Find yourself the best parlor guitar from this list that we are so very proud of. Each of these is absolutely outstanding at its price point. After testing, researching, and debating over these prize-winning parlors, we came up with the Parlor Guitars Winner’s List for 2025.
Now, we hand the baton to you. It’s time for you to daze into the distance and picture the guitar with your name on it. The one that matches your style, fits perfectly in your hands, and sounds like it was made for you.
Best Parlor Under $200
Gretsch G9500
The Jim Dandy Flat Top has become a crowd favorite thanks to its dirt cheap price, great quality, and genuine โ30s-era aesthetics.
Read More
Although relatively new, the Jim Dandy Flat Top has become a crowd favorite, thanks to its dirt cheap price, excellent quality, and genuineโ 30s-era aesthetics. I, for one, could not believe how affordable it was when I first saw it released!
The design is inspired by the entry-level instrument from the โ30s Gretsch Rex, sporting a retro look youโd want to show off to your friends or keep on a stand in your living room.
This budget-friendly parlor guitar does not look cheap; instead, it has a premium feel and looks to it. The small body is crafted from Agathis wood, which features the same properties as the pinewood used on guitars in the first half of the 20th century.
Popularly used by house and shipbuilders, Agathis has replaced pinewood because of its improved stability and reliability. Gretsch also designed the body to be slightly elongated, which, together with the Agathis body, adds substantial guitar sound projection to this rather small-bodied instrument.
Comfortable playability is ensured by its 24โณ short scale length and 1.69โณ nut width. Much like old designs, the neck meets the body at the 12th fret, and it has a โ50s style Gretsch square tapered headstock with rounded edges to complete its old-school look.
Are parlor guitars good for beginners?ย With the balance of value and quality that the Gretsch G9500 provides, the answer is a resounding yes.
With this cool and affordable instrument, there is no excuse for you not to have an excellent value couch guitar at home!
Disclosure: As affiliate marketers, we earn commissions from product links at no extra cost to you.
Best Parlor Under $200
Fender CP-60S
The Fender CP-60S is a distinctly shaped parlor guitar with a solid spruce top.
Read More
Thanks to big brands like Fender, we can enjoy a solid top parlor guitar in the entry-level price range. And this is precisely what the Fender CP-60S is all about โ a distinctly shaped parlor guitar with a solid spruce top. Giving this guitar its distinct shape is its narrow upper bout.
Completing its body are back and side panels that are crafted from laminate mahogany.
But itโs not just about aesthetics because its compact profile and solid spruce top design result in a vibrant, bright tone that works great with fingerpicking. fingerpicking.ย It can also give you a more cutting tone when jamming with friends who play regular-size acoustic guitars. A rosewood fingerboard with rolled frets tops the guitarโs mahogany neck.
Action and playability are similar to that of a typical acoustic guitar, with a scale length of 24.85โณ and a nut width of 1.69โณ. The neck joins the body at the 14th fret.
Finally, the Fender CP-60S is available in a natural or 3-tone sunburst finish.
Disclosure: As affiliate marketers, we earn commissions from product links at no extra cost to you.
Best Parlor Under $500
Yamaha CSF1M
The Yamaha CSF1M is a versatile parlor guitar with excellent build quality that translates to impressive tone and playability.
Read More
The Yamaha CSF1M delivers a big sound in a small package, making it one of the best parlor guitars for players who need portability without sacrificing tone. With its solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides, this guitar produces a balanced tone with a surprising low-end presence for its size. Whether you're a fingerpicker or a strummer, you'll love how responsive and dynamic this little powerhouse is. Itโs perfect for casual jams, stage performances, or even songwriting in your living room. Yamaha's scalloped bracing is a game-changer, helping to project more sound than you'd expect from a guitar this compact.
What really sets the CSF1M apart is its incredible playability. The 23.6โณ scale length and smooth neck make it easy on your hands, while the slightly wider 1.69โณ nut gives you more room for fingerpicking. Plus, it comes with Yamahaโs SRT Zero Impact Pickup for hassle-free amplification. If you're after an all-around parlor guitar that can handle anything from folk to blues, this might just be the perfect companion for you.
