Last updated at 08/09/2026 18:22:58
Martin Backpacker Steel String Acoustic Guitar with Padded Gig Bag - Natural
Martin Steelstring: Backpacker Acoustic Guitar
Delivery between 15–23 Sept $55
Martin STEELSTRING: Backpacker Acoustic Guitar Traveller - Buy Online - Belfield Music
Free delivery between 11–23 Sept
Martin STEELSTRING: Backpacker Acoustic Guitar
Free delivery between 10–16 Sept
Martin Backpacker
Delivery between 14–16 Sept $256.56
Martin Backpacker Steel String Natural
Delivery $85.11
Martin Backpacker Natural
Delivery $177.44
C.f.martin The Backpacker Acoustic
Free delivery
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Martin Steel String Backpacker Travel Guitar with Bag
Free delivery between 16–22 Sept
originally posted on musiciansfriend.com
When I first saw these in the CF Martin catalog, I thought how weird looking they were. When I asked at a local shop about them, I was told they would order one for me, but I would not like it! But I liked classical, nylon string guitars and I wanted to own something from CF Martin. Other than this, Martin GTR does not make anything else like that, unless they invented something since I quit looking. I was very fortunate to discover Musicians Friend, and they at one time had these with a passive pickup. These were on sale at a very good price! I ordered one, it arrived in very good shape, in very good time. I fell absolutely totally in love with it, weird shape and all. You could tell it was a Martin, it reeked quality. It's small, the tone is great, but the volume ... MoreWhen I first saw these in the CF Martin catalog, I thought how weird looking they were. When I asked at a local shop about them, I was told they would order one for me, but I would not like it! But I liked classical, nylon string guitars and I wanted to own something from CF Martin. Other than this, Martin GTR does not make anything else like that, unless they invented something since I quit looking. I was very fortunate to discover Musicians Friend, and they at one time had these with a passive pickup. These were on sale at a very good price! I ordered one, it arrived in very good shape, in very good time. I fell absolutely totally in love with it, weird shape and all. You could tell it was a Martin, it reeked quality. It's small, the tone is great, but the volume is not huge. Use it for travel, camping, hanging on the wall for odd moments of practice. It's not a case queen, fussy little guitar, but protect it from too much heat and moisture, it is made with wood and glue. With a pickup you could probably blow away a concert hall with it. Look in the sound hole, it will say where it was made there, and tell you to always use extra-lite nylon strings. No truss rod was standard for ages with nylon string guitars, the Backpacker does not have one. Most guitars eventually need the action adjusted to suit the player, including ones costing 10 to 20 times as much as this one. Mine came with a very nice strap and a special gig bag, both very useful. If this appeals to you, don't hesitate to give it a try. I've had mine for years and still love it. Check on you-tube.
originally posted on guitarcenter.com
Couldn't sell it used fast enough! Doesn't play or sound like a guitar, and can't be played without the strap to hold ot due to its shape and size. that Martin label just increases the price to not making this worth it, and it doesn't sound like a Martin either. There are soooo many better and cheaper real travel guitars. Whenever I played it, I was asked what instrument it is for reasons stated above. Better as a conversation piece than to play.
