View Full Version : Which "backpack guitar" is lightest?
Nomaderwhat
08-23-2009, 09:09
I'm looking to do a thru-hike this upcoming season, and really want to bring a 6string to keep me company. I have looked at many low weight mini-guitars, such as the martin backpacker, and the washburn rover, but I'd love the opinion of somebody who has done the trail with a guitar.
HeartWalker
08-23-2009, 10:11
I have looked at a lot and I think it is this one http://www.stringsmith.com/zencart/. You might find a lighter one that isn't a real guitar but as far as sound and quality this one fits the bill. I also am planning a thru in 2010. My ultimate would be this one http://www.blackbirdguitar.com/rider_steel.html but it is very pricey. Good luck and please share what you find.
Nomaderwhat
08-23-2009, 10:24
The specs on the blackbird guitar are amazing. Very light! I didn't see a price though, I'll take your word for it being too expensive. The vagabond is a beautiful design, and I'm sure it plays very nice. Although it is still about $400, and considering the abuse I plan on putting on whatever I take, and the fact that the trip in itself is so expensive, I'm still leaning towards the cheaper end models. I just gotta hope I can find something no more than 3lbs.
boarstone
08-23-2009, 10:31
the one you leave to home
Wise Old Owl
08-23-2009, 10:35
DON'T HAVE MUCH - but found this...check out the review.
http://www.amazon.com/Traveler-Ultra-Acoustic-Electric-Travel-Guitar/dp/B000OQI2CI#moreAboutThisProduct
Nomaderwhat
08-23-2009, 10:37
The one you leave to home? Did you mean at home? I think 2 or 3 lbs of space is well worth the enjoyment I will get out of making music along the way. Maybe I'm wrong, but I've heard over and over again, how happy people are they brought theirs.
Nomaderwhat
08-23-2009, 10:40
This one is way cheap, and only about 4lbs... hmm...
http://www.amazon.com/Montana-MTG1-Travel-Guitar/dp/B0009Q4DLW/ref=pd_sxp_grid_pt_0_1
Homer&Marje
08-23-2009, 10:41
Saw a thru hiker in southern MA with a folding backpackers guitar...she said it worked perfectly fine for a "trail guitar".
Usually people were asking her if it was a shotgun tucked in the side of the pack:D I honestly have no idea what kind of guitar it was, had a green waterproof case to it.
Don't let anyone tell you it can't be done:D
Rocket Jones
08-23-2009, 12:18
Does it have to be acoustic? There are some light "stick" type electrics and small matchbox style amps available. Probably a bit more robust too.
Snowleopard
08-23-2009, 14:14
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Martin-?sku=512392
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Traveler-Guitar-Traveler-Ultra-Light-Nylon-Acoustic-Guitar-?sku=508171
A folding guitar???? Who would have thought there could be such a thing: http://www.premierguitar.com/Magazine/Issue/2009/Jan/Voyage_Air_VAOM_1C_Folding_Acoustic_Guitar_Review. aspx
What about taking a ukulele: 14.4 oz http://www.amazon.com/Lanikai-LU-21P-Pinapple-Ukulele/dp/B0018TF0Q6
Or, there are uncommon old instruments that have banjo type bodies, i.e., a drum fabric type top; these might be lighter. I've seen mandolins built like this.
Of course, the lightest would be air guitar ! (Someone had to say it.)
HeartWalker
08-23-2009, 16:25
I tried a Montana. It sounded much better than a Martin backpacker but the action was very high. Pretty light, mine was around 2 1/2 lbs. If you van find a used Vagabond you can probably get one for around $300. Go guitars are also good.
I have a baby taylor... never taken it backpacking, but it weighs 3 pounds and has great action. Sounds good too.
