Ever take a guitar backpacking? - Page 3

cu4life7 · #31 02-18-2016, 09:47 AM

I wouldn't take a guitar, but I would consider a seagull Merlin for that purpose. You also might want to look at the outdoor ukulele company, as this is their wheelhouse and they are out of bend, or so there is a local angle for you. I think weight would be your primary enemy. I might consider a goodtime banjo as well, though banjos are heavy...

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JimmyFinger · #32 02-18-2016, 10:14 AM

I backpack in the PNW a few times a year. I take my Go Guitar. It adds a little bit of weight, but I don't mind too terribly. I'll leave it behind if the forecast looks wet, but otherwise, I like having it with me on the trail.

I strap it to the back of my pack. It's developing some patina.

Rmz76 · #33 02-18-2016, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radio Hiker

I enjoy backpacking in the wilderness areas of Oregon and Washington. I try to get in a few multi-day trips each year (although last year was a dry spell for me). Lately I've been kicking around the idea of taking a guitar into the backcountry with me to play in the evenings before retiring.

So for any of you who are backpackers, have you ever taken a guitar with you? If so what kind (dread, OM, etc.)? Did you protect it with some sort of case/bag or just strap it caseless on your backpack?

Thanks for reading, looking forward to hearing your answers.

RH

I think Martin makes a disposable guitar for this purpose.

Glennwillow · #34 02-18-2016, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willie Voltaire

I actually took a Martin Backpacker backpacking once. It was honestly more trouble than it was worth, and it sounded terrible. I decided I can live without a guitar while trekking.

I had the same feeling about the Martin Backpacker. It just wasn't right for me.

I have done a fair amount of backpacking over the years because I live on the Olympic Peninsula just south of Olympic National Park. I have never taken any kind of music instrument with me. I found that as I hike in the quiet that pretty soon my head is full of music. I haven't found a way to record whatever it is that my brain comes up with, but it's some terrific stuff.

I have taken full-sized guitars on camping trips where there wasn't a great deal of walking and exertion involved. But for real backpacking, I am always thinking about how to reduce the weight I am carrying.

- Glenn

mkitman · #35 02-18-2016, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by picassov7

Car camping, absolutely (specially when we were camping for our mountain bike trips). True backpacking, probably not. I agree on a harp or possibly a uke.

Is it just me, or does the mental picture of someone dragging their butt up a mountain with a full sized 'harp' strapped to their backpack make you smile?

DesertTwang · #36 02-18-2016, 02:46 PM

I, too, used to think carrying my Martin Backpacker on an actual backpacking trip was too much trouble. Until I saw this, this morning...

https://vimeo.com/108123416

Glennwillow · #37 02-18-2016, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DesertTwang

I, too, used to think carrying my Martin Backpacker on an actual backpacking trip was too much trouble. Until I saw this, this morning...

https://vimeo.com/108123416

Wow, that is a big instrument to carry around in the wild. I admire the determination.

- Glenn

mdhttr · #38 02-19-2016, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DesertTwang

I, too, used to think carrying my Martin Backpacker on an actual backpacking trip was too much trouble. Until I saw this, this morning...

https://vimeo.com/108123416

Similar story a couple of years ago on Long's Peak in Colorado:

http://www.kunc.org/post/cello-conce...orado#stream/0

Teherie · #39 02-19-2016, 04:56 PM

I string my backpacker to Nashville tuning which sounds nice in the woods.

I never understand the negative comments. This was dirt cheap, portable and pretty durable. Nice way to unwind at the end of the day or when waiting out a rainstorm in a shelter.

I don't carry ice with me either but that doesn't keep me from drinking lukewarm water. Tastes pretty good after a long walk uphill

billder99 · #40 01-22-2020, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DenverSteve

...A true backpacking trip - never. Too demanding. A day-trip or "hike" with backpack then Yes. That's what my Voyage Air VAOM is for.

Hey Steve, old thread, new question... do you know the actual scale weight of your Voyage Air guitar? It sounds perfect for 2-4 day kayak/backpack camp trips.

I have been considering the Washburn Rover... 2#-1oz, 24" scale... decent instruments with a ladder-brace boxy tone... I'd prefer the VA if the weight is near 2#.

Ludere · #41 01-22-2020, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cypress Knee

Last year I was hiking the Appalachian Trail and came across a petite woman carrying a cello in a hardshell case strapped to her backpack.

CK

A cello on the AT? That's some serious dedication.

My son is also an Eagle Scout and while I was only an ASM, I pretty much did all the "legwork" right along with him ... as others have stated, the definition of hiking/backpacking varies widely.
In the scouting world, I would think a guitar would be too much sacrifice of space and weight for the return ... it would be cool to have by the fire though ...

...

hermithollow · #42 01-22-2020, 08:56 AM

When I was a young man back in the 70's I took a Giannini guitar on a 3 day hike on the A.T. (about 40 miles)
I built some HPL bodied instruments with WRC tops (pre- Martin) that I would take on backpacking trips with my kids' scout troop and to the beach. They were relatively light weight and durable and fairly weatherproof.
The Kids are grown and most of those instruments have also departed.
I build "travel guitars" where the neck stores inside the body, and now y'all have got me thinking I should build one out of HPL/WRC for "traveling" in the great outdoors.

hairpuller · #43 01-22-2020, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guest 728

I actually took a Martin Backpacker backpacking once. It was honestly more trouble than it was worth, and it sounded terrible. I decided I can live without a guitar while trekking.

Agreed! About the Martin Backpacker. It does do a great job in stoking the fire.

I always bring my laminate old Yamaha, but I'm in a trailer, not backpacking.
scott

ctvolfan · #44 01-22-2020, 09:51 AM

Hope I don't offend but the Martin Backpacker is horrible in every way possible! I know, I was given one once and got rid of it. I would have never actually spent money on it. I seriously would rather have a Zager or Esteban.

Joe Beamish · #45 01-22-2020, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctvolfan

Hope I don't offend but the Martin Backpacker is horrible in every way possible! I know, I was given one once and got rid of it. I would have never actually spent money on it. I seriously would rather have a Zager or Esteban.

Not for me. I often travel for business, a week at at time. I can throw my Backpacker in the overhead with no fear of it getting injured. It's a single piece of wood (true of Backpackers only during the first year of production.)

It has great intonation, a pleasing little treble voice (no bass though), has the same scale length as my LG-2, and lets me practice guitar and write songs while away from home without adding the slightest hassle to travel.

Sounds pretty dang good, finger style. I've used it on a couple recordings.