Introduction
Hello, guitar enthusiasts! Welcome to this article where we will explore the world of beginner parlor guitars. If you’re a budding musician or someone looking to pick up the guitar, parlor guitars are an excellent choice for beginners due to their comfortable size and ease of play. In this article, we will highlight seven of the best beginner parlor guitars available in the market today, providing a comprehensive overview of their features, advantages, and disadvantages. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of parlor guitars and find the perfect companion to begin your musical journey!
1. Yamaha FG800 Small Body Acoustic Guitar ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Yamaha FG800 Small Body Acoustic Guitar is a fantastic option for beginners. It offers a balanced and clear tone, making it ideal for fingerpicking and strumming. The solid spruce top ensures excellent resonance and projection, while the nato back and sides provide robustness and durability. However, some users have reported that the action may be a bit high, which can be addressed with a setup or adjustment.
2. Fender FA-135CE Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Fender FA-135CE Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a versatile instrument suitable for both beginners and intermediate players. It features a laminated spruce top, which offers a bright and articulate sound. The built-in Fishman electronics allow for easy amplification, expanding its possibilities. However, some users have noted that the factory setup may require adjustments for optimal playability.
3. Seagull S6 Original Acoustic Guitar ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Seagull S6 Original Acoustic Guitar is highly regarded for its outstanding craftsmanship and sound quality. It boasts a solid cedar top and wild cherry back and sides, delivering warm and rich tones. The tapered headstock and slim neck profile provide comfortable playability, making it a great choice for beginners. However, the price range may be higher compared to other beginner parlor guitars.
4. Martin LX1 Little Martin Acoustic Guitar ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Martin LX1 Little Martin Acoustic Guitar is a compact and travel-friendly option for beginners. Despite its small size, it offers a surprisingly rich and full-bodied sound. The mahogany pattern HPL top, back, and sides ensure durability and stability, making it suitable for various climates. However, some users may find the narrow neck a bit challenging, especially if they have larger hands.
5. Epiphone EL-00 Pro Acoustic-Electric Guitar ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Epiphone EL-00 Pro Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a vintage-inspired instrument with modern features. It features a select mahogany body and spruce top, delivering a warm and mellow tone. The Fishman Sonitone pickup system allows for easy amplification, making it a versatile choice for live performances. However, some users have reported occasional issues with the electronics.
6. Taylor GS Mini Mahogany Acoustic Guitar ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Taylor GS Mini Mahogany Acoustic Guitar is highly regarded for its exceptional sound quality and craftsmanship. It features a solid mahogany top, layered sapele back and sides, and a shorter scale length, providing an incredibly balanced and rich tone. The compact size makes it travel-friendly, while the price point may be relatively higher compared to other beginner parlor guitars.
7. Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top Acoustic Guitar ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top Acoustic Guitar offers a vintage-inspired design with a distinctive sound. It features a agathis body and X-bracing, delivering a bright and punchy tone. The compact size and light weight make it a great option for beginners or musicians on the go. However, due to its affordability, some users have reported occasional quality control issues.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Beginner Parlor Guitars
Advantages:
1. Comfortable Size: Beginner parlor guitars are smaller in size, making them easier to handle and play, especially for individuals with smaller hands or those who prefer a more compact instrument.
2. Portability: Due to their compact size, parlor guitars are highly portable, allowing beginners to carry them for practice sessions, lessons, or even on the go.
3. Versatility: Despite their smaller size, beginner parlor guitars offer a surprisingly rich and balanced tone, making them suitable for various playing styles and musical genres.
4. Cost-Effective: Parlor guitars are often more affordable compared to larger acoustic guitars, providing a budget-friendly option for beginners without compromising on sound quality.
5. Ideal for Fingerpicking: The smaller body and shorter scale length of parlor guitars make them well-suited for fingerstyle playing, allowing beginners to explore different techniques and styles.
6. Easy Learning Curve: The comfortable size and playability of beginner parlor guitars make the learning process more enjoyable and less intimidating for beginners, encouraging them to progress more rapidly.
7. Aesthetically Pleasing: Parlor guitars often boast beautiful craftsmanship and vintage-inspired designs, adding a touch of elegance and charm to any musician’s collection.
Disadvantages:
1. Limited Volume: Due to their smaller body size, parlor guitars may produce less volume compared to larger acoustic guitars, which might be a disadvantage for those seeking a booming sound.
2. Reduced Bass Response: The smaller body size of parlor guitars generally results in a reduced bass response, making them less suitable for genres that heavily rely on low-frequency notes.
3. Less Resonance: Parlor guitars may have slightly less resonance and sustain compared to larger acoustic guitars, impacting the overall richness and depth of the sound.