Disclosure: As affiliate marketers, we earn commissions from product links at no extra cost to you.
Best Parlor Guitar Overall
Guild P-240
A premium parlor guitar that marries vintage aesthetics with modern craftsmanship at an accessible price.
Read More
The Guild P-240 Memoir Parlor blends vintage aesthetics with premium craftsmanship at just over $500. Constructed with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, Guildโs meticulous attention to detail ensures an instrument that looks, sounds, and feels incredible. Everything about it is more premium than it is.
Acoustically, the P-240 impresses with its detailed sound, offering impressive treble and presence alongside adequate bass for its size, though it lacks the booming resonance of larger-bodied guitars. The satin finish enhances the instrumentโs understated elegance, allowing the natural beauty of the wood to shine through.
In terms of playability, the vintage โCโ profile neck provides a comfortable and accessible experience, catering to both fingerstyle and strumming techniques. However, some players accustomed to contemporary neck profiles may need an adjustment period.
Premium features such as the bone nut and saddle contribute to enhanced sustain and resonance, reflecting the instrumentโs craftsmanship. While the price is justifiable for the quality, it may pose a challenge for budget-conscious buyers.
Ultimately, the Guild P-240 Memoir Parlor is perfect for you if you want an authentic parlor guitar experience.
Disclosure: As affiliate marketers, we earn commissions from product links at no extra cost to you.
Pest Parlor Under $1000
PRS SE P20 Parlor
A perfect blend of comfort, tone, and style. With an all-mahogany parlour body that produces warm and elegant tones.
Read More
The PRS SE Parlor P20 is proof that good things come in small packages. Its all-mahogany construction offers a distinctively warm and woody tone, perfect for blues, fingerpicking, and singer-songwriter styles. This guitar isnโt just about sound; itโs about vibe. The minimalist satin finish and signature PRS bird inlays give it a classy, understated elegance that feels as good as it looks. Unlike many parlor guitars, the P20 has a voice that punches well above its weight, with a balanced tonal profile thatโs rich in mids and pleasantly rounded in the highs.
One thing youโll love is how comfortable the P20 is to play. The shorter 24.72โณ scale length makes fretting effortless, and the compact body sits snugly, whether youโre on the couch or performing on stage. Itโs built with the same attention to detail PRS is known for, giving you reliability and resonance you can count on. If youโre searching for one of the best parlor guitars that offers premium features at an affordable price, the PRS SE Parlor P20 is a no-brainer.
Disclosure: As affiliate marketers, we earn commissions from product links at no extra cost to you.
In the world of acoustic guitars, the parlor guitar is a standout instrument loved by many for its compact size and distinctive sound.
As you start to find your balance on the tightrope or good tone versus portability, sooner or later, you’ll see that parlor guitars are the obvious choice. Parlor guitars give you the gift of comfort, affordability, great sound, and, of course, the ease of rating it around with you.
Now that you have realized that the parlor guitar is the way to go, what would be better? The answer: this short list of the best parlor guitars.
Trust that we have done our job, and sleep well knowing that you can’t go wrong with any of the guitars from this list.
This guide spells out the best parlor guitars, taking into account craftsmanship, tonewoods, design intricacies, and sound. All these make up the very best parlor guitar.
Best Parlor guitar in its price category
We seriously went through a ton of research onย Parlor.guitars, using data fromย Gearankย to help us evaluate and select the cream of the crop. Featured here are the bestย parlor guitars of three groups based on pricing. Starting with affordable gems in theย sub $200 range andย then jumping to theย under $500 range.ย Finally, the third bracket features instruments priced betweenย $500 to $1000.ย
Whether youโre a seasoned player seeking the next addition to your collection or a novice eager to embark on a musical voyage, this guide will let you choose from the best parlor guitars to find the right parlor guitar for your needs.
This guide focuses on traditional steel string guitars. Separate guides are available for Acoustic-Electric and Nylon String parlor guitars.
Several parlor guitars showcased here offer various finishes and combinations of woods, so feel free to browse and find the one that catches your eye. Along with the tone and appearance, you should also consider the comfort and familiarity of playing by comparing the scale length and nut width to the guitar you are already comfortable with.
