Nylon String Parlor Guitar & Small Classical Guitars Roundup
Nylon strings provide a mellow and percussive contrast to the bright and articulate sound of steel strings. 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.
To make it easier to choose which one to get I have put together the following list of the best guitars in this category. If you are looking for a beginner friendly instrument that has enough tone and feel for experienced players to appreciate, then you're in luck.
NB - this guide only covers small sized guitars, for full sized options see The Best Classical & Nylon String Guitars - $99 to $1000 on Gearank.com.
Small Classical Guitars or Nylon String Parlor Guitars
Small classical guitars are simply scaled down versions of their standard sized counterparts. They follow the same shape, build and style with the main difference being the smaller measurements. This results in a tone similar to standard size classical guitars but with less sound projection. 7/8 and 3/4 classical guitars fall under this category, and are popular for beginners and serious students of the instrument. Nylon string parlor guitars on the other hand have a different shape, following the compact design of "parlour" instruments from the early 1900s. These compact instruments have more pronounced middle frequencies, and are more comfortable to carry around and play with, ideal grab-and-go instruments that you can leave on your couch or on a stand. Regardless of your preference, you will find one that suits your budget and style in this roundup.
What to Look For When Buying a Small Sized Nylon String Guitar
If you budget will allow, and you're looking for a well balanced tone, it is always be best to go for solid top instruments. The sound of solid topped instruments "open up" as they age, making them worthy longterm companion instruments. Cheaper laminate topped parlor guitars offer a more dynamic yet abrupt sound that fans of vintage parlor guitars will appreciate. Cedar is the wood of choice for nylon string instruments because it helps round out the tone nicely, but you can go for ones with spruce top if you're looking for a more balanced tone. Note that the shorter scale length of a parlor allows for easy playability, while longer scale length of the small classical makes for easier transition when switching to regular sized acoustics. Other features to consider include having a nut width that matches your fretting hand and of course you want an instrument that inspires you to practice and play.
Nylon String Parlor Guitars
Cordoba Requinto 580
Manufacturer: Cordoba Requinto 580 |
From its humble beginnings, Cordoba has grown into one of the biggest nylon string guitar manufacturers in the world today. They've grown so much that they recently acquired the Guild brand from Fender, expanding the company's reach into the steel string guitar market. As expected, Cordoba is not afraid to produce non-conventional variations of their nylon string guitars, and one of these which falls under the parlor guitar category is the Requinto 580. This 1/2 size guitar comes packed with impressive features and for its size and it plays surprisingly similar to standard size instruments. This small guitar features a solid cedar top with mahogany back and sides, a traditional combination that works great for nylon stringed instruments. It even comes with traditional 5-fan Torres style bracing so it can reproduce genuine Spanish tones in spite of being small. Because of its compact size, the scale length is shorter at 22.8, which results in beginner friendly playability. To compensate, they strung this guitar with high tension strings so that it can be played in standard tuning. Other features include hand-inlaid wood rosette, and Indian rosewood detailing. While it can be a little too small for some players, professionals will appreciate it's elegant look and genuine sound.
Get the latest Requinto 580 price & customer reviews at Amazon.com.
La Patrie Motif
Manufacturer: La Patrie |
La Patrie, another sub brand of Godin made it into this list, and this one specializes in classical nylon stringed instruments. One of their production line models has a parlor guitar shape, the La Patrie Motif. Instead of following traditional short scale specs, this guitar is actually a "full-scale" guitar, which means that it feel and plays like standard size classical guitars. This makes the Motif a great couch guitar for classical guitarists, a reliable grab-and-go instrument that you can play without adjusting your playing technique too much, which means that your main guitar can stay longer in its secure case. This nylon string parlor guitar comes with a solid cedar top, wild cherry back and sides and a mahogany neck that joins the body at the 12th fret. Scale length is similar to standard size acoustics at 25.66". The longer scale length of this parlor guitar might put off players with small hands, but it provides an excellent opportunity to practice in standard scale with a more compact instrument.
Get the latest Motif price & customer reviews at Amazon.com.
