Better Guitar

player opinions

Name: Jeff
Band: -----
Model Year: 1999
Price Paid: -----
Performance
I tried one out and I would rather play a cigar box with rubber bands strung over it. Pick up a Breedlove Passport if you want a travel guitar. They only cost $100 more are they’re actually guitars.
Performance Rating: 2
Sound Quality
Awful.
Sound Quality Rating: 2
Construction
Okay.
Construction Rating: 6

Name: Carlos N Velez
Band: band
Model Year: 2007
Price Paid: $000
Performance
I think it is important to consider what the guitar is designed to do. It is NOT designed to replace your 000 or D-15. The Backpacker was designed more for portability and convenience. With this caveat in mind, I believe the Backpaker performs exceedingly well. It does feel top-heavy, so it takes a while to develop a comfortable playing position. Once this is accomplished, the guitar sounds great. Importantly, the guitar fits in airplane overhead compartments (although I would recommend placing it beneath the seat in front of you, if possible.)
Performance Rating: 8
Sound Quality
The Backpacker requires Extra Light strings. Thus, the sound is a bit thin. Otherwise, the sound is surprisingly good, much louder that one would anticipate from merely looking at the Backpacker. I have yet to experience “buzzing” or any other distortions with the Backpacker.
Sound Quality Rating: 8
Construction
The bulk of the guitar is a single piece of wood with the soundhole carved out of it. Thus, the guitar feels quite solid. It received quite a jolt in the overhead compartment of a DC-9 with no ill effects. The finish is smooth and solid. The accompanying gig bag leaves room for chord books, etc. Perfect as a carry-on in an airplane. Besides, its a Martin!
Construction Rating: 10