Conference napalm::guitar

The ad in Kevin's Harps catalog (1-800-274-2776) for the Martin
Backpacker Acoustic Guitar advertises it as "the only guitar ever to be
in space (aboard the March 1994 Space Shuttle) or played at the summit of 
Mount Everest, as well as at the North Pole."

The ad is a reprint of a review by Tom Mulhern in Guitar Shop magazine.
He's quite enthusiastic about it, claiming it's much superior to 
mandolin-scale guitars and folding guitars.  this is due to longer
scale length and full-width necks.

I have one on order, and have played with one at a local guitar store.
Sold by Martin, made in Mexico under contract, I understand.

2 varieties, steel string or classical.
Scale length 24"
length: 33" (35" for classical)

From the review: "The Backpackers are personal guitars, intended for 
playing on the run, not on the stage (that's why Martin
makes all those other, larger guitars, right?).  The tone differs
more substantially than volume in these instruments:  The steel-string has a 
timbre that's reminiscent of a cross between a banjo and a guitar, while the
classical is notably warmer."

Available with a Thinline bridge-saddle transducer with endpin output
for amplification.

Kevin charges $179.50 with carry case,
$239.50 with pickup and carry case.

All come with straps, since you have to use the strap to play it.  It's
not shaped like a regular guitar; you can't rest it on your knee...

As a beginner to the guitar, I see this as valuable because I can continue
to practice while on business trips, vacations, and even in my car while
waiting for appointments.  Last time I went out of town on business I
took my Alvarez acoustic on the airplane.  That's when I decided to get 
a backpacker.

I have owned one of these for the last 2 years. They play extremely well.
The sound is rather thin, but better than you should expect from an
instrument this small.  The nylon zipper bag is durable and extremely
light, even with the guitar in it. I've had a lot of strange looks from
people that think I'm carrying a weapon in the bag. The bag does look a
lot like a gun bag. 

These are great for camping trips when you are in a quiet campground and
can't play loud music after hours. I believe they are well worth the 
~$200.00 price. 

Obviously, they have their limitations. They are not intended to play 
along with full-sized guitars. They would not be loud enough to be heard.  
The small size body takes some getting used to. You have to adopt a 
completely differant posture when playing as you don't have the same
sized top and bridge to rest your wrist against. 

All things considered, I would say to go for it!

Regards,  Mark

    I take it no one knows about the folding guitar then?
    

    The Martin Backpacker was the first guitar in space.  I think
    .0 is refering to the SoloEtte, though.  I wouldn't really call
    the SoloEtte a "folding guitar".  It is, however extremely compact.
    It consists of a headstock-less neck/body with tuners as part of
    the "body":
    
    
         Tuners
         o o o
    	|     |==============-------------------------+
    	|     |					      | Nut
        |     |==============-------------------------+
         o o o^
              |
              bridge
    
    The "body" (which is really just a plank extension of the
    neck) contains a transducer and headphone amplifier.  The
    SoloEtte comes with metal tubes that attach to it to allow
    it to be played sitting down:
    
         /----\       /---\Metal tube
        /      \-----/     \
        |                   |
        |o o o              |
    	|     |==============-------------------------+
    	|     |					      | Nut
        |     |==============-------------------------+
        |o o o              |
        |                   |Metal tube
        \      /-----\     /
         \----/       \---/
    
    
    Anyway, a U.S. astronaut took a SoloEtte up on a recent shuttle flight.
    
    The SoloEtte is endorsed by Sharon Isbin.  It comes in both classical
    and steel string models.  I believe the company producing it is called
    "Wright Guitar Technologies."  Anyway, you can find it advertised in
    Acoustic Guitar.
    
    Jim Allbery

I seem to recall reading somewhere about a guitar that
folds, but if I remember correctly, it was an electric.
I read this a long time ago, and I can't remember where.
Hopefully, this guitar does not use O-rings ;^)>

Mark

    
    There was a a folding electric guitar reviewed in a UK guitar mag
    recently (probably Total Guitar). I think the neck came off. You just
    clipped it together and played. No need to remove strings or even, in
    theory, tune up but I can't believe that. Seem to recall it got a
    favourable review. Other than that I have no further details.
    
    Richard

    There is one advertised in Acustic Guitar called SoloEtte.  Ad states
    that it is "solid, unbreakable, dissassembles quickly into a small carry
    case, full size body, full scale length.  Silent practice with
    headphones."
    
    Wright Guitar Technology  tel 503 343-0872
    
    FYI, the ad carries an endorsement from Sharon Isbin, who is a
    classical guitarist.  There are no other specs included.