MARTIN BACKPACKER - Travel Guitar Demo/Review - What can you do with it? How does it sound?

[@kengilbert2620]

i've had one for years. My brother and I jammed wwith ours outside Abbey Rd. Studios while on travel. YMMV, but I've found flatwound jazz guitar strings work well, take away some of the tinniness and help a bit of bottom end. I also installed an under-bridge piezo PU which works great. Cheers and thanks for the video. Love my Backpacker!

[@RobertCassard]

Never thought about flat wounds, Ken. Cool idea...as is the idea to jam outside of EMI/Abbey Road Studios!

[@clutch1141]

I'm on the road working and just bought one of these with the intention of just not getting out of practice, but as you say it has a very unique sound and now I can't wait to get back home and get creative with it in conjunction with other instruments.

[@RobertCassard]

That's awesome, John. Very happy if my videos add to your creative streak! Come back and tell me how it goes.

[@6stringgunner511]

GREAT video. I gave you a 👍🏻😎!!! I bought one TODAY from a fellow in a McDonald's parking lot. He wanted $20. It was a Great Deal. He through in a set of new Ernie Ball Strings. (80/20 bronze earthwood lights). He bought it for his son years ago. But, the son didn't want it. Now, the old timer is selling stuff bc He's 72 & don't want the clutter. Have a Happy Thanksgiving 🦃 Day!!!! Be safe out there!!!

[@RobertCassard]

That is awesome! What a deal! I’ve done quite a few videos extolling the virtues of this musical baseball bat. Here’s another you might enjoy. MARTIN BACKPACKER Travel Guitar - Love it or HATE it? kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIempmuqfraFobM

[@keepitshortnsweet]

A really great review of it's strengths. Too many others emphasize it's weaknesses and fail to keep it in perspective.

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks, MD. I really appreciate you checking out the video and posting a comment. Gotta tell ya. I keep picking it up more and more often. I recently bought a Martin LX1e that I now use for travel, so I rigged up the Backpacker with a high-string set in Nashville tuning. Now I'm using it even more! I've posted a number of videos that show it in action in my studio. Check out my initial Rant & Review of the UA Apollo Twin audio interface, or this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6iTin-Xi8t0rbc

[@aradiasnowdon7016]

I just got this and it's my first guitar, your review makes me even more excited to play with it! I chose it because easy storage and travel is ideal for me (plus it's just so dang cute and unique, it was practically calling my name), I must admit that I was a little concerned about the quality and durability, simply because I'm not very well educated on guitars. This puts my mind at ease and now I know what kind of music/sound is best played on this instrument. Thanks for posting!

[@RobertCassard]

Congratulations, Aradia. It's a very cool guitar...cute and unique for sure! The one thing that really is different from larger body acoustic guitars is the heavy weight of the neck and the super light body. This makes your left hand do a little more work, forming chords and playing individual notes and supporting some of the weight of the neck. So make sure to always wear a strap. It's probably not the easiest guitar to learn on for that reason, but if you love it and play it often, you'll get it. Please check back in and tell me how it goes!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@RobertCassard It's a cute Guitar and it'll work as a Miniature Nashville Tuned Guitar. Nashville tuning works on all your 6 String acoustic and electric guitars cause you can get even more awesome sounds. A Double High Strung 12 String can wait, but let me know when it's ready cause the sound of a Double High Strung 12 String Guitar is actually brighter than a Standard Nashville tuned 6 String.

[@RobertCassard]

@@RockStarOscarStern634 I actually did a Nashville Tuning video where I switched the Backpacker over to high-strung: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5q3fKiKaK9qZ8U

[@cocopenguin21]

Best backpacker video yet, thx! About to buy one with the same head actually, are these older models from the 90's?

[@RobertCassard]

Glad the video was helpful. Yes, mine is from the 90s! Look for my Nashville tuning videos to see how a Backpacker sounds when high-strung. Pretty amazing!

[@stenoch]

Thanx for this review. I got a backpacker just like the one you're playing several years ago, bought it used with no gig bag, $75. Bargain, IMHO. Great for messing around, and it's a conversation starter. I tell people it used to be a canoe paddle. Maybe it's not anybody's main performance guitar, but great to have around. Cheers!

