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10 Best Parlor Guitars 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

Fender 6 String Acoustic Guitar, Right, Natural-3/4 Size, 3/4 (0971940021)

The Fender FA-25N 3/4 Size Nylon String Acoustic Guitar is a fantastic option for beginners and players with smaller hands. Its 3/4 size makes it more manageable and comfortable to hold, which is ideal for those just starting out or looking for a portable guitar.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,437
Body Size and Shape
Tonewoods

Most important from
573 reviews

Body Size and Shape
Perfect size and comfortable to hold, ideal for players with smaller hands.
Tonewoods
The guitar has a very rich tone, especially with upgraded Phosphor Bronze Earthwood strings.
#2
9.6 score

Fender CP-60S Parlor Acoustic Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Natural

The Fender CP-60S Parlor Acoustic Guitar is designed to cater to both beginner and seasoned players, making it a solid choice in the parlor guitar category. Its solid spruce top provides a bright and dynamic sound, suitable for various playing styles, from strumming to fingerpicking. The mahogany back and sides contribute to a balanced tone with good volume, enhancing the acoustic experience.

Rating
9.6
Body Size and Shape

Most important from
1752 reviews

Body Size and Shape
The smaller size of the guitar is convenient for playing around the house and is especially suitable for young students.
#3
9.3 score

Fender Newporter Player Acoustic Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Sunburst, Walnut Fingerboard

The Fender Newporter Player Acoustic Guitar offers a unique parlor guitar experience with its Fender-exclusive Newporter body shape. This design is slightly larger than traditional parlor guitars, providing a fuller sound while still being comfortable for smaller hands or casual playing. The solid spruce top paired with mahogany back and sides contributes to a warm and balanced tonal quality, suitable for various music styles.

Rating
9.3
Neck Profile and Scale Length
Electronics

Most important from
213 reviews

Neck Profile and Scale Length
The neck is fast and smooth with no fret buzz.
Electronics
The onboard electronics allow you to shape the sound effectively, with accurate onboard tuning and versatile sound adjustments.

Top 10 Best Parlor Guitars 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

Fender 6 String Acoustic Guitar, Right, Natural-3/4 Size, 3/4 (0971940021)

Body Size and Shape: 3/4 Size
Tonewoods: Back: Sapele, Top: Agathis, Fretboard: Walnut, Neck: Nato
Neck Profile and Scale Length: C shaped neck, Scale Length: 23.3"

Chosen by 1437 this week

Fender CP-60S Parlor Acoustic Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Natural

Body Size and Shape: Parlor
Tonewoods: Top: Spruce, Back: Mahogany
Neck Profile and Scale Length: Easy-to-play neck, Scale: 24.75 inches
Electronics: Combination pickup configuration

Fender Newporter Player Acoustic Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Sunburst, Walnut Fingerboard

Body Size and Shape: Newporter body shape
Tonewoods: Solid spruce top, mahogany back
Neck Profile and Scale Length: Slim-taper 'C'-shaped, 25.5 inches
Electronics: CD-1 Fishman pickup/preamp system

Taylor GS Mini-e Mahogany Acoustic-electric Guitar - Natural with Black Pickguard

Body Size and Shape: Compact
Tonewoods: Top: Mahogany, Back: Sapele
Bracing Pattern: Well-designed
Electronics: Simple pickup, 9V battery

Taylor GS Mini Mahogany Acoustic Guitar - Natural with Black Pickguard

Body Size and Shape: Compact, travel-friendly
Tonewoods: Mahogany top, Sapele back, Ebony fingerboard
Neck Profile and Scale Length: Comfortable profile
Electronics: None

Yamaha CSF1M VN Parlor Size Acoustic Guitar with Hard Gig Bag, Vintage Natural

Body Size and Shape: Parlor Size
Tonewoods: Mahogany, Sitka spruce
Neck Profile and Scale Length: 600mm scale length
Electronics: Passive Zero Impact pickup

Taylor 214ce Grand Auditorium Acoustic-electric Guitar - Natural

Body Size and Shape: Grand Auditorium
Tonewoods: Top: Trefied Spruce, Back: Walnut
Neck Profile and Scale Length: Neck: Mahogany, Fingerboard: Ebony

Taylor GS Mini Sapele Acoustic Guitar - Natural with Black Pickguard

Body Size and Shape: 42.5 x 17.5 x 7.3 inches
Tonewoods: Spruce top, Sapele back and sides
Neck Profile and Scale Length: Mahogany neck, 23.5 Inches scale
Electronics: None

Fender Highway Series Parlor Acoustic-electric Guitar - Natural

Body Size and Shape: Compact, thinline
Tonewoods: Spruce top, Mahogany body, Mahogany neck
Electronics: Yes
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Buying Guide for the Best Parlor Guitars

Choosing the right parlor guitar can be a rewarding experience, as these instruments are known for their compact size and rich, intimate sound. When selecting a parlor guitar, it's important to consider several key specifications that will influence the guitar's playability, sound quality, and overall suitability for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and find the perfect guitar for your playing style and preferences.
Body Size and ShapeThe body size and shape of a parlor guitar are crucial because they affect the guitar's comfort and sound. Parlor guitars are typically smaller than other acoustic guitars, making them easier to handle and play, especially for smaller individuals or those who prefer a more intimate playing experience. The compact size also contributes to a focused, mid-range tone that is ideal for fingerpicking and blues. When choosing a parlor guitar, consider how the size feels in your hands and against your body, and think about the type of music you want to play.
TonewoodsThe type of wood used for the top, back, and sides of a parlor guitar significantly impacts its sound. Common tonewoods include spruce, cedar, mahogany, and rosewood. Spruce is known for its bright, clear tone and is often used for the guitar's top. Cedar offers a warmer, more mellow sound, while mahogany provides a strong mid-range presence. Rosewood is prized for its rich, complex overtones. When selecting a parlor guitar, consider the tonal qualities of each wood and how they align with your musical preferences.
Neck Profile and Scale LengthThe neck profile and scale length of a parlor guitar affect its playability and comfort. The neck profile refers to the shape and thickness of the neck, which can vary from a slim, fast profile to a thicker, more substantial feel. The scale length is the distance between the nut and the saddle, influencing string tension and overall playability. Shorter scale lengths are easier to play and produce a warmer tone, while longer scale lengths offer more string tension and a brighter sound. Choose a neck profile and scale length that feel comfortable in your hands and suit your playing style.
Bracing PatternThe bracing pattern inside the guitar's body affects its structural integrity and sound projection. Common bracing patterns include X-bracing and ladder bracing. X-bracing provides a balanced tone with good projection and is often found in modern guitars. Ladder bracing, on the other hand, offers a more vintage, woody sound with a focus on mid-range frequencies. When selecting a parlor guitar, consider the type of sound you prefer and how the bracing pattern contributes to that sound.
Nut WidthThe nut width of a parlor guitar refers to the width of the neck at the nut, which affects string spacing and playability. A wider nut width provides more space between strings, which can be beneficial for fingerstyle playing and players with larger hands. A narrower nut width offers closer string spacing, which can be more comfortable for players with smaller hands or those who prefer strumming. Consider your hand size and playing style when choosing a nut width that feels comfortable and suits your needs.
ElectronicsSome parlor guitars come equipped with built-in electronics, allowing you to amplify your sound for live performances or recording. These electronics typically include a pickup and preamp system, which can vary in quality and features. If you plan to perform or record with your parlor guitar, consider a model with reliable electronics that offer good sound quality and easy control. If you primarily play acoustically, you may not need built-in electronics, and can focus on other aspects of the guitar.

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