Small Classical Guitars
Yamaha CGS103A 3/4 Size Classical Guitar
Manufacturer: Yamaha |
So many teachers and guitar schools recommend Yamaha guitars, myself included, and the reason is simple - they provide excellent easy to play instruments that students will find inspiring to play. I for one took formal classical guitar lessons on a Yamaha and that guitar is still with me now years later. If I had only known about the 3/4 size CGS103A, then my learning days would have been a bit easier with its short 23" scale length and slightly narrower 1.9" nut width. Being an entry level guitar, the CGS103A comes with basic wood that includes a spruce top, meranti back and sides and nato neck, thankfully Yamaha's impressive build quality makes this guitar look and sound better than what you'd expect. Yamaha mentioned that this guitar is meant for players age 6 to 10, but even older and experienced players are finding themselves quite pleased with how this guitar plays and sounds.
Get the latest CGS103A price & customer reviews at Amazon.com.
Cordoba C9 Parlor
Manufacturer: Cordoba |
The Cordoba C9 Parlor is actually a small classical guitar, slightly smaller than standard at 7/8 size. This means that Cordoba is staying within their expertise, and not necessarily utilizing traditional parlor style design as the name seems to imply. This can be good or bad depending on whether you want a small classical guitar or a nylon string parlor, but whatever your preference is, there's no denying that the C9 Parlor is a cool looking instrument. Far from being an entry level guitar, the Cordoba C9 Parlor sports an all solid wood construction, with either a solid Canadian cedar or solid European spruce top, paired with solid mahogany back and sides. Following traditional Spanish style guitar building, the top is supported by a fan bracing pattern which allows for more surface area vibration, resulting in improved projection and articulation. Interestingly, Cordoba opted for a slightly shorter 24.8" scale length, which better explains the "Parlor" label, meaning that it looks like a classical guitar, but plays like a parlor guitar. Nut width is narrower but still close to standard specs at 1.97". Thankfully, Cordoba was able to keep the price reasonable, although some beginners and students will find this guitar to be out of their budget range. If you are looking for a concert-level workhorse classical guitar that plays like a parlor guitar then check out the Cordoba C9.
Get the latest C9 price & customer reviews at Amazon.com.
Antonio Hermosa AHQ-10
Manufacturer: Antonio Hermosa |
This relatively unknown 3/4 size classical guitar is hidden gem in the entry level market. Although not much is known about the manufacturer and their reputation, The Antonio Hermosa AHQ-10 comes with nice specs at a very accessible price. It sports a solid cedar top, mahogany body and mahogany neck, all built following traditional Spanish designs. Although it doesn't have big brand backing, reviews on this model are unanimous in saying that build quality is superb, tone is nice and more importantly, it is very easy and inspiring to play. This is mostly thanks to the short 22.75" scale length and the smaller body design and the narrower 1.875" nut width. In addition to its resonant sound and playability, the AHQ-10 features cosmetic appointments that you don't normally see on guitars of this price point, including maple binding, 3-ply top purfling, and gold-plated tuners. If you're looking for a budget friendly solid top 3/4 size classical guitar then check this one out.
Get the latest AHQ-10 price & customer reviews at Amazon.ca.
Summary
If you need any further advice please post in the comments below and I'll be happy to answer any questions you have.
Comments
small hands
Submitted by Michael (not verified) on
Hi, just would like to know if there are shorter scale lengths full size guitar with cut-away? My fingers are short especially the pinky, also, what would be the preferred clearance between the strings and fretboard? or the frets? I find it difficult to bar the lower positions. Lastly, what gauge strings are best to use for classical pieces?
Short scale
Submitted by Alexander Briones on
Hello Michael,
Since your fingers are short, it would be ideal if you try short scale parlor guitars. They are easy to use, store and carry around and more importantly they are conducive to practice.
There should be some short scale length but full size classical guitars, unfortunately these are not covered here in Parlor.Guitars. As for the preferred clearance or "action", this will vary depending on the guitar, but based on your situation, you'd want one that has the lowest possible action without the fret buzz.
In you're case, I'd recommend light to medium gauge strings, especially since you're finding it difficult to do bar chords.
