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Parlor acoustic guitars

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Parlor guitars are compact acoustic guitars with a direct response, comfortable body size and distinctive sound. They are especially suitable for fingerpicking, blues, folk, singer-songwriter setups and comfortable acoustic playing at home, in the studio or on the go.

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Gibson

Item-Nr.: GIT0063755-002

Available immediately
€ 1,999.00
Gibson

Item-Nr.: GIT0063755-001

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€ 1,999.00
Gibson

Item-Nr.: GIT0065222-001

Available immediately
€ 2,299.00
Gibson

Item-Nr.: GIT0065222-002

available soon, estimated to be in stock: Sep 25, 2026
€ 2,299.00
Gibson
(6)

Item-Nr.: GIT0047009-000

Ordered, estimated to be in stock: Aug 5, 2026
€ 2,379.00
Gibson
(2)

Item-Nr.: GIT0051883-000

Ordered, estimated to be in stock: Jul 16, 2026
€ 2,529.00
Gibson
(2)

Item-Nr.: GIT0051882-000

available soon, estimated to be in stock: Apr 23, 2027
€ 2,599.00
Gibson

Item-Nr.: GIT0063758-002

Available immediately
€ 2,799.00
Gibson

Item-Nr.: GIT0063758-001

Available immediately
€ 2,899.00
Gibson

Item-Nr.: GIT0061267-000

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€ 3,349.00
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Item-Nr.: GIT0062108-000

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€ 4,799.00
Martin Guitars
(1)

Item-Nr.: GIT0058420-000

Available immediately
€ 5,899.00

Buy parlor guitars – compact acoustic guitars with a direct sound

Parlor guitars are compact acoustic guitars for players looking for a comfortable instrument with a clear response. The smaller body provides an easy playing feel and a focused sound that works especially well for fingerpicking, blues, folk and singer-songwriter music.

Compared with larger body shapes such as dreadnought or jumbo, a parlor guitar is less about maximum bass foundation. More important are direct response, good control, a distinctive tone and a body that remains comfortable to play at home, in the studio or during longer sessions.

What is a parlor guitar?

A parlor guitar is a smaller acoustic guitar with a compact body and direct sound response. It usually sounds clear, focused and rather midrange-oriented, without putting the strong bass pressure of larger acoustic guitars in the foreground.

This makes it especially interesting for playing styles where attack, dynamics and individual notes should remain clearly audible. Players looking for a comfortable acoustic guitar for fingerstyle, blues, folk, songwriting or recording will find the parlor body shape a distinctive and very musical solution.

Compact body

The guitar sits close to the body and is easy to control when sitting, on the couch or in the studio.

Direct sound

The tone responds quickly and remains clearly defined – ideal for lighter attacks and dynamic playing.

Distinctive character

Parlor guitars are not simply smaller dreadnoughts, but independent instruments with a focused sound profile.

A parlor guitar is not just a small travel guitar. Its appeal lies mainly in the comfortable playing feel, direct response and distinctive sound.

Which parlor guitars are available at MUSIC STORE?

At MUSIC STORE you will find parlor guitars and related compact acoustic guitars for different playing styles – from traditional fingerpicking and blues to singer-songwriter, studio and stage use. In addition to classic parlor models, the selection also includes compact body shapes such as 00-12 fret, 00-14 fret, L-00, LG-2, New Yorker and Small Body.

The filters help you narrow down the selection precisely – for example by body shape, top wood, back and sides, fingerboard, neck, finish, colour, weight, number of frets or pickup configuration.

Find the right body shape

Parlor, 00, L-00, LG-2, New Yorker and Small Body differ in body feel, sound balance and playing comfort.

Choose the sound precisely

Top, back and sides influence response, warmth, mids, projection and bass content of the guitar.

For stage and recording

Models with pickups are practical when the guitar is to be amplified, recorded directly or played live.

Which body type suits which player?

The right body type depends on whether you are mainly looking for a very comfortable instrument, a traditional playing feel, better access to higher positions or a specific sound character.

Body type Well suited for What to look for
Parlor Fingerpicking, blues, folk, songwriting and comfortable playing at home. Very easy handling, clear tone, usually less bass pressure than larger body shapes.
00-12 Fret Traditional playing feel, fingerstyle, warm accompaniment and classic acoustic sounds. The neck joins the body at the 12th fret; this often feels compact and rounded, but offers less access to higher positions.
00-14 Fret Versatile players who want to combine compact size with better access to higher positions. A good compromise between a comfortable body, modern playability and flexible use.
L-00 and LG-2 Blues, Americana, folk, recording and characterful singer-songwriter accompaniment. Distinctive vintage character; ideal when the guitar should not sound neutral, but have its own personality.
New Yorker Very sensitive playing, light accompaniment, fingerpicking and transparent arrangements. Small body shape with a slimmer sound; good for players looking for a particularly responsive instrument.
Small Body Anyone generally looking for a smaller acoustic guitar with comfortable handling. Umbrella term for different compact shapes; always check dimensions, scale length and sound character.

What should you look for when buying?

With a parlor guitar, it is worth looking first at body size, 12-fret or 14-fret construction and neck feel. These points determine how comfortable the guitar feels, how easily higher positions can be reached and how directly the instrument responds.

The choice of wood also shapes the sound: spruce often sounds clear and dynamic, while mahogany tends to be warmer, drier and more midrange-focused. Players who perform live or want to record directly should also look for a pickup.

  • Body size: the more compact the guitar, the easier it is to handle; the bass response is usually slimmer.
  • 12-fret or 14-fret: 12-fret models often feel more traditional and rounded, while 14-fret models offer better access to higher positions.
  • Neck feel: neck profile, nut width and fingerboard influence comfort and control for chords, picking and blues licks.
  • Wood selection: top, back and sides determine response, warmth, mids and projection.
  • Pickup: useful for stage, PA, acoustic amp or direct recording.
  • All-solid construction: interesting when resonance, dynamics and a lively acoustic sound are especially important.

Matching accessories

For transport, care and everyday use, suitable accessories are worthwhile. Especially with compact body shapes, the gig bag or case should match the exact design so that the guitar sits securely and remains well protected.

Guitar accessories

Accessories for care, transport, tuning, string changes and practical use of the acoustic guitar.

Gig bags for acoustic guitars

Practical for lessons, rehearsals, everyday use and protected transport of compact acoustic guitars.

Cases for acoustic guitars

A sturdy solution for stronger protection during storage, transport or on the way to stage and studio.

Frequently asked questions

What is a parlor guitar?

A parlor guitar is a compact acoustic guitar with a smaller body, direct response and distinctive sound. It is especially suitable for fingerpicking, blues, folk, songwriting and comfortable acoustic playing.

Who is a parlor guitar suitable for?

A parlor guitar is suitable for players looking for a comfortable acoustic guitar with a clear response. It works well for fingerstyle, blues, folk, singer-songwriter music, recording and relaxed playing at home.

What is the difference between a parlor and a 00 guitar?

Parlor and 00 guitars are compact acoustic guitars, but they differ depending on the manufacturer in body size, neck-to-body joint and sound character. 00 models can offer a little more volume, while parlor guitars often sound especially direct and focused.

Is 12-fret or 14-fret better?

12-fret models often feel more traditional, compact and rounded in sound. 14-fret models usually offer better access to higher positions and are well suited to more versatile playing styles.

Are parlor guitars available with pickups?

Yes, many parlor guitars are available with pickups. This is useful when the guitar is to be used live, through a PA, with an acoustic amp or for recording applications.

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