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks, David. Lately, I’ve been leaving my Backpacker in Nashville tuning, which tunes the bottom four strings an octave higher than standard. It’s a beautiful sound, and totally magical when playing with a second guitar in standard tuning. I have a number of videos featuring Nashville tuning, including “Nashville Tuning Magic” in which I switched out the strings on the Backpacker and you can hear the difference comparatively.

[@stenoch]

I watched the two Nashville Tuning vids; I'd not heard of that before. I'll be trying that next time I restring. BTW, I recently acquired a several-yrs-old Johnson Jumbo accoustic, which I like a lot. Have you reviewed anything similar on video?

[@RobertCassard]

David Henderson Nope. Haven’t played a Johnson Jumbo. I’m quite a fan of odd and lesser-known acoustics, though, especially for recording. I’ve featured my 50s Stella in a couple of vids, and my son’s early 60s Espana, too.

[@yonatanbenavraham6598]

Just looked at your Vlog, I am looking for an inexpensive guitar to travel with. I play Banjo Ukulele, Mandolin, Lap Steel and many other stringed instruments but I need something I can depend on. Your review is great, thank you for the time and effort.

[@RobertCassard]

I'm glad the video was helpful, Yonatan. I recently did another video about the Martin Backpacker that includes some history and audio examples: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIempmuqfraFobM Enjoy!

[@lawrencec.4589]

Thanks for the ideas on how to use it. You’ve just woken me up to the fact that my backpacker is more than just a “crappy dreadnaught wannabe” best suited for travel. I’ve been wrong on how to perceive it 😀

[@RobertCassard]

You’re so welcome! Glad you had a paradigm shift. I did an updated video a couple weeks ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIempmuqfraFobM

[@summercitrus629]

Great video! I was wondering what kind of strings you use? I was gifted one recently, and I have a hard time keeping the notes tuned

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks for watching and commenting, Elven. The Backpacker is designed for Light or Extra Light gauge acoustic strings. As with any new strings, it’s important to stretch them to prevent the frequent retuning issue. Once the strings are fully stretched and acclimated, if the guitar is still going out of tune, the tuners (or something else) may need adjustment. Since you got it as a gift, I’d suggest have a luthier/guitar tech do a proper setup. It’s worth the investment to get it playing as well as possible. More recently, I’ve been keeping my own Backpacker in Nashville (High-Strung) tuning. Check out this video to learn about Nashville tuning and how cool it sounds: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5q3fKiKaK9qZ8U

[@crackerjackrappr]

Just wanted to share my feelings: My grandparents are huge musicians. Own damn near every instrument. My favorite was my grandfather's backpacker. When he passed away years ago, my grandma gave me it because she knew how much I loved it. It took me until now to pick it up and try to learn because it made me sad every time I looked at it. I tell you what though, it's fucking hard to learn on! Wish I liked a different one of his guitars more! Lmao. It didn't come with a strap either so you know, there's that!!! 😂😂😂 Gonna buy a strap tomorrow but damn this thing is hard to hold.

[@RobertCassard]

Hey Aaron- You are correct! A Backpacker is hard to play without a strap...and even with one, the tiny body adds a level of challenge not found in "normal" acoustics. For learning, there's nothing quite like a parlor-size acoustic. (But a Backpacker is unique when you're comfortable with it!)

[@anthonyanderson9771]

Peace everyone, regarding how to hold the back packer, I just wanted to share this. The designer is Bob McNally who also designed a Strumstick (the info is inside the body in fine print). The way Mr. McNally holds the instrument in his video informed me on how to hold the backpacker: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGfQdKOhlr9qrLc. I hope this helps in some way.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Robert Cassard They should have something like a Piezo Pickup system so you can plug into an amp.

[@RobertCassard]

For awhile, soon after I bought mine, Martin started making a version with a pickup, but I don't think they do anymore. I wish I'd bought that one!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@RobertCassard They really should make versions with pickups again cause the pickup will make it easier to record. You can always add a pickup to it such as this one:shadowelectronics.com/collections/onboard-pickups-and-preamp/products/sh-4035 which has a built in tuner, a headphone output for quiet practice, & an aux input for Jamming along to any backing tracks.

[@superokapi5950]

Thanks for this video. Are there any issue keeping it in alternate tunings?