Small hands short fingers
Submitted by Jan (not verified) on
In the late 70s I attended a Master Class with Mel Bay. He addressed the issue of small hands and short fingers. We all laughed when he showed us just how small his hands were and how short his fingers were. We were shocked then amazed that there was no problem for him to make all the reaches necessary when playing difficult chords and runs on the standard Classical guitar.
short scale, full size
Submitted by lou alano (not verified) on
I've looked for a high-quality, short-scale (23"), full-size guitar, unsucessfully, for years, and have resigned myself to eventually paying the big bucks to have one custom built. Why not try what I've been doing in the meantime: tune your full size (hopefully with a cutaway) down a whole step, and capo at the second fret? My Taylor 314ce-N sounds fine like that. It's a 14-fret instrument, with a cutaway, so it still has more fret access than a standard sized classical, and is nice and easy to play.
short scale guitar
Submitted by Stacie (not verified) on
Thanks for your comment, that's such a good idea. I'll be trying that tonight!
short scale, full size
Submitted by John (not verified) on
I tune my full scale guitar down a half step and then play with a capo on the first fret.
the scale length of the
Submitted by Sandra Kennedy (not verified) on
the scale length of the Cordoba C9 parlor is 24.8 not 22.75 as stated above.
Thanks
Submitted by Alexander Briones on
Thanks Sandra for spotting that, I've edited the article accordingly.
Absolute beginner
Submitted by chhavi (not verified) on
Thanks for a great article Alexander Briones. I am still at the research phase of my guitar journey. I love the instrument and I'm looking to start learning, purely for pleasure. I tried to pick it up when I was really young but I guess the size wasn't right and the steel strings kind of punctured my fingers so I gave up too soon. But this time I am looking to make an informed choice that inspires me to learn. I am a small person with small hands, I like the sound of spanish guitar so would like to start of with nylon strings also because they hurt less. I found out that an acoustic-electric guitar is a good long term option, I would also go for solid wood instead of ply and lastly I can shell out upto 300$. Do you have any recommendation that has all of the above? I could let go off electric option if it doesn't fall in the budget. Antonio hermosa & Yamaha options seem like good options to me. What do you think?
Good pick
Submitted by Alexander Briones on
It's hard to go wrong with Yamaha so that's a given. As I mentioned in the article, I learned guitar on a Yamaha which is now over a decade old, and it still plays and sounds nice to this day. Unfortunately for me, parlor style nylon strings were not as popular back then as it is now, so mine is a full size one - but knowing Yamaha the build quality will almost always be consistent. The Antonio Hermosa one is also a good choice based on user reviews.
You are right about getting ones with built-in electronics, however they are not as readily available with nylon string guitars, even more so with parlor size ones. Anyway, by the time you are stage ready, you'll most likely end up getting something better, even when you already have an affordable acoustic-electric guitar. It's simply the normal progression for majority of guitar players, can't have too many instruments.
Yamaha it is!
Submitted by chhavi (not verified) on
I think I've found my guitar, Yamaha it is! Thanks Alexander!
Nylon with pick up
Submitted by Vardy (not verified) on
Hi
I'm after a nylon string parlour guitar with pick up and am finding this a difficult to find combination.
Any help appreciated.
Acoustic Guitar Pickups
Submitted by Alexander Briones on
As it is, there aren't that many manufacturers building parlor size nylon string guitars with built-in pickups. It can probably be added by the manufacturer through their custom shop, but it would jack up the price.
A good alternative is to simply add a third-party pickup yourself (or with the help of a luthier). Our roundup of acoustic guitar pickups has more information on these add-on pickups.
parlor-sized acoustic-electric
Submitted by Steve (not verified) on
The La Patrie Motif comes in a version with an on-board pickup (the Motif QI) for an additonal hundred bucks or so.
AMI NYLON STRING scale length correction
Submitted by Sameera (not verified) on
The Art & Lutherie AMI Nylon has a 25.66" scale length and not 24.84" as you mention. I am aware of the specs published on the official Art & Lutherie web site, but that information is wrong, it doesn't apply to the nylon string version. I found this out the hard way. You can email the company and ask:
info AT artandlutherieguitars
Thanks
Thanks
Submitted by Alexander Briones on
Thanks for the heads up, I'll change the details following the actual specs after they confirm.