4. Limited Hardware Options: Some beginner parlor guitars may have limited options for hardware upgrades or customization compared to larger, more popular acoustic guitars.
5. Challenging for Larger Hands: Individuals with larger hands or longer fingers may find the narrower neck and shorter scale length of parlor guitars a bit challenging to navigate initially.
6. Less Common in Ensembles: While parlor guitars can be used in various settings, they are less commonly seen in ensembles or bands, which may limit some collaborative opportunities for beginners.
7. Potential Tonal Imbalance: The smaller body size of parlor guitars can sometimes result in a tonal imbalance, particularly if the player prefers a more bass-heavy or boomy sound.
Best Beginner Parlor Guitars Comparison Table
| Guitar Model | Rating | Top Material | Back & Side Material | Electronics | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha FG800 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Solid Spruce | Nato | No | $199 |
| Fender FA-135CE | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Laminated Spruce | Laminated Mahogany | Yes | $249 |
| Seagull S6 Original | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Solid Cedar | Wild Cherry | No | $499 |
| Martin LX1 Little Martin | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Mahogany Pattern HPL | Mahogany Pattern HPL | No | $429 |
| Epiphone EL-00 Pro | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Solid Spruce | Select Mahogany | Yes | $349 |
| Taylor GS Mini Mahogany | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Solid Mahogany | Layered Sapele | No | $699 |
| Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Agathis | Agathis | No | $189 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are parlor guitars suitable for beginners?
Parlor guitars are indeed suitable for beginners due to their comfortable size and ease of play. They offer a great starting point for anyone new to playing the guitar.
2. Can a parlor guitar be used for live performances?
Absolutely! Many parlor guitars come with built-in electronics, allowing easy amplification for live performances or recording purposes.
3. Can I use steel strings on a beginner parlor guitar?
Most beginner parlor guitars are designed to accommodate steel strings, but it’s always recommended to check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure compatibility.
4. What genres are parlor guitars suitable for?
Parlor guitars are versatile instruments that can be used in various genres such as folk, blues, country, and singer-songwriter styles.
5. Should I get a solid top or a laminated top parlor guitar?
Both solid top and laminated top parlor guitars have their own merits. Solid tops generally offer superior resonance and tonal quality, while laminated tops provide additional durability.
6. Can I travel with a parlor guitar?
Absolutely! Parlor guitars’ compact size makes them perfect for traveling, whether you’re going on a road trip or flying to your next destination.
7. How often do parlor guitars need to be restringed?
The frequency of restringing depends on various factors such as playing style and environmental conditions. As a general guideline, it’s recommended to restring your parlor guitar every 1-3 months.
8. Are parlor guitars suitable for children or individuals with smaller hands?
Yes, parlor guitars are an excellent choice for children or individuals with smaller hands. Their compact size and shorter scale length make them more comfortable to play.
9. Do beginner parlor guitars require regular maintenance?
Like any other guitar, regular maintenance is essential to keep your parlor guitar in good shape. This includes cleaning, moisturizing the fretboard, and occasional adjustments to the truss rod or action.
10. How important is the brand when choosing a beginner parlor guitar?
While brands often signify quality and reliability, the most important consideration when choosing a beginner parlor guitar is how it feels and sounds to you. Don’t be afraid to explore different brands and models to find the one that suits your preferences.
11. Can I learn advanced techniques on a parlor guitar?
Despite their smaller size, parlor guitars are capable of producing a wide range of sounds and can be used to learn advanced techniques. The only limitation may be the tonal characteristics of the instrument.
12. Are there any accessories I should consider purchasing with a beginner parlor guitar?
Some essential accessories to consider include a guitar case or gig bag for protection, a tuner for accurate tuning, extra strings, a capo, and a guitar stand for convenience.
13. Where is the best place to purchase a beginner parlor guitar?
Beginner parlor guitars can be found at various music stores, both online and offline. It’s recommended to try out the guitar in person before making a purchase to ensure it feels comfortable and meets your expectations.
Conclusion
Congratulations on reaching the end of our exploration into the world of beginner parlor guitars! We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights and guidance in finding the perfect instrument to embark on your musical journey. Remember, the best beginner parlor guitar ultimately depends on your personal preferences and playing style. So take your time, try out different models, and find the one that resonates with you both aesthetically and sonically.
Whether you choose the Yamaha FG800 for its balanced tone, the Seagull S6 Original for its exceptional craftsmanship, or any other guitar on our list, remember to dedicate time to practice, hone your skills, and enjoy the beautiful melodies that will soon flow from your fingertips. So grab your guitar, amplify your passion, and let the music guide you on this incredible journey!
Closing Statement
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. The prices and availability of the guitars mentioned may vary over time. It’s always recommended to conduct thorough research and consult with professionals before making any purchasing decisions. Happy playing!