Item Reviews for: Martin BackPacker Steel String Travel Acoustic Guitar  -  MAT 11GBPC LIST
Martin BackPacker Steel String Travel Acoustic Guitar
review title:

Great guitar for trips

By: George Faulkner      Submitted: 6/29/2023

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Product Rating Product Review I am about to go on a plane ride from FL to WA, then board a cruise liner to AL and fly back to FL after a week on the water (Hopefully no "Smoke On The Water". I can practice and play on this in multiple locations. I had one before and just bought this less than a month ago. I know that it will meet my expectations and hope to give glowing reviews after the trip.
review title:

I simply love it!!

By: Angie      Submitted: 7/3/2016

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Product Review I bought this beautiful guitar for my nephew for his HS graduation. He is so happy with it. His graduation was the next week and I ordered on a Thursday and arrived on Saturday! They delivered just in time for that. Monday morning I thought it wasn't going to make it on time but it did! I'm so happy with this product and what it came with. You guys rock!!
review title:

Exactly what I was wanting

By: Darren Keller      Submitted: 4/9/2016

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Product Review I wanted a highly portable quality instrument that I can practice on everywhere, except pouring rain. I especially wanted to be able to play in bed lying on my back. This one does it all really well. The action is good right from the box. Just tune and you're setup is done. Don't know what all the comments about having to use the strap are about, as I find it pretty easy sitting. I really like this guitar. If I were starting over, I'd buy this first so I could practice anywhere any time, then buy a full size or two. Thank you Martin for making this perfect niche guitar.
review title:

Fun, fun, fun

By: Strapman 5      Submitted: 9/22/2015

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1 person found this review helpful.
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Product Review You can't give a backpacker guitar 5 stars. It's great, but it ain't no D-28. As the headline says, fun!
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I wasn't expecting a top line Martin.

By: Douglas Swinskey      Submitted: 9/21/2015

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6 people found this review helpful.
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Product Review I purchased this guitar because i travel a great deal and wanted to have something to noodle on, in my hotel rooms. The odd shape makes it almost impossible to play without using the strap, plus it is very head stock heavy. The tone is more ukulele like then acoustic guitar. The guitar seems well put together but sadly the tuning machines are rough and cheap feeling. Once i got used to the awkward shape, the guitar plays very well, the neck is a bit wide relative to all my other guitars, almost like a classical guitar width but still very playable. Over all, considering the price i would recommend the guitar as a travel guitar, i can't imagine it ever get used on stage or in a recording studio..
review title:

Great Sounding Backpacker!

By: Jim      Submitted: 8/19/2015

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2 people found this review helpful.
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Product Review I love it! The action was great right out if the box. It's the only Martin that I can afford at this time. It's fun to play and sounds great!
review title:

I love it, have played Freebird on it

By: Greg      Submitted: 6/6/2015

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2 people found this review helpful.
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Product Review It has an excellent sound, fine action, fine intonation, and is a joy to play. I can pick it up any time and it is always in tune and ready to play. I've used it around the campfire for years, and it always comes through. Freebird takes a little arranging, but I've done it many times. WIth a strap, it plays like any other guitar, or better. I love the action on it.
review title:

Cute, but not easy to play

By: Tommy V      Submitted: 4/16/2015

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2 people found this review helpful.
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Product Review The Backpacker is cute as all get out, has an "interesting" tone but not easy to play because of it's body shape and heavy neck weight. Body design too small for setting on your leg to play. Neck too heavy to use with a strap. Have to hold on to it to play or it tips down. I will be returning this "cute" guitar.
review title:

Great travel guitar

By: Larry      Submitted: 4/2/2015

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2 people found this review helpful.
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Product Review Thin tone due to small body size and difficult to hold comfortably when playing sitting, but overall I am pleased. Very portable. Stays in tune. I recommend it when you need to travel lite.
review title:

Excellent for What It Is: a Really Portable Guitar, Especially for NY Apartments!

By: dave      Submitted: 3/30/2015

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2 people found this review helpful.
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Product Review I think this is a fine guitar for my purposes, of course it might not work for everyone. I wanted an acoustic guitar that I could practice without being too loud in my apartment, and to bring to friend's apartments. I wanted it to have acoustic guitar action, that mimics my regular dreadnought, and that still has the sonorous quality of an acoustic. I also wanted an acoustic that was easy to carry in the subway. This guitar meets all of those requirements. Why only four stars? Well Martin can do better and if they can generate a design that will still give the low E resonance and still achieve all the other goals, well that would be a 5-star guitar.
review title:

talk the talk

By: Rod Kasiah Sr. from Williamsburg N.M. USA      Submitted: 3/30/2013

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top shelve ready to play just got this one Your general opinion of this product. well done I own 2 OM models I reall enjoy it its heavy to the neck it comes with a strap for a reason if you rest your elbow on the top edge at the back it really improves the playability the action is great very bright almost a resonater sound really cool i like the total looks suprizingly close an easy
review title:

Fun in small package!

