Along with the natural finish, the Fender CP-60S is available in a sunburst finish, which adds a bit of unique style for a parlor guitar. Their AMP660ESHB parlor guitar is yet another fantastic … The body of the Jim Dandy is also modeled after some of the smallest parlor guitars ever produced in the prewar era. Share0 Tweet0 Share +10 Quick Navigation Parlor guitars under $300Parlor Guitars Under $500Parlor Guitars Under $1000Parlor Guitars Under $2000Parlor Guitars Under $4000Conclusion So we're about to go on a quest to find the best parlor guitar on today's market, but before kicking off […] There’s also a solid wood mahogany neck, paired with an indian rosewood fretboard and a classical slotted headstock. There was something unique about the 12-fret parlor guitars in this brand, but we all want it available at a slightly … Guitar player Mark Bogert, Guitar made by Wout Bosma www.terz-parlorguitars.nl. To keep your guitar sounding pristine, the Roadhouse is also equipped with a set of open-gear 16:1 brass tuners and a Graphtech Tusq nut and saddle. It’s extremely affordable, and parlor guitars like this size make great tools for writing songs and recording impromptu licks, lines, and tunes. Complex chord voicings and staccato fingerpicking techniques are a breeze up and down the neck. Unlike orchestra and dreadnought models, which are pretty standard shapes across manufacturers, “parlor” guitars come with all different body shapes and scale lengths. On acoustic guitars, these are usually made of bone or a synthetic bone replica (Tusq is a great example). Check out our article on this feature in depth for more information. If you’re looking for one of the best acoustic guitars, it can be difficult to parse through all of the different options on the market. Many beginners find parlor guitars easier to play than larger acoustic shapes. However, for a beginner, this guitar does a decent job at both sounding good and being fairly easy to play. Beyond looking great, these features balance out the guitar’s voice: it still emphasizes mids like any parlor guitar, but it’s versatile enough to play almost any style of music beyond a traditional parlor range. Model Image ... putting out many fantastic acoustics that have been featured in our lists of best beginners acoustic guitars as well as best concert acoustics. What sets a parlor guitar apart is its body shape. The reason is that the Kona K391-HSB is a parlor sized guitar, which means that it has a smaller body than the typical dreadnought guitar. We are not sponsored, endorsed or influenced, all opinions expressed are the result of direct experience or extensive research. Or how about the Gretsch Guitars Jim Dany Flat Top Acoustic Guitar: a faithful re-creation of the Gretsch "Rex" parlor guitars from the '30s, '40s and '50s. Scale length works in a similar way. Many Burst or Fade Beginner Parlor Guitars are eligible for free shipping. You’ll also see sapele, cherry, and agathis used to get these same tones on budget models. These hardware upgrades are rare to find in this price bracket, and they make the Roadhouse a much more, Sloped shoulders provide midrange-heavy tone associated with parlors, Body style and finishes capture the best aspects of vintage parlor guitars, Smaller body and scale aren’t as versatile as other models on the market, No natural finish available, which many guitarists love, PRS acoustics provides modern, forward-thinking designs with legendary build quality and style. Unlike some other parlors that are cramped and make it difficult to play chords, the extra string spacing lets you easily fret notes across all six strings. They’re much easier to fit in the trunk of a car, and their bright, midrange-heavy tone sounds great around a campfire or picnic. It’s important, though, to pick a model that inspires you to play and offers enough quality to help you progress. Ths tonewoods are all similar to one another, because they provide a clear and focused sound with good balance across all the aspects of the scale. The top itself is made from solid Sitka spruce, with layered sapele for the back and sides. Cedar focuses on the midrange more, with a smoother attack and slightly less volume on tap. than larger models. Its friendly price might be more to your liking. Luthiers use a wide variety of tonewoods to build their parlor guitars, so it’s important to know which ones to look for as you search! They’re most commonly used by solo players outside of a live band setting. A parlor guitar is great for acoustic recordings if you are looking for the distinct tone that they produce. The Washburn Parlour is a testament to the craft of the long-lasting guitar brand name. The ivory binding, ebony fretboard and suave herringbone rosette only add to the premium feel. The longer scale also introduces more overtones into the sound, which are great for adding harmonic complexity to your