BTW โ if you plan to record with a parlor, you will find this gear guide on Gearank.com to be the most helpful: The Best Microphones for Recording Acoustic Guitar. And if youโre looking for something other than a parlor, see The Best Acoustic Guitars.
Best Parlor Guitar under $200
This is the price range that most guitarists are willing to pay for a small body guitar; thankfully, this budget is plenty enough to get you a great sounding affordable parlor guitar. You will find some in this bracket with good tonewood and build. Check out what we consider the best in this competitive market.
Best Parlor Under $200
Gretsch G9500
The Jim Dandy Flat Top has become a crowd favorite thanks to its dirt cheap price, great quality, and genuine โ30s-era aesthetics.
Read More
Although relatively new, the Jim Dandy Flat Top has become a crowd favorite, thanks to its dirt cheap price, excellent quality, and genuineโ 30s-era aesthetics. I, for one, could not believe how affordable it was when I first saw it released!
The design is inspired by the entry-level instrument from the โ30s Gretsch Rex, sporting a retro look youโd want to show off to your friends or keep on a stand in your living room.
This budget-friendly parlor guitar does not look cheap; instead, it has a premium feel and looks to it. The small body is crafted from Agathis wood, which features the same properties as the pinewood used on guitars in the first half of the 20th century.
Popularly used by house and shipbuilders, Agathis has replaced pinewood because of its improved stability and reliability. Gretsch also designed the body to be slightly elongated, which, together with the Agathis body, adds substantial guitar sound projection to this rather small-bodied instrument.
Comfortable playability is ensured by its 24โณ short scale length and 1.69โณ nut width. Much like old designs, the neck meets the body at the 12th fret, and it has a โ50s style Gretsch square tapered headstock with rounded edges to complete its old-school look.
Are parlor guitars good for beginners?ย With the balance of value and quality that the Gretsch G9500 provides, the answer is a resounding yes.
With this cool and affordable instrument, there is no excuse for you not to have an excellent value couch guitar at home!
Disclosure: As affiliate marketers, we earn commissions from product links at no extra cost to you.
Best Parlor Under $200
Fender CP-60S
The Fender CP-60S is a distinctly shaped parlor guitar with a solid spruce top.
Read More
Thanks to big brands like Fender, we can enjoy a solid top parlor guitar in the entry-level price range. And this is precisely what the Fender CP-60S is all about โ a distinctly shaped parlor guitar with a solid spruce top. Giving this guitar its distinct shape is its narrow upper bout.
Completing its body are back and side panels that are crafted from laminate mahogany.
But itโs not just about aesthetics because its compact profile and solid spruce top design result in a vibrant, bright tone that works great with fingerpicking. fingerpicking.ย It can also give you a more cutting tone when jamming with friends who play regular-size acoustic guitars. A rosewood fingerboard with rolled frets tops the guitarโs mahogany neck.
Action and playability are similar to that of a typical acoustic guitar, with a scale length of 24.85โณ and a nut width of 1.69โณ. The neck joins the body at the 14th fret.
Finally, the Fender CP-60S is available in a natural or 3-tone sunburst finish.
Disclosure: As affiliate marketers, we earn commissions from product links at no extra cost to you.
Best Parlor Guitars under $500
This is where tonewood options broaden, with some offering solid top builds crafted from various types of wood. But donโt expect premium features like all-solid wood construction, solid mahogany neck, and the like.
Best Parlor Guitar Under $500
Kala Solid Cedar Top
Kala Brand Music, renowned for its ukuleles, has expanded into acoustic guitars, precisely the parlor guitar shape. This is a logical expansion, given their expertise in small-bodied string instruments.
The Kala Parlor is a short-scale model featuring a solid cedar top, which is more often used on classical guitars than steel string acoustics. The top is supported by mahogany wood for the back and sides, completing its classical guitar-style wood configuration. This results in a warm tonal character, with accentuated midrange frequencies that synergize well with the inherently mid-focused tone of small-bodied guitars. This warm sound makes it ideal for folk music and traditional blues.
