical chords sound right...." Read more
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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This guitar actually sounds pretty good, not a full guitar sound, but perhaps something in between banjo and guitar. The shape makes it a little awkward to play while seated, so I recommend using the strap and standing while playing. The guitar projects sound a little better than I expected it to as well. It took a little bit of getting used to due to size and shape but it’s actually very easy and fun to play. Obviously, not a concert quality instrument, but one that would be happy to go on a camping trip with you.
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2023
This guitar actually sounds pretty good, not a full guitar sound, but perhaps something in between banjo and guitar. The shape makes it a little awkward to play while seated, so I recommend using the strap and standing while playing. The guitar projects sound a little better than I expected it to as well. It took a little bit of getting used to due to size and shape but it’s actually very easy and fun to play. Obviously, not a concert quality instrument, but one that would be happy to go on a camping trip with you.
I played the guitar for some thirty years. Most of that time was spent playing on my Guild F-50. Seven years ago, I got married. One year after that, I put the guitar down, and I haven't touched it since. I recently came to the conclusion that I am somewhat a fraction of the man I was when I made music. I decided to bring music back to the front burner. I work in the aviation industry and fly all over Europe - all the time. Carrying luggage is a drag, and there are restrictions regarding size and number. This Martin Backpacker is absolutely the best option available - short of hiring a master luthier to build for me a quality instrument in miniature.
After six years away from playing the guitar, skill, theory and creativity have eroded to a level which can only be described as sad.... Now, I've had this Martin Backpacker for just short of one month. It has already been to London, Oslo (twice), Tel Aviv and Dublin. I have no difficulty with carrying and safe stowing. Incidentally, the guitar is quite tough. I joke about it by calling it my "club." I would not want to be hit with it; I can assure you, and here is the relative comment: This guitar sounds pretty damned good - period. Don't expect the sound of an SJ-200 or something. It does serve the ear though - enough to get the job done while forced to be away from your first instrument...whatever that may be. The "job" to which I have just now referred is the task of practicing scales, learning and reawakening lost theory (see Desi Serna), playing (and singing to) a few old songs et cetera. Intonation is exact. It stays in tune. The action is just a bit high above the tenth fret, but this is not really a problem considering the overall benefit the Backpacker delivers. Martin does offer replacement saddle blanks at 1/16th inch increments that can be secured by calling their customer service number found on the documentation included in the guitar shipment. It's funny to hold at first, but you'll figure it out and make it work. Desire and necessity will conquer if you're serious about improving your guitar knowledge (or just plan having fun playing what you have mastered) while you're in places where your big "Super Jumbo" or J-45 shouldn't go.
The guitar is not manufactured in Pennsylvania. It is manufactured in Mexico - NOT China...may the saints be praised! The quality is refreshingly very good...I was quite impressed. The instrument comes with an equally impressive, padded, bag-style case that has a shoulder strap and attached pouch about 12x6x2 inches. If "Made in America" is important to you, don't let the Mexico thing turn you away. Hey, that's the "global" thing...I don't much like it, but that's where humanity is headed. At least it's not made in China..., if it were, I would not have made the purchase.
Pricing on this is ridiculous. Most places on the web price it at 299 USD. Stay clear of that ridiculousness. Now, I'm not some big fan of Amazon. Sometimes Amazon serves my interest; often it does not. However, I bought my Martin Backpacker from Amazon, and it arrived five days later -- shipping and tax free. I paid 167 USD flat. I've been nothing short of completely satisfied, and the price, in my view, was beyond fair. Like I said..., ridiculous.
The documentation supplied indicates that the instrument may be waxed using a paste-style wax. I plan to do the waxing when I finish this month's work schedule and return home. When I am contemplating how the wax might affect the instrument, I get this impression that it could then be submerged in water, removed, shaken and meticulously wiped down..., and it would suffer no appreciable damage. It's a pretty nice little tool - this Martin.
On a final note regarding this evaluation: Using only this little Martin, during those periods when not directly engaged in developing my fretboard theory, I have been working on my mastery of one very important instrumental piece which is close to my heart. Nearly one month of playing only the little Martin, the subject of this evaluation, I am quite close to mastery of "Embryonic Journey." It is a track on the old LP "Surrealistic Pillow." Now...how well do you think this guitar serves? [Update: Call me "Jorma Kaukonen"...it's been awhile since I wrote this review, but since I was writing another on a different product, I thought it would be fun to add, here, that I have mastery of "Embryonic Journey." I don't owe this to the Backpacker Guitar...I owe it to hard work, but this little guitar made it possible. Good stuff.]
Buy the guitar for yourself.
There's so much good to this guitar, it's hard to find the negatives. At only two pounds plus some change, this little guy is super light and easy to carry. The packaging is solid and sturdy, and when I opened the Martin box, the guitar was packaging in a padded bag. I tuned it up, and with a little stretching, it kept its tune within a few hours.
Despite being a bit odd looking, the backpacker is easy to adapt to. I'm not sure if folks need a reminder: this is a travel guitar. It's designed to be small, so that comes with a price tag.
1. The strings are great--it comes with Martin strings, and they sound great.
2. The sound on this is phenomenal. I've been playing on el cheapo I picked up a few years ago, so this was like heaven. Yes, it does sound a bit "pluckier" than your average guitar, but not in an annoying way. It's a great fingerpicking guitar, but I can only strum with decent ability right now.
3. Yes, you lose some volume. Look at the size of this thing: physics, folks. But it's almost magical in the way it projects, and if you strum strong and loud, you'll definitely get plenty of volume for travel.
4. The action is NOT high. Maybe someone got a weird one, but the action is perfect and low. Having played on a nightmare for the last few weeks, this is incredibly easy to play. The fret board has a solid, natural feel, so the transition was very easy.
5. The strap solves the ills of the heavy neck. It's super neck-heavy, no question, but the strap, properly adjusted, fixes the problem. I find it a bit more comfortable to stand with, or to sit on a stood with, but either way, you'll be able to play. Hand placement is an issue for the right side, but I figured out a way that works just fine for me.
6. You can't been the price or portability on this little guy. He's sweet to play and listen to, and he's perfect for travel.
I would highly recommend for experienced or beginner musicians. Lots of fun, and a great purchase for its intended purpose.
Top reviews from other countries
Another thing about this guitar, it is solid and well built.
Because of the body shape, it does take some getting used to though. The balance is one sided but if you use the strap that came with it though... you'll be good.
As for how it arrived... it was well packaged and in perfect condition. It arrived when it was supposed to have arrived.
I highly recommend this little guitar to those that need a practice guitar for the road.
カバーは長方形で斜めがけのストラップがついています。
It's neck-heavy and you'll need the included strap to be able to hold it. It won't sit on your lap well and takes some getting used to. But once you get used to the feel, you'll be strumming and singing and having fun.
Sounds better than expected after reigning it in and the neck feels chunky. I like it.
Comes with a nice bag and a strap