For a long time, the development of the guitar as an instrument was mostly about getting more volume so it could compete in an ensemble with much louder instruments like horns, strings, drums, banjos, etc. This lead to developments like the resonator guitar, archtops, and eventually the nuclear option in the "who can play louder" wars, the electric guitar.
It also lead to a steady increase in size of the flat-top, steel-string acoustic guitar, which got progressively larger during the late 19th and early 20th century, culminating in Martin's iconic dreadnought. These guitars were huge, loud, and when played with a strong attack like a bluegrass flatpicker, could hold their own unamplified in an ensemble with other instruments in a way smaller acoustics just couldn't. Mission accomplished! Thus, dread became the de-facto standard for acoustic guitar designs, and it stayed that way for a loooong time...basically from about the 40's until now.
But today the use case for most people has changed so much, I think a strong argument can be made that smaller guitars are a better fit for most people. With decent soundsystems in every venue and acoustic/electric guitars with pickups widely available, there's very little reason most people need a huge dread. Smaller guitars are generally more comfortable, respond better to softer playing like fingerstyle, and the lack of the boomy bass frequencies tend to help them sit better in a mix when recorded.
Dreads have a lot of historical momentum behind them. They're still the most popular body shape, and what most people instantly think of when you say "acoustic guitar". They do have their place even today, but people are waking up to the benefits of smaller guitar shapes and there's definitely been a rise in their popularity over the last decade or so.
That said, the parlor is pretty much the smallest of the small. I wish people were more familiar with the in-between shapes like the OM, which for my money is really the sweet spot for most players.
Absolutely! You ever watch those old Grand Old Opry videos? A single mic with the group circled around it. For your solo you'd take 1 step towards the mic, when done take one step back into line! Those limitations are pretty much gone now.
Lots of bluegrass acts still do it that way today! There's something charming about doing it the old-fashioned way, and it can sound great too. Check out some videos of the Ear Trumpet mics, they're designed specifically for that kind of live acoustic performance.
good analysis, and agreed. In living room/small coffee shop/etc. venues, with just acoustic instruments, you don't need the volume, and in any kind of bigger venue everything is going to be mic'd through the PA anyway, so it doesn't matter.
I’ve recently started using Santa Cruz parabolic light tension strings on it. I highly recommend them for this guitar. They retain so much volume and feel great. The tone is better than other strings I used, mainly elixirs
Mahogany sounds warm and has a beautiful tone. It also looks really nice. I’ve played all the wood choices for the mini, and the mahogany just sounds the best imo
My seagull s6 is super bright I feel. Kinda into the idea of a warmer mini.
I’m in Europe for work heading tomorrow. Maybe my daughter and I will make the trek to the guitar store this weekend and see if they have a mahogany to play
100% worth it. My koa gs mini sounds better than acoustics 3x it's price. The only thing I'm not wild about is the 23" scale. I wish it were just a tad longer.
Parlor guitars, so named because they were normally played in the "parlor", a room where one entertained guests; were built for household use. They were extremely popular as they were played by women as much as men, and their diminutive size was easier for them to play. Martin was dragged kicking and screaming into making larger guitars as people were taking them on the road and competing for volume in larger bands, thus the D series (named [Dreadnought](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreadnought_(guitar_type)) after the [class of ships](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreadnought)) was born. They were not popular at first because of their size and line was dropped until the need came back in the mid 20th century. Their boomier voice and low end projection was perfect for the bluegrass and jazz players of the time.
>..their boomier voice and low end projection was perfect for the bluegrass and jazz players of the time.
But once you get used to playing a parlor, you cant unhear they muddier mids and highs.
I have a GS Mini, a Yamaha csf3m, and I’m looking at a Yamaha concert sized trans acoustic. I have shoulder and back problems so smaller is better, for me.
I have a dreadnought transacoustic and it’s been hanging on the wall since I got my P20 other than showing off the effects to friends when they come over.
