Martin Backpacker...an honest review!

[@247tubefan]

You could also use it to paddle your canoe in an emergency.

[@ritzcrimson]

😂😂😂

[@MrSplatty89]

Backpackers love multi use items 😂😜

[@MrAlex5378]

You dumb schmuck.

[@BradleyCodes]

MrAlex5378 well that’s a bit aggressive

[@ruthieharrison2609]

Lol perfect I'll be getting one now!

[@karlpants275]

I have this guitar. I got it used on sale for I think less than 100. Great buy, I love seeing people’s reaction when I show it. I always say “hey you know I have a Martin and co guitar”. Their jaw just drops and then I pull this thing out and then they start laughing. I love this guitar.

[@daverobinson22]

At last, somebody who can play one.

[@LarWolkan]

I've had mine for almost 20 years... I had to adjust the action when I got it, but it does what it is intended to do...and have no complaints.

[@mrFeinsilver]

Thank you. I'm curious, how do you adjust the action? I don't think mine has a truss rod...

[@LarWolkan]

@@mrFeinsilver I was able to lower the bridge (shaved it down from the bottom) and adjusted the nut....(filed the grooves)

[@johnnybgoode1950]

Negative reviews compare the backpacker to a full sized guitar, which it was never intended to be. A decent travel guitar like this enables you to get more practice in, that's its real value.

[@standardnnn6064]

Except that there are cheaper and better travel guitars

[@johnnybgoode1950]

@@standardnnn6064 Maybe so, but the Backpacker popularized the concept.

[@wasperminingco]

@@standardnnn6064 what are some others you'd recommend?

[@parrotbrand2782]

@@wasperminingco I would say Klos or Yamaha Apxt2.

[@jacobnash7127]

Baby Taylor is 3/4 sized and sounds much better.

[@anyoldorion]

Hi Darren. I found your review very helpful and you make it sound much better than I can. My main point is disability is overlooked at times when creating instruments. I have arthritic shoulder joints and getting my arms to hold standard guitars is very painful. This little gem is perfect for me. It’s sits nicely on my lap and no stretching needed to play or fret the strings. There must be a large market for guitarists with shoulder mobility problems. This guitar suits my disability. (I’m still rubbish btw )

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

I had a good laugh at your final remark!!

[@Momo-bb2fn]

2:54 omg I can’t believe u actually played that been trying to find travel Guitars for the sole purpose to be able to play Jack Johnson everywhere I go!

[@Genesis.1-1]

Watching/listening to you play reminded me of my brother. He would sit and just work his way around his guitar for hours. He passed away 15 years ago this coming Christmas...I still miss him. Thanks for triggering some wonderful memories.

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

What a lovely comment...my brother (older than me by 1 year) passed about 2 years ago, still can't believe it.

[@charlieasoste]

I like the nod to Never Going Back Again at the start of the video.

[@dugger0]

I thought that sounded familiar

[@freedom3594]

A good guitarist can make even a half of a guitar sound good.

[@kennethh2430]

Very true. Seeing pro's play with the 'Hello Kitty' line of instruments is funny, inspiring, and at the same time a little discouraging LOL Damn it, they sound better than I do on my American Tele :(

[@Bedroomrips]

@@kennethh2430 don’t put yourself down man you know damn well you sound great on that tele!

[@kennethh2430]

@@Bedroomrips Aww man, thank you!

[@Bedroomrips]

@@kennethh2430 no problem! I Gotta make sure to support fellow guitar players!

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

Let's be clear, I'm no pro, just a foot of the bed noodler who loves playing

[@clutch1141]

They're a bit frustrating because they're hard to get a comfortable hold on. But, like you say, they are designed for a purpose. When traveling it keeps me in practice and keeps the callouses in shape. They also have an interesting tone that could be useful in recording. I wouldn't recommend it as a main guitar but it's good for what it's made to do. Good review and nice playing.