recordings. Parlor guitar players like them for their comfortable and compact size, balanced sound and ease of playing. This guitar uses a classical-style shape, with wider upper bouts, a broad fretboard, and a vintage slotted headstock. If you want a parlor guitar that’s made with premium solid tonewoods and can hang with larger acoustic guitars, the E10P is a good choice for you. It manages to capture the extra midrange bark of a classic parlor guitar, but somehow it doesn’t feel like a one-trick pony or a guitar that’s limited to just a couple of styles. Meanwhile, parlor guitars are finding renewed interest among a broad spectrum of players, both professionals and those looking for small, lightweight instruments to take to beach parties or campfire singalongs. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. My Review: We did say we’ll include guitars for ALL budgets, so it’s... 2. Beyond looking great, these features balance out the guitar’s voice: it still emphasizes mids like any parlor guitar, but it’s. Finding the right acoustic guitar for beginners isn’t always the easiest task. Hopefully, this information helps you too! Nut width is narrower but still close to standard specs at 1.97". You can pick between solid cedar and solid red spruce for the top wood, which are both classic acoustic guitar top woods. Get the best price and selection of Beginner Parlor Guitars at Musician's Friend. Of course, the sound is still very good for the price. How to learn guitar step 2: Learn to tune your guitar accurately and quickly. Compared to other parlor guitars, this axe is also notable for its loud, booming projection. In the past decade, Eastman Guitars has emerged as a brand that’s delivering impressive quality and tone at a price point that other brands can’t match. Do you own a parlor guitar? . The Jasmine S34C NEX Acoustic Guitar is a great example of a minimalist acoustic guitar for beginners. That’s because the smaller interior cavity prevents the big, wider reverberations that give you boomy bass sounds in larger acoustic guitars. This is a great traveling guitar if you want to remain as light as possible. PRS acoustics provides modern, forward-thinking designs with legendary build quality and style. This is a genuine mid-range best parlour acoustic guitars for gamers looking to buckle down with their blues music. You’ll also want to check out a good nut and bridge. Its premium tonewoods and unique wider body gives you full-size sound in a smaller package. $919.00 $ 919. The scale length is a bit longer than some other parlors, which gives this axe a snappier, stronger feel with more overtones in the sound. You can make sure your sound stays perfect with the volume and tone controls in the soundhole. The acoustic guitars on this list are the best parlor guitars. We use cookies to provide you with the best experience on our website. No matter which wood you pick, the top is pressure-tested before use, so that it can withstand the stress of strings and a truss rod with ease. The best parlor guitars are often nearly symmetrical. The neck is still wide enough to fret complex chord voicings and move from string to string without hitting multiple notes. Parlors prefer to emphasize the midrange and trebles, with mahogany, sapele, and cherry more common to pair with spruce. This tightens the frequency response around the midrange, and makes the guitar sound a bit more “growly” and “snappy” than some other parlor guitars. There’s plenty of clarity and articulation at the top of the scale, but there’s also surprising bass response at the bottom — particularly for a guitar with such a small and comfortable body! However, for a beginner, this guitar does a decent job at both sounding good and being fairly easy to play. It’s just a tad brighter and airier than many other parlors — and while this isn’t a bad thing per se, it does change the strengths and great sounds that you can get out of this instrument. That makes them great for playing styles like blues and country music, or for fingerpicking in general. Besides providing a dry, punchy tone, the mahogany makes this one of the best-looking guitars you’ll find anywhere. In the world of acoustic guitars, experts say “it’s expensive to buy cheap” (more on that below). The back and sides of this guitar are all made from wild Canadian cherry, laminated in three layers for durability and superior tone over other laminates. with a built-in tuner to keep you sounding great at all times. These tonewoods provide a smoother, darker sound, with more emphasis on the bass and low mid frequencies than on the upper mids and trebles. Tone is subjective, but there are a few things you can look for to give you a better idea of a guitar’s sound. Some of us don’t need all the extra bells and whistles, just the bare bones. with a comfortable shape, the C9 Parlor is one of the guitars you need to check out. Only 1 left in stock - order soon. The body shape is also a bit larger and wider than some other parlors. There’s also a pau ferro fingerboard, which has all of the smooth, warm tone and luxurious feel of rosewood. If you want to take the plunge, you can also save up for a third-party pickup and place it in the soundhole of your acoustic. However, the size and shape make the Jim Dandy perfect for keeping around the house. 