Solid Spruce top. 1-year warranty.
43 People rated this product : 8 out of 10
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3 People wrote reviews |
Read all Martin GCBC Backpacker Nylon-String Travel Acoustic Guitar (With Gig Bag and Strap) reviews... |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() 9 out of 10
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zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us. |
Feature:
Bag, Martin-logoed strap. The bag is great, it has a zippered compartment for accessories and includes a shoulder strap. There is a little extra material inside to protect the headstock.
Quality:
The Martin quality is all there, very meticulous fretwork and mine had no defects at all.
Value:
For the price this is an absolutely excellent! I play electric and steel-string acoustic and wanted to dive into Classical playing. This was perfect for me.
Desirability:
Everyone who has seen this Classical Backpacker is very interested in it.
Sound:
The Martin Steel-string Backpackers have a "tinny" sound due to the small body, but this Classical Backpacker sounds like a Lute. Definitely does NOT sound like a Ukelele! The sound is good enough for what this guitar is designed to be, which is a very portable classical guitar.
Ease of Use:
Okay, this is a portable guitar. Very solid, and as one might expect it is neck-heavy. Using the included strap is a must for any seated or standing position. Properly adjusted you can get a good Classical Guitar position when seated. The tuners work very well, they are smooth and I like that they are sealed. The 24" scale neck is excellent for serious practice--I have large hands so this is a critical point. It may take time to get the proper right-hand Classical position, but it can be done.
Support:
I have never deal with Martin, there was never a need to.
Overall:
For learning and practicing Classical this is a great first choice for me. The alternative was to wait and purchase a midrange standard Classical, so I saved a lot of money and time by getting this first. Now, I can pursue my Classical studies and when I'm ready I can invest in a really nice Classical!
Submitted: 8/16/2008
Style of Music: Varied
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8 of 8 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() 8 out of 10
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zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us. |
Feature:
Nicely padded case was included with a handy zipper pocket on the side. The included strap is somewhat uncomfortable (the nylon webbing is a bit rough) but it does the job of supporting the Backpacker properly.
Quality:
For all its quirkiness, I really like this guitar. However, I do wish the finish was a bit more...generous. It feels just a bit rough, but I'm used to a fully-finished body. The neck is also (relatively) unfinished but is already gaining a patina just from being played. The wood itself is quite nice and the mechanics work well. The tuning stabilized in just a few weeks.
Value:
It's a Martin!
Desirability:
It travels well, which is what it's designed for. I have an excellent, concert-quality guitar but do NOT wish to do casual travel with it. Now I can leave my baby and home, safe and sound.
Sound:
The classical-style Backpacker doesn't have the rich sound of a quality standard classical instrument. However, it does have a delightful, almost lute-like tone, which was a very pleasant surprise to me since I primarily play Renaissance music. You need good nails to evoke the tone, but it's quite rewarding and noticeable even with a multi-instrument group.
Ease of Use:
Once the strap was properly adjusted, I found this to be a very comfortable, easy to play instrument. It's most definitely not similar to a normal guitar, but I adjusted quickly. I'm also impressed that additional bridges may be purchased if custom adjustments are desired.
Support:
I had an inquiry shortly after my guitar arrived, and contacted Martin directly. I received a useful, informative reply by email the next day. Well done!
Overall:
I think the Backpacker is perfect for its designed purpose. It's fun to play, gets interesting reactions, and has a very pleasing, if unexpected, voice.
Submitted: 2/11/2009
Style of Music: Primarily classical, some folk & rock
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5 of 5 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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