[@leewmlee]

Instead of attaching the strap to the heel button, try using the strap string to tie the strap to the headstock. It'll be much more comfortable to hold.

[@bassmaiasa1312]

When sitting, I rest my backpacker on the inside of my thigh, not on my lap. That gives me the balance, leverage, and comfort. If I have to be out all day, dentist, post office, lunch with friends, meeting, then I'll take in a sunset on the riverside playing my backpacker. I put my tablet in the pouch on the carry bag, because I can't carry my 65" 4K TV with me all day either.

[@halaagmod]

Probably not as a main guitar if you're an experienced player, but dreadnoughts are much too bulky for me to properly hold so something small like this is the perfect beginner guitar for me. I also didn't find it necessary to spend on a small fortune on a really nice, larger guitar if I can barely play two chords in succession. There's definitely cons, but I think for the price I got it at and the reasons I got it for it's a great guitar.

[@clutch1141]

@@halaagmod That's all that matters. If it works for you, it's something that you can practice everyday on and you like it, mission accomplished. There's no standards to measure up to regardless of what snobs say.

[@maxhammer4067]

Yea thats why I went with baby taylor

[@Ironworthstriking]

I think one important thing is it's not really meant to be a travel guitar. If you want a decent travel guitar, check out the Little Martin. This is a guitar meant for backpacking, so it's built lightly, and in such as way so it can fit in a backpack. Hence the name... It sounds just fine for what it is. Imagine being deep in the backwoods with your buddies around a campfire after dinner and strumming along to some old tunes. It's perfect for that.

[@los_rubos]

Does a little Martin fit in the overhead luggage compartment..? This thing IS the best travel guitar!

[@mwesth]

It does :-)

[@illegallystalked3119]

I believe the dif between the two is the one you describe has a shorter scale length, more of a childs guitar renamed. Both suck. But if i had to choose between a crappy sound and a fretboard made for midget fingers i would have to go with crappy sound because i have sausage fingers and simply could not play a kids guitar to well.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Actually the Backpacker makes a nice Travel Guitar & it sounds good because the body is a little bit deeper.

[@cloudcity_brandon4913]

You make it sound better than my full body! Thanks for an honest review, where you actually play the dam thing.

[@crisbennett5840]

I know this is off topic, but the birds in the background sound lovely 😊

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

🤣

[@allboutthemojo]

@@darrenkelfkens8539 hi, I'm considering this because I need something to just practice on short trips but it looks a little long to be allowed I'm airline overhead bins. That is my main requirement, to not have to check it in. Do you think it will be allowed?

[@pmg7p]

I own this guitar. It is perfect for traveling. I call it my alto guitar. I does the job it was intended to do

[@fabieng6864]

Many Thanks from France Darren I play acoustic guitar and I will buy one after watching your video ... really love it

[@salmongain]

You should post more videos! Maybe discussing your other guitars or stories, you have a very reasonable review process! Cheers.

[@User123456767]

My acoustic has a very large body which gives it a lovely bassy tone and I've always appreciated how different these sound so small and tinny

[@kengilbert2620]

Thanks for the vid! Nice playing! I've had my Backpacker since 1998 and still love it! It's been to SE Asia, Europe and the back woods of BC with me. I use d' D' Addario Silk and Steel strings (very light gauge) on mine and love the tone and feel! Cheers.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

I love this little Guitar. The Body on it is a bit longer & deeper so it sounds more like a Normal Guitar.

[@abd-ix5qd]

I hope Martin will makes some upgrades on this model. Probably remove the headstock and put the tuners on the heel(just like the Traveler AG-105EQ). By doing that it will improve the neck heavy balance. Then make it a full scale(24.9 maybe) length size and add a truss rod maybe. Then maybe make the hole a little bigger maybe in oval shape to help reduce its boxy tone. And to improve further, make the back a little arched. This is a great little piece to bring anywhere, or when you are in very limited space like a dorm, or this is good also for playing while your lying in bed till you asleep..