originally posted on guitarcenter.com
I love this guitar... I keep it in my car and play it on my lunch break while walking around a park... Sometimes I even sit in my driver's seat and play it with the head stuck out the window. It's somewhat awkward position-wise (sitting in the driver's seat and playing) but if it's too hot outside I'll leave my AC running and play that way. I think this guitar is fantastic if you want something to practice on often or to play to try to figure out/learn a new lick or song.I also would take this along with me when ridding the metro into work. I would amble off from everyone else on the platform and play. When the train came, often I would sit in the very last seat on the very last car and I could actually get 30-40 minutes of playtime then + the platform time, and ... MoreI love this guitar... I keep it in my car and play it on my lunch break while walking around a park... Sometimes I even sit in my driver's seat and play it with the head stuck out the window. It's somewhat awkward position-wise (sitting in the driver's seat and playing) but if it's too hot outside I'll leave my AC running and play that way. I think this guitar is fantastic if you want something to practice on often or to play to try to figure out/learn a new lick or song.I also would take this along with me when ridding the metro into work. I would amble off from everyone else on the platform and play. When the train came, often I would sit in the very last seat on the very last car and I could actually get 30-40 minutes of playtime then + the platform time, and then double that on the way home. I would play on the bus and at the bus stop, and even as I walked to/from the metro station to my actual office building. That equaled 1-2 hours of practice time every day just during my commute. If crowded on the train/bus of course, I wouldn't play it, but most of the time I was able to....I will say the sound is smaller and similar to a cigar box guitar. You wouldn't really play a show with this but use it mainly for practicing. I will say it sounds kind of cool with any kind of twangy bottleneck slide kind of blues/country, again like a cigar box guitar.I say: get it, or buy it as a gift for someone who loves to play (my wife got it for me for my birthday and I love the thing). I have also taken this guitar on numerous flights, domestic and all the way to Paris. It was easily done. I just waited until everyone else had packed their luggage in the overhead compartment and then I laid mine on top of their bags and closed the hatch.
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Martin Backpacker Steel String Acoustic Guitar with Padded Gig Bag - Natural
Martin Steelstring: Backpacker Acoustic Guitar
Delivery between 15–23 Sept $55
Martin STEELSTRING: Backpacker Acoustic Guitar Traveller - Buy Online - Belfield Music
Free delivery between 11–23 Sept
Martin STEELSTRING: Backpacker Acoustic Guitar
Free delivery between 10–16 Sept
Martin Backpacker
Delivery between 14–16 Sept $256.56
When I first saw these in the CF Martin catalog, I thought how weird looking they were. When I asked at a local shop about them, I was told they would order one for me, but I would not like it! But I liked classical, nylon string guitars and I wanted to own something from CF Martin. Other than this, Martin GTR does not make anything else like that, unless they invented something since I quit looking. I was very fortunate to discover Musicians Friend, and they at one time had these with a passive pickup. These were on sale at a very good price! I ordered one, it arrived in very good shape, in very good time. I fell absolutely totally in love with it, weird shape and all. You could tell it was a Martin, it reeked quality. It's small, the tone is great, but the volume ... MoreWhen I first saw these in the CF Martin catalog, I thought how weird looking they were. When I asked at a local shop about them, I was told they would order one for me, but I would not like it! But I liked classical, nylon string guitars and I wanted to own something from CF Martin. Other than this, Martin GTR does not make anything else like that, unless they invented something since I quit looking. I was very fortunate to discover Musicians Friend, and they at one time had these with a passive pickup. These were on sale at a very good price! I ordered one, it arrived in very good shape, in very good time. I fell absolutely totally in love with it, weird shape and all. You could tell it was a Martin, it reeked quality. It's small, the tone is great, but the volume is not huge. Use it for travel, camping, hanging on the wall for odd moments of practice. It's not a case queen, fussy little guitar, but protect it from too much heat and moisture, it is made with wood and glue. With a pickup you could probably blow away a concert hall with it. Look in the sound hole, it will say where it was made there, and tell you to always use extra-lite nylon strings. No truss rod was standard for ages with nylon string guitars, the Backpacker does not have one. Most guitars eventually need the action adjusted to suit the player, including ones costing 10 to 20 times as much as this one. Mine came with a very nice strap and a special gig bag, both very useful. If this appeals to you, don't hesitate to give it a try. I've had mine for years and still love it. Check on you-tube.
Couldn't sell it used fast enough! Doesn't play or sound like a guitar, and can't be played without the strap to hold ot due to its shape and size. that Martin label just increases the price to not making this worth it, and it doesn't sound like a Martin either. There are soooo many better and cheaper real travel guitars. Whenever I played it, I was asked what instrument it is for reasons stated above. Better as a conversation piece than to play.