It also looks the part with its vintage style design, including having a slotted headstock. Build quality and attention to detail is also top-notch for the price.
Crafted from mahogany, the neck features a 19-fret rosewood fingerboard, maintaining the traditional aesthetics of old parlor guitars. With a 24.75โณ scale length similar to a Les Paul and a 1.75โณ nut width, this guitar feels familiar. Following tradition, the neck joins the guitar body at the 12th fret, culminating in a slotted headstock that adds to the instrumentโs vintage allure.
Cosmetic embellishments include herringbone purfling, rosewood binding, and a pearl headstock inlay accentuated by chrome side-mounted tuners echoing Kalaโs distinctive headstock shape. The natural satin finish enhances the guitarโs retro charm.
Priced at just $349, the Kala Parlor guitar offers remarkable value for its solid cedar top and elegant aesthetics. This is for you if youโre looking for a warm-sounding parlor guitar with vintage-style looks.
Disclosure: As affiliate marketers, we earn commissions from product links at no extra cost to you.
Best Parlor Under $500
Yamaha CSF1M
The Yamaha CSF1M is a versatile parlor guitar with excellent build quality that translates to impressive tone and playability.
Read More
The Yamaha CSF1M delivers a big sound in a small package, making it one of the best parlor guitars for players who need portability without sacrificing tone. With its solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides, this guitar produces a balanced tone with a surprising low-end presence for its size. Whether you're a fingerpicker or a strummer, you'll love how responsive and dynamic this little powerhouse is. Itโs perfect for casual jams, stage performances, or even songwriting in your living room. Yamaha's scalloped bracing is a game-changer, helping to project more sound than you'd expect from a guitar this compact.
What really sets the CSF1M apart is its incredible playability. The 23.6โณ scale length and smooth neck make it easy on your hands, while the slightly wider 1.69โณ nut gives you more room for fingerpicking. Plus, it comes with Yamahaโs SRT Zero Impact Pickup for hassle-free amplification. If you're after an all-around parlor guitar that can handle anything from folk to blues, this might just be the perfect companion for you.
Disclosure: As affiliate marketers, we earn commissions from product links at no extra cost to you.
Best Parlor Guitar under $1000
This price range is where youโll find better specifications.
Best Parlor Guitar Overall
Guild P-240
A premium parlor guitar that marries vintage aesthetics with modern craftsmanship at an accessible price.
Read More
The Guild P-240 Memoir Parlor blends vintage aesthetics with premium craftsmanship at just over $500. Constructed with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, Guildโs meticulous attention to detail ensures an instrument that looks, sounds, and feels incredible. Everything about it is more premium than it is.
Acoustically, the P-240 impresses with its detailed sound, offering impressive treble and presence alongside adequate bass for its size, though it lacks the booming resonance of larger-bodied guitars. The satin finish enhances the instrumentโs understated elegance, allowing the natural beauty of the wood to shine through.
In terms of playability, the vintage โCโ profile neck provides a comfortable and accessible experience, catering to both fingerstyle and strumming techniques. However, some players accustomed to contemporary neck profiles may need an adjustment period.
Premium features such as the bone nut and saddle contribute to enhanced sustain and resonance, reflecting the instrumentโs craftsmanship. While the price is justifiable for the quality, it may pose a challenge for budget-conscious buyers.
Ultimately, the Guild P-240 Memoir Parlor is perfect for you if you want an authentic parlor guitar experience.
Disclosure: As affiliate marketers, we earn commissions from product links at no extra cost to you.
Pest Parlor Under $1000
PRS SE P20 Parlor
A perfect blend of comfort, tone, and style. With an all-mahogany parlour body that produces warm and elegant tones.
Read More
The PRS SE Parlor P20 is proof that good things come in small packages. Its all-mahogany construction offers a distinctively warm and woody tone, perfect for blues, fingerpicking, and singer-songwriter styles. This guitar isnโt just about sound; itโs about vibe. The minimalist satin finish and signature PRS bird inlays give it a classy, understated elegance that feels as good as it looks. Unlike many parlor guitars, the P20 has a voice that punches well above its weight, with a balanced tonal profile thatโs rich in mids and pleasantly rounded in the highs.
One thing youโll love is how comfortable the P20 is to play. The shorter 24.72โณ scale length makes fretting effortless, and the compact body sits snugly, whether youโre on the couch or performing on stage. Itโs built with the same attention to detail PRS is known for, giving you reliability and resonance you can count on. If youโre searching for one of the best parlor guitars that offers premium features at an affordable price, the PRS SE Parlor P20 is a no-brainer.
Disclosure: As affiliate marketers, we earn commissions from product links at no extra cost to you.
There you have it, the best parlor guitars of the three price groups. If you feel thereโs a guitar weโve missed that should be in the list above, please tell us about it in the comments below.
Guild P-240 Memoir Parlor
The Guild P-240 Memoir Parlor marries vintage aesthetics with modern craftsmanship. A premium parlor guitar…
Ibanez PN1MH
The Ibanez PN1MH embodies what a “blues box” is, but with Ibanez’ modern playability added…
Benton CLP-15M
The Benton CLP-15M is a solid mahogany top parlor guitar that turns heads without burning…
Fender MC-1 3/4 Nylon
Thanks to Fender’s attempt at gaining more ground in the entry level market, the company…
Guild M-20
Guild brings back the parlor style guitar M-20, this time manufactured at their California, USA…
Fender Ron Emory Loyalty Parlor Guitar
Fender Ron Emory Loyalty Parlor Sunburst Expensive vintage parlor guitars started out as affordable instruments…
I would like to see and hear the L1200P parlor from Cort
guitars.
and also hear some opinions from those who have owned one.
We looked into the L1200P and we agree – it deserves to be in this roundup – thanks for the tip!
What do you think about this guitar ?
The Jack & Danny AP-30S is good value considering how low the price was, but it’s nearly impossible to find at online retailers anymore so we haven’t included it in our list above.
I recently came upon a parlor named that says made by Edwin Cubley, Ravenswood. The Larson Brothers wirked there between 1885 and when the factory burned down in 1893. I have seen nor heard of a Cubley Guitar. I have asked many people that are involved with Cubley banjos and even someone writing a book on the Larson Brothers, but nothing on a Cubley guitar. Any help? Thanks, Bill
Anyone looking for a Parlour guitar should check out the Sigma 00R-1STS-SB. I have one and absolutely love it.
Iโm a bit surprised Fender PM2 is not mentioned…?
Title should be best parlor guitar under $1000.
The Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy I think it is one of the best guitar to start. Also it seems to me a beautiful guitar
the Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy I think it is one of the best guitar to start. Also it seems to me a beautiful guitar
the Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy, I think it is one of the best guitar to start. Also, it seems to me a beautiful guitar
Been doing a lot of research and this site is the best by far. Thank you thank you thank you! I decided on an Alvarez mpa66eshb, but if it doesnโt work Iโm going for one of your recommendations because itโs clear you guys know your stuff!
Any love for the Breedlove parlors? Breedlove Parlor Guitar details at Sweetwater
The Art & Lutherie Ami is a really nice cedar parlor guitar that is still available. I have the older blue cedar a beautiful little guitar for my daughter.
Thanks for the tip.
Any love for the Breedlove parlors? Breedlove Parlor Guitar details at Sweetwater
The Art & Lutherie Ami is a really nice cedar parlor guitar that is still available. I have the older blue cedar a beautiful little guitar for my daughter.
Rainsong Parlor rules period
I like Rainsong’s guitars too – they also look really good and have a range of colors that you don’t often see on acoustics.
That’s because they’re made from carbon fiber – you can’t get wood to look like that and I doubt they could ever sound as good as proper wood does like on a Gibson.
After much consideration, and despite the fact that I personally like the Rainsong P12 6-String, we have removed it from our list of recommended parlor guitars. We’ve decided to stick with guitars that more closely resemble traditional parlors and the Rainsong’s carbon fiber construction doesn’t really fit here.
What is your reason for excluding this fine parlor?
Dear friends,
Was the seagull excursion natural grand sg considered when you were preparing this roundup? I can’t find one to try where I live but was well impressed with what I could hear online. What are your views on it?
Thank you.
I don’t remember if we previously recommended the Seagull Guitars Excursion Natural Grand SG, however it has sold out at all the major online US retailers. It is a good guitar with a solid build but we only recommend guitars that are widely available.
Some of the Amazon links are out of stock too.
What about larrivee parlors?
Larrivee parlors are all solid wood and can be bought new for under $1000.00. The build quality is excellent and they use the best materials in their price range. They should be reviewed.
Surprised the Alvarez AP70 or AP66 doesnt get a spot in this round up…
I was surprised too, that the AP60, 66 or AP70 never got mentioned. I just bought an AP70 for a friend and it is a very fine guitar.
In August of 2016 Musician’s Friend (or Enemy, depending on your relationship with the company) was offering an “open box” Alvarez MPA66SHB for $479. This model has a solid mahogany, top, back, and sides.
YouTube has a video that I’ve listened to many times of Dick de Boer playing Walking Blues on an Alvarez AP66, which has a solid mahogany top but mahogany laminate elsewhere. It sounds great, although anyone with de Boer’s playing skill can make nearly any guitar sound great.
I’m curious how many of you look for acoustic guitars that are “electrified”. I will not buy an “acoustic/electric” guitar. There is an exception, though. I will buy the electric version of an acoustic guitar when the acoustic (without piezo) is not available and the electronics are just inside the soundhole. This means that the body of the guitar was not assaulted with a hole cut out for the pre-amp, controls, and a tuner. In fact, if one really wanted, one could remove the electronics and the guitar would appear just like the version that never had electronics in the first place.
I want to learn how to play in a performance setting, using a mic dedicated only to the guitar. I also would love advice and recommendations of microphones particularly appropriate for acoustic guitars in a performance setting.
Thanks,
David
I love my P3NY.
Thanks for this great reference on different small body acoustics. Even though I already purchased my Takamine, I still enjoy the demos and the reviews.
Ironically I stumbled across my P3NY while I was shopping for a 00 sized one. When I sat down and played it, I was hooked.
What about the Taylor Parlor? They made 35 of the most beautiful parlor guitars ever made in 2009–why no review?
We appreciate your love for Taylor guitars, but the list above features those that are currently available in the market. Still, it would be nice if they have a parlor guitar that’s consistently in production.
Any love for the Breedlove parlors?
Breedlove Parlor Guitar details at Sweetwater
The Seagull Coastline Grand shouldn’t be overlooked.
If you want a wonderful price/value ratio for a solid top parlor guitar, buy Richwood P 65 VA – for 390 EUR it is an amazing deal. This Richwood (Asia made though) is comparable to Sigma 00R-28VS or Blueridge 341. It leaves behind Ibanez, Gretsch, Cort, Recording King and other massively distributed cheap brands.
If you want a wonderful price/value ratio for an all solid parlor guitar, buy Pono – few known brand, but excellent instruments.
Richwood parlors are wonderful guitars just plain and simple. There is 3 your pick Rosewood Sprucetop – Mahogany Sprucetop – Mahogany Mahoganytop All 3 are killer and they have a perfect 46mm nut.To many fine guitars only have a 43mm nut option a huge letdown for finger picking and slide play. The Rosewood option will cost you the most. All 3 are in 350 450 price range. For the money you can not find anything better. Maybe you like something else but better i don’t think so.
The Art & Lutherie Ami is a really nice cedar parlor guitar that is still available. I have the older blue cedar, a beautiful little guitar for my daughter.
Hi – do you have a view of the Kala Parlor guitar KA-GTR-PLR? Many thanks…
I purchased a Collings c10 parlor and have fallen in love.
You guys forgot all about Seagull parlor guitars. Maybe the only guitars in the lineup handmade in Canada, they sound excellent for folk and blues, and the price is right!
Thanks for the tip – Seagull is on our watch-list and we will consider including them when we next update this guide. Seagull was rated as the most liked acoustic guitar brand overall in an article we published on our other website: The Highest Rated Acoustic Guitar Brands.
Thanks for the tip.