Travel guitars - I know, I know

My opinions and even some accidental facts:

1. The backpacker design has changed -- it might have been to address neck issues you mention, I'm not positive. I've had one of the original version steel stringers for over 5 years and -- lemme check -- right, no cracks or other issues. And I've never given it any special attention; it is a travel guitar, after all. If there are indeed neck issues, you may want to find out if they are with the old or new design. On the old design, the neck graduates smoothly into the body. The newer version has "shoulders."

2. IIRC, Martin recommends the use of light strings. Mine doesn't have a truss rod -- I wouldn't use anything but light.

3. Don't buy this unless you play it and like it. Personally, I'd rather have a Taylor Baby or even the Washburn travel guitar. However, as my backpacker was a very thoughful gift, I'm keeping it ... (sigh). However, in the interest of full disclosure, I should mention that others love their backpackers.

4. Should you wish to, it is pretty easy to add an underbridge piezo pup to the backpacker. For mine, I didn't bother using an endpin jack, but installed a very discrete, creme Les Paul jack plate on the rim -- much easier and looks good.

Again, play before you buy -- both the Martin and the competition.

-Greg

You'll definately want to play the backpacker before you buy it. It's a bit awkward to play at first due to the shape of the body. I think you pretty much have to use the strap when you play it...at least that's the only way I feel comfortable using mine.
I think I bought mine about 2 years ago and have yet to experience any problems with it.
I put some Martin Silk and Steel lights on there, and all things considered it makes some fairly nice sounds.
Like gnease said, play as many different travel guitars as you can get your paws on. I'm sure that you'll find one that fits your needs.

There's a company here in SD called "Go" guitars. I've heard people say good stuff about them. Website is http://www.go-guitars.com I've never played one, but the reviews have been favorable.

Check out the Washburn Rover before you buy a Martin Backpacker. Nick recomended it when I brought up the travel guitar issue a long time ago. It fit what I was looking for a little better than the Martin Backpacker.

I have a Martin Backpacker, that I actually take backpacking. Recently, it went on a 5-day 30 mile wilderness trip, and emerged unscathed.

When you get it, first take all the strings off and sand 1/8" off the bottom of the saddle. Then put light guage silk-n-steels on it. Then play.

Thanks for the replies. I have what feels like the most cluttered, rushed life in the world. Learning to play music really helps me to return to the real world. I am hoping to really take off in my guitar playing, by having one around all the time, to play, every time I get the urge.

Married, 3 kids, 2 dogs, 48 rabbits (they're the wife's) and about 20 chickens, not to mention the wife's horse. Add on top of that, a job that seems to suck about 50-60 hours a week, and often times more like 70. It just seems like there is always about 40 reasons NOT to take the time to learn to play better. Oh, and I forgot, 1 ex-wife also, aacck!!!

I want one that is small enough to play in the passenger seat of my Jeep Cherokee while the wife is driving.

The Washburn looks to be about the same size as the Martin, and the case looks WAY WAY nicer, with padding and storage and such.

I have played the Martin at the guitar store a couple of times. It feels like a Martin. I've never picked up a Martin that had a really great action. It seems that Martin expects guitarists to increase their skill, and hand strength to meet their instrument, rather than adjusting their instrument down to you. I would assume the action could be lowered without much hassle.(per the comment about sanding the bridge)

Does anyone have any experience with the Ovation Trekker?

I was playing around with the Baby Taylor at the local music shop. That might be worth checking out. Still, seems like it might be a little crampled playing in the passenger seat of the car.

For an "off the wall" suggestion, you might check out a baritone ukulele. It's only got the top four (highest pitched) of the six strings -- tuned DGBE. Also the strings are nylon. But for portability, it can't be beat. Check out the Lanikai models. One main problem though, most music shops don't carry ukes.

Apple Creek
http://www.music123.com/AppleCreek-Apple-Creek-Travel-i120990.music

Having played a Martin I can say it's a fantastic travel guitar - assuming that you're going in one direction and it's going in another.

Ovations are hard enough to keep upright, but the Martin is a downright masochist's instrument.

I'm considering a travel type guitar, too. Going on a trip for a little over a week, and I don't want to go that long without playing. I could probably get away with taking my accoustic but it would be nice to have something easier to deal with. Also, I could stash a small guitar at work and play there. Hoping to try some out this weekend since I'll be near a store that actually carries some, so I'll let you know the outcome...

I think the Rover is cool. The Backpacker has it's place, but it really doesn't sound "guitar-like". It's great for Nashville tuning, or for practice, but I don't think I'd play it in front of people.

Fender also makes a travel guitar, TG-??

The Backpacker has it's place, but it really doesn't sound "guitar-like". It's great for Nashville tuning, or for practice, but I don't think I'd play it in front of people.

Oddly enough, I've seen Ani Difranco use a Backpacker in a live performance.

My conclusion: The Backpacker, though well made, is just too much travel and not enough guitar. I wish it would take heavier strings, then it might serve lapsteel duty -- it already is passable for bottleneck (if only I was).

WELL, the wife surprised me with a Backpacker today. :D

I can't say it made me unhappy. LOL.