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Martin GBPC Backpacker Steel-String Travel Acoustic Guitar (With Gig Bag and Strap)

This GBPC-steel string guitar is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use and travel. Weighing less than 2.5 lbs., the model has a rich and loud tone and includes a padded black nylon carrying bag and a Martin woven strap. This model comes with a 1 year Limited Warranty. Learn More...

    • New $169.95
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Overall User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10

Individual User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10

Sound:
For the size and weight, this guitar is very easy to play and sounds quite nice as well. Although it doesn't project like a full body would, it does well for the size-it's actually perfect for just playing and singing because your vocals are never drowned out like brighter, more loud guitar. For anyone who wants to take a guitar everywhere-school, beach, skiing, parties-this is great if you don't want to carry your best guitar around. The neck is a little thick, but overall, plays well, has an almost pleasantly twangy yet crisp sound. I'm happy, it's a Martin

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
It has a nice travel case, though a hardshell would be a bit better. It needs a strap to play properly and it comes with one. Its made out of solid spruce and the workmanship is precisely what you would expect of a Martin, superb.

Quality:
Its very sturdy and, as mentioned above, very well made.

Value:
Its well worth the price. Other travel guitars are cheaper, but they are not Martin's either, with their excellent quality and sound.

Desirability:
I've been admiring these for years now. They are unique and they ooze craftmanship.

Sound:
This guitar is the best sounding travel guitar out there. Does it sound like my Martin D-16RGT Dreadnought? No, of course not, because it is a travel guitar. It has a nice sound though, especially when played gently and with nuance. It is perfect for hotel and dorm rooms precisely because it is not real loud, but loud enough.

Ease of Use:
The reason I like Martins is because they are easy to play. I had read reviews that this backpacker was tricky to play, but that has not been my experience. If you use the strap, it is quite easy to play.

Overall:
I'll keep it as long as it lasts, and I think that will be forever.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * . . . . 6 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10

Feature:
It comes with a guitar strap, a gig bag, what more do you want?

Quality:
The quality is what you would expect from a portable guitar. Not any more or less than my expectation.

Value:
It's price/value ratio is high. It's perfect as a portable guitar.

Desirability:
This isn't what you would marvel over, but it's very practical.

Sound:
Due to the small body, it lacks sustain or rich warmth. But considering the fact that this is a portable guitar, it's got a nice twangy zip to it which is kinda cool.

Ease of Use:
Very light but can not play without strap since it won't balance on your lap.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
I would like to see a bit sturdier of a case.....but again it is for travel

Quality:
All I expect.

Value:
If you're using this for its intended use...backpacking, you're not going to want a Baby Taylor (too big). It is perfect for strapping to a backpack and getting out into the woods with an instrument. It also works well for raft trips (inside a dry bag).

Desirability:
Based on the design it's great....very practical....I couldn't say on sex appeal though.

Sound:
It sounds like I would expect from a travel guitar.....really good for what it is

Ease of Use:
Again, considering what it is intended for, it's great. For those that are expecting the full sound of a standard guitar, don't get the backpacker. It's that simple.

Overall:
I saw some comments on the negative side on this rating...I would only say that those folks were probably expecting this guitar to sound like a standard guitar, which it doesn't, and based on the design couldn't. Again, for what it is, and with the expectations of using it for what it is intended for, it is great.

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Overall:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10
Features:
* * * . . . . . . . 3 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * . . . . . . 4 out of 10

Feature:
it gets out of tune REALLY easily

Quality:
nice wood great strings machine heads look nice

Value:
i wouldnt pay a buck over 75 for it

Desirability:
it looks great, from seeing it i automatically thought i want it from holding it for the first time i was like WOW just playing it.... i guess its ok

Sound:
I guess its ok for a travel guitar but and obvious difference from regular acoustics

Ease of Use:
im use to resting my arm on a regular acoustic and it doesnt have the tilt a regular acoustic has so it seems really straight even with the strap on making it awkward to play standing with a strap and sitting with or without one

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
The accessories were good for the price.

Quality:
It feels very sturdy in the hands, it doesn't feel like it would break easily.

Sound:
It sounds fantastic for its size as many people have said its not supposed to sound like a full size guitar!

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10

Quality:
It's a Martin, albeit made in Mexico.

Value:
It was worth the money.

Desirability:
I love the reactions from people! I get asked all sorts of questions!

Sound:
It is what it is... It's a travel guitar! It has a wonderful sound for such a small package.

Overall:
This one's a keeper! I like it for the portability. Is this my first choice for a guitar? No. It does what it's designed to do.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10

Feature:
Strap and case. Both are useful. I wouldn't mind a second set of strings with it.