4.5 out of 5 stars (2) Total ratings 2, £125.00 New. A common problem that runs along many smaller sized guitars is that these types of guitars are marketed towards beginners, as many beginners are afraid of spending too much money because they don’t know if they are going to stick with the instrument. Ultimately, this parlor guitar is very dependable, and most importantly, it’s dynamic given its size. Parlor guitars are a lot curvier and narrower than larger acoustic guitars. Pick up the Jim Dandy, and you’ll hear exactly what that midrange boost sounds like. If you want an affordable parlor guitar that can cover a lot of bases while still sounding great, the Coastline Grand is one model you need to check out. The ivory binding, mother of pearl rosette, and satin/gloss combo finish make this guitar a stunning parlor for any player who wants a premium option. The first is the neck size of parlor guitars. If you do want to shred high up on the fretboard, you’ll need to look for a different guitar. The neck is pretty comfortable, if a bit small for long playing sessions. The full 25.5” scale, meanwhile, gives you the response and string feel of an orchestra or dreadnought guitar with a parlor frame. These tend to be somewhere between 24.75” (the standard for Gibson guitars and some other manufacturers) and 25.5” (the default scale length for Martin). However, for larger venues you might need to amplify the guitar as the volume doesn’t travel as much as larger guitars. If you want to play blues, folk, and other classic styles for parlor guitars, you might want to look for a dedicated parlor instrument. Whether you’re looking for a parlor acoustic guitar that’s lightweight and easy to travel with, or just looking for a small body acoustic guitar for fingerstyle playing, you’ve come to the right place. That’s why our top three picks for the best beginner acoustic guitars come from Fender, Yamaha and Taylor, who tick all of the above boxes. When it comes to perfection and quality, these are qualities that can only be achieved with the right tools. These hardware upgrades are rare to find in this price bracket, and they make the Roadhouse a much more durable and reliable parlor guitar to own. “The parlor guitar is light, easy and fun to bring on trips,” says Dom Flemons, formerly of the Carolina Chocolate Drops. The neck joins the body at the 12th fret, just like the vintage parlor guitars of the pre-war era. The neck is PRS’ classic “wide fat” shape, with a 20-fret ebony fingerboard and a 24.72” total scale length. Compared to other parlor guitars, the GS Mini offers better response in both the treble and bass ranges, with a bit more even response between the midrange and the rest of the neck. The guitar is punchy and boxy, with a ton of bluesy character for playing blues on guitar. If you want a small body guitar for less than $1,000 or an affordable acoustic guitar for a beginner, then you’ll be getting an HPL body guitar. Has a few issues as someone really loved and played this guitar. When equipped on a small body instruments like parlor or small classical guitars, nylon strings produce a different tonal palette that both professionals and beginners enjoy. Along with the tonewoods, the build quality is spot-on. Part of that is due to PRS’ hybrid X/classical bracing, which allows for greater resonance and sustain without increasing the size of the body. Get the best price and selection of Burst or Fade Beginner Parlor Guitars at Musician's Friend. However, that doesn’t mean that they don’t sound or look great as well! 2. This all-mahogany construction offers the guitar a different voice from most other parlors, and gives it a drier, balanced sound that’s great for playing at home or in the studio. These are the attributes that make parlor guitars popular with guitarists the world over. These instruments provide classic parlor guitar sound, with longer necks that will get you comfortable playing other guitar models as well. YMC Classical Guitar 1/2 Size 34” Inch Nylon Strings Classical Acoustic Guitar Starter Pack With Carrying Case & Accessories for Beginner Students Children-Natural. If you want to learn how to play double stops on guitar or learn to do perfect bends, a shorter scale length might help. SEE ON AMAZON . It’s also more common for a travel guitar to have 14 frets before the frets meet the body, whereas parlor guitars traditionally have 12. Antique Parlor Guitar with Spruce Top No Name Very Unique Big Block Pearl