69 year old guitar hack here. Played electric, and some acoustic guitar in three bands way back in the 1970's. Played acoustic at a wedding. My neighbor bought a Yamaha GL-1 "guitalele" A few years ago, and told me recently that he loves it! A GL-1 is basically a very compact 6 string classical guitar, but, instead of being tuned Eadgbe, it is tuned 5 frets up on each string, so the low and high e's become a's. This means that all the chord shapes I know on a regular guitar can be played in the same positions, but the name of the chord will be different. Example, an e major chord shape on a guitar, will really be an a major on the Yamaha. If I am just playing by myself for myself, there is no problem. If I was to play along with a regular guitar, we would have to work out what key to play in. Also, if I sing and play, then depending on what key I play in, I would have to sing in higher notes.
This thing came quicky to me in Hawaii, and it is in perfect condition! Since it had nylon/classical type strings, it is going to take much longer for the strings to settle down and stop sretching. Way longer than my steel stringers. So, don't write a review after a few days complaining about this. All classical style nylon string guitars do this! Pick it up,tune it, play it, and keep tuning it. The tuners on mine seem just fine. It is a total blast for me to play. It sounds great, especially for the small body size. It has very good volume and sustain too. A bit stingy on the fret markers, both on the fingerboard and side of the neck. If you have big fingers, some chording might be a bit crowded. It doesn't have a truss rod. But, many classical guitars and many other guitaleles don't have them either. I have yet to read a review, or watch a video review, where the owner had a neck warp. In short, I should have bought one of these long ago.
Update after more than a year now. I still love this little 6 stringer! I have been selling some of my amps and ukes etc. I had considered selling my Yamaha, but cannot do it! It is just such a great insrument. Mine is still perfect. Drawbacks? Few. The 17" scale is a bit tight for me. One string started unravelling after not too much playing. I was able to buy the one string and replaced it. I read a review somewhere where the writer returned his due to various flaws. Looking at mine it's hard to believe. I think Yamaha should make an option of the GL-1 that would come with an under saddle pickup with tuner and volume/tone controls. Great price, great instrument, great FUN!!
Yamaha GL Series GL1 TBS Guitalele, Tobacco Sunburst
4.4 | 3,069 ratings
Price: 109.99
Last update: 01-11-2025
About this item
A unique mini 6-string nylon guitar that is sized like a baritone ukulele (17" scale) and plays like a guitar
The guitalele's tuning is pitched up to "A" (or up to a 4th) at A/D/G/C/E/A.
Nylon Strings
Comes with a soft case bag
The guitalele's tuning is pitched up to "A" (or up to a 4th) at A/D/G/C/E/A.
Nylon Strings
Comes with a soft case bag
Product information
| Item Weight | 2.65 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 27.95 x 9.06 x 3.15 inches |
| Country of Origin | Indonesia |
| ASIN | B00AC0OBYE |
| Item model number | GL1TBS |
| Customer Reviews |
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars
3,040 ratings
4.4 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #2,650 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #15 in Ukuleles (Musical Instruments) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | December 18, 2012 |
| Body Material | Meranti |
| Color Name | Tobacco Sunburst |
| Scale Length | 17.0 |
| String Material | Nylon |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Guitar Bridge System | Fixed |
| Material Type | Nylon |
| Size | Baritone |
Top reviews from the United States
Jon
A quality instrument from Yamaha
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2023
jthx
so much fun, it should be illegal
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2011