Quality:
On the trail it will be subject to dry and wet conditions. My fear is the neck will warp and I'll have no way of straightening it. I am also a bit worried about the machines getting knocked around. Could some sort of bumper be created to protect the machines from unintentional abuse?

Value:
Great value.

Desirability:
Played it around a campfire with a friend. Let him jam with it. While I strummed a full size Mitchell. He was blown away by the range of the thing. Went home and bought one.

Sound:
On the trail, it sounds like a harp! As an accompanyment, the sound is very complimentary/contrasting.

Support:
Have not dealt with the company

Overall:
I am very satisfied. I would replace it in a heartbeat.

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Overall:
* . . . . . . . . . 1 out of 10
Features:
* * . . . . . . . . 2 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10
Value:
* . . . . . . . . . 1 out of 10
I Want It:
* . . . . . . . . . 1 out of 10
Sound:
* * * . . . . . . . 3 out of 10

Quality:
Seems to constructed fine.

Value:
I still can't believe they're successfully producing this guitar.

Sound:
Sounds thin, but one shouldn't expect a fat sound from a travel guitar.

Overall:
Pass on this guitar, get a Baby Taylor instead.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10

Feature:
YES. THE TRAVELING BAG IS QUITE CONVIENT.

Quality:
MADE VERY WELL

Value:
THE VALUE IS THERE

Sound:
FOR THE MONEY, EXCELLENT.

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Overall:
* . . . . . . . . . 1 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Value:
* . . . . . . . . . 1 out of 10
I Want It:
* . . . . . . . . . 1 out of 10
Sound:
* . . . . . . . . . 1 out of 10

Value:
WAY OVERPRICED!

Sound:
I could match the sound by attaching fishing line to a mitre box!

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * . . . . 6 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
A strap is a necessity.

Quality:
"Martin" what else can you say, even though it is made in Mexico!

Value:
For what it is, it is a good value

Desirability:
People want to know what kind of instrument it is, some think it is a mandolin

Sound:
Can get some interesting sounds, but you have to practice and experiment. Sometimes like a mandolin, sometimes like an autoharp and others like a dulcimer and of course a guitar.

Support:
"Martin"

Overall:
Will keep and use for what it is, a portable guitar somewhat disposable if something happens.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * . . . . 6 out of 10

Feature:
It comes complete with a decent gig bag and strap. It is a very small guitar that features excellent portability.

Quality:
Very decent craftsmanship. Made offshore and you can tell they are milled thru. But then, this is a travel guitar for which ultrafine craftsmanship is really not needed. There were no flaws in the ones that I have. In fact, the nylon string's B resonates nicely and gets the whole guitar buzzing, which is just like my Gibson Chet model which is truly a finely crafted instrument. So, for the money and for the application it is well built.

Value:
I think the guitar is a good value and does what it is supposed to do. My biggest issue is the instablity of the guitar. I have yet to try tying the strap to the nut as another review said. I have entertained making my own "body" like the Yamaha silent to add to stability. I have even tried going with the fully classical approach with the strap on which helps, but stability for play is my biggest complaint. Try before you buy. I have not found the stability of tuning to be that much of a problem (tho I heard about it).

Sound:
As many other reviewers noted, the physics of the guitar will not allow it to have a great and beautiful sound. I have both steel and nylon and both sound decent - good for what they are. Steel of coarse is louder, esp if you use picks.

Overall:
I am seeking alternatives. Seen some praise for the Go Guitar. And like I said above, considering making modifications to add to stability as the portability is excellent.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * . . . . 6 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10

Feature:
The Guitar came with a strap, a gig bag, and some picks. I am very happy with it so far, however, i wish it came with a pickup, but you can still get one for some extra money.

Quality:
It is a Martin & Co., what else must I say!

Value:
I found it cheaper on the internet!

Desirability:
Looks a little strange!

Sound:
The sound is almost perfect, and i have no complaints.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10

Feature:
The gig bag is perfict for this little guitar.

Quality:
Typically Martin. Construction is perfict. The finish could be nicer but, what can I say, it's still a Martin.

Value:
What can I say, it's still a Martin. It's a great value and worth every penny

Desirability:
Not much "sex appeal" (I'm not sure what this is, I've never had sex with a guitar before). It's kind of cute.

Sound:
The sound quality is super for such a small body. It's the greatest for camping and trekking. I'm a professional outdoor outfitter in Costa Rica and traveling around Central America with it is a blast. The unique appearence draws other guitarists like a magnet and you can get into some really great music momments. Sure, it doesn't sound like a D-18 but what do you want for

Overall:
I'll have this guitar for a long time. Of course I have another full size guitar to play with , but this is a fun guitar to play.