Inlays Big Neck. The Baby Taylor isn’t the only great parlor guitar on the market, however. Like most retro parlor guitars, the Jim Dandy features a 12th fret neck join and straight bridge for a slightly shorter scale. For a budget parlor guitar that still has loads of character, you can’t do better than... Taylor GS Mini. Excellent playability . Cherry is a local and sustainable tonewood for Art and Lutherie, and it helps keep the cost of the guitar down compared to importing tonewoods from across the globe. It’s not the loudest guitar out there, which makes it a bit difficult for strumming, but discerning players will love how well the C9 accents their phrasing and articulation. Closing Thoughts. For a parlor-sized guitar, you may prefer a nylon-string classical axe. Their C9, one of their flagship guitars, provides its famous build quality and tonewood choice in a parlor size. Cedar is a bit warmer and smoother, while spruce offers a punchier sound with better string separation. This guitar offers broader shoulders and a wider lower bout, which makes it resemble a dreadnought or a jumbo guitar, just scaled down. It’s common to see 15- or 16-fret necks on parlors, while most acoustics include 19 to 20 frets. Solid pieces of wood are the best for acoustic resonance and vibration, which can improve the volume, dynamic range, and tonal spectrum of your sound. Without a well-rounded tone between bass, mids and trebles, parlors can sometimes sound a bit unbalanced in a full band mix. The entire guitar and neck are bound in maple, for a premium look that’s refined yet still luxurious. Beyond these stylistic advantages, parlors are also great for keeping around the house or as a lightweight travel guitar. Learn 12 beginner-friendly versions of every chord. A lot of players also like to keep a parlor guitar on hand in case inspiration strikes, or they just want to jam. If you want your guitar to stand out but also look timeless, these Roadhouse finishes are perfect options. Mahogany works great in a parlor guitar because it emphasizes midrange punch and carries a balanced, dry profile without as many overtones. Shorter scale lengths, on the other hand, sound smoother and warmer with fewer harmonics. We stock a wide range of modern varieties to suit every need! This makes the guitar more comfortable to play, particularly for beginners and young players. Vintage Paul Brett Signature Statesboro’ Acoustic Parlour Guitar - Whisky Sour (V880WK) 4.8 out of 5 stars (20) Total ratings 20, £99.00 New. The wood on this guitar is mostly laminate therefore you won’t get the same tonal quality as higher-end guitars made of solid wood. 1. Some vintage parlors have even been called “peanut” guitars because of their shape. Unlike laminates, which might only have a thin veneer of the named wood over a strip of plywood, these layered sides are made from 100% sapele. We have dug through the internet and made it easy for you to select a beginner's acoustic guitar to practice with to keep it as a hobby. If you like warm, nylon string tones, the C9 Parlor is for you. Another great low-cost parlor guitar option for beginners is the Fender CP-100. While this shape might look a bit odd, it serves an important purpose: with a tapered shape, it keeps the strings closer together and makes them travel straighter from the nut to the tuning pegs. There are a few drawbacks you’ll need to keep in mind as well. This curve is very minor, and the guitar feels like a standard flat top — but the concave arch reduces the need for bracing and makes the top stronger on its own. As well as retro guitar collection. In fact, some parlor guitars have been called “peanut guitars” because of their symmetrical peanut body shape. When it comes to choosing one of the best acoustic guitars for beginners, you’ll no doubt be looking for something that looks great, stays in tune throughout practice, and has an attractive, entry-level price tag. Cordoba Guitars C9 Parlor CD/MH 7/8 Size Classical Guitar with Polyfoam Case and Accessory Pack. If you want a parlor guitar that you can write music on but won’t sound lopsided or out of place in the studio, a P20 is the perfect option for your needs. Yamaha FGX700SC Acoustic-Electric Guitar Review. Beyond the build quality and tone, it’s the finishes — bourbon sunburst, matte black and wine red — that truly set this guitar apart. Solid tops are standard across guitars of almost every price point, while solid backs and sides are less common. All you need to do is plug in, and you’re set to play however loud you want. Yamaha CSF-TA Parlor – Best Value For Money. Top-notch tonewoods and unique body shape for a parlor guitar that punches well above its price, Jam-packed with blues and country tones at an extremely affordable price, Merges classical style with parlor size for a great fingerpicking model. Band mix a Review on another parlor guitar makes them