Quality Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable? this guitar is really well-constructed. No roughness along the fret edges, everything is well sanded and smooth, without any visible gaps or blemishes. Reliability How has it stood up over time? don't know, just received it General Your general opinion of this product. *** The guitar I received is not the one pictured*** the AMS catalog photo is the old version of the Martin Backpacker, with the small headstock and small soundhole. I received the new version, with the larger soundhole and the more normal looking, larger headstock. This is not a problem, in fact I've heard that the new design is louder with more projection. I just wish the photo showed the actual product. Playability and Feel How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing? the guitar is awkward to hold. However, I think that's a reasonable tradeoff for something to take backpacking and on airplanes. Tone Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin? sounds a little plasticky, without much sparkle at the high end. Bass is not punchy or deep, but full and round. I was worried about it lacking low-end, but the high end turns out to the problem. I think I'll get some black and silver or composite nylon strings for it to brighten up the sound. Finish How did the stain or paint job look? looks basically unfinished. Martin says they put a thin finish on it, but I can't really tell. I assume it's to save cost, not for portability or durability or lightness. Looks nice enough, but will soon visibly show dirt and nicks from every happy trip. Oh well. Action How was the action out of the box? comfortable. Not too high, though with such light nylon strings, there is no difficulty making barre chords

Quality Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable? Of course- It's a Martin Reliability How has it stood up over time? Haven't had very long General Your general opinion of this product. We love it! It feels different than a traditional guitar but sounds great! We travel often so it is a perfect size. Playability and Feel How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing? A little awkward but ok once I got used to it Tone Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin? Every thing good Finish How did the stain or paint job look? Liked the look Action How was the action out of the box? Good

Quality Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable? Product is solid; You could bludgeon someone with the neck of the guitar. Reliability How has it stood up over time? Had it for a few months and it is better than it was . General Your general opinion of this product. Nice guitar. Decent sound , great tone and nice action. Funky shape is cool and gets lots of comments. Playability and Feel How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing? Love the neck, full size , unusual for a travel guitar. Finish How did the stain or paint job look? I love the look of this guitar. I think either you do or don't.

Quality Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable? it's a Martin Reliability How has it stood up over time? had it a couple of months; took on a cruise, played in performance (St Patrick's Day - Irish songs - went over very well!) General Your general opinion of this product. well-made; surprisingly good sound for such a small instrument Playability and Feel How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing? feels good; a little neck heavy Tone Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin? purely acoustic - mellow Finish How did the stain or paint job look? looks so good you wonder if it is real wood until you smell it Action How was the action out of the box? excellent