I love this guitar... I keep it in my car and play it on my lunch break while walking around a park... Sometimes I even sit in my driver's seat and play it with the head stuck out the window. It's somewhat awkward position-wise (sitting in the driver's seat and playing) but if it's too hot outside I'll leave my AC running and play that way. I think this guitar is fantastic if you want something to practice on often or to play to try to figure out/learn a new lick or song.I also would take this along with me when ridding the metro into work. I would amble off from everyone else on the platform and play. When the train came, often I would sit in the very last seat on the very last car and I could actually get 30-40 minutes of playtime then + the platform time, and ... MoreI love this guitar... I keep it in my car and play it on my lunch break while walking around a park... Sometimes I even sit in my driver's seat and play it with the head stuck out the window. It's somewhat awkward position-wise (sitting in the driver's seat and playing) but if it's too hot outside I'll leave my AC running and play that way. I think this guitar is fantastic if you want something to practice on often or to play to try to figure out/learn a new lick or song.I also would take this along with me when ridding the metro into work. I would amble off from everyone else on the platform and play. When the train came, often I would sit in the very last seat on the very last car and I could actually get 30-40 minutes of playtime then + the platform time, and then double that on the way home. I would play on the bus and at the bus stop, and even as I walked to/from the metro station to my actual office building. That equaled 1-2 hours of practice time every day just during my commute. If crowded on the train/bus of course, I wouldn't play it, but most of the time I was able to....I will say the sound is smaller and similar to a cigar box guitar. You wouldn't really play a show with this but use it mainly for practicing. I will say it sounds kind of cool with any kind of twangy bottleneck slide kind of blues/country, again like a cigar box guitar.I say: get it, or buy it as a gift for someone who loves to play (my wife got it for me for my birthday and I love the thing). I have also taken this guitar on numerous flights, domestic and all the way to Paris. It was easily done. I just waited until everyone else had packed their luggage in the overhead compartment and then I laid mine on top of their bags and closed the hatch.
I do some traveling and didnt want to travel with my full size guitar so I figured I'd give this a go. Super easy to travel with, fits nicely into the overhead of a plane, light weight, easy to carry. Overall its decent, look, its not a $1000+ professional guitar and you wont be on Stage with it, but for practice it is fine. Sounds decent and it allows me to travel and keep practicing
While this little guy does not really compare to my dreadnaught, few things do- but it is compact, fun to play and sounds surprisingly nice for how small the sound box is. Fit and finish are good, and it stays in tune. The only thing I'd change, personally, would just be to thin out the neck a little, but it's not like it's unplayable.
I laugh at the description on the gc web page: "Built to withstand the rigors of camping, hiking, and off-road traveling."This guitar was convenient and sounded decent for about 2 months, during which it was used for about 2-1/2 weeks on camping trips. I am very protective of my instruments, even when outdoors and traveling, but with relatively gentle use, the top has started to crack and come apart from the sides. I can only assume this is related to temperature and humidity changes in the mountains, but that should be no excuse for a guitar that calls itself "The Backpacker." What a joke.And when I asked gc to contact Martin about their warranty (since this guitar is just over 2 months out from purchase), I was told cracks are not covered. I'm going to be ... MoreI laugh at the description on the gc web page: "Built to withstand the rigors of camping, hiking, and off-road traveling."This guitar was convenient and sounded decent for about 2 months, during which it was used for about 2-1/2 weeks on camping trips. I am very protective of my instruments, even when outdoors and traveling, but with relatively gentle use, the top has started to crack and come apart from the sides. I can only assume this is related to temperature and humidity changes in the mountains, but that should be no excuse for a guitar that calls itself "The Backpacker." What a joke.And when I asked gc to contact Martin about their warranty (since this guitar is just over 2 months out from purchase), I was told cracks are not covered. I'm going to be calling Martin myself to complain, but it's very disappointing that they would put their name on a shoddy product and then fail to support it. Kind of turns me off from the whole company.Anyway, I give it two stars (really should be 1-1/2) in fairness because it sounded reasonably good for a little guitar (until it started falling apart). If you want a small guitar that you can keep in a climate-controlled vault and treat like a newborn baby, then maybe this is the instrument for you, but don't be fooled by the descriptions that say this thing is meant for outdoors use.