Nomaderwhat
08-23-2009, 22:06
What is the price on that baby Taylor? The weight is certainly right.
the one you leave to home
Wow, your fun!:banana
mlkelley
08-23-2009, 22:47
A baby Taylor can be had on ebay for the mid to low 200's . I have a baby Taylor, and love it. I missed having it with me in '08, but I'm as yet undecided on it's place in/on my pack in '10.
Yeah - what mlkelley said. I got mine new, but looking back on it, I should have picked it up used.
If you look in the right places you can get it for $150-180. It's a great travel guitar... sounds and plays much better than the martin baby guitar in my opinion.
If you're going to go to the trouble to carry a backpacking guitar it may as well be one with nice tone, playablility, and durability. Here's a Youtube video of the one which I have my eyes on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWEYXbl3T3Q
I had one like the "Montana" above. The sound is fairly good but the neck is a log. I gave it away to someone who might be less of a guitar snob than I am.
The Cargo guitar is now available in an unfinished carbon graphite model which is $100.00 less than the finished ones.
RedneckRye
08-24-2009, 03:55
As I non-player, I'd suggest you get the guitar that sounds best.
I'd also suggest that you (or anyone) not use the trail as an opportunity to learn how to play.
I've had a night or 12 too many by a fire with a bad musician strumming a lousy guitar.
boarstone
08-24-2009, 18:46
The one you leave to home? Did you mean at home? I think 2 or 3 lbs of space is well worth the enjoyment I will get out of making music along the way. Maybe I'm wrong, but I've heard over and over again, how happy people are they brought theirs.
No! This is the way we say it here in Maine: to home,2 home or tah home....:D
Nomaderwhat
08-24-2009, 20:47
Redneckrye, if I run into you on the trail, I'll play horribly on purpose. They may have played lousy, but you're the one with the lousy attitude. I am more worried about becoming everybody's jukebox. I really just wanna bring one for writing, off on my own.
Redneckrye, if I run into you on the trail, I'll play horribly on purpose. They may have played lousy, but you're the one with the lousy attitude. I am more worried about becoming everybody's jukebox. I really just wanna bring one for writing, off on my own.
I guess an air guitar would be out of the question?
RedneckRye
08-24-2009, 23:14
Redneckrye, if I run into you on the trail, I'll play horribly on purpose. They may have played lousy, but you're the one with the lousy attitude. I am more worried about becoming everybody's jukebox. I really just wanna bring one for writing, off on my own.
Sorry to offend, just calling it like I see it. Or rather heard it.
Nah, lousy players piss me off too. This isn't a problem for me... I am awesome.
Redneckrye, if I run into you on the trail, I'll play horribly on purpose. They may have played lousy, but you're the one with the lousy attitude. I am more worried about becoming everybody's jukebox. I really just wanna bring one for writing, off on my own.
Actually, you're the one with the crap attitude. This may shock you, but some people go hiking in part because they enjoy the solitude and peacefulness of the wilderness. Having some Eric Clapton-wannabe stumbling around with Classical Gas whilst you are trying to sleep can, surprisingly, sometimes be annoying.
skinewmexico
08-26-2009, 11:09
Why does that scene from Animal House, with Belushi on the stairs, keep jumping into my mind?
flemdawg1
08-26-2009, 11:54
Why does that scene from Animal House, with Belushi on the stairs, keep jumping into my mind?
Probably because I linked it in the last guitars on the trail debate/discussion. :rolleyes:
brooklynkayak
08-26-2009, 14:42
Another thing to consider is the fragility of a guitar or any musical instrument. There are all kinds of stories of instruments getting trashed from one or more of the many falls that thru-hikers take.
