Official Luthiers Forum!

My nephew is looking for a good parlor guitar .I thought I might build him one, but was a little concerned with what it would sound like.I didn`t know if a box that small can sound worth a hoot.Anyone out there build one or hear what kind of sound they produce.
                        Jmes W B

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James W Bolan
Nashville Tennessee

"Worth a Hoot"! I love parlor guitars. In fact if you look at most of the older guitars they were all much smaller than todays models...they were parlor guitars of sorts. I love them and as far as sound goes I have built and seen many others Blow the Doors off so called regular guitars. Go for it!

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Dave Bland

remember...

"If it doesn't play in tune...it's just pretty wood"

A few of the finest guitars I've ever played have been Parlor guitars ( and most of the dogs have been D****S ) For fingerpicking or domeone learning to play, a Parlor is the perfect size. Plus if you build it you can custom size the neck to fit. Plus Plus Plus, your nephew will have something his uncle made! Not veryone can say that! I agree with Dave, go for it (And share pictures with us!)

Yep, have built a bunch .. close to and exact Martin 0 size bodies - they make awesome little guitars, sometimes thay can kill somehting twice their size.

You have been warned!!!!

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Tony Karol
www.karol-guitars.com
"let my passion .. fulfill yours"

Yup what everyone else said -- my daughter has deep bodied Karol parlor -- first time I strummed it I was startled by the volume it produced.

Size really isn't everything!

[QUOTE=CarltonM] Size really isn't everything![/QUOTE]

Best we leave that one alone.....

[QUOTE=TonyKarol] Yep, have built a bunch .. close to and exact Martin 0 size bodies - they make awesome little guitars, sometimes thay can kill somehting twice their size.

Me, Too. Use the Martin 0-16 New Yorker body shape, but go a bit deeper. Twelve frets to the body, 24.9" scale, flat or slot head depending. On a small guy like this, a top wood that has a bit more bass fundamental tap tone is good. I have built a bunch with walnut/redwood tops, and the bass just bumps right along, well balanced and clear. Build them light and use a light gauge string if going with the redwood, or a red cedar top, for that matter. For more info, see my old web site and look for the Shasta Parlor.

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Hank Mauel

Some of the best guitars I heard at Newport was Steve Spodaryk's parlor guitars. They absolutely sang!

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Joe Breault
Merrimack, NH
Perpetual novice

Joe, thanks for the compliment. I appreciate it. A lot of people were shocked at how much good sound a small body can generate. It sounded good at ths show, but that little koa size 1 has really come into it's own. I'm getting ready to start a couple more.

Hank has provided some real good advice. Try a size 0, or even a size 1 or 2. The default body depth can be increased a little. A softer top wood seems to work very nicely. The small top allows you to really lighten things up and still maintain structural integrity.

If this is a younger kid, consider building a parlor with a 24" scale length tuned to standard pitch. A dream to play with low string tension, super lightly built and low action. Even as an adult it really helps my playing and provides a lot of fun.

Steve

Thanks guys Parlor Guitar it is.
                   James W B

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James W Bolan
Nashville Tennessee

James
I suggest you build two, or start working on your story
now for why your nephew has to wait for the second one.

Tom

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http://www.moriciguitar.com

The Guild of American Lutherie sells a   Size One plan.