[@filmfruit8502]

Thank you so much for this review! It was clear and made a ton of sense!! Definitely deserve more subscribers.

[@unknowuser1843]

Just got a chance to try out oneof these. The sound has almost a mandolin quality to it

[@jpreville]

Thanks for the honest review. Been looking at economical travel guitars.

[@jonboymartin8461]

Gretsch Jim Dandy

[@julienielsen3746]

@@jonboymartin8461 - I was just playing my Jim Dandy a minute ago. I have Taylors otherwise. I leave the Jim Dandy out in my living room to play, and would use it for a travel guitar.

[@jonboymartin8461]

@@julienielsen3746 they a great travel guitar I have gotten them and overhead storage of buses and I have play it on the streets all over the United States with one of those for about 2 years those suckers last I've met other people with them as well and then neck differentiates the all-around great parlor guitar I really hate The Backpacker I don't even know why it's a guitar it's not in my opinion

[@cymro6537]

My only complaint about this guitar is the lack of a custom fit hard case

[@gunpowderboardgames]

I have one of these, I love it and it gets better with age! No, it has not got the bass of a large acoustic but it is bright as a button on the sound! You do have to wear the strap and I wish they made a kinda folding back for it!

[@dalefuller5507]

You know that Robert Johnson started with a fence string + 2 tax on a side of a house as a guitar besides after a couple joints in a few beers every guitar sounds good around a campfire especially if you can play it or not it really reminds me of the old style recordings and it just has that sound good video

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

What a lovely message...thanks mate...you old romantic you!

[@rauleduardohartmannescandi4824]

I have one and I recomend as a travel Guitar. Its cheap, strong and easy to handle. Needs some time to get used to his shape, but the strap helps a Lot. I like when I am travelling and I play with other people and his unique sound makes a big difference, giving richness to the music. Once a friend playing a Gibson and I and my backpacker played all night a Lot of different songs, with no amps, and everybody loved.

[@courtneymalkin1225]

Beutiful memories 🌿

[@bens3767]

Picked one of these up today for 150.00 I'd say it's a fair price not a great price but I feel the value is there...

[@Pimpdown24]

I absolutely love this guitar.

[@TheMurray1922]

I am really thinking about going for one of these fellas for Christmas. I've got limited space and I really miss having a guitar in the house! Always wanted a Martin.

[@electropentatonic]

Awesome review. I didn't realize until I watched you play that I would have to adjust the way I rest my hand when finger picking. Not sure I'd like that.

[@neilswan8015]

i gotta try one for bed playing sitting against the wall!

[@coffeeisgood102]

My reason for looking this up is that I met a fellow playing one of these on the beach. He really knew his stuff so that probably made it sound better. I believe I want one now.

[@Karolinajames23]

Very helpful, because I'm on the fence on getting one. Idk why because i played one and really enjoyed it.

[@CedricSatterfield]

Heh, looks like a strum stick/dulcimer but in std key with all strings. I love this thing, and it doesn't look out of place at a folk music jam or over power other instruments

[@HarryNicNicholas]

i've had about 50 or so guitars over the last few years, my first guitar was a framus, so although i couldn't get the model i wanted (a texan, i got one eventually) i bought a littel L50 parlour guitar, designed for both nylon or steel strings, i couldn't get any sense out of it, so when i got the framus texan i sold it. the guy who bought had a go with nylon strings, he did better than me but we also tried it with steel strings, and boy, he made it sound good, bits of blues and jazz, got a sound out of it i couldn't. it's not just about the guitar, at the moment i have 11 guitars, i've had a 66 J45 since the seventies, i have a 69 epi texan, but i've had much less expensive guitars that sound pretty good in comparison. the big surprise for me is my little martin OOOX1, bought for £350 with case, HLP back and sides - blows all my other guitars away. (i play finger picking blues mainly).

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

You talk with such passion...love it.

