Martin Backpacker Classical

$275.20 Price Tier: Standard

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Page last updated Jun 23, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 23, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (6)

$275.20 2 available Used

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Average Price: $275

Standard/Professional

$100

$601+

Price Tier

In the Classical & Nylon-String Guitars category, Martin Backpacker Classical is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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Embark on your musical journey with the Martin Backpacker Classical guitar, a distinctive choice for musicians who seek portability without sacrificing sound quality. Designed for the adventurous spirit, this guitar is a compact and lightweight solution, perfect for travel and outdoor playing. Its unique body shape makes it a conversation starter, while still providing the rich, warm tones expected from a classical nylon-string guitar. Crafted with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, this instrument delivers exceptional resonance and sustain. The Martin Backpacker Classical is not just an instrument; it's your travel companion.

Whether you're strumming by the campfire or practicing in your living room, this guitar's patented neck design ensures comfortable playability, allowing for smooth transitions and precise finger placement. The select hardwood neck and Richlite fingerboard offer durability and a familiar feel for seasoned players. It's a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced guitarists looking for a portable option without compromising on quality.

Ideal for those with a nomadic lifestyle, the Martin Backpacker Classical includes a padded gig bag for easy transport, ensuring your guitar remains protected on your travels.

Key Features:

Compact, lightweight travel guitar
Solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides
Patented neck design for comfortable playability
Select hardwood neck and Richlite fingerboard
Includes padded gig bag for protection and portability
Perfect for travel, outdoor playing, and practice sessions

Product specs

Brand	Martin
Model	Backpacker Classical
Year	1994 - 2019
Made In	Mexico
Categories	Acoustic Travel Guitars
Active Preamp	No
Back Material	Rosewood
Body Shape	Travel
Color Family	Natural
Finish Style	Satin
Fretboard Material	Composite
Model Family	Martin Backpacker
Neck Material	Mahogany
Number of Frets	15
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup	None
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Sides Material	Rosewood
String Type	Nylon
Top Material	Spruce

FAQs

Is the Martin Backpacker Classical suitable for travel?: Yes, the Martin Backpacker Classical is designed specifically as a travel guitar with its compact body shape, making it easy to carry and ideal for on-the-go musicians.
What kind of sound can I expect from the Martin Backpacker Classical?: The Martin Backpacker Classical produces a bright and clear tone, characteristic of its spruce top and rosewood back and sides, although its smaller body may result in less projection compared to full-sized classical guitars.
Does the Martin Backpacker Classical have a pickup for amplification?: No, the Martin Backpacker Classical does not come with a built-in pickup, so it is best suited for acoustic play without amplification.
How many frets does the Martin Backpacker Classical have?: The Martin Backpacker Classical has 15 frets, which is typical for travel guitars, allowing for a range of playability while maintaining a compact size.
What materials are used in the construction of the Martin Backpacker Classical?: The Martin Backpacker Classical features a spruce top, rosewood back and sides, a mahogany neck, and a composite fretboard, combining durability with quality sound characteristics.

Videos

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The Spanish Guitar Hub

Martin classic backpacker travel guitar review (nylon string)

The Spanish Guitar Hub

Martin Classic Backpacker

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Reviews

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PROS

Compact design ideal for travel and practice on the road
Unique shape encourages breaking out of musical ruts
High-quality appearance, often blemish-free
Keeps calluses in shape with classical strings

CONS

Can be difficult to balance while playing
Not suitable if expecting traditional guitar experience

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin Backpacker Classical.

User experience

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Some owners find the neck uncomfortable for extended play, suggesting it's better suited for open tuning and slide guitar techniques.
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Owners note a distinct smell from the combination of spruce and mahogany, which some find appealing.
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The Backpacker's design is criticized for requiring a strap to play standing up, which may not suit all users or situations.
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The Martin Backpacker Classical produces a sound akin to a uke-banjo mix, noted for its treble-heavy tone due to its unique size and shape.
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Comparisons

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The Baby Taylor and Little Martin are recommended as better travel guitar alternatives due to better build and sound.
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The Cordoba Mini II is praised for its playability and size, offering an alternative to the Backpacker for those interested in nylon strings.
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Features and functionality

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The guitar tends to fall outward when played due to its weight distribution, requiring constant repositioning.
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The guitar's unusual shape necessitates the use of a strap for balanced playing, addressing its awkward handling when used without one.
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Setup and maintenance

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The absence of a truss rod means the high action can't be adjusted, making complex chords challenging.
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Owners find the Martin Backpacker tunes exceptionally well, better than some full-size electrics, and remains stable even with extreme tunings like CFCFCC.
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Build quality

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The neck is heavier than expected, causing balance issues due to the minimal body size.
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Despite being a budget option, the Martin Backpacker holds up against Florida's high humidity without warping or damage, indicating robust construction.
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Use cases and applications

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It can function as a baritone uke when strung with four strings, expanding its versatility beyond typical use.
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One user crafted a unique playing technique exclusively for the Backpacker, indicating its shape can inspire unconventional playing styles.
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The guitar's portability allows it to fit into plane overhead bins, making it ideal for travel, including canoe camping and playing at airports.
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Value and pricing

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A Backpacker purchased for $60 is considered a deal, suggesting it can be a low-risk option for experimental uses or resale.
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For a low-cost guitar, the Martin Backpacker is surprisingly durable, frequently used by owners in casual, outdoor settings without fear of damage.
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