dougmjones's Full Review: Martin Backpacker Nylon Strings Classical Guitars
I have mixed emotions about this one. There are some excellent reviews and I don't disagree but I would not buy one due to the difficulty holding it.
If you plan to backpack into the wilderness I can understand why this guitar is so attractive. It is durable, light and does the job in a pinch. Made of good materials and stays in tune.
If you plan on buying it to play around the house or carry on the road in a car or truck you might be MUCH happier in the long run buying a Baby Taylor or other small body guitar.
I found the Martin literally impossible to enjoy in the hotel room and also playing while riding in a vehicle as a passenger. I had better luck standing up with a strap but the guitar still wants to roll over while you are playing it and feels weird. I spent more energy holding onto it than I did actually playing it. Strumming is easier but if you play fingerstyle forget it.
The tone is rather twangy and has zero bass whatsoever. It doesn't even have the nice little midtone of a small guitar. It sounds exactly like you would expect when looking at it. Now in fairness I must admit, if you have ever played by a campfire, this guitar is plenty loud enough. If you expect to keep up with other regular guitars then prepare to be totally drowned out.
So when you buy this guitar you must realize there is sacrifice for that small size. If you are carrying it on a backpack and all you do is strum simple 3 chord songs you may really like it. Personally I'd rather carry a larger guitar and suffer.
Good brand, good value, good quality but just NOT FOR ME.
Here are a few specs:
Weight: 2 lbs
Body Width: 8"
Body Depth: 1-15/16"
Neck width at nut: 1-15/16 Classical, 1-11/16 Steel
Scale Length:24"
Tuning Machines: Chrome enclosed
Left Hander option no extra charge
Carrying Bad weight 1 lbs
Available electric pickup version
Finish: Urethane
Neck and sides: Mahogany
Bracing and top: Solid spruce
Fingerboard: select hardwood
Number of frets: 15
Clear Frets: 15
Micarda saddle and Corian nut
THE OFFICIAL MARTIN SALES PITCH:
" Don't let its diminutive size fool you. A braced, solid tonewood top with a solid mahogany neck, back, and sides gives this cool little guitar a surprisingly rich and loud tone. Built to withstand the rigors of camping, hiking, and off-road traveling. Includes high-quality chrome-enclosed tuners and a unique bridge on the nylon-string version that accepts either plain or ball-end classic strings. Weighs less than 2-1/2 lbs. Includes a Martin woven strap and gig bag ($29 value), and carries a 1-year limited warranty "
Martin's Backpacker can accompany you anywhere in the world - or beyond. One neat little package gives the guitarist portability, playability, intonat...More at American Musical Supply
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