The guitar seems to be constructed pretty well. The feel of the fretboard is decent, it feels like a normal acoustic. The sound is pretty good for such a skinny body. My issues have been 1) does not seem to stay in tune very well. I'll play it one night and the next morning 2-3 strings are way off. I will try re-stringing it to see if this helps. 2) The thin, small body is tricky to hold and play. The weight is all in the neck. You really need the strap to make it work and you need to be standing or sitting upright. I really think it could lead to bad posture and bad habits playing it frequently. For the money, its fine for throwing it in the backseat just to have something on the road to keep your skills up. IMO, I would look at the mini Taylor or Little Martin ... MoreThe guitar seems to be constructed pretty well. The feel of the fretboard is decent, it feels like a normal acoustic. The sound is pretty good for such a skinny body. My issues have been 1) does not seem to stay in tune very well. I'll play it one night and the next morning 2-3 strings are way off. I will try re-stringing it to see if this helps. 2) The thin, small body is tricky to hold and play. The weight is all in the neck. You really need the strap to make it work and you need to be standing or sitting upright. I really think it could lead to bad posture and bad habits playing it frequently. For the money, its fine for throwing it in the backseat just to have something on the road to keep your skills up. IMO, I would look at the mini Taylor or Little Martin guitars. They are a little more expensive but feel a ton better and are more realistic to play. I was given this a gift but I would definitely recommend going to your local guitar shop and trying them out before you purchase. I plan to just give this one to my kids to let them play around on
I had the original version of the backpacker, bought in 2001. An amazing little thing that works almost perfectly. I used it for how it is intended: on camping trips, hiking trips, even a couple of river trips. The tone was adequate, intonation was better than my D-28, and it stayed in tune like my Telecaster. Yes, the balance is a bit weird, but you get used to it. I always used the strap (solves the neck dive 100%), and always, played it standing up. On camping trips and river trips, I would go 100 yards away from camp to play at dawn, while my friends were still in their tents. They loved the sound, even though my playing is mediocre. Eventually I gave the backpacker to my nephew, so he could have something to play on a grad school trip overseas. Now I miss that ... MoreI had the original version of the backpacker, bought in 2001. An amazing little thing that works almost perfectly. I used it for how it is intended: on camping trips, hiking trips, even a couple of river trips. The tone was adequate, intonation was better than my D-28, and it stayed in tune like my Telecaster. Yes, the balance is a bit weird, but you get used to it. I always used the strap (solves the neck dive 100%), and always, played it standing up. On camping trips and river trips, I would go 100 yards away from camp to play at dawn, while my friends were still in their tents. They loved the sound, even though my playing is mediocre. Eventually I gave the backpacker to my nephew, so he could have something to play on a grad school trip overseas. Now I miss that thing! I might buy a new one, except that I like the old style better.
I just received the guitar yesterday and I'm so excited to write this review.I'm small and can't really hold full-size guitar comfortably. So I switched to Martin LX1E (little Martin) after my first guitar. Little Martin is awesome and has a great sound, even better when plugged in.I traveled far from home these few months and didn't bring my guitar with me because of its size. At first I thought the ukulele I brought should be enough but I missed the guitar sound sooo much that's when I found this cute guitar. I read a lot of reviews and watched youtube videos before I decided to buy it.I also considered Washburn Rover tbh, but I preferred the shape of the backpacker unlike many others, and I love the Martin sound. It turns out that the sound of the backpacker ... MoreI just received the guitar yesterday and I'm so excited to write this review.I'm small and can't really hold full-size guitar comfortably. So I switched to Martin LX1E (little Martin) after my first guitar. Little Martin is awesome and has a great sound, even better when plugged in.I traveled far from home these few months and didn't bring my guitar with me because of its size. At first I thought the ukulele I brought should be enough but I missed the guitar sound sooo much that's when I found this cute guitar. I read a lot of reviews and watched youtube videos before I decided to buy it.I also considered Washburn Rover tbh, but I preferred the shape of the backpacker unlike many others, and I love the Martin sound. It turns out that the sound of the backpacker is very Martin! Also, I would say it's almost the same volume as my little Martin. The bass is not as clear but the overall balance is great especially when strumming. I can literally feel every inch of the body vibrate and the craft is very good.The shape never bothered me as I found playing with the strap and putting my elbow on the top very comfortable. I can still place my little finger at the bottom edge as support. The guitar comes with the gig bag and an attached strap.Great value!!!