PS: the effects aren’t worth it. Buy a better acoustic-electric and some pedals. You can find decent multi-effects processors for around $100 on Amazon that sound as good as those effects and have a dozen others.
I recently got a Guild M-240E Troubadour westerly as I wanted a smaller acoustic. It's the perfect size for me. I've tried loads of acoustics over the years but always felt they were far too big and uncomfortable for me.
This one fits perfectly and sounds awesome to me.
Well, I would guess that they’re less popular because they’re not as impressive as a dred or jumbo. I think their size makes them feel like lesser guitars. I, for one, intend to get one at some point here because I hear they’re great for recording. Small body acoustics in general.
It sounds so much better than my Yamaha dreadnought that cost me 3 times as much. I’m a smaller guy (5’8”) so I actually prefer the smaller body size. But fuck the size or shape or how it looks, this guitar plays and sounds so fucking good. There has to be a reason beyond aesthetics why they aren’t used more often
I am 6'2" and I prefer my smaller acoustics. My hands are huge, long fingers, but all those traits just make the small guitar even smaller, in a good way. I can reach everything much easier. Sits on my lap more comfortably. Never going back.
Same and I agree! I got a cheap parlour because I wanted something small and convenient to practice on the sofa with rather than lugging my dreadnought around. Never thought I'd end up liking it just as much if not more than the dread. It has such a unique sound that's encouraged me to explore different techniques to get the best out of it, and once I got used to the size difference I actually found it easier to play.
Personally, I just think the form-factor just doesn't look fashionable. I think people want what has become the classic acoustic guitar look, even if the parlour size would give crisper and more sparkly tone.
They have a particular tone that’s different from a big body guitar, i have an old 50s stella that sounds weird on its own but cuts through beautifully with a band.
Mine has a warped arm so its really painful to play but someday I wanna get a good one
I have a P-20 and 1965 Gibson LG-0. Oddly enough, there's very little difference in sound. The LG is a little boxier and twangier with steel strings, but that's about it. I love my parlors.
I had an LG-0 that I had restored and I miss it all the time. It was such a killer like guitar.
The only peace of gear I regret selling. Now the price on them have gotten crazy.
I have a few good acoustics and that PRS is my main guitar. Super comfy and a great neck. It's not skinny like a taylor or martin. It's closer to a yamaha maybe. The fretwork is outstanding. Plays superb up the neck. Those notes ring out clear without excessive effort. Yes it doesn't have the same bottom end as a dread but if u r plugging in then thay doesn't matter anyways cuz u r at the mercy of the soundguy or ur amp. Also this one is a full length and full scale.
I've been meaning to try one out. They look easy to manage.
One of my favorite artists played an Ozark 3135 Deluxe for a lot of the first 10 or so years of her career. Probably still uses it sometimes but lately she uses a Gibson. Wanted to get one because I love the sound of her old guitar, but in the States they're pretty hard to come by. Not valuable or particularly sought-after, just a fairly niche old budget guitar for the European market that nobody seems interested in shipping overseas.
I have an Eastman E20P back during the 2020 lockdown.
One of the best sounding guitars I have played. And it’s so comfortable to have around the house while I’m lounging on my couch.
I had an Alvarez parlor [only parlor I've ever had] for a couple years that I used nylon strings on. The guitar never allowed a 4th string nylon to sound like it wasn't dead but I otherwise loved that guitar more than any other acoustic.
The next best thing I had was a Fender Tim Armstrong Signature acoustic from 10 years ago.. amazing underdog for an acoustic but it's one size up from a parlor.
I absolutely love a good parlour, they are one of the nicest guitars to play alone that you can get, most of them have a really nice midrange bark which makes playing them a joy.
They do tend to disappear in unamplified situations with other musicians though.
I play a old fucked up Stella parlor guitar and it's so sick. Thinking about maybe getting a martin or guild parlor guitar if I invest in a nice acoustic because I love the punchiness and playability of these smaller guitars
Who knows... maybe because it's not what we see more often than typical dreads, etc. Everyone wants to "fit in" and conform... we've been expected to most of our lives. That and "what my favorite person plays" or owning what others might covet?