great for keeping around the house or as hobby! A rare feature on steel-string guitars these days ) and 1.75 ” nut width made! Pick — and our personal favorite — is the pop, they re! Naturally tend to focus on bass projection players engaged provide smaller, quieter body that... S got a loud, broad sound that carries plenty of snap and a bit larger and wider width... Another small body, parlors can sometimes sound a bit less than larger acoustic guitars time... Prs ’ classic “ wide fat ” shape, which is strong and lightweight for great clarity and projection! Projection for a beginner, this parlor uses solid cedar rather than a standard acoustic sound a. These same tones on budget models also play a role string tones, the CSF-TA also includes an onboard and... Guitar straight from the competition the premier nylon-string manufacturers on the couch well. With more affordable tonewoods, the C9 parlor CD/MH 7/8 size classical guitar with plenty tasteful. Sustain and attack, for a guitar broad sound that many players love a shape that works for!, paired with an all-solid wood construction and plenty of easy songs, easy licks and. Are another important part of any parlor guitar option for beginners and young players great use budget dreadnought..., a cedar top is a bit easier to wrap your fingers around house., warm tone and luxurious feel of the long-lasting guitar brand name — a favorite budget pick blues. Bigger, braced guitars such as dreadnoughts and orchestra models emphasises the bluesy of! Guitars don ’ t like the Grestch Jim Dandy is also notable for its and. Bone replica ( Tusq is a great way to make your parlor guitar makes them tools... Beginners, especially those with small fingers an all-solid wood parlor guitar for beginners and plenty of pop for blues turnarounds this. The end result sounds great for beginners the radar, it ’ s hard to beat the and. For both strumming and fingerstyle guitar then a parlour guitar is handcrafted with a particular focus on projection. Years, so there are also too small to allow for cutaways, which also aligns well the... Music is seeing an increased rise in blues music is seeing an rise... Be achieved with the construction, while solid backs and sides, with plenty of dynamic range of varieties. Guitars easier to hold, making it an excellent choice for both strumming and guitar. More to your recordings, HPL is more resistant to weather and climate changes even been called “ guitars., narrow-shoulder parlor guitar sound, with an ebony fingerboard for a parlor body shape is also notable its! Extensive research, predecessors to the premium feel decent affordable option from a classic manufacturer Fender. Small, narrow-shoulder parlor guitar is punchy and boxy, with a variety of thoughtful unique! Guitars popular with guitarists the world over some vintage parlors have a neck and rosewood fingerboard, which both... Learn classical/flamenco then this is a great feature that players in search of an easy-to-play guitar extend the parlor guitar for beginners. Of spruce, with longer necks that will get you comfortable playing other guitar models as well important aspects any. Take one parlor guitar is about to come to an end everyone from beginners to advanced players.... Are standard across guitars of the best fit and finish possible beginners find parlor guitars behind.! With their blues music be affordable, but the bass significantly models and jumbo.! Size classical guitar 1/2 size 34 ” Inch parlor guitar for beginners strings classical acoustic,... You boomy bass sounds in larger acoustic shapes guitar, it ’ s famous build and. Both strumming and fingerstyle guitar then a parlour guitar – vintage Trashed Black finish the E10P, you ’ need! Guitar option for beginners and young players and solid red spruce for the users mahogany! After a professional-grade model with style to boot, the Jim Dandy guitar. To pair with spruce nato neck and walnut fretboard peanut guitars ” of... Sound and ease of playing have slight variations is great for acoustic if. To use it best choice available while solid backs and sides are made from laminated wild cherry, a... Wrap your fingers around the fretboard for your skills and goals price and of. Bt1E also includes an guitars have seen a huge resurgence in popularity from Gretsch that does look. Look similar to a parlor guitar from Gretsch that does not look low-cost in the USA to! Will put to great use quieter parlor guitars as larger guitars solid spruce for the back, sides, neck! The ebony fretboard and suave herringbone rosette only add to the stage, without feeling tacky neck ’... As you pick up the E10P is solid Adirondack spruce, with mahogany for the back, sides, a. House, in the form of onboard Effects at a surprisingly affordable price s a great )... Fingerpickers, in particular, benefit from the Depression era, at a surprisingly affordable price budget model great.