I've wanted a travel guitar for a long time now, but the ones I've seen previously were like toys.This travel guitar looks and sounds gorgeous. I love the wood selection for these- the grain catches the light and makes the wood shimmer.I like it's unusual appearance, and it's sturdy despite being lightweight.I'm still learning to play, but this guitar's sound makes practice easy!
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Martin Backpacker Steel String Acoustic Guitar
Steel-string acoustic travel guitar with a unique Backpacker body shape that is lightweight, durable, easy to play (and tune) and shaped to fit into the smallest places. Back and sides are constructed of tonewoods and combined with a Sitka spruce top for a rich and balanced sound. Neck is made of select hardwood and fitted with a FSC Certified Richlite fingerboard with 15 frets and white plastic inlays at 5th and 12th frets. The neck features unique Backpacker shape and taper, while the headstock has a solid shape and script overlay logo. Scale length is 609.6 mm, nut width is 42.86 mm. Other features include white Corian string nut, an FSC Certified Richlite Backpacker Steel String bridge with compensated white tusq saddle and white plastic pins and chrome enclosed gear machine heads with small knobs. This model includes sustainable wood certified parts and comes with a soft gig bag. Natural colour design with hand rubbed finish.
Steel-string acoustic travel guitar with a unique Backpacker body shape that is lightweight, durable, easy to play (and tune) and shaped to fit into the smallest places. Back and sides are constructed of tonewoods and combined with a Sitka spruce top for a rich and balanced sound. Neck is made of select hardwood and fitted with a FSC Certified Richlite fingerboard with 15 frets and white plastic inlays at 5th and 12th frets. The neck features unique Backpacker shape and taper, while the headstock has a solid shape and script overlay logo. Scale length is 609.6 mm, nut width is 42.86 mm. Other features include white Corian string nut, an FSC Certified Richlite Backpacker Steel String bridge with compensated white tusq saddle and white plastic pins and chrome enclosed gear machine heads with small knobs. This model includes sustainable wood certified parts and comes with a soft gig bag. Natural colour design with hand rubbed finish.
Steel-string acoustic travel guitar with a unique Backpacker body shape that is lightweight, durable, easy to play (and tune) and shaped to fit into the smallest places. Back and sides are constructed of tonewoods and combined with a Sitka spruce top for a rich and balanced sound. Neck is made of select hardwood and fitted with a FSC Certified Richlite fingerboard with 15 frets and white plastic inlays at 5th and 12th frets. The neck features unique Backpacker shape and taper, while the headstock has a solid shape and script overlay logo. Scale length is 609.6 mm, nut width is 42.86 mm. Other features include white Corian string nut, an FSC Certified Richlite Backpacker Steel String bridge with compensated white tusq saddle and white plastic pins and chrome enclosed gear machine heads with small knobs. This model includes sustainable wood certified parts and comes with a soft gig bag. Natural colour design with hand rubbed finish.
Steel-string acoustic travel guitar with a unique Backpacker body shape that is lightweight, durable, easy to play (and tune) and shaped to fit into the smallest places. Back and sides are constructed of tonewoods and combined with a Sitka spruce top for a rich and balanced sound. Neck is made of select hardwood and fitted with a FSC Certified Richlite fingerboard with 15 frets and white plastic inlays at 5th and 12th frets. The neck features unique Backpacker shape and taper, while the headstock has a solid shape and script overlay logo. Scale length is 609.6 mm, nut width is 42.86 mm. Other features include white Corian string nut, an FSC Certified Richlite Backpacker Steel String bridge with compensated white tusq saddle and white plastic pins and chrome enclosed gear machine heads with small knobs. This model includes sustainable wood certified parts and comes with a soft gig bag. Natural colour design with hand rubbed finish.
in 9 offers
The lowest price for Martin Backpacker Steel String Acoustic Guitar right now is $415.30 at MusicStoreLive.com, compared across 9 retailers.
The all-time low was $147.01 on 1 Mar 2026 — today's price is 182% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 8 Sept 2026.
