Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (14)
$529.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (15)
$529.99
Reverb
5.0 (9)
$440.97 New
$320.00 Used
Gear4Music
£495.00

Average Price: $455

Standard/Professional

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Yamaha CSF1M Parlor". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Yamaha CSF1M Parlor guitar is a harmonious blend of vintage allure and modern craftsmanship. This compact folk guitar pays homage to the golden era of traveling musicians, offering a rich, vibrant sound that defies its size. With a solid Sitka spruce top and newly-designed scalloped bracing, the CSF1M ensures robust projection and tonal depth, delivering a dynamic range from pristine highs to warm lows. The laminate mahogany back and sides contribute to a well-rounded sound, while the rosewood fingerboard and bridge add a touch of classic elegance.

Ideal for both intimate home sessions and stage performances, the CSF1M comes equipped with a passive SRT Zero-Impact piezo pickup, ensuring a natural, dynamic tone when plugged in. Its compact form factor makes it a perfect travel companion, easily fitting into tighter spaces without compromising on sound quality. Whether you're strumming by a campfire or serenading a crowd, the CSF1M offers the ultimate parlor guitar experience with a sound that truly resonates.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top with scalloped bracing for enhanced resonance
  • Laminate mahogany back and sides for balanced warmth
  • Rosewood fingerboard and bridge for classic tonewood richness
  • Passive SRT Zero-Impact piezo pickup for dynamic amplified sound
  • Compact design ideal for travel and easy storage
  • Includes a durable hard bag for protection and portability

Product specs

String Type Steel
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape CSF
Back & Sides Wood Laminate Mahogany
Top Wood Solid Sitka Spruce
Body Bracing Scalloped X-bracing
Binding Black, White
Neck Wood Nato
Radius 16"
Fingerboard Material Rosewood
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Number of Frets 20
Scale Length 23.5"
Nut Width 1.692"
Nut/Saddle Material Urea Resin/Urea Resin
Bridge Material Rosewood
Tuning Machines Die-cast Chrome
Electronics SRT Zero-Impact Piezo pickup
Strings Elixir Nanoweb 80/20 Bronze Light, .012-.053
Case/Gig Bag Softshell Case
Body Length 17.71"
Body Depth 4.13" Lower, 3.34" Upper

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Yamaha CSF1M Parlor guitar?

The Yamaha CSF1M Parlor delivers a warm and balanced tone, thanks to its solid Sitka spruce top and laminate mahogany back and sides. This combination offers a rich sound suitable for fingerstyle and light strumming.

Is the Yamaha CSF1M Parlor suitable for travel?

Yes, the Yamaha CSF1M Parlor's compact size and included softshell case make it an excellent choice for travel. Its smaller body and 23.5" scale length provide easy portability without sacrificing sound quality.

Does the Yamaha CSF1M Parlor come with built-in electronics?

Yes, the Yamaha CSF1M Parlor features an SRT Zero-Impact Piezo pickup, allowing you to amplify your sound without altering the guitar's natural acoustic tone.

What is the neck profile of the Yamaha CSF1M Parlor?

The Yamaha CSF1M Parlor features a comfortable neck with a 16" radius, making it easy to play for both beginners and experienced guitarists. The nato neck and rosewood fingerboard provide a smooth playing experience.

What kind of strings does the Yamaha CSF1M Parlor use?

The Yamaha CSF1M Parlor comes equipped with Elixir Nanoweb 80/20 Bronze Light strings, gauged .012-.053, which offer a bright tone and long-lasting performance.

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

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Alamo Music Center

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Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Yamaha CSF1M by Test By Phyoe

Yamaha CSF1M

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Test By Phyoe

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Yamaha CSF1M Travel Electro Acoustic - Rimmers Music

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Reviews

PROS

  • Surprisingly loud for a smaller parlor size

  • Excellent, focused sound for recording purposes

  • High-quality padded gig bag included

  • Beautiful craftsmanship and aesthetics

  • Works well with acoustic processors and effects

  • Easy to play, even straight out of the box

  • Rich sound with distinct lows and mids

  • Comfortable for players with smaller hands

  • Great value for its price point

CONS

  • Limited bass punch due to smaller body size

  • No left-handed version available

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha CSF1M Parlor.

Setup and maintenance

  • Some users have had to shave down the saddle for optimal setup, enhancing playability especially for couch picking.

    Source
  • Concerns about the Jim Dandy needing setup and light fretwork, highlighting the importance of quality control.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The CSF1M's pickup is highlighted as a convenient feature for home and travel use, making it versatile in different settings.

    Source
  • The passive pickup is yet to be tested by some users, but its presence is appreciated for future flexibility.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners express preference for the CSF3M's solid wood back and sides over the 1M, due to the enhanced tonal quality and resonance.

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  • A user transitioning from a much older guitar notices a significant improvement in sound quality, suggesting the CSF1M is a strong upgrade for aging instruments.

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  • The CSF1M is considered superior to the Jim Dandy and APXT2EW, providing a fuller sound while maintaining a compact size.

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  • The Jim Dandy is noted for a boxy, cigar box sound, contrasting with the CSF1M's richer tone.

    Source

User experience

  • The CSF1M is praised for its comfort compared to larger dreadnaughts, leading to increased playtime beyond travel use.

    Source
  • A beginner finds the CSF1M dramatically easier on the hands compared to a 30-year-old Epiphone, highlighting its playability for newcomers.

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  • Some find the APX model less satisfying unplugged, likening it to a toy, especially compared to the CSF1M.

    Source

Build quality

  • The guitar's lightweight design, attributed to African mahogany, is noted for its ease of daily use and spontaneous play.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The warm, bluesy sound of the CSF1M makes it appealing for blues and fingerstyle genres, with a recommendation for a bone saddle for further tonal improvement.

    Source
  • A user prefers the CSF1M as their primary couch guitar, suggesting it excels in casual, home settings.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The CSF1M is positioned as a top choice within the $400 budget range, outperforming similarly priced models.

    Source

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