A good hardshell case would add too much weight.
i remember on my section hike this summer as i was writing in my journal, hanging in my hammock right beside a creek w/ 2 other younger dudes doing a longer section. the one was playing a ukellyle and the other was improving a peaceful, mellow song. it was probably in the top 5 coolest things i've been a part of this summer
nativesun
08-27-2009, 21:22
I use the Martin Backpacker with a custom built case (the case that came with it was too heavy). Without the case, the guitar weighs 36 oz. The case that came with it weighs 18 oz. My home-built case weighs 8 oz. I got the instructions for building the case at http://joesacher.com/how-to/creating-a-dry-bag/
Regarding playing the guitar: you definitely need the strap because of the skinny body. Moreover, there's a "sweet spot" above the sound hole (toward the neck) that maximizes the tone/volume; you'll have to experiment with that. Lastly, I ended up paying a guitar tech to adjust/lower the nut and the bridge (plus file some frets) in order to maximize the playability.
YMMV
- NS
modiyooch
08-28-2009, 08:45
This may shock you, but some people go hiking in part because they enjoy the solitude and peacefulness of the wilderness. Having some Eric Clapton-wannabe stumbling around with Classical Gas whilst you are trying to sleep can, surprisingly, sometimes be annoying.
if one seek solitude and peacefulness, one doesn't camp at shelters.
David@whiteblaze
08-30-2009, 00:46
The one you leave to home? Did you mean at home? I think 2 or 3 lbs of space is well worth the enjoyment I will get out of making music along the way. Maybe I'm wrong, but I've heard over and over again, how happy people are they brought theirs.
Ever see the movie "TREK"? one of the guys said that he pretty much beat the "Virginia blues" w/ his guitar.
slowandlow
08-30-2009, 16:12
I have played guitar and other string instruments for over 20 years, semi-professionally for the last fifteen. I play every day at home, and most people feel that I am a very good player. That being said, I would never carry the weight of a full-sized guitar, and mini guitars universally sound like ****. When I get to camp from a long day of hiking, I am much more interested in food and sleep than guitar playing, and would assume that the rest of the people near me on the trail would feel the same way.
WILLIAM HAYES
08-30-2009, 22:46
leave it at home I personally dont want to someone bang on a guitar at the end of a long day
We all think we're awesome when we're new players, and don't care if others don't agree. I always ask first before taking the guitar out. Most younger folks are only vaguely aware of songs of my era. I'm usually safer playing classical stuff (or just stuff that sounds classical) - mellow stuff with no lyrics.
Yes, the airguitar is definitely the lightest! (and probably the one that people will hate you least for bringing)
Wise Old Owl
09-01-2009, 09:34
leave it at home I personally dont want to someone bang on a guitar at the end of a long day
I don't think it matters - so long as you don't look like this guy without a pack.:eek: Notice the Duct Tape!
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg275/MarkSwarbrick/HitchHiker2.jpg
David@whiteblaze
09-01-2009, 16:02
There's a shadow under that dudes foot
David@whiteblaze
09-01-2009, 16:03
Nvrmind it's a rock under the shadow
The Bro Code: Article #67
Should a Bro pick up a guitar at a party and commence playing, another Bro shall point out that he is a tool.
The AT is a party, btw.
nativesun
01-27-2011, 17:35
I'm looking to do a thru-hike this upcoming season, and really want to bring a 6string to keep me company. I have looked at many low weight mini-guitars, such as the martin backpacker, and the washburn rover, but I'd love the opinion of somebody who has done the trail with a guitar.
I've used the Martin for 10+ years and love it. It weighs 36 oz.
The case that came with it is 18 oz. (a bit too heavy for me). I created a water proof one that weighs 8 oz.
To get the best tone, play directly over the sound hole or even a bit higher.
I found the action to be a bit high, so I took mine to a guitar tech; now it plays great!
- NS
hikerboy57
01-27-2011, 18:42
I think air guitar is a very good answer. For one thing, it'll never break, although hard to keep in tune.But on another note, I've played guitar for over 40 years. I know I there will be times where I would miss it(on zeros), but I've also found when it comes to writing, the time I spend in the woods usually purges my musical encyclopedia playing in my mind, leaving me open to fresh ideas when I get back. And without music to listen to, when I do get into town, I find i appreciate music that I didnt think I would like before.