By: Guitar Girl from Pittsfield, MA, USA      Submitted: 12/28/2012

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Very well made. I have only had it for a short time. Your general opinion of this product. This is a wonderful guitar for travel. I love it's light weight and portability! The weight seems to be unevenly distributed and the guitar rotates. Hard to just hold and play. The finish looks great. I love the way it feels! Good.
review title:

Great deal on a great instrument

By: Morgan L Evans from Newville, PA, USA      Submitted: 5/10/2012

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It is very sturdy. I have had no problems whatsoever with it. Although I haven't had the instrument very long yet, I fully expect it to hold up well. Your general opinion of this product. It's hard to beat Martin for quality. Plays very well. I was expecting with a smaller instrument to have some difficulty adjusting, but have had no problems at all. A fairly bright tone. Not a great deal of volume, but that's to be expected with the size of the body. Looks great. It's pretty. Very good action. I can play it as easily as my full-sized guitars.
review title:

Excellent craftmanship for a travel guitar

By: NCplayer from North Carolina      Submitted: 5/6/2012

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The quality is VERY good. It's what I expect from a Martin for a lot less money. I haven' had it long enough to say, but it feels like a very well made instrument. Your general opinion of this product. The portability is why anyone should buy this. It is awesome to be able to carry your guitar on hikes and play by a stream without toting a huge hard shell guitar case. I look forward to taking it on plane trips and car rides. I play every day and feel like crap if I don't have a guitar to play thoughout the day. I love this guitar. I keep it by my desk when I work (from home). Very similar to my normal guitar, which is great so I can practice and know that it will carry over to my regular instrument. The intonation is great. I kept the original strings and really like their feel. It's very plain, but I like it. Action was playable, but too high for my fingerstyle taste. I filed the bridge as much as possible, and it is much better, but the neck still has an angle to it that makes the action higher than my standard Martin, so I can't make it any lower, since there's no way to adjust the neck.
review title:

Absolutely Amazing!!

By: from       Submitted: 12/31/2011

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Extremely well made and very dependable. Your general opinion of this product. A great, durable, and compact guitar for backpacking It's very light and playability is unbelievable. But it only has fifteen frets, so you may not be able to play some songs. It's tone is very bright. Looks VERY nice, better than I ever would've expected.
review title:

Best travel investment ever

By: Deuce from NYC      Submitted: 11/16/2011

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Solid construction. Don't be too rough on it, and it'll last. Just got it, so I can't say how reliable it will be. Ask me again after I come back from Alaska. Your general opinion of this product. Great sound out of this tiny package. Action is a little too high, and scale takes some getting used to, but overall well worth the money. Scale takes some getting used to, but it's great for the price. Surprisingly good tone for such an oddly shaped instrument. Yes, it sounds a little like a ukelele, but what could you expect from this form factor? Looks good, smells like it just left the factory. Too high... but this was the only drawback.
review title:

MARTIN BACKPACKER IS A WINNER

By: ART from FORT LAUDERDALE, FL.      Submitted: 9/2/2010

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LIGHT AND WELL MADE. IT HAS SOLVED MY TRAVEL PROBLEM. I CARRIED MY STRAT WITH IT'S CASE BEFORE. THISIS 2.2 LBS. JUST GOT IT BUT IT IS WELL BUILT Your general opinion of this product. GREAT PRODUCT FOR THE PRICE. EXCELLENT FOR TRAVEL. IS LIGHTER THAN MY LAP TOP! THE FEEL IS GREAT. IT IS "A LITTLE" TOP HEAVY DUE TO THE WEIGHT IS UP TOP BUT EASY TO ADJUST TO. THE TONE IS BRIGHT FINISHED LIKE A MARTIN ACTION OUT OF THE BOX IS PERFECT!
review title:

