Martin Backpacker Unboxing & Review: Can It Compete with a Full-Size Martin & Guild?
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In this video, I’m unboxing the iconic Martin Backpacker and putting it to the ultimate test against two of my favorite full-sized guitars: the modern Martin SC-28e and my vintage 1981 Guild D17M.
Specs of both Martin Guitars
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Backpacker Steel String
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Top Material :Solid Spruce
Back & Sides Material : Solid Sapele (sometimes listed as solid genuine mahogany or tonewoods, which are consistent with this era's production)
Construction : Unique to Backpacker
Bracing Pattern : Backpacker unique (non-scalloped spruce braces)
Finish Top : Hand-rubbed Urethane/Matte Natural
Finish Back & Sides : Hand-rubbed Urethane/Matte
Total Length : Approx. 33 inches
Weight : Approx. 2.5 lbs
Neck & Fingerboard
Neck Material : Select Hardwood
Neck Shape : Unique contour/Backpacker shape with taper
Neck Finish : Hand-rubbed oil/urethane
Fingerboard Material : Select Hardwood or Richlite (Richlite was introduced around this time and is an FSC-certified material)
Scale Length : 24 inches
Number of Frets : 15 total
Nut Width : 1 11/16" (1.6875")
Fingerboard Inlay : White plastic dots (one at the 5th fret, two at the 12th)
Hardware & Strings
Bridge Material : Select Hardwood or Richlite
Bridge Style : Unique to Backpacker
Nut Material : White Corian
Saddle Material : Compensated White Tusq (or Micarta)
Tuning Machines : Chrome with small knobs (enclosed gear)
Strings : Martin Extra Light 80/20 Bronze (.010-.047 gauge)
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Martin SC-28E
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Body Size : S-13 Fret Cutaway
Top : Solid Spruce with Aging Toner finish
Back & Sides : Solid East Indian Rosewood with Gloss finish
Construction : Sure Align® Linear Dovetail Neck Joint
Bracing : Tone Tension X-Brace (Scalloped X with Scalloped Tone Bars)
Binding : Antique White
Pickguard : Tortoise Pattern
Neck & Fingerboard
Neck Material : Select Hardwood (Dark Mahogany color)
Neck Shape : Low Profile Velocity
Neck Taper : High-Performance Taper
Finish Neck : Satin
Scale Length : 25.4"
Frets: 20 Total
Fingerboard Material : Ebony
Fingerboard Width at Nut : 1 3/4"
Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret : 2 1/8"
Fingerboard Inlay: Style 28 (Mother of Pearl)
Saddle : Compensated Bone, 16" Radius
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We’ll start with a high-speed unboxing of the Backpacker, followed by a detailed look at the fret length and playability differences. Most importantly, I’m doing a side-by-side tone comparison using 8 bars of strumming and 8 bars of fingerpicking on all three guitars so you can hear exactly how this "travel" tone stacks up against the real deal.
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 High-Speed Unboxing: Martin Backpacker
0:45 The Specs: Fret Length & Portability Comparison
2:15 Tone Test: Martin Backpacker - Strumming & Picking
3:30 Tone Test: Martin SC-28e Strumming & Picking
4:45 Tone Test: 1981 Guild D17M Strumming & Picking
6:00 Final Thoughts: Is it worth it for travel?
GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO:
Guitars: Martin Backpacker, Martin SC-28e, Guild D17M
Interface: Apollo Twin
Microphone: Warm Audio WA-87 R2
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