[@RobertCassard]

Hi Super Okapi. No issues! A week or two after recording this video, I decided to switch strings and tune my Backpacker in Nashville (High-String) tuning. I've done a couple videos where I demo what I did and how it sounds. Start with this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5q3fKiKaK9qZ8U

[@deetee5156]

Cute little guitar. I was considering this, but for travel, I decided in the journey of660 carbon guitar. My biggest deciding facto fa for my choice, was I could leave it in the car when traveling and not worry that when I returned My guitar would be cracked or the glue would make things separated. I was told , you can use it as a paddle if needed (lol). If I could find the back packetr for under 100 used, I think I would get it. Btw, those songs were really nice

[@RobertCassard]

You probably made the right choice if you leave it in the car. My Backpacker does have two cracks on the back side. I don’t think they were caused by leaving it the wildly fluctuating temps of my car...but they could have been. I now use the Backpacker as my Nashville-tuned acoustic for studio recording. Last year I bought a baby Martin LX1e and that’s become my travel guitar. All man-made materials with the exception of a spruce top. Did a video about it on a holiday vacation 1-1/2 years ago.

[@nesta4289]

Hi Robert I just ordered one. I have seen online some complain about the action. Is it necessary for beginners to lower the action?

[@RobertCassard]

Probably won’t be a problem if you use the recommended Extra Light Gauge strings.

[@kaylebollin8837]

That first sound sample sounds like Leonard Cohen in style! Nice.

[@RobertCassard]

I’ll take a comparison to Leonard anytime. Thank you for watching and commenting, Kayle.

[@prakherarora8188]

Does this guitar have a standard tuning like other acoustic guitars and are the chord shapes the same?

[@RobertCassard]

Yes, Prakher. It’s a standard guitar with a different sound due to its small body. Of course, you can use alternate tunings if you want to, just like on larger-bodied guitars.

[@RobertCassard]

I did have it tuned to Open D for the Americana Improv in this video.

[@gaoldias]

Awesome! Check out the Seagull M4 if you want to add another flavour to your arsenal. Great channel, Robert.

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks so much Andrew. I’ll check out the Seagull. Very happy you found the channel! FYI - I play the Backpacker in Nashville tuning on a couple other videos. One is about Layering Nashville-Tuned Guitars, the other is my rant and review of the UA Apollo Twin. Enjoy!

[@gaoldias]

@@RobertCassard Funny you mention that one...I watched it first (the layering vid).

[@RobertCassard]

Andrew Galloway Glad you’re ahead of me!

[@gaoldias]

@@RobertCassard Lol!

[@_bbie]

Wow, great video! I changed mine to nylon strings. Did you record this using Zoom H1?

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks Robinson. I love the idea of nylon on a Backpacker...might have to buy another one and leave it that way! Another cool way to string and use a Backpacker is Nashville high-strung, where you split a 12-string set and use only the 6 higher-octave strings. This raises the octave of the low E-A-D-G and is a great way to add brilliance to layered acoustic tracks. FYI - this was recorded with a Zoom Q2n (all-in-one video + audio) on a crappy tripod. The only light was a room lamp hanging from the tripod legs. Let's just say I was traveling light ;-)

[@mayaross8634]

What strings do you recommend for this guitar (the same 90s one)?

[@RobertCassard]

For standard tuning, I’d recommend Martin Lifespan Extra Light Acoustic Guitar strings: amzn.to/38xJKPV. A Backpacker also sounds great in high-strung Nashville Tuning. I’ve posted numerous videos about this, but here’s the one where I switched the strings: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5q3fKiKaK9qZ8U. D’Addario makes this specialty set for Nashville Tuning: amzn.to/38qzkBM. Whatever you choose, have fun!

[@mayaross8634]

Thank you so much. I am just a beginner ( I inherited the guitar) so I will stick to standard tuning for now. :)

[@RobertCassard]

@@mayaross8634 As a beginner, the Backpacker can be difficult to hold and play. Watch this video for more information and a helpful accessory: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIempmuqfraFobM

[@RjBenjamin353]

Liberace loved his backpacker also

[@RobertCassard]

Wish I got that reference...

[@brunobaritono93]

¡¡¡I liked your video very much!!! Thanks for sharing it.

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you, Bruno!

