Backpackers Guitar Views
Martin introduced the Backpacker in 1991, and as of early 2010 had built over 200,000 Backpackers -- they are now manufactured at Martin's Navojoa, Mexico plant. Here are Martin's official pages listing the specs for the Steel String Backpacker, Classical Backpacker, Backpacker Mandolin, and now-discontinued Backpacker Ukelele. You can take a look at Martin's official timeline page to see how the Backpacker fits into the history of Martin guitars. And check out Martin's PDF catalog page for the different backpacker models, featuring this story of The origin of the Martin Backpacker :
Backpacker-designer Bob McNally also designed its relative the Strumstick. The Strumstick site includes a Backpacker page where you can order Backpackers signed by McNally. Check out his comments on Backpacker design choices in a letter written to Acoustic Guitar Magazine. And here's a picture of Bob McNally with all the Backpacker models, that guitarist Chris Newman took during a Martin factory tour.
One adjustment that will take a bit of getting used to is the Backpackers design. Due to its streamlined body, the Backpacker doesnlrs"t rest comfortably on a playertrs"s knee. In addition, the guitardrs"s light-weight body makes for a top heavy instrument. But, if a musician wears the strap, adjusts it to fit properly, and learns to use his right arm as a counter balance, playing the backpacker can feel natural in no time.
Backpackers Guitar Images
