Which "backpack guitar" is lightest?

[Nomaderwhat]

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]

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]

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]

the one you leave to home

[DAJA]

the one you leave to home

Wow, your fun!

[Wise Old Owl]

DON'T HAVE MUCH - but found this...check out the review.

http://www.amazon.com/Traveler-Ultra...outThisProduct

[Nomaderwhat]

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.

[Homer&Marje]

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 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

[boarstone]

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....

[David@whiteblaze]

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]

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.

[Nomaderwhat]

This one is way cheap, and only about 4lbs... hmm...

http://www.amazon.com/Montana-MTG1-T...xp_grid_pt_0_1

[Tinker]

This one is way cheap, and only about 4lbs... hmm...

http://www.amazon.com/Montana-MTG1-T...xp_grid_pt_0_1

Owned one. No truss rod. Neck warped and I gave it away.

[zelph]

How about this redneck guitar

"http://www.youtube.com/embed/I3HIZE7x76g"

[Tinker]

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)!

[Rocket Jones]

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]

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/p...in-?sku=512392
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/p...ar-?sku=508171

A folding guitar???? Who would have thought there could be such a thing: http://www.premierguitar.com/Magazin...ar_Review.aspx

What about taking a ukulele: 14.4 oz http://www.amazon.com/Lanikai-LU-21P.../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]

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.

[Bidwell]

I have a baby taylor... never taken it backpacking, but it weighs 3 pounds and has great action. Sounds good too.

[Nomaderwhat]

What is the price on that baby Taylor? The weight is certainly right.