[@wokeone8387]

I was wondering how it would do for finger packing, that's kinda all I do and certain guitars seem better then others in that style. Debating on whether or not to get it!

[@MrAlex5378]

Fantastic traveler. He teased a bit of jack Johnson. It’s a great guitar for what it is designed for. I have one because I travel a lot. And I like to just jam a bit in my hotel room. So this is perfect. For all of the complainers out there.....ok.......then go and build one. If not then just shut up.

[@frutoish]

Been really wanting to learn how to play a guitar. I feel like I don’t have the patience but I really want to pick one up and try it

[@TerriblyIronic9]

Don't go for something like this. I would suggest a full body sized guitar from Orangewood. You're looking at around $200 for any decent beginners guitar. Don't sacrifice anymore cost than that otherwise you're just gonna buy something that'll make it more difficult to learn.

[@glenmisha]

Thanks, just bought it because of reviews 🙏🙌 looking forward to getting it 🤗

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

Sweet enjoy!

[@domdimensions9219]

Nice little guitar! Has a somewhat boxy tone, which to me sounds similar to those cheap vintage parlour guitars such as the stella. Its definatly has a cool vibe. Obviously nobody would expect it to sound like a big dreadnought haha.

[@blakepenley8055]

Hi, what is the song that you/ he begins playing at 2:52? Thanks!

[@Dust1826]

Jack Johnson - Banana Pancakes

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

Banana Pancakes by Jack Johnson :-)

[@danstorup618]

My wife and I travelled for 10 years non stop on our motorbike and living exclusively of what we made making street music everywhere we went with our backpacker.(nylon)...everywhere being around the world ! It's over 20 years old, pickup incorporated, and it's had a tough life, but it's taken everything and still going strong ! Need a strap to play it comfortably !

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

Wow awesome story!

[@juangcastro]

Great video, question, what's the melody at the 3:50 mins mark?

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

Tears in the rain by Joe Satriani

[@Struggle.Snuggles]

Thanks for a honest review, I have mine coming in soon. Cant wait to receive it

[@alastair6356]

Interesting some people are tuning them to DADGAD and get a better sound Nashville high tuned stings also help bring it to life.

[@AdMBandLeader]

The sound of this makes me name it the Guitjor. Still a unique sounding great instrument to have handy when you travel.😊

[@randydurham9928]

Pretty cool! it's got a Ukulele sound!

[@flyingVenomusRabbit]

Been trying all day to get this video to play . All other videos work perfect . This one says cant connect. I bought the guitar I think it sounds decent.

[@manwinkler]

Many thanks for sharing your insights ... 🙏

[@Ventysize]

Just picked one up on this Appraisal and May I say , perfection

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

That awesome to hear...tell Martin to send my commission cheque 😉

[@Ventysize]

Darren Kelfkens you'd think eh? Honestly gonna have the action adjusted however despite that I Must say it's Incredibly convenient and beautifully made

[@cliffsandcaves]

awesome review! 👍thinking of picking one up myself. what is the song you play starting at 3:27?

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

Joe Satriani - Tears in the Rain

[@JoE-hv7rg]

I don't know if it's your hands or the guitar but it sounds awesome.

[@ericmousseau5707]

Beautiful guitar, beautifully played. Thanks for the review :)

[@peyotepete4903]

How do you think this would pair with a ToneWood amp? I have the amp but would like something for Busking and camping. This guitar has always had mixed reviews

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

I think it would do great with a little piezo or even an onboard mic pickup

[@Kenstagator]

Whats the song at 2:55? I cant seem to remember.

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

Banana Pancakes by Jack Johnson

[@pilummurialis6490]

I wish there was a bass version of this

[@applefoglip3379]

Good stuff! You got a new fan

[@ronsindric4241]

Like your review and playing. How would you compare THE BACKPACKER to the YAMAHA SLG200s

[@robertfino3870]

The fretting is off. Tunned and moved down to next fret and it was sharp on every fret. Tuned the That fret and the open strings were off

[@gnuPirate]

So a lot of idiots have reviewed this product and compared apples with oranges. Sounds like the majority of users on the internet to me! This is a great review.

