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Martin Backpacker (Steel-String)

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$299.00 to $374.52 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (18)

4 Reviews

Find out who is using Martin Backpacker

1 community setup

Featured in

8 Best Travel Guitars: Guitars on the Go 2026

4 wishlisted

47 saved

Page last updated Jul 07, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

4.5 (50)

$299.00

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4.0 (48)

$299.00

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4.6 (692)

$349.00

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4.0 (52)

$374.52 3 available New

$257.53 5 available Used

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4.0 (110)

$299.00

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5.0 (35)

$299.00

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4.4 (5)

$369.00

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£325.00

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Average Price: $318

Standard/Professional

$200

$601+

Price Tier

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

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Martin Backpacker (Steel-String)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

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Introducing the Martin Steel-String Backpacker Acoustic Guitar - the quintessential travel companion for musicians. This lightweight and compact guitar doesn't compromise on quality, delivering the rich, resonant tone that Martin guitars are globally renowned for. Weighing less than 2.5 lb, it's robustly built with solid sapele mahogany, perfect for those impromptu jam sessions wherever life takes you.

Its unique shape is not only eye-catching but also functional, designed to take up minimal space and fit comfortably in a backpack. Yet, don't be fooled by its size - the 15-fret full-size fretboard ensures seamless playability, making transitions between this and any other guitar effortless.

Constructed with solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, it provides articulate highs and mids, while adding warmth and depth for a balanced sound. Sporting rust-resistant chrome tuners, the Backpacker stays in tune and intonated even with changes in humidity and temperature.

Key Features:

Lightweight and compact for easy portability
Solid sapele mahogany construction for durability and rich tone
Full-size fretboard with 15 frets for comfortable playability
Solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides for a balanced sound
Chrome-enclosed tuners for reliable tuning stability
Comes with padded carrying bag for protection during travel

Product specs

String Type	Steel
Number of Strings	6
Left-/Right-handed	Right-handed
Body Shape	Backpacker, 15-fret
Back & Sides Wood	Sapele
Top Wood	Sapele
Top Finish	Matte
Body Bracing	Backpacker
Neck Wood	Select Hardwood
Neck Shape	Backpacker
Fingerboard Inlay	Dots (5th and 12th fret only)
Number of Frets	15
Scale Length	24"
Nut Width	1.6875''
Nut/Saddle Material	Corian/Micarta
Bridge Material	Select Hardwood
Tuning Machines	Chrome with Small Knobs
Strings	Authentic Acoustic 80/20 Bronze, .010-.047
Case/Gig Bag	Gig Bag

FAQs

Is the Martin Steel-String Backpacker Acoustic Guitar suitable for travel?: Yes, the Martin Backpacker is designed specifically for travel, featuring a compact and lightweight body that makes it easy to carry and fit into tight spaces.
What materials are used in the construction of the Martin Backpacker guitar?: The Martin Backpacker is constructed with solid tonewoods, including a sapele top, back, and sides, which contribute to its durability and resonant sound.
How many frets does the Martin Steel-String Backpacker Acoustic Guitar have?: The Martin Backpacker features 15 frets, allowing for a range of playability while maintaining its compact size.
Does the Martin Backpacker guitar include a gig bag?: Yes, the Martin Backpacker comes with a gig bag, providing protection and convenience for travel and storage.
What type of strings are used on the Martin Steel-String Backpacker Acoustic Guitar?: The guitar is equipped with Authentic Acoustic 80/20 Bronze strings, gauged .010-.047, which offer a bright and balanced tone.

Videos

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Reviews

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PROS

Durable and withstands rough handling during travel
Compact size, ideal for backpacking and travel
Unique cigar-box-like sound, especially with bass strings
Easy to transport, fits in tight spaces like airplane closets
Comfortable neck profile for both large and small hands
Excellent build quality, typical of Martin craftsmanship
Good playability with extra light strings
Can be used for fingerstyle picking for better tone
Comes with a padded gig bag and strap
Holds tune well even in changing weather conditions

CONS

High action can be uncomfortable for some players
Top-heavy design requires a strap for comfortable play
Limited volume and projection compared to full-sized guitars
Thin sound, especially when strummed with a pick
Some tuners may require extra effort to turn

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin Backpacker (Steel-String).

Build quality

1 0

The neck is reportedly uncomfortable, suggesting it may be better tuned open and played with a slide as a lap-guitar.
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0 0

The guitar features a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, enhancing durability and contributing to its bright tone.
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Use cases and applications

1 0

The Backpacker is considered more suitable for niche practice or travel rather than as a primary instrument.
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1 0

It's versatile for travel, easily fitting in overhead airplane bins and allowing for convenient play during long trips, like in a truck.
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0 0

It's noted that the Backpacker shines in a live folk or bluegrass performance context but lacks versatility for broader genres.
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0 0

The 15-fret design and 24-inch scale length are ideal for travel but may feel restrictive for advanced players used to full-sized guitars.
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User experience

1 0

Owners have noted difficulty in holding the guitar steady without using a strap.
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0 0

Owners often keep the guitar tuned to alternate tunings like CFCFCC for a unique baritone-like sound, which complements the guitar's natural tonal qualities.
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0 0

The guitar's neck-heavy design necessitates using the included strap for stability, especially during seated play.
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Other

1 0

The guitar produces a trebly sound, similar to a cross between a ukulele and a banjo, with little bottom end.
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Comparisons

0 0

Yamaha FG-700/800 series is frequently recommended as a superior beginner option due to better playability and price.
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Setup and maintenance

0 0

The guitar is highly resistant to humidity-related issues, even in high-humidity environments like Florida, with no warping or rust reported over the years.
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Features and functionality

0 0

The Backpacker tunes well and maintains tuning stability, performing better in this regard than some full-size electric guitars.
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0 0

A fixed bridge system and bronze strings are used, ensuring consistent sound and durability.
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