Terrific Little Critter Withstands The Test Of Time

By: Tommy V from New York      Submitted: 4/21/2010

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Very well made, no question about it ... has survived the test of time and abuse, and come thru with flying colors. Exemplary Martin quality thru and thru I tend to bang on my guitars (yes, another Who freak! /laughs), and this has the usual pick gouges on the upper and lower 'bouts' .. almost giving a corduroy look perpendicular to body grain. It has developed a grain crack along the tail leading to the bridge (typical of Martin and acoustic guitars in general, humidity problem on my part apparently). But otherwise is still stable as ever, and neither of these affected its playability or tone in any manner. Your general opinion of this product. I bought one of the first-run Backpackers in the early 90's right here on AMS, with the original small headstock and no visible Martin logo anywhere (logo is on a small sticker inside the soundhole). After all these years it's still going strong! Albeit, a bit beat up by me, but still plays and sounds just as good as it did when it arrived on my doorstep so many years ago ... Don't play this on your lap, this is NOT a sitting down lap guitar! /laughs ... use the included strap, absolutely necessary! Because the body is so small and in a weird shape there is no place to rest an upper wrist for stability, you almost have to play it with your palm pressed against the bridge in order to get any sort of stability. And on the left side, even using the strap this guitar tends to weigh down along the neck (due to the headstock and tuning machines) ... don't let go of it at all, the neck will drop right down! /again laughs ... as I stated before, this guitar *forces* you to play with precision, all along while fighting forces of gravity. Overall I give this section a high 4 rating but only because this Backpacker "just is what it is" Well balanced tone if played in normal fashion ... if played hard then all that goes right out the window ... Top is fairly standard, not gloss but has a nice look to it. Rear and neck are finished in a semi-satin which is very smooth and cozy feeling. Fingerboard is regular Rosewood or similar. Action as expected -- *tight and unforgiving* -- which is normal for a short scale guitar. You don't want to go on reckless abandon while playing this thing, it will NOT forgive whatsoever(!). Precision playing is the name of the game here, which is great for learning' songs correctly and also to develop 'muscle memory' in the fingers which can be translated to a more forgiving guitar later on. Tuning hold and intonation were perfect, and remain so to this day.
review title:

Better than I expected

By: zaldyyabut from Brooks Alberta Canada      Submitted: 1/30/2010

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Yes. I've only had it for a week so i can't really say. Your general opinion of this product. For its size the sound is better than i expected. Neck is just right for me I love it! Good The Stain look good but i would have preferred it having a gloss finish It's ok for me for i mostly do finger picking
review title:

super nice compact for travel and just pick it up and play acoustic jams

By: Paul Routon from Forest, VA - USA      Submitted: 8/11/2009

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worth the price tag at under $200 this will not fall apart from normal use, if taken care of it will last through the ages. However, if you take it to a hotel room as I did, and the cleaning lady steps on it, this is an abuse the little guy will not withstand. Short of that, and "Who-like" antics. There should be no issue with it. Your general opinion of this product. I owned one of these already. It was damaged beyond use, and I have missed it thoroughly since then. Incredible volume from such a small guitar. Headstock with tuners weighs more than the rest of the guitar, so it tends to be a bit top heavy. Takes a little getting used to, but well worth the little effort that takes. Anyone who plays one will be amazed at how it sings. Just what you'd expect from a guitar this size. Noted previously in other fields. clean and loud. simple, unimpressive, but fully functional. Surprisingly playabale in its OOTB state. As far as any adjustments that may be made, keep in mind any new guitar may need tweaking to obtain the optimal state. Its luck of the draw with instruments of this nature.
review title:

If you want a great guitar to pull out and play anywhere the Backpacker is perfect!

By: Daniel Clark from Asheville, NC, USA      Submitted: 12/25/2008

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As long as I have had the Backacker it has been durable, good loking, and always ready to be played. I haven't had it very long but it shows signs of holding out well. Your general opinion of this product. Of course I would love it to have a huge sound, but it is only a travel guitar and for its size it resonates very well. It's easy to pick up and play, moving up and down the neck, strumming, and picking the strings.The neck is heavier than the body so it feels weird at first but I'd rather have the sturdy neck. You can hear each string's individual sound, thin tones coming together nicely. The overall tone is bright and sometimes folksy. It's a light gutar with very pretty woodgrains running along its sides. It's smooth, not glossy and smells nice. Right out of the box it was out of tune, but immediately had good tone.
review title:

Awesome Buy

By: Aaron from Abilene, TX, USA      Submitted: 11/10/2008

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Definetly built well. This guitar is made from woods that don't hold alot of moisture. The only defect I've come across is the tuners need a little attention to get it to hold it's tune. I've only had it for about 6 months but thus far it has been able to handle the little bit of abuse I've accidently given it. Your general opinion of this product. An excellent instrument for all skill levels. Needs about three weeks of play to work the strings into shape. Would have been nice to know ahead of time that it is recommended extra-light strings only. The shape takes a little getting used to but after sometime feels as comfortable as any other guitar. Due the the body shape it doesn't hold alot of low's and has a rather bright tone. I wouldn't recomend it to anyone who likes playing in drop C. The instrument itself is rather light. Also the neck might feel a bit to short at only 15 frets to some. Bright rich tone. Suprisingly loud for size. It has a natural finish. No staining or glossing. Just straight on regular sanded wood. The action straight out of the box was pretty good. Not amazing but definitly above average.
review title:

excellent...have backpacker guitar, have fun

By: AMS Customer from USA      Submitted: 2/5/2008

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Your general opinion of this product. my 13 year old son just recieved his martin backpacker, and we are both impressed with the sound quality and workmanship...true the tone is a little higher than a standard guitar, but we like the sound...he played it for hours last night...for $150 this is a great little guitar for the buck...if you want a small guitar to take camping...keep in the car and practice...martin has put together a winner...thank you AMS
review title:

