List of 20 Acoustic Guitars with a Small Body (roundup)

This is a roundup of acoustic guitars with a small body, which are usually called 3/4 or parlor acoustic body styles. Some companies use the term "mini" or "baby" to describe these acoustics, particularly Taylor with their BT1 and BT2 models, all of these are including here. Though keep in mind that this list is not a ranking or review, though I do believe these are your best options from a category that is very broad, since we've stuck to reputable brands and popular models.

If you have questions or know of other acoustic guitars with small bodies that should be added to this list, hit me up in the comments section below.

Full List of Acoustic Guitars with a Small Body Design

1. Taylor GS Mini (several tonewood versions)
2. Martin LX1
3. Martin LXK2
4. Martin 000-15SM
5. Ibanez PN1
6. Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor
7. Taylor BT1
8. Taylor TSBTe Taylor Swift
9. Yamaha JR1
10. Yamaha CGS103AII
11. Yamaha APXT2EW
12. Yamaha APXT2
13. Fender Highway Series Parlor Acoustic-Electric
14. Fender FA-15
15. Fender Sonoran Mini
16. Cordoba Mini II FMH Nylon
17. Ibanez AE240JRMHS
18. Traveler Guitars Redlands Concert
19. Cordoba Protégé C1M
20. PRS SE P50E Parlor

Is the sound quality of small body acoustic guitars different than larger guitars?

There isn't necessarily a sound quality issue with smaller acoustics, but there is almost always a style difference. Having a smaller body means your tone is going to be brighter and more brisk, whereas larger acoustic guitars tend to be warm and bass-heavy.

Even normal-sized concert acoustics will have a more treble-ish lean than their dreadnought counterparts.

But the quality scale is the same. You can have good and bad parlor acoustics, just like you can have good and bad dreadnoughts. The smaller body size, in and of itself, does not necessarily dictate a downgrade in tone quality.

Can smaller acoustic guitars be used for live performances?

Smaller acoustics can be used for performing just like larger ones. Ask Ed Sheeran about that.

Again, it just depends on the sound and style you're looking for. It's important to note that smaller body acoustics tend to be a lot more comfortable and easier to hold. For that reason, I almost always prefer at least a concert-style body, if not a parlor or 3/4 size acoustic.

For performing, I typically recommend spending at least $700 or more on your guitar, just so you can get something in the higher quality tiers.

That goes for acoustics of any size.

Are small acoustics good fits for beginners?

I really like smaller acoustics for beginners just because they are far more comfortable and easier to play. For kids, or someone just starting out, this is a great way to ease into the instrument and free up energy to focus on the fretboard and avoid dealing with the bulkiness of larger guitars. Definitely avoid full size dreadnoughts if you're just starting out.

Questions about small body acoustic guitars?

As mentioned in the opening paragraph, if you have questions about this roundup or acoustic guitars in general, feel free to leave them in the comment section below. You can leave recommendations there as well, if you know of a model you'd like to add to the list.

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