Quick answer: The best parlor guitar for most players is the Yamaha CSF1M, a compact, solid-top parlor with built-in electronics and a gig bag. On a tight budget, the Fender CP-60S is a charming solid-top parlor, and the Cordoba Protégé C1M 3/4 is a small, affordable nylon-string option.
Parlor guitars are small-bodied acoustics that date back to the 1800s, when they were played in family parlors. They’re comfortable to hold, easy to carry, and have a focused, mid-rich sound that’s perfect for fingerpicking, blues and songwriting.
If dreadnoughts feel big or boomy, a parlor might be your perfect guitar. Here are five currently sold parlor guitars across a range of budgets.
New to this? Start with our guide on how to choose an acoustic guitar.
New to this? You may also like my guides to best acoustic guitars and best travel guitars.
Our top picks at a glance
| Product | Best for | Key features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha CSF1M | Most players | Solid spruce top, parlor-style compact body, Yamaha pickup, gig bag | Check current price |
| Fender CP-60S Parlor | Budget parlor | Solid spruce top, parlor body, rolled fingerboard edges | Check current price |
| Taylor GS Mini Mahogany | Parlor-sized premium alternative | Solid mahogany top, compact Grand Symphony, gig bag | Check current price |
| Martin LX1E Little Martin | Travel-size small-body alternative | Compact body, solid spruce top, Fishman electronics, gig bag | Check current price |
| Cordoba Protégé C1M 3/4 | Small-body nylon-string | 3/4-size nylon-string classical, spruce top, mahogany back and sides, short scale | Check current price |
Best Parlor Guitars: reviews
1. Yamaha CSF1M — best for most players
Key features: Solid spruce top, parlor-style compact body, Yamaha pickup, gig bag
The CSF1M is a compact folk guitar with a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a built-in pickup, so it’s ready for travel and small gigs. Yamaha developed the CSF series with input from touring players who wanted a small guitar with a full voice.
It comes with a durable gig bag. For most people, it’s the best all-round parlor guitar.
Pros:
- Solid top
- Built-in electronics
- Excellent gig bag
Cons:
- Matte finish shows wear
- Less bass than larger guitars
2. Fender CP-60S Parlor — best for budget parlor
Key features: Solid spruce top, parlor body, rolled fingerboard edges
The CP-60S is one of the most affordable solid-top parlors you can buy. It’s light, easy to play and well suited to learning, fingerpicking and couch practice.
It doesn’t have electronics, but it’s a great value starter parlor.
Pros:
- Low price
- Solid top
- Comfortable neck
Cons:
- No electronics
- Basic hardware
3. Taylor GS Mini Mahogany — best for parlor-sized premium alternative
Key features: Solid mahogany top, compact Grand Symphony, gig bag
The GS Mini isn’t a traditional parlor, but it’s similar in size and many parlor shoppers end up choosing it. It has a fuller sound than most small guitars, a comfortable short scale and Taylor build quality.
If you want a small guitar that can still fill a room, it’s worth comparing.
Pros:
- Full sound
- Taylor quality
- Comfortable size
Cons:
- Not a true parlor shape
- Costs more than budget parlors
4. Martin LX1E Little Martin — best for travel-size small-body alternative
Key features: Compact body, solid spruce top, Fishman electronics, gig bag
The Little Martin isn’t a traditional parlor either, but it’s one of the most popular small-bodied acoustics around and solves the same problems: comfort, portability and easy playability. It has a solid spruce top, a short scale, and Fishman electronics built in, so it can plug into a PA for small gigs or youth meetings.
Its tough laminate back and sides handle travel and changes in humidity better than all-solid guitars. If you want a small guitar you can throw in the car without worrying, it’s a great choice, and it comes with a gig bag.
Pros:
- Very portable and durable
- Electronics included
- Martin name and quality
Cons:
- Smaller sound than a true parlor
- Laminate back and sides
5. Cordoba Protégé C1M 3/4 — best for small-body nylon-string
Key features: 3/4-size nylon-string classical, spruce top, mahogany back and sides, short scale
The Protégé C1M 3/4 is our small nylon-string pick. It’s a three-quarter-size classical guitar with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides, and its short scale and small body make it about as comfortable as a parlor.
Nylon strings are gentle on fingertips and give a warm, mellow tone that suits classical, folk and quiet worship. It’s a great first guitar for kids and smaller players, or a couch and travel guitar for adults who like nylon strings.
Pros:
- Very affordable
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