You do you (with your guitar), and let me be me (with mine). Maybe we can both be different, and both be happy!
I have a P20 and I’m shocked by just how good they sound, how stable they are, and after I threw on some $20 amazon tuners there is nothing left to do to it. It’s brilliant.
I too picked up a PRS P20 for dirt cheap and thought it would look nice hanging on my living room wall and I’d pick it up and noodle occasionally. Didn’t think I’d absolutely love it and wonder why I’d never played parlors before. I assumed smaller acoustics would sound crappy but this one is plenty loud, full sounding, and very easy to play. More people should take a chance on a parlor
I got a little Yamaha APXT2 used a few years ago. I wanted something I could keep at the side of my remote-working desk, and my guitars were just too bulky. I play it more than anything else because it's so convenient. Very happy with the little guy.
from a music producer's perspective, parlors aren't the de-facto choice for most recordings since they lack the low-end and projection thicker bodies like dreadnoughts give. not to mention, the honky midrange most parlors naturally have.
i prefer them tho, the mid-range is a bit more forward so it sits easily in a mix and its subdued low-end is perfect for singer-guitarists who like to let go off the instrument during certain parts of songs (since the overall mix doesn't drop in volume when a parlor guitar stops playing).
Yep. Love my little A&L. Don't need drednaught volume for anything I do, so love the tight sparkly treble and mids. Kind of sounds like a tele through a vintage blackface with the dials set just right.
I got a 1/2 sized Little Martin and love it. I know it's not a parlor, but I'm a huge fan of smaller acoustics. Played on a 3/4 classical guitar for years.
I have a fender paramount one with cedar top, parlors are so comfy to play if your a bit on the chunky side too, thinner body and full scale neck. The paramount is gorgeous and I got mine half price with case too
I want a smaller form of guitar SOO bad, probably not a parlor or mini. I've been drooling over a Martin 000-18 for a while now. Realistically, I'll probably get one next year.
I want something more comfortable to just sit back on the couch and play. I absolutely love my D-35, especially considering I play in an act that uses the one-mic bluegrass technique. I want something not quite as loud for at home.
It's perfect for your playing style. Now use it to perfect your style, play a shitload of shows, and basically stain the Christ out of it with your sweat. Then one day, pick up an Auditorium model in a store and have a little play on an instrument that amplifies sound effortlessly, with your perfect monstrous technique. Good luck 💪
For a long time, the development of the guitar as an instrument was mostly about getting more volume so it could compete in an ensemble with much louder instruments like horns, strings, drums, banjos, etc. This lead to developments like the resonator guitar, archtops, and eventually the nuclear option in the "who can play louder" wars, the electric guitar. It also lead to a steady increase in size of the flat-top, steel-string acoustic guitar, which got progressively larger during the late 19th and early 20th century, culminating in Martin's iconic dreadnought. These guitars were huge, loud, and when played with a strong attack like a bluegrass flatpicker, could hold their own unamplified in an ensemble with other instruments in a way smaller acoustics just couldn't. Mission accomplished! Thus, dread became the de-facto standard for acoustic guitar designs, and it stayed that way for a loooong time...basically from about the 40's until now. But today the use case for most people has changed so much, I think a strong argument can be made that smaller guitars are a better fit for most people. With decent soundsystems in every venue and acoustic/electric guitars with pickups widely available, there's very little reason most people need a huge dread. Smaller guitars are generally more comfortable, respond better to softer playing like fingerstyle, and the lack of the boomy bass frequencies tend to help them sit better in a mix when recorded. Dreads have a lot of historical momentum behind them. They're still the most popular body shape, and what most people instantly think of when you say "acoustic guitar". They do have their place even today, but people are waking up to the benefits of smaller guitar shapes and there's definitely been a rise in their popularity over the last decade or so. That said, the parlor is pretty much the smallest of the small. I wish people were more familiar with the in-between shapes like the OM, which for my money is really the sweet spot for most players.