Edit: I have made the change to the article after getting the response from Godin. Thanks!
Cordoba Cadete
Submitted by Sandra Kennedy (not verified) on
What are your thoughts about the Cordoba Cadete 3/4 classical? Priced at around $250 it is very comfortable for small hands and sounds warm. 24.2" scale length and nut width around 1.75". Haven't tried the other 3/4 to compare but when I brought this one to a luthier he was surprised that the price was so low for the quality.
Cordoba Cadete 3/4 Classical
Submitted by Alexander Briones on
I went with the Cordoba C9 because of its better specs, but the Cadete is a good budget friendly alternative. It's a great value nylon string guitar without a doubt.
Parlor and short scale guitars
Submitted by Joseph de Victoria (not verified) on
When we use the term "parlor" Guitar most of us think of a smaller over-all size instrument along with a shorter scale length. I have found that in the current market place there are very few of those instruments fitted with nylon strings. Most of them listed as "parlor" are fitted with steel strings.As a classical (nylon strings) guitar player I find quite a few shorter-scale CG that are not identified as "parlor" but they do match the "parlor" size (you have listed quite a few ) and are an easy to play to play instruments for players with smaller hand/shorter finger-length.
My most comfortable to play scale length is anything between 630 to under 650 mm -24.75 to 25.25".In that category you will find the Cordoba Dolce and several entry level CG produced for Fender in Indochina. I have played these shorter-scale Fenders ranging in scale lenght fom 610 to 643 mm-23.75 to 25.25", and find them a great value when matching quality to price.
The Antonio Hermosa is a very good instrument as a small scale guitar but most adult players - not youth - will find the shorter scale - 580 mm -a bit challenging.
I have owned and played the A&M AMI nylon and the La Patrie Motif guitars and got rid of them for different reasons beside price. One AMI did not project as good as less expensive same quality level guitars and the La Patrie was heavier than a full size CG primarily because it was built with an adjusting rod like a steel acoustic guitar.
The Cordoba Dolce I mentioned above also has an adjusting rod but is still a light weight wise instrument.
Thank you for your reviews.It provides good information to most of us looking for a good instrument to buy without the need of a Bank Loan.
FENDER MC-1
Submitted by Terri S. (not verified) on
I have no knowledge about guitars, I am purchasing the Mc-1 for my 9yr. old granddaughter, your article has reassured my decision. Thank you. My delicate is purchasing a padded case but not able to find full length of the guitar to make sure of proper fit. Help
Padded Case
Submitted by Alexander Briones on
It will probably fit inside regular padded gig bags for 3/4 size and parlor size guitars, but best bring it to a retailer to be sure.
You can also check out our feature on parlor guitar cases below:
https://parlor.guitars/blog/parlor-guitar-case-roundup
Small
Submitted by ZJohn (not verified) on
Thanks for your excellent information. I love small instruments and nylon strings; sadly, most nylon string guitars are built on the classical model, with its flat, jet-runway size fingerboard and bulky neck profile. Doesn't somebody make a small (< 35") high-quality (solid tonewood) nylon-string guitar with a truly narrow (< 1.7") nut width and radiused fretboard for playability?
Nylon string guitars with radiused fretboard 1-7/8” nut
Submitted by Kathy (not verified) on
Many manufacturers make what are called crossover or hybrid guitars. These are nylon stringed guitars with radiused fretboards and generally 1-7/8” nuts. Breedlove makes a solid top/laminated body crossover for about $500. Cordoba makes 2 all solid wood models C9 for $895 & C10 for $1069. Many other manufacturers make crossover or hybrid guitars also, Google nylon crossover or nylon hybrid guitar.
asturias guitar C145
Submitted by Ginger Stephens (not verified) on
What can you tell me about an austurias guitar model C145 and says handcrafted by M. Matano?
Asturias
Submitted by Alexander Briones on
Hello Ginger,
Like most boutique builders, information on this guitar is limited to what they make available. They do have a website but it does not include the specific model you mentioned.