What is the price on that baby Taylor? The weight is certainly right.
I work at Woodwind & Brasswind - would like to extend 15% above cost to any and all hikers - I'm not on commission (I'm the Signage Girl :rolleyes:) but if anyone wants an instrument to hike with I'll be glad to get you one at a significant discount.
For the Baby Taylor you're looking at $228.85, free shipping, no tax if you're not in Indiana/Utah/Oregon/Missouri. They are indeed nice-sounding guitars - Taylor doesn't make many bad guitars and this certainly is, for the money, a great-sounding guitar with easy action.
Forgot the tempers that are displayed when instruments are mentioned -we all have to be mindful of where we come from and what our habits and quirks are.
For instance, my husband is a drummer. He taps out rhythms and beats constantly. On his knees, on his thighs, on bottles of maple syrup, on my head :p Doesn't matter - he is a musician down to his core, and a drummer by virtue of talent, and he goes absolutely stir-crazy if he cannot somehow, in some way, play the drums. If he's not around drums but a guitar is available, he will pick it up and strum on it. He is most comfortable and at ease when he has an instrument and I would never fault him for that. If his way of unwinding is playing an instrument, he will do it as discreetly as possible when around strangers.
Since I'm married to a musician and played/play a few instruments myself, I don't mind hearing others play, whether they're good or struggling to play "Mary Had A Little Lamb". I understand not everyone can block it out, but I would imagine that if it's unbearable you could ask them to play elsewhere.
A Strumstick is another alternative. It's not a guitar, but it has a nice sound. Lots of different sizes and you can get chromatic frets if the diatonic scale bothers you.
Tipi Walter
01-31-2011, 16:15
Actually, you're the one with the crap attitude. This may shock you, but some people go hiking in part because they enjoy the solitude and peacefulness of the wilderness. Having some Eric Clapton-wannabe stumbling around with Classical Gas whilst you are trying to sleep can, surprisingly, sometimes be annoying.
leave it at home I personally dont want to someone bang on a guitar at the end of a long day
Totally agree. What's the difference between blasting a boombox on the trail or live music with a guitar or trombone or tuba or clarinet or recorder or drums or soprano sax? NOTHING. It's all just human generated noise to me. Haven't we had a bellyful of jets and motorcycles and traffic and chainsaws and woodwind honkers and B-flat blowhards and 6 string gunslingers? Let's hear it for some peace and quiet in the woods. If you want music, listen to the wind or camp by a waterfall.
Tipi, that is one of the most close minded statements I have seen on this site in my short 3 month stay. Seriously man? :confused: Obviously you've never really appreciated musical instruments and their origins at all whatsoever. I'm all for being mindful of others by the way. I just can't believe you'd call it ALL "human generated noise." :rolleyes:
A guitar is pretty quiet, though. If someone plays quietly away from others and is considerate, you won't hear it. Also, my experience on the PCT was that people with instruments were usually part of a group. A group is already pretty noisy. The music actually was nice. It didn't really compare to tubas, boom-boxes or other disruptions.
Tipi Walter
01-31-2011, 17:08
Tipi, that is one of the most close minded statements I have seen on this site in my short 3 month stay. Seriously man? :confused: Obviously you've never really appreciated musical instruments and their origins at all whatsoever. I'm all for being mindful of others by the way. I just can't believe you'd call it ALL "human generated noise." :rolleyes:
You've never been a professional musician I guess. After you get your bellyfull of the concert hall and the frantic practice rooms, you may sing a different tune and want some peace and quiet outside the city and in the woods.
And BTW, here's an old shot of yourin's truly playing the clarinet with the USAF Band at Lyndon Johnson's Texas ranch in 1970---gasp:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b401C2NJk-Y/SXxsS36J-uI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/_msF00BJVMo/s400/usaf+band.jpg
Yea I'm not a fan of guitars or any instrument on the trail. But nothing is worse than someone playing a harmonica!