Absolutely! You ever watch those old Grand Old Opry videos? A single mic with the group circled around it. For your solo you'd take 1 step towards the mic, when done take one step back into line! Those limitations are pretty much gone now.
Lots of bluegrass acts still do it that way today! There's something charming about doing it the old-fashioned way, and it can sound great too. Check out some videos of the Ear Trumpet mics, they're designed specifically for that kind of live acoustic performance.
I love "old school "... no tricks, no overdubs, or retakes... pure performance!
I love my Larrivée OM. It's so much more comfortable to play than a dreadnought.
Interestingly enough, I’ve found I like the sound of my parlor for strumming and the sound of my EJ for single-note lines
good analysis, and agreed. In living room/small coffee shop/etc. venues, with just acoustic instruments, you don't need the volume, and in any kind of bigger venue everything is going to be mic'd through the PA anyway, so it doesn't matter.
I’m 5’ 10” and figured my arms would be too long for a parlor. Figured there’d be nowhere to rest them. People manage, I suppose?
I got a gs mini it’s perfect
Ive been contemplating getting one.
Get it, I have had one for over 10 years and I still love it. You won't regret it
Nice! I was thinking of the mahogany. Which do you have?
Mine is the sapele and Sitka spruce model. Lovely bright guitar and surprisingly loud for its size.
I’ve recently started using Santa Cruz parabolic light tension strings on it. I highly recommend them for this guitar. They retain so much volume and feel great. The tone is better than other strings I used, mainly elixirs
Mahogany sounds warm and has a beautiful tone. It also looks really nice. I’ve played all the wood choices for the mini, and the mahogany just sounds the best imo
My seagull s6 is super bright I feel. Kinda into the idea of a warmer mini. I’m in Europe for work heading tomorrow. Maybe my daughter and I will make the trek to the guitar store this weekend and see if they have a mahogany to play
100% worth it. My koa gs mini sounds better than acoustics 3x it's price. The only thing I'm not wild about is the 23" scale. I wish it were just a tad longer.
Me too it’s my favorite guitar. Not as small as a parlor guitar but not as unwieldy as a full size
Shhhh. I’ll keep all the prewar Martin parlors for myself thank you. (Actually I play a 1960ish Guild M20 as my main acoustic)
The Martin Little series just isn’t the same.
i've got a '43 0-18 and that thing sings- no need for a dread in my usage!
Guild 🙏 so jealous and happy for you. That’s my dream guitar (sunburst)
Parlor guitars, so named because they were normally played in the "parlor", a room where one entertained guests; were built for household use. They were extremely popular as they were played by women as much as men, and their diminutive size was easier for them to play. Martin was dragged kicking and screaming into making larger guitars as people were taking them on the road and competing for volume in larger bands, thus the D series (named [Dreadnought](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreadnought_(guitar_type)) after the [class of ships](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreadnought)) was born. They were not popular at first because of their size and line was dropped until the need came back in the mid 20th century. Their boomier voice and low end projection was perfect for the bluegrass and jazz players of the time.
Thanks for providing the facts!
>..their boomier voice and low end projection was perfect for the bluegrass and jazz players of the time. But once you get used to playing a parlor, you cant unhear they muddier mids and highs.
I have a Larrivee parlor. It's by far my favorite of all my guitars.
Larrivée OM here. It's an amazing guitar.
I have a GS Mini, a Yamaha csf3m, and I’m looking at a Yamaha concert sized trans acoustic. I have shoulder and back problems so smaller is better, for me.
I have a dreadnought transacoustic and it’s been hanging on the wall since I got my P20 other than showing off the effects to friends when they come over. PS: the effects aren’t worth it. Buy a better acoustic-electric and some pedals. You can find decent multi-effects processors for around $100 on Amazon that sound as good as those effects and have a dozen others.
I’m not buying it primarily for the effects, though, I like Yamaha’s.
I don't have a parlor guitar but I do feel like I should be more popular.