[@JackT-aux]

Appreciate the review and demo.

[@davidledford3522]

I think they would be cool with no sound hole a pick up a really light Ernie ball strings

[@samanthasantos4136]

Thanks for your review. The MBSS will be my first guitar. The points made regarding structure/finish/features, overall presentation of review, and demonstration of sound has convinced and inspired me. Thanks again.

[@bryan18244]

When flying with it, do you put it under the seat or in overhead compartment?

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

I keep it with me...so under the seat. Just don't trust other people with their bags in overhead.

[@amberbremer8749]

To be honest the backpacker sounds great. Thanks for the honest review

[@kpdelaney6460]

I'd love to hear a full cover of banana pancakes on this guitar. great review, looks fun!

[@doctordamien]

I have both BP and Washburn Rover. The BP neck is like my Baby Taylor whereas the Rover has a full scale neck plus sounds better than the BP and easier to play. Surprised that in already having a Washburn that you didn't see their Rover.

[@francesfrance9616]

Great review 😊👍

[@shannonsmith297]

I Love mine! Rocking at 6621 ft.

[@MarcusFHurt]

Thank You and nice job on "Tears in the Rain" :)

[@jimsuber6784]

Darren, I thought of getting one but I'm an electric only player with a light touch and arthritis. Is the action sort of rough? I'm really just asking. It looks sort of high.

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

The one great thing is that you can only put extra light Guage (011's) on it 'cos it has no truss rod...hence it's really playable even if the action is not perfect, if you play electrics it'll be an easy switch over.

[@waitin4winter]

Whats the opening song? I hear this played on a lot of acoustic guitar review videos. Is this like the official song of acoustic guitar reviews?

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

"Never going back again" by Fleetwood Mac - as for it being "the official song of acoustic guitar reviews" :-) I'm not sure, I just thought it would be cool to open with it!

[@TiberiusWallace]

While they are good I think Ed Sheeran using one isn't because they are good but because it's a recognisable Martin instrument and he's a Martin endorsed Artist.

[@synapse9869]

Which is the Song in background 0:30

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

That was me doing Eric Clapton's - Layla acoustic version

[@synapse9869]

@@darrenkelfkens8539 that was epic

[@craigmcaig7045]

Great video ,that shows a very clear picture of the guitar , a very informative review giving good sound to judge the guitar fairly ,and great playing,, to hear someone talk about an instrument with respect and honesty is great ..! Many thanks 😉✌️🙏💯❤️

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

What lovely comment.

[@craigmcaig7045]

@@darrenkelfkens8539 hi there , I looked at them many Years ago ,but wasn't sure , saw this , and it influenced me to buy one..😉✌️🌈...I live in U.K....but ordered one from America , so the guitar would be like a ship..⛵. And have a journey...behind it when I got it....I have a record of every stop it's made to get here , and am expecting it any day now.....😉✌️💯 That journey adds to the feelings when I play the guitar....Thanks again for a great video..🙏

[@MDOurMD]

Edit: I got a Backpacker the other day and ragged on the tinny, twanging sound. I took it out today to give it one more play before returning it and I feel in love with the tinny, twanging sound. I also love the action and don't mind the shape, so I'm keeping it!

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

It's very much a personal preference thing - if you hate it send it back

[@MDOurMD]

@@darrenkelfkens8539 - I edited my comments. I'm a Backpacker fan now! Thanks.

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

@@MDOurMD That's funny...but yeah the sound can be part of the charm! It's a little banjoey ukelele-ish

[@draked5968]

I love this thing. It sounds great even compared to normal guitars at the same price point. That said, if you know how to play, you could fit strings on a broomstick and it will sound great. Yamaha guitalele doesnt sound as good, but it's 1/3 the price, much smaller and actually better if you want to practise your shredding skills. If you want to sing and entertain, this thing is obviously a lot better. I love them both.

