has anyone carried one of these on the trail?..can you give me your input on the sound and ease of which it was to have on the AT?Plus…does anyone have a used one they would like to sell or donate to a good cause???
bigbird
Backpacker guitar
system
#3
Martin makes a light “backpacker” guit that many carry. They sound great, but don’t project so well. Sounds like a little radio. Perfect for hiking. costs about $150. Maybe less on ebay.
THA WOOKIE
system
#4
Last year there was a young buck carrying a backpacker guitar.
For playing only 3 years he was quite good. One afternoon in
Maryland he played while I ate lunch. We met again at the
IronMasters.
Sorry I don’t remember his name. Maybe it’s in my journal.
It was definitely some good ‘magic’.
Scamp
Scamp
system
#5
If you are a guitar player, these backpacker guitars (yes, even Martin’s) will probably sound pretty bad to you. But maybe not so bad to others, as one note mentions. Think of a cross bt a tinny old radio and a banjo. It’s mainly that the small body is not much of an amplifier. And the note is right, it really doesn’t project. Nevertheless, I have thought of carrying one: to be out of practice for so long seems a mistake, plus as guitar players, it is a primary part of our identity, and makes introductions easier. BUT I had another thought too: what if I used the trip to learn another instrument? I was thinking about the harmonica or the Irish tin whistle. Preliminary work with them makes me think that they could turn out to be good projects, particularly if you take the tape of a master, and I could come back playing blues harp and guitar. Still, four or more months without my guitar . . . makes me think for some it makes sense. I’m just grateful I don’t play piano.
Aeschylus
system
#6
One more thought: you really don’t have to buy a backpacker guitar. If you check around, I’ve found about one in three people have an old guitar, and if you check with them and maybe the want ads or ebay you can find a three quarters model (sometimes called a ladies guitar by some old timers) or a half size (children’s) that doesn’t sound too bad for under 100. The weight is pretty close to the backpackers, the sound is better, and if it falls apart on the way, c’est la vie. If you do take one, I also recommend taking some tablature by Duck Baker and learning some sweet complex stuff that will keep you busy and blow some minds.
Aeschylus
system
#7
was the young man’s name in MD/PA last year.
No, an acoustic guitar is not amplified, but it did sound pretty good.
Will other hikers appreciate your ‘learning process’, if you
take up a new instrument on the trail?
Will you have enough time to put into a new instrument?
I know I hiked all day long, most days. But I’m a slow hiker.
Scamp
Scamp
system
#8
I think bagpipes would be great new instrument to play on the trail. Everyone would love the sounds of ole blessed Scotland. Besides, it weighs less than my hurdy-gurdy.
THA WOOKIE
system
#10
It’s a great instrument to bring. Virtually indestructible and better than harmonicas which can get clogged with dirt. I’m bringing mine (leaving around 5/1) but then again, since I play it in an Irish band, I’ve gotta keep up my practicing.
David