Especially at a shelter. Some people don't have a concept of time while others just want to eat, sleep, enjoy nature and not have to listen to someone play an instrument.
If playing a guitar is OK, is it OK for someone to bring an ipod w/ speakers and listen to Death Metal, rap or something you just don't like or care to hear at a shelter or site? Even if it's not loud.
Nothing against musicians, I'm one myself (bass guitar and drums a bit), but I don't bring my instruments on the trail.
TallShark
02-01-2011, 23:55
semi-decent guitar players are a dime a dozen... i think music is great when I want to listen to music. I say more power to you but ask all within listening distance if it is kosher. now if someone were to bust out two turntables and a microphone........ where its at
Just thought I'd pass on that I recently ordered one of these to be built for me for backpacking - http://www.go-guitars.com/index.html
Less than $300.00 for a hand-built travel guitar made in the USA. It's made of scraps not used by makers of full-sized guitars, hence the low cost. Not real pretty, but probably worth the money. I'll let you know when I get it in a week or so.
This one is way cheap, and only about 4lbs... hmm...
http://www.amazon.com/Montana-MTG1-Travel-Guitar/dp/B0009Q4DLW/ref=pd_sxp_grid_pt_0_1
Owned one. No truss rod. Neck warped and I gave it away.
How about this redneck guitar
"http://www.youtube.com/embed/I3HIZE7x76g"
I received my Go Guitars Go Grande with the mahogany back and sides, the sealed tuners and the clear pickguard a couple of days ago and have been enjoying it. The sound is a bit bigger and fuller than the Martin Backpacker and makes the Washburn Rover sound like a plastic kid's ukelele. The neck is very playable. It's a bit thicker (deeper) near the nut than I'm used to in a steel string guitar, but I play a classical and it's much more manageable than my good 'ol Yamaha. The fit and finish of the guitar is top notch, though there's nothing at all dressy about it other than the 1/16" laminate over the face of the headstock. It's some sort of deeply grained wood with a golden hue, quite nice! I got the padded gig bag with the guitar and it's very well made with a flannel-like lining and a stout toothed nylon zipper. The carry strap comes off of the bag and can be attached to the guitar - nice touch.
All in all it is a good purchase to someone who's looking for an affordable, playable travel guitar with a truss rod in the neck (and it's hand made right here in America)! :)
mweinstone
04-24-2011, 08:33
my brother allways owned fine guitars so i know how to respect them.but yesterday i damaged a dear friends guitar cutting the strings off with a cutters i clamped down the needel nose pliers on the edge of the sound hole makeing a chip . then i broke two of the 6 string pins on the bridge cause instead if pushing from below , i grabbed them with the pliers and twisted the tops off. so i put new strings on and bought new pins and apologized. my dear buddy lang had bought it on the street and kept it in a wet basement till it was allmost unservasable. i got it ringing like a bell and polished and hes happy but i never hurt an instrument before and i have shame. how is a teeny weeny chip repaired in a surface that the finnish is dry and super brittle?
mweinstone
04-24-2011, 08:39
guitars ive met and played with on the appalachian trail ( about 50) come in 2 variatys.
the ones that can be tunned and played, and the ones that cant. so many folks suffer instruments that are absolutly useless and untuneable due to weather and warp. but they plod on, strapped to their unmusic sticks. i hate a ussless guitar so much . its a tease. so whatever weird or cheap or special old homemade intrument you pack, keep it dry and warm and unwarped and tuneable and carry extra strings and practice with a cheaper instrument to hone your carry skills. this is all that matters, that a guitar can be enjoyed without continuos tunning.
ScrapIron
04-24-2011, 12:27
I usually take along a boom box and my favorite gangsta rap CDs. I find that nothing is more relaxing after a long days's hike than to listen to some old Ice Cube or Dr Dre on high volume. I have had shelter mates tell thank me for breaking up the monotony of the evenings while they sing along with the chorus of Rollin' In My '64.