For musicians on the go, the desire to practice, compose, or simply jam often clashes with the practicalities of travel. Full-sized acoustic guitars are bulky, delicate, and often unwelcome on planes or packed into tight spaces. This is where the Martin Backpacker steps in – a uniquely designed travel guitar that has carved out a niche for itself. If you're considering a used Martin Backpacker, here's what you need to know.
What is the Martin Backpacker?
The Martin Backpacker is not your typical acoustic guitar. Its distinct, minimalist shape resembles a thin, hollowed-out paddle or a cigar box, prioritizing portability above all else. Designed by the renowned C.F. Martin & Co., it boasts a solid spruce top and solid tonewood back and sides (often sapele, similar to mahogany), along with a select hardwood neck and Richlite fingerboard. It typically features 15 frets and a shorter 24-inch scale length. Weighing under 2.5 pounds and being incredibly slender, it's engineered to fit into overhead compartments, backpacks, or even the smallest of cars, making it a true road warrior.
Why Choose a Used Martin Backpacker?
Opting for a used Backpacker can be a smart move, offering the famed Martin craftsmanship at a more accessible price point. New Backpackers typically retail around $350, but a used one can often be found for considerably less, sometimes as low as $150-$250, depending on its condition and age. This makes it an excellent value proposition for a genuine Martin instrument.
The Sound: Managing Expectations
It's crucial to manage your expectations when it comes to the Backpacker's sound. Due to its extremely compact body, it won't produce the rich, resonant tones of a full-sized dreadnought or auditorium guitar. Reviewers often describe its sound as bright, mid-focused, and sometimes "tinny" or "banjo-like." It's designed to be a practice companion, not a performance powerhouse that will fill a room.
However, for its intended purpose, many find its sound surprisingly good, especially when fingerpicked gently. It offers enough volume for personal practice, campfire singalongs, or impromptu jam sessions in quieter settings. Some users even appreciate its unique tonal qualities for specific genres like folk or bluegrass.
Playability: A Different Experience
The Backpacker's unique shape also impacts its playability. It lacks the traditional body contours that provide comfortable resting points for your arm and leg. As such, a strap is almost essential for comfortable playing, as the guitar can feel top-heavy and prone to shifting.
Despite the Martin Backpacker Used Guitar ergonomic differences, the neck and fretboard are often praised. The nut width (typically 1-11/16") is within the common range, and the 15-fret, 24-inch scale length makes it relatively easy to navigate, especially for those with smaller hands. It often comes set up with extra-light strings, contributing to its ease of play.
What to Look For When Buying Used:
When inspecting a used Martin Backpacker, keep the following in mind:
Neck Condition: While robust, check for any excessive neck relief or signs of warping, especially since it lacks a truss rod. The wood of the soundboard can sometimes buckle under string tension.
Bridge and Saddle: Ensure the bridge is firmly attached and the saddle (often Corian or Tusq) is intact.
Tuners: Test the chrome tuners for smooth operation. Some users have reported them being a bit stiff.
Overall Condition: Look for any significant cracks, dings, or signs of misuse. While durable, these are still acoustic instruments.
Included Accessories: Many Backpackers come with a padded gig bag and a strap, which are valuable additions for travel.
Play It! If possible, always try playing the guitar before purchasing. This will give you the best sense of its feel and sound.
Is a Used Backpacker Right for You?
A used Martin Backpacker is an excellent choice for:
Travelers: Its primary purpose is portability, and it excels at fitting into tight spaces.
Students/Beginners (with caveats): While playable, its unique ergonomics and sound might not be ideal as a sole beginner instrument. However, as a supplementary practice guitar, it can be great.
Casual Players: If you want a fun, easy-to-grab guitar for practicing on the couch, at the office, or outdoors, the Backpacker fits the bill.
Martin Enthusiasts on a Budget: It's an affordable way to own a piece of Martin's legacy.
While not a substitute for a full-sized acoustic, the used Martin Backpacker offers a unique blend of portability, genuine Martin quality, and surprising playability for its size. It's a testament to good design, proving that you don't always need a grand instrument to keep the music alive wherever your journey takes you.