Short scale classical guitar with a cut-away and pickup
Submitted by Ann C Martha (not verified) on
The Yamaha NTX700 measures 12 3/4 in from the nut to the 12th fret. The guitar is actually short-scaled in order to accommodate 14 frets before the neck joins the body. The Yamaha also has a thinner neck and a smaller body which suits it to a smaller guitarist. At @$500 this instrument is a good guitar for a beginner looking for a short scaled instrument with a cut-away and a pick-up. I also have a Cordoba C9 Dolce (same as C9 Parlor) and the neck on the Cordoba measures 12 1/2 inches from the nut to the twelfth fret.
NTX 700
Submitted by Allen (not verified) on
Hi,
If the NTX 700 measures 12 3/4 to the 12th fret then that makes it a standard scale length, not short. 25.5 inches is basically 650mm (648) which is the standard length. This page is about guitars that are a bit shorter, say at least 25 inches and below.
NTX 700
Submitted by Prof MacGyver (not verified) on
Don't you mean to say 'at most' 25" & below
Smaller neck
Submitted by Beth McCarthy (not verified) on
A classical Yamaha had nice tone but I have arthritis and neck was too wide. Would a mini guitar’s neck be smaller? Is there one you would recommend. Played younger, still sing would like to play for fun.
Nut Width
Submitted by Alexander Briones on
La Mancha 53 to 63
Submitted by Gitman (not verified) on
La Mancha makes student guitars with 530, 590 and 630mm scale length with solid top. I have the 530mm spruce and it is like a baritone uke but standard tuning with 6 strings. Well built and priced at $160 for solid cedar top or spruce for $20 more. Also have a 3/4 Cordoba Cadete: Awesome full sounding! Wish it came with more saddle height to lower the action to my preference. Paid $200 total that came with a small scratch but never played. They are both super comfortable and no worry guitars that stay out 24/7.
Cgs103a by Yamaha
Submitted by Gitman (not verified) on
Both CGS102a and 103a are priced around $120-130 and sounds very good especially compared to other similar sized competitions. All laminated and well built(minus poor fret finish like all other budget guitars) with no truss rod but came with lower action than Cadete(bulky C shape neck, not bad). Playability-wise, Yamaha Cgs, due to low action and familiar neck shape, would be my pick. I lowered the saddle yesterday on my LaMancha53 while changing strings and it plays better on higher frets.
CGS102A 1/2 size
Submitted by Paul (not verified) on
I have several full-size guitars, but my favorite go-to, travel, and couch guitar is a 1/2 size CGS102A! Awesome sound at a great price! I swapped out the tuners and added K&K's pure classic passive pickups... simply fantastic little guitar!!
Parlor - nylon strings - with pick up - quality sound
Submitted by Antonella (not verified) on
I've been desperately looking for an acoustic-electric parlor with nylon strings, better sounding than an entry level, with a nut width a little bigger than 43mm and a scale length no longer than 630mm.
Please, help?
String recommendations
Submitted by True (not verified) on
Any advice on string specs that work best with parlor size guitars? My Cordoba mini-o (best tuned in A) has it's own branded strings...which are so-so.
Just got a Art & Luthier parlor nylon off Craigslist and looking for recs to bring out the best in this sweet but heavy guitar. Thx
lowest tension strings
Submitted by Michael Sonntag (not verified) on
Hi,
Long ago I bought a laud. I had no strings and I didn't know how to tune it, but I noticed that if I held the nut alongside the 5th fret of a guitar, the remaining frets lined up. So i put steel strings on it and tried to tune it like a guitar with the capo at the 5th fret. It resonated real well, but wouldn't fret out correctly and the neck started bending. I replaced the steel strings with nylon, and the neck stopped bending so much. I have been figuring out where to place the saddle to cure the fretting problem. I want to put the lightest tension strings on it. What would they be?
Guitar Repair
Submitted by Matt (not verified) on
I am newer in the game of guitar repair, but love reading through this thread. There is SO MUCH info! Thank you!
Would love to stay in touch Guitar Repair Toronto
Add new comment