So, I was helping my sister move home from TX back to western PA and with all her stuff in her Chevy Cavalier, there was no room for a full size guitar.  Luckily, a good friend and music buddy graciously let me borrow his Martin Backpacker for the trip.   

The backpacker safely made the plane trip to Dallas and a car ride to Nashville.  We were able to walk around Nashville for an afternoon before we had to contintue onward toward PA.  Our green Cavalier was parked in a parking lot across the street from Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. When we decided to leave the city, my travel companion who got in the back seat took some things out of the car to rearrange for better comfort.  The backpacker was removed from the car during this time and was not put back in the car.  It went missing in this parking lot between the 300 and 500 blocks of Broadway Street in Nashville, TN near Gruhn’s Guitars and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge on the afternoon of August 7th, 2008. Perhaps someone is keeping it safe and warm somewhere?

 THE BACKPACKER is a 1992 model, produced before Martin made changes to the style. There is no Martin & Co. stamp on the top under the fretboard. There is noticable milage on the top between the sound hole and bridge.  It was inside a blueish bag with a skinny shoulder strap. It has huge sentimental value. My good friend trusted me with an instument of his and I would very much so like to get it back to him.  Buying another one just won’t do, I’m sure you understand.  So, if anyone out there reading this has seen this instrument or has any information as to its whereabouts PLEASE contact Jack McNally @ jjmst17@mail.rmu.edu  or call 724-561-9749.

P.S.     When traveling with non-musicians always remember to specifically remind them to seat belt the instrument in the car before putting the car in drive and leaving wherever it is you may be.