Traditional

The James Neligan LIS-PFI Parlor is an acoustic-electric parlor guitar with solid spruce top, dubbed the LIS-PFI Parlor.

Eastman Guitars continue to build their brand reputation with impressive high-quality acoustic instruments. And among their lineup, another premium looking parlor guitar caught my attention, the Eastman E10P. This parlor is as traditional as it gets, featuring all-solid wood construction and impressive handcrafted build quality.

Although more popular for their affordable archtop “jazz boxes”, Eastman has also been producing some well received acoustic flat tops, including this elegant looking “blues box” – the E20P Parlor.

The G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top is a very affordable parlor guitar from Gretsch that doesn’t look cheap at all. Rather it convincingly evokes authentic ’30s era vibe with simple aesthetics that you will want to actually play on your front porch – just like the days of old.

Collings is a boutique guitar builder that has a reputation for building quality vintage style acoustic guitars, The 001 12 Fret is a great example of what they can do, showcasing their meticulous attention to detail that other production line guitars cannot offer.

The Framus Legacy Parlor is a traditional style instrument that closely resembles the design and specs of old parlor guitars, while incorporating modern production techniques and optional built-in electronics. And the best thing about it is that it’s available in either solid mahogany (as pictured) top or solid sitka spruce top configurations, allowing for more choices within the same brand and model line up.

Alvarez has another cool looking parlor guitar up their sleeves, the AP66SB, this one sports an-all mahogany body and vintage sunburst finish. It is part of their popular Artist Series of instruments, and specifically follows their ’66 era vintage style designs

More often than not, the price tags of instruments are puffed up because of their association with big brand names and artists. Thankfully, there are still lesser known guitar builders like Blueridge who put all your money’s worth into the actual instrument.