Yamaha

Description

A genuine spruce top, meranti back and sides, and reduced size make it a great-sounding, great-playing first guitar for small hands. Nato neck and Javanese rosewood fretboard combo is elegant and smooth playing. 21-1/4" scale.

Includes Yamaha gig bag.
Open Box Yamaha JR1 Mini Folk Guitar Level 2  197881418946
Open Box Yamaha JR1 Mini Folk Guitar Level 2  197881418946

Features

  • Genuine spruce top
  • Meranti back and sides
  • Nato neck
  • Javanese rosewood fingerboard
  • Javanese rosewood bridge
  • Nut width is
  • Reduced 21-1/4" scale for small hands
  • Includes Yamaha gig bag

Reviews

4.67

42 Reviews

96%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

4

Good Value in a Travel-size Guitar

I was looking for an inexpensive travel-size guitar. I tried a number of acoustics of this size in the store, including Squire, Ibanez, and a baby Taylor. The Yamaha sounded and played almost as good as the Taylor for less than half the price. The scale is shorter than normal, and the action is fairly low, which would help with kids who are just starting out. The neck might be a bit chunky for smaller hands, however. The tuners are cheap but adequate. I put Martin "Silk & Steel) strings on it, and it doesn't sound bad at all, especially if I tune it up a full step. Overall, a very good value for the money, and a fun little guitar to fool around with. I'd certainly recommend it for a first guitar.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

Better than a toy but there are better...

For the price, this guitar is okay. The tuners are cheap and it does not hold tune very well. The stock action is ridiculously high and the stock strings are like razors. Lower the action a tad and add some Elixirs or D'Addarios, and you'll be set. Sounds nice, heavy fret buzz. The Laguna Brat is nicer, but if you can afford it, the Baby Taylor and Little Martins are way, way better in feel and sound. Overall though, for the price, if you can adjust the action and change the strings, this guitar is fun.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Practicing22
  2. Jamming6
  3. Recording4
  4. School Bands2
  5. Travel2
Cons
  1. Flat Sound2
  2. Requires Constant Tuning2
  3. It has a small sound which is to be expected.1
  4. Not Consistent1
  5. Poor Quality1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced13
  2. Child4
  3. Novice4
  4. Professional Musician4
Pros
  1. Fun To Play23
  2. Good Feel23
  3. Consistent19
  4. Stays In Tune17
  5. Good Audio15
  • Great guitar - my daughter loves it

    5

    submitted16 days ago

    byKatherine

    fromLexington KY

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    My daughter asked for a guitar for her 10th birthday. We went to Guitar Center and found the perfect acoustic guitar for her! The staff were very helpful and informative on the their products. We also signed her up for guitar lessons at Guitar Center. She had her first one last night and we are very pleased!!!!

  • An Excellent Playing Guitar For Kids Or Travel

    5

    submitted19 days ago

    byJim

    fromNewark, DE

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I was totally impressed with a Yamaha FG800J so I bought it and have never been sorry. Compare it's tone and ease to play with anything in the store and you'll buy it. I recently saw the JR1, which looks like a miniature version of mine. It played great so I bought it for my granddaughter for Christmas. Now she can play a smaller version of mine which I hope inspires her to keep playing. It doesn't have the full-sized tone but it's a great playing first or travel guitar.

  • Good beginner or traveling guitar

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted7 months ago

    byJohn

    fromQuakertown, PA

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Purchased this for my young niece as a first guitar. It's 3/4 scale, comfortable, sounds good, has good frets, and solid tuners. Great, especially for the price point. The fretboard was dry out of the box, but quickly fixed with F-One oil. The action was set-up great. She loves it.

  • Great for what it is and for the price you pay

    5

    submitted2 years ago

    byGeorge

    fromChicago

    I read here that someone mentions the JR1 and a toy in the same sentence and it was "better than a toy" or something in that sense. Do not be fooled by such associations - the JR1 is not a toy in the vaguest sense of the word. Mine holds tune extremely well, action was excellent right out of the box and has seen this and that (I own it for 10 years now). Easy to throw in the trunk and drive off for a day in the sun or for a camping trip. I am 6'2, have no problem playing it - yes, it is probably not the optimal neck width and overall size for me, but this is for all 3/4s. You get used to it pretty quick - sometimes I pick it up even at home as I am sitting on the sofa. Sound is not going to be what you get out of a dreadnought body, but this was never the idea. It does sound a bit thin, the lows are clearly not so abundant, but here also the strings make a big difference - one can experiment and see what works. As it is available quite often in stores - best to try it out, better for picking than for strumming, you might just end up positively surprised by what comes out of that small body.

  • Gift for Granddaughter

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byAnthony

    fromAlgonquin, IL

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    This is her first guitar she said that she wanted to learn how to play. Great birthday present.

  • Great for kids

    5

    submitted4 years ago

    byRobert

    fromMcAllen, Texas

    Just purchased this guitar from our local guitar center. My 7 yr old daughter had been showing interest in playing guitar as she would often see me play and would ask me for guitar lessons using her First Act guitar. That's when I knew she was ready for a real guitar. I did my research looking at this guitar, the Fender FA-15, and Luna Safari Muse. Went to GC and saw this and knew it was the perfect size. Customer service was great and the guitar plays pretty well. I am honestly glad we chose this one. If anyone is on the fence about this guitar, don't be. Just go for it and you won't be disappointed. It is perfect for 6-10 yr olds.

Q&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked bysteve

    fromTexas

    Do you offer this in left handed?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Unfortunately, no.
  • asked byStephen

    fromPollock Pines, CA

    What is the size/ width and length?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Overall length: Approximately 33.5 inches (850 mm). Scale length: 21.25 inches (540 mm). . Body length: 15.75 inches (400 mm). Body width (widest point): 12.25 inches (312 mm). Body depth: 3.75 inches (96 mm). Nut width: 1.69 inches (43 mm).
  • asked byEm

    fromHoboken, NJ

    What are the dimensions of the guitar?

    Open Reply - Gear-Advisor
    This is a 3/4 scale. It is typically about 36" long with a lower width of about 13". The scale is approximately 21.5" It's pretty small.
  • asked byNito

    fromSt. Petersburg Florida

    How many color does it come in ?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Just the natural color.
  • asked byJeff

    fromIdaho

    What is the nut width?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    43 mm (1 11/16”)
  • asked byBow

    fromOrlando, Florida

    Can you use a regular size strap for this size guitar as long as it is adjustable?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes, the strap pin is the standard size it's just the guitar that's smaller.
  • asked byJJ

    fromundisclosed

    What strings does it come installed with?

    Open Reply - Beau
    Yamaha steel string acoustic guitars come from the factory with a . 053 to . 012 light gauge set.
  • asked byLdk

    fromSan Antonio

    Is this a classical guitar requiring nylon strings?

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    No, this is not a classical model
  • asked byGigi

    fromWashington, D.C.

    Are there 2 strap buttons? And what age range is this guitar for?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    There are 2 strap buttons, And this would be alright for a beginner, but for age range it's suitable for all age ranges, it's meant to be a traveler guitar. It's roughly 3/4 size so it's smaller without being too small for older players.
    Open Reply - Thomas
    It' s a good child's guitar, from 6 on up. It has 2 strap buttons.
  • asked byTater

    fromConneaut Lake, Pa

    My son is 8 years old. Would this be a good fit for him to start learning with?

    Open Reply - Beau
    This guitar would be a good choice for an 8 year old to learn on.