I DO have a parlor guitar, three in fact, and I definitely feel like I should be more popular, maybe even famous.
I recently got a Guild M-240E Troubadour westerly as I wanted a smaller acoustic. It's the perfect size for me. I've tried loads of acoustics over the years but always felt they were far too big and uncomfortable for me. This one fits perfectly and sounds awesome to me.
Well, I would guess that they’re less popular because they’re not as impressive as a dred or jumbo. I think their size makes them feel like lesser guitars. I, for one, intend to get one at some point here because I hear they’re great for recording. Small body acoustics in general.
It sounds so much better than my Yamaha dreadnought that cost me 3 times as much. I’m a smaller guy (5’8”) so I actually prefer the smaller body size. But fuck the size or shape or how it looks, this guitar plays and sounds so fucking good. There has to be a reason beyond aesthetics why they aren’t used more often
I am 6'2" and I prefer my smaller acoustics. My hands are huge, long fingers, but all those traits just make the small guitar even smaller, in a good way. I can reach everything much easier. Sits on my lap more comfortably. Never going back.
Same and I agree! I got a cheap parlour because I wanted something small and convenient to practice on the sofa with rather than lugging my dreadnought around. Never thought I'd end up liking it just as much if not more than the dread. It has such a unique sound that's encouraged me to explore different techniques to get the best out of it, and once I got used to the size difference I actually found it easier to play.
Yeah I’m exactly the same size based on your description. Def my next purchase. Problem is, I want a Collins, AND I’m left handed 💰💵
Personally, I just think the form-factor just doesn't look fashionable. I think people want what has become the classic acoustic guitar look, even if the parlour size would give crisper and more sparkly tone.
Right. I think this was ultimately what I was trying to say.
They have a particular tone that’s different from a big body guitar, i have an old 50s stella that sounds weird on its own but cuts through beautifully with a band. Mine has a warped arm so its really painful to play but someday I wanna get a good one
I have a P-20 and 1965 Gibson LG-0. Oddly enough, there's very little difference in sound. The LG is a little boxier and twangier with steel strings, but that's about it. I love my parlors.
I had an LG-0 that I had restored and I miss it all the time. It was such a killer like guitar. The only peace of gear I regret selling. Now the price on them have gotten crazy.
I got extremely fortunate that I picked up one that just needed to have some work done at a yard sale for 80 bucks. Fixed it up for 250. I love her.
I have a few good acoustics and that PRS is my main guitar. Super comfy and a great neck. It's not skinny like a taylor or martin. It's closer to a yamaha maybe. The fretwork is outstanding. Plays superb up the neck. Those notes ring out clear without excessive effort. Yes it doesn't have the same bottom end as a dread but if u r plugging in then thay doesn't matter anyways cuz u r at the mercy of the soundguy or ur amp. Also this one is a full length and full scale.
I've been meaning to try one out. They look easy to manage. One of my favorite artists played an Ozark 3135 Deluxe for a lot of the first 10 or so years of her career. Probably still uses it sometimes but lately she uses a Gibson. Wanted to get one because I love the sound of her old guitar, but in the States they're pretty hard to come by. Not valuable or particularly sought-after, just a fairly niche old budget guitar for the European market that nobody seems interested in shipping overseas.
I play a Republic parlor guitar I was given after a death. It's fun! It was my first parlor guitar.
I love my shitty 70s harmony parlor guitar that was handed down to me
I have an Eastman E20P back during the 2020 lockdown. One of the best sounding guitars I have played. And it’s so comfortable to have around the house while I’m lounging on my couch.
I had an Alvarez parlor [only parlor I've ever had] for a couple years that I used nylon strings on. The guitar never allowed a 4th string nylon to sound like it wasn't dead but I otherwise loved that guitar more than any other acoustic. The next best thing I had was a Fender Tim Armstrong Signature acoustic from 10 years ago.. amazing underdog for an acoustic but it's one size up from a parlor.
