Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (13)
$729.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (6)
$659.99
Reverb
5.0 (10)
$438.84 New
$549.99 Used
Thomann
4.9 (7)
$664.00 $659.00 $5.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£599.00

Average Price: $608

Standard/Professional

$200

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Yamaha CSF3M Parlor". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Yamaha CSF3M Parlor guitar is a nod to the golden era of acoustic travel guitars, blending vintage charm with modern craftsmanship. This compact, steel-string acoustic guitar is a favorite among musicians who crave portability without sacrificing sound quality. The CSF3M features a solid Sitka spruce top, paired with solid mahogany back and sides, offering a rich and balanced tonal palette. The spruce top provides bright and crisp high-end frequencies, while the mahogany enhances the warmth in the low end, creating a harmonious sound that's both resonant and articulate.

Designed for both intimate performances and lively jam sessions, the CSF3M comes equipped with a passive SRT Zero-Impact piezo pickup. This ensures that whether you're strumming in your living room or performing on stage, your sound remains clear and true to its acoustic roots. The rosewood fingerboard and bridge further contribute to the guitar's tonal depth, making it a versatile instrument for various playing styles.

Despite its compact size, the CSF3M is built with durability in mind, featuring a nato neck that offers smooth playability. Its 20 frets and 600 mm scale length give it a comfortable feel, perfect for both beginners and seasoned players. The guitar also comes bundled with a gig bag, making it an ideal companion for traveling musicians.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top for bright, clear tone
  • Solid mahogany back and sides for warm, balanced sound
  • Nato neck with rosewood fingerboard and bridge
  • Passive SRT Zero-Impact piezo pickup for amplified acoustic sound
  • 20 frets, 600 mm scale length
  • Includes gig bag for easy transportation

Product specs

String Type Steel
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape CSF
Back & Sides Wood Solid 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 kind of sound can I expect from the Yamaha CSF3M Parlor guitar?

The Yamaha CSF3M Parlor guitar delivers a rich, full-bodied sound with enhanced volume and projection, thanks to its solid Sitka spruce top and scalloped X-bracing. The solid mahogany back and sides contribute to a warm, balanced tone suitable for various genres.

Is the Yamaha CSF3M Parlor guitar suitable for travel?

Yes, the compact size and included softshell case make the Yamaha CSF3M Parlor guitar an excellent choice for travel. Its smaller body provides comfort and portability without sacrificing sound quality.

Does the Yamaha CSF3M Parlor guitar have built-in electronics for amplification?

Yes, the Yamaha CSF3M Parlor guitar features an SRT Zero-Impact Piezo pickup, allowing you to easily amplify your sound without altering the guitar's natural acoustic tone.

What type of strings come with the Yamaha CSF3M Parlor guitar?

The Yamaha CSF3M Parlor guitar comes equipped with Elixir Nanoweb 80/20 Bronze Light strings, which offer a bright tone and long-lasting performance.

Is the Yamaha CSF3M Parlor guitar suitable for beginners?

The Yamaha CSF3M Parlor guitar is suitable for both beginners and experienced players, offering a comfortable 23.5" scale length and easy playability, making it an ideal choice for learning and performance.

Acoustic Review

Acoustic Review

Yamaha CSF3M - Acoustic Review

Video thumbnail for Yamaha CSF3M - Acoustic Review by Acoustic Review

Yamaha CSF3M - Acoustic Review

Acoustic Review

Acoustic Review

Video thumbnail for The Best Travel Guitar I've Tried - Yamaha CSF3M by John Nathan Cordy

The Best Travel Guitar I've Tried - Yamaha CSF3M

John Nathan Cordy

John Nathan Cordy

Video thumbnail for Yamaha CSF3M Electric-Acoustic Parlour Guitar by Flowforth Instruments

Yamaha CSF3M Electric-Acoustic Parlour Guitar

Flowforth Instruments

Flowforth Instruments

Reviews

PROS

  • Solid spruce top and mahogany body for rich, full sound

  • High-quality sound projection, comparable to more expensive models

  • Great for finger-picking and blues, with a bright, resonant tone

  • Lightweight and portable, perfect for travel or small venues

  • Comfortable neck profile supports various playing styles

  • Excellent build quality with no visible defects

  • Includes a well-made, secure gig bag with comfortable straps

  • Affordable all-solid wood guitar, offering great value for money

  • Inspiring sound that encourages playing and creativity

  • Suitable for