[@area49g12]

Great review, some nice songs too ;-) You are getting some good sound out of it, I use mine tuned a step down and capo'd up to 2nd fret with open tunings,

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks! I currently keep it tuned in high-strung Nashville tuning, with the bottom four strings up a full octave. I truly love the sound, which is great for layering with other guitars while recording. Here’s the video where I made the switch (I’ve also featured it in quite a few more videos since...) kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5q3fKiKaK9qZ8U

[@ritamaltinitinini3506]

skills

[@RobertCassard]

LOL

[@mariomerula2911]

Nice video

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks, Mario. I hope you get a chance to play a Backpacker.

[@olufemiagbato8519]

I just bought the ShopOmni knockoff from Amazon for $44. It's meant for practicing on the couch, deck or living room so I don't haul the big old full size around the house. I hope it sounds as good as this one. I guess we will find out in a week or less.

[@RobertCassard]

Had no idea there WAS a knockoff, but at that price, the risk is minimal!

[@olufemiagbato8519]

@@RobertCassard Yea, check out the only review I saw of it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIqwkHtjl7mFa9U

[@ahmedtamer915]

great

[@RobertCassard]

Glad you like it, Ahmed.

[@LarWolkan]

A strange story happened to me with my Backpacker. I was in Florida staying at a hotel and was playing it all by myself at the pool. Suddenly I was surrounded by police and hotel security. They asked what I was doing and I said, "Just sitting at the pool playing my little Martin Backpacker travel guitar." They then asked if I had seen anybody suspicious. I said, "No, what do you mean suspicious?" The manager of the hotel then came forward with a woman and asked her if I was the guy she saw, and she said "yes." Apparently she was coming out to go swimming and saw me and thought I was sitting at the pool with a rifle and called the police. They all apologized to me and and left. True story!

[@RobertCassard]

They weren’t far off...a Backpacker can be a loaded (musical) weapon!

[@adrianavela9913]

Hahahaha

[@adrianavela9913]

Don't go to Brazil with you Backpacker guitar!

[@RobertCassard]

@@adrianavela9913 No doubt!! LOL.

[@RjBenjamin353]

What to do with a Martin Backpacker? Use it for fire wood. That’s the best use for it.

[@RobertCassard]

Nah...it would burn too fast! LOL

[@RjBenjamin353]

And it really does sound like a baseball bat

[@RobertCassard]

Crackin'?

[@robinleebraun7739]

A couple decades ago I picked up one of these. I strummed it exactly once, then I put it back down. Never picked one up again. My opinion is that Martin Guitars should be ashamed of themselves for putting their name in such a piece of ****.

[@RobertCassard]

I understand your disappointment if you picked it up expecting an instrument with 1/10 the body size to sound like a standard guitar. But what if you WANT an instrument that’s easy to take anywhere and don’t mind that it sounds halfway between a dulcimer and a banjo? In that case, Martin nailed it. I assume you’ll disagree, in which case, I’ll add you to the “hate it” column, Robin. You’re not alone in your opinion, BTW, as you can see in this other video: MARTIN BACKPACKER Travel Guitar - Love it or HATE it? kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIempmuqfraFobM

[@RjBenjamin353]

A Yamaha APX T2 is way better.

[@RobertCassard]

Sound-wise? No doubt...but you can't fit one in your baseball bag!

[@jamesdykes517]

Soft diq musiq

[@RobertCassard]

Cryptic. Because it's acoustic? Because it sounds like a banjo/dulcimer hybrid?

[@clawhammer704]

These guitars are bad for self destruction...use only extra light gauge strings to slow that down. I'll never get one. If I want something small I'll a O size or 3/4 size guitar.

[@RobertCassard]

I’ve had mine for about 25 years, and always used extra light gauge strings. Better yet, I now have it high-strung in Nashville tuning. It sounds magical on a Backpacker! Check out my Nashville tuning videos to hear it.

[@RjBenjamin353]

Americana feel? Feels old? What kind of marketing bullshit is that? Martin should be selling these for under a hundred bucks, they are very unbalanced and sound like shit. . DON’T FALL FOR THE HYPE!!!

[@RobertCassard]

Hey Qwert. You are part of the 2/3 who qualify as Backpacker haters. Last thing I’m trying to do is HYPE it; just sharing some of the actual ways I use mine and how I personally react to the sound. You’re welcome to hate it as much as you want, but I’ll continue to love and use mine! It’s a unique tone whether you like that tone or not...

[@RjBenjamin353]

Another thing, it is too unbalanced.

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks for all the comments, Qwert. Rest assured, you are now listed in the pantheon of Backpacker haters!