Road Ready, Small Guitar Sound

By: AMS Customer from USA      Submitted: 2/5/2008

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Your general opinion of this product. OVERALL:
Not a bad little guitar for what it is - a traveler! The sound is small, maybe a little like a mandolin -- but that's okay. I use this when traveling, so I can keep my fingers in shape no matter where I go. Can't compare it to a full size dread or whatever, but that's not what it's for!

QUALITY:
Well put together - a solid traveler.

FEATURES:
A simple guitar with little in the way of features.

EASE OF USE:
Heavy neck makes the guitar unbalanced. Awkward body shape means you need to play with the strap on all the time.

VALUE:
It's a good value.

SOUND:
Definitely a small guitar sound.

STYLE:
Fingerstyle and Folk

MUSIC EXPERIENCE:
Student of Guitar
review title:

Very good for it's intended use

By: AMS Customer from USA      Submitted: 2/5/2008

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Your general opinion of this product. Very good for it's intended use. Very easy to carry and you will wind up carrying it more and playing more.
review title:

Great travel mate

By: AMS Customer from USA      Submitted: 2/5/2008

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Your general opinion of this product. I've taken this baby around the world and loved having it with me everywhere I've gone.
review title:

I love it, it has a beautiful sound

By: AMS Customer from USA      Submitted: 2/5/2008

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Your general opinion of this product.
review title:

Great for all uses and backpacking across Europe

By: AMS Customer from USA      Submitted: 2/5/2008

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Your general opinion of this product. Had a blast entertaining my friends with this guitar when I was travelling. The guitar brought up many questions because of how it appeared to people as a sort of eucalali
review title:

Just OK

By: AMS Customer from USA      Submitted: 2/5/2008

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Your general opinion of this product. Sound is not what I would call Good, just OK, Montana Travel guitar about $100 plus cheaper has much better sound. It is a conversation piece because it is made very well and looks unique. Very quiet location it is OK.
review title:

Martin Backpacker

By: AMS Customer from USA      Submitted: 2/5/2008

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Your general opinion of this product.

QUALITY:
the worst quality would be the lack of frets on the guitar

FEATURES:
The best feature would be the ease of moving it compaired to a full size acoustic

EASE OF USE:
it is a very easy to use product.

VALUE:
definitely good price beacause Martin's tend to be high priced

SOUND:
very nice acoustic sound, the bell shape helps with the acoustics, better than if it was just rectangular.

STYLE:
Rock n' Roll, acoustic, 50's,60, 70's

MUSIC EXPERIENCE:
I have been playing for a while , have 2 guitars, am 13

OVERALL:
The product is really good, and has almos perfect sound, if your looking for a travel guitar you can take practicly anywhere, you want a backpacker
review title:

Good things in Samll packages

By: AMS Customer from USA      Submitted: 2/5/2008

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Your general opinion of this product.

FEATURES:
It has an incredibly sweet, mellow, rich tone. 5

VALUE:
I bought my Martin Backpack guitar in a little instrument shop on Blanco Texas. I thought the price was very fair and had no buyers remorse. I thought the price was very in line with the product.

SOUND:
Great sound...good resonance
review title:

It ROCKS!!!

By: eric from minnesota      Submitted: 2/5/2008

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Your general opinion of this product. OVERALL:
this guitar is so awesome...i travel 4 days out of the week with limited space and this little guy does the trick and then some. it sounds like a martin through and through

STYLE:
blues

MUSIC EXPERIENCE:
pro
review title:

It sounds like a toy.

By: JOHN      Submitted: 2/5/2008

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Your general opinion of this product. Returned it the same day I received it. Poor sound quality.
review title:

If you are thinking...

By: Peter Hyatt from Orrington, Maine, USA      Submitted: 2/5/2008

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Your general opinion of this product.

QUALITY:
very well made; cannot expect much else from Martin.

FEATURES:
no frills, but if you consider the travel bag a feature, bump up a notch

EASE OF USE:
surprisingly well set up with decent action and the ability to pull and hammer...

VALUE:
American Musical Supply has THE best price

SOUND:
no doubt about it, you cannot get good sound from such a small wood frame....oh well.