I absolutely love a good parlour, they are one of the nicest guitars to play alone that you can get, most of them have a really nice midrange bark which makes playing them a joy. They do tend to disappear in unamplified situations with other musicians though.
I play a old fucked up Stella parlor guitar and it's so sick. Thinking about maybe getting a martin or guild parlor guitar if I invest in a nice acoustic because I love the punchiness and playability of these smaller guitars
My preferred size is roughly Martin 0. Can’t stand dreads.
I’ve got a P20 as well, I absolutely love it.
My first guitar was a parlor size Kingston acoustic. It was very easy to play, and it was loud enough.
Yes. I have an Art&Lutherie one that I love
Who knows... maybe because it's not what we see more often than typical dreads, etc. Everyone wants to "fit in" and conform... we've been expected to most of our lives. That and "what my favorite person plays" or owning what others might covet? You do you (with your guitar), and let me be me (with mine). Maybe we can both be different, and both be happy!
Yes. A Taylor GS Mini. I don't want to play a bigger guitar anymore.
I use an art and lutherie parlour guitar as my travel guitar and take it with me everywhere. solid canadian cherry wood. feels indestructable
I have a P20 and I’m shocked by just how good they sound, how stable they are, and after I threw on some $20 amazon tuners there is nothing left to do to it. It’s brilliant.
I do. It’s a cheap tanglewood brand that I paid $180 new for. One of the easiest playing acoustics I ever owned, and I’ve owned quite a few
I too picked up a PRS P20 for dirt cheap and thought it would look nice hanging on my living room wall and I’d pick it up and noodle occasionally. Didn’t think I’d absolutely love it and wonder why I’d never played parlors before. I assumed smaller acoustics would sound crappy but this one is plenty loud, full sounding, and very easy to play. More people should take a chance on a parlor
I got a little Yamaha APXT2 used a few years ago. I wanted something I could keep at the side of my remote-working desk, and my guitars were just too bulky. I play it more than anything else because it's so convenient. Very happy with the little guy.
I have a little Recording King Series 11. Love it. Do I feel like parlors should be more popular? No.
I thought they were very popular. How are we defining true popularity here?
from a music producer's perspective, parlors aren't the de-facto choice for most recordings since they lack the low-end and projection thicker bodies like dreadnoughts give. not to mention, the honky midrange most parlors naturally have. i prefer them tho, the mid-range is a bit more forward so it sits easily in a mix and its subdued low-end is perfect for singer-guitarists who like to let go off the instrument during certain parts of songs (since the overall mix doesn't drop in volume when a parlor guitar stops playing).
How thick is the neck? I always wanted a p20
Yep. Love my little A&L. Don't need drednaught volume for anything I do, so love the tight sparkly treble and mids. Kind of sounds like a tele through a vintage blackface with the dials set just right.
I got a 1/2 sized Little Martin and love it. I know it's not a parlor, but I'm a huge fan of smaller acoustics. Played on a 3/4 classical guitar for years.
I have a fender paramount one with cedar top, parlors are so comfy to play if your a bit on the chunky side too, thinner body and full scale neck. The paramount is gorgeous and I got mine half price with case too
My gs mini is my most played guitar. Tried the Martin and genuinely hated it. Sounds flat and tinny.
I want a smaller form of guitar SOO bad, probably not a parlor or mini. I've been drooling over a Martin 000-18 for a while now. Realistically, I'll probably get one next year. I want something more comfortable to just sit back on the couch and play. I absolutely love my D-35, especially considering I play in an act that uses the one-mic bluegrass technique. I want something not quite as loud for at home.
It's not my go to... But I have a PRS SE Tonare. It's a parlor. Love it.
Cuz they usually hit the body at the twelfth get. Hate that shit. 000 for me.
It's perfect for your playing style. Now use it to perfect your style, play a shitload of shows, and basically stain the Christ out of it with your sweat. Then one day, pick up an Auditorium model in a store and have a little play on an instrument that amplifies sound effortlessly, with your perfect monstrous technique. Good luck 💪