Backpacker Style Elec. Modification.

[sketchanderase]

My step brother has a cheap guitar lying around, and I have been given permission to do what I please with it. I'm thinking about making it similar to a Martin backpacker acoustic, only electric. Does anyone know, or know where I can find the dimensions or rough dimension of it?

[vtcyclist]

Google is your friend. http://www.martinguitar.com/index.ph...kpacker-guitar

[sketchanderase]

That doesn't tell me the size of the body though. I would like to know the width at atleast the top, bottom, and middle. Calling all backpacker owners!

[SixShooter]

This is my opinion of course, but I don't find the Martin backpack very attractive. I think you could come up with a better design yourself.

[sketchanderase]

I could, but I'm thinking simplicity, I like the concept of the backpacker, and it would definitely be a bang around guitar. That's what I'm thinking. Have it thrown in my car with a little amp for on the go purposes. it would be easy to do. I'm not sure of what else I could do with it, it has annoyingly fake contours so I can't really convert it to a more standard shape. (possibly...I'll think about it) but what else would be smaller than a regular body? Point me in any directions?

[mgdesigns]

Just for the record - Martin Backpacker is scale length of 24", and has 15 frets. So you could easily copy a photo and scale per Guitarnut's tutorial on how to make a template. I have a Backpacker (since 1995) and it's ok for travel, but you have to use a strap. I often thought of making it hinged at the 12th fret so I could tote it on fully loaded bicycle trips. The Backpacker has a good sound for such a small body, but it's a novelty for sure.

Back a few years ago, some young guy designed and built a very unique travel guitar the came apart to be very compact. It was so good, everyone told him to patent it before someone else did.

[SixShooter]

Originally Posted by sketchanderase

I'm not sure of what else I could do with it, it has annoyingly fake contours so I can't really convert it to a more standard shape. (possibly...I'll think about it) but what else would be smaller than a regular body? Point me in any directions?

Take a look at this Chiquita travel guitar:



As you can see with this approach the possibilities are endless. Take the Tele or strat shape and downsize it so it's just big enough to contain the bridge and controls. The only caveat here is that you may not be able to sit and rest this on your knee. Need to use a strap. Oh, and with any of these designs, the guitar will be neck heavy. Might want to do a mockup body with your actual neck to get a sense of the balance.

[Jack Wells]

The Chiquita travel guitar. How do they get so much ugly in such a small package?

......

[jipp]

mini tele with a pignose amp would be perfect for the case.
chris.

[jipp]

by the way on ebay they have cheap nock off of the back packer you could buy one of them to beat around. i bet it sounds about the same.
chris.

[Manolete]

Originally Posted by Jack Wells

The Chiquita travel guitar. How do they get so much ugly in such a small package?

......

I would rock that!

[sjohnbruton]

Originally Posted by mgdesigns

The Backpacker has a good sound for such a small body, but it's a novelty for sure.

+1

I've had mine since 1993 - I wonder if that makes it vintage??

I love it because of what it is: a cheap, portable guitar that sounds good enough to play, and I don't ever worry about knocking it around. It has proven to be remarkably sturdy. And this from a guy that leaves it leaning in the corner with three young kids running around the house. I play it all the time.

The main draw back is that wedge shaped body. Sure it's compact, but it is a booger to play sometimes. You almost have to be standing. There is no body to grip while seated. It wants to slide away from you and it can be a fight to hold on to it.

I suggest you play a backpacker (at your local music store) before you cut up an otherwise functional guitar.

[jipp]

i have a bad leg so i have to practice sitting down. so i would have to make some kind of clip on leg curve thing i guess. my guess the strap is critical either way.
i did not realize they have been making the back packer for so many years. man im getting old and new to this guitar stuff. better late than never i guessl.
chris.

[coolpool]

What about something like this?
link
Modify the body to accomodate the pups but retain the wire shape so you can play it sitting down....

[mgdesigns]

Originally Posted by coolpool

What about something like this?
link
Modify the body to accomodate the pups but retain the wire shape so you can play it sitting down....

Someone on this forum built one of those a year ago, and it turned out pretty well. I'd love to have a Lapstick Guitar instead. That sucker is cool.

http://www.lapstick.com/travel-guitar.php

[coolpool]

That is super cool!

[sketchanderase]

Still deciding, but regardless, I took the guitar apart and polished up some stuff. You'd be amazed what 20 minutes of steel wool can to do make frets shine!

[Steveinthesticks]

Anyone know where to get the bridge used on the Lapstick?

[blindsagacity]

^ I would guess they have them custom made for them.
And if so, they probably wouldn't sell you one.
But there are other headless bridges to be had out there.

[sketchanderase]

Yep, having done some research, custom bridges, but you could find a headless bridge elsewhere.