Which "backpack guitar" is lightest?

**Nomaderwhat** · 08-23-2009, 08:09

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, 09:11

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, 09:24

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, 09:31

the one you leave to home

**Wise Old Owl** · 08-23-2009, 09:35

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

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

**Nomaderwhat** · 08-23-2009, 09:37

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, 09:40

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

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

**Homer&Marje** · 08-23-2009, 09:41

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

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

**Rocket Jones** · 08-23-2009, 11:18

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, 13:14

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** · 08-23-2009, 15:25

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.

**Bidwell** · 08-23-2009, 19:01

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, 21:06

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

**DAJA** · 08-23-2009, 21:32

Originally Posted by boarstone

the one you leave to home

Wow, your fun!

**mlkelley** · 08-23-2009, 21:47

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.

**Bidwell** · 08-24-2009, 00:09

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.

**Tinker** · 08-24-2009, 00:18

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, 02:55

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, 17:46

Originally Posted by 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.

No! This is the way we say it here in Maine: to home,2 home or tah home....

**Nomaderwhat** · 08-24-2009, 19:47

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.

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