1990s Martin Backpacker Travel Guitar

Martin Backpackers are everywhere so there's not much to say about them -- they get the strum-n-fun job done with a super-bright, super-midsy voice. This one dates from the late '90s or early 2000s. It's in much better shape than average as it wasn't manhandled too much. Backpackers are built for extra light strings (46w-10) but often people string them with 54w-12 or heavier and that just destroys these little guys as they're lightly-braced.

I think they're best-used when strung as "Nashville" guitars with the EADG strings pitched an octave higher than usual -- it makes the best use of the chimey, door-harp sound they have. As something to throw on your back to go to the park, though, what's to argue with? It has a full-ish 24" short scale length, takes up no space, and sounds decent-enough to sing with.

This one has just a touch of relief in the neck (compared to the usually quite-warped necks) and I've set it up to play on-the-dot and quick.

Repairs included: setup, minor adjustments, restring.

Top wood: solid cedar

Back & sides wood: solid mahogany

Bracing type: tonebar

Bridge: rosewood-family

Fretboard: rosewood-family

Neck wood: mahogany

Action height at 12th fret: 3/32” bass 1/16” treble (fast, spot-on)
String gauges: 46w-10 extra lights

Neck shape: medium C

Board radius: flat

Neck relief: tiny hair of relief

Fret style: medium

Scale length: 24"

Nut width: 1 11/16"

Body width: 7"

Body depth: 2"

Weight: 1 lb 12 oz

Condition notes: it's in good shape with only very light playwear.

It comes with: its original gigbag and brown strap (not pictured, but in good order).