[@DriftwoodBeachMom]

Great review. What strings do you have on your Backpacker?

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

It comes with Martin string - only use extra light guage!

[@DriftwoodBeachMom]

@@darrenkelfkens8539 Thank you for your response. I will keep the extra lights.

[@TJ-jx6dx]

Thank you for playing it sir.

[@sabretooth9830534552]

Great and precise video on the backpacker... What is the last tune at 3.35

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

Joe Satriani - Tears in the Rain

[@jeffgoldblum474]

It may just be me but the action was super high and the fretboard seemed really dry when I tried it, maybe a crap unit but I like the shape and scale

[@michaelsotomayor5001]

it looks awesome.. how is the action? how long would someone realistically play this cuz high action cheap guitars destroy my fingers

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

Action is a little high (just a little, not 'cheap guitar' high) but I don't mind that. There is space on the saddle to lower the action if you want to.

[@chucktownvanlife4267]

Love me some Joe Satriani!! Good job on that. That tells me that this is a good travel guitar to write with

[@edfulginiti8798]

Tried one once...not for me. But that's ok...its designed this way for a reason...if that works for you, fine. My travel go-to is a GS Mini.

[@bens3767]

Cheapest gs mini is also 500.00 ... I own both. This is in its own field not much to compare it to.

[@gazza1252]

Wonderful for cricket

[@n2noodles]

Whats the name of the song in the beginning of the video.

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

It's Never going back again by Fleetwood Mac

[@jamesmcgrath1952]

"It's not a real guitar." Hmm, curious comment to make. Historically guitars came in all sizes and shapes. Some were good and carried on to modern times some were bad and died off. Some still exist with small niche players.

[@jonneet2126]

I'd like to get one of these. I take it they don,'t have a truss rod? I'd like to hsve one with a pickup.

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

That is correct there is no truss rod and only extra-light guage strings are suggested.

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

I see I am still getting dissenting comments about my quip about guitar woods. Oh Boy...lets talk about guitar woods then...They are all made with Rosewood and Maple fingerboards and they all have Sitka Spruce tops and they all have mahogany back and sides and if they do not have these they then go to woods like Sapele which is basically a type of mahogany or all mahogany like my Martin 00015 etc etc. It was really meant tongue-in-cheek - as the wood conversation is always pretty much the same anyway hence my snarky, wink wink, not-to-be-taken-so-seriously comment. If you want to know the top is (Yup you guessed it) Spruce!! The sides back and neck are - drumroll here - Mahogany!! and the fingerboard is a composite called Richlite - which is meant to mirror the properties of rosewood altho its made from a paper/resin composite which is supposed to be eco-friendly. There you have it then...I feel much more like a serious guitar critic.

[@Rigz727]

Just the job I think, thanks for the review.

[@KeonPH]

Looks unplayable. Is it hard to press? Especially at the bottom? Did you do any modifications to it?

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

No modifications at all...

[@looptheloopish]

So what is the opinion on it?

[@ereimul1444]

3:38 name of the song?

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

Tears in the Rain - Joe Satriani

[@James-dq3jo]

What is the song you are playing for the intro?

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

Never going back again Fleetwood Mac

[@agungwayne3090]

Looks beautiful.

[@PaddyByrne931]

Whats the song around 247 mins

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

It's a version of Deep River Blues

[@PaddyByrne931]

@@darrenkelfkens8539 Great tune 👌 👍

[@FreyaGem]

Please teach us how to play Never Going Back Again! Been trying to learn that damn song for like a year now. 😂

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

I'll put that on my "to do" list 🙂

[@dinh5532]

Than you for the review! I had a little martin and looking to downsize even more. =) I also find you very handsome!

[@darrenkelfkens8539]

:-)

[@dinh5532]

@@darrenkelfkens8539 Hugs