Yes, I want A Cheap Parlor

[CarolD]

So, you might remember me as the confused beginner . I bought an Eastman E6OM, which I love dearly and have been playing daily for about 6 weeks now.

I also snagged a Seagull S6 Original and really didn’t like anything about it, so flipped it pretty much right away. Some folks here mentioned something about not acquiring too many cheap guitars, but I find myself really wanting to go the other way, size-wise. I’d like an inexpensive parlor that I can practice chords on the couch or throw in my car and take with me without thinking too much about it.

Soooo....my requirements are: 12 fret, short scale, slotted headset, not spruce top (would like to try something different), and under $400 bucks.

I think I’ve narrowed it down to an Alvarez AP66, but anyone have any other suggestions that I should be considering?

I’ve looked at the Yamaha CSF1, Breedlove Companion, there’s lots of Washburns, Eastman ATG1 (miniature of what I already have)....

Thank you as always. Did I mention how much fun I’m having

[pickinray]

The Teton STP103NT meets your requirements:

https://tetonguitars.com/product/stp103nt/

I've seen them on Reverb for under $400.

[CarolD]

Originally Posted by pickinray

The Teton STP103NT meets your requirements:

https://tetonguitars.com/product/stp103nt/

I've seen them on Reverb for under $400.

You know, I did see those but have never, ever heard anyone mention the brand. Do you have any experience with them? And thank you!

[RP]

Check out a PRS SE P20 https://www.prsguitars.com/index.php...el/se_p20_2020....

[Lillis]

Slotted headstock kind of limits options. Ibanez makes some pretty nice non slotted parlors. That Alvarez is probably a great choice though.

[CarolD]

Originally Posted by Lillis

Slotted headstock kind of limits options. Ibanez makes some pretty nice non slotted parlors. That Alvarez is probably a great choice though.

You’re right about that, but I like the look. I know...shallow...hahaaa. This is just something fun for me Oh, and the Ibanez AVN 9 Artwood is in the running, too.

[mawmow]

I rode that way two years ago and discovered Alvarez AP66ESB
and finally found one nearby : The mic is crappy but the guitar is good.

[CarolD]

Originally Posted by mawmow

I rode that way two years ago and discovered Alvarez AP66ESB
and finally found one nearby : The mic is crappy but the guitar is good.

Oh, that’s good to hear. And I don’t want the electrics, so that’s not a factor. Do you like playing it?

[Conomor]

I've owned (and still own) a few low to mid end 'parlour' guitars (including 0's and 00's) from the likes of Ibanez, Alvarez, Eastman, Farida, Martin etc. Mostly 12-fret slotheads. They've been very much a mixed bag in terms of tone, quality and versatility with my Eastman (from the 2018 Ltd range) being the standout winner overall. I think a lot depends on the style of music you want to play on it. If you're a strummer, you may find the 0 or smaller bodied guitars to be rather brash and boxy. A 00 might be a better option.

WRT slotted headstocks, they do look cool but some people find them difficult to string up. If you're willing to forego the slothead, then maybe consider some of the Godin sub-brands such as Art & Lutherie and Simon & Patrick. If not, the Cordoba Leona might be an interesting option.

[vintage40s]

I had a Martin D-35 since 1969 and went on a long search for second guitar that would be small.
In 2006 I got a Washburn Traveler, but it wasn't a real guitar and sounded awful.
In 2018 I got an Orangewood Dana parlor, nice for what it was, but not the sound I wanted.
In 2019 I got a Yamaha CSF3M "compact folk", very very nice, but still not quite the sound I wanted.
But it was wonderfully small and light with a gig bag, and the next two jumped up to hard cases.
Next was a Larrivee rosewood parlor, which sounded dead.
Then an Eastman rosewood parlor, which was perfect in every respect except it was more of an O size, and the neck and saddle string spacing was too wide for flat picking.
Meanwhile I had gotten an Eastman rosewood E20OM, only slightly larger than a parlor, but so good in sound and playability for finger and flat picking -- that it replaced the D-35 as my only guitar.
So, my long expensive search for a parlor -- ended up with an OM.
If I had to go back and keep a parlor, it would be the Yamaha CSF3M.

[BoneDigger]

I played quite a few parlor guitars recently and settled on the Alvarez.

[chrislongAgain]

Originally Posted by RP

Check out a PRS SE P20 https://www.prsguitars.com/index.php...el/se_p20_2020....

i second this idea, and i've never even seen one.
https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...8&postcount=25

[Mandobart]

Originally Posted by CarolD

You know, I did see those but have never, ever heard anyone mention the brand. Do you have any experience with them? And thank you!

Teton was developed by a smallish SE Idaho music store chain, Chesbro and a Chinese company. I shopped at Chesbro a lot back in the early 80's while stationed in Idaho Falls (about three hours from the Teton mountains, or Yellowstone. Really an outdoor paradise there). Evidently they no longer met the requirements to sell a well-known US guitar brand, so they decided to develop their own brand.

My local music store recently started carrying Teton and I have been favorably impressed with what they have in the well-under-$1000 price point.

[DukeX]

I'd strongly consider having this gent put something together for me for $500.

http://vintageparlorguitars.com/index.html

[CarolD]

Originally Posted by chrislongAgain

i second this idea, and i've never even seen one.
https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...8&postcount=25

I did check out the PRS, but I didn’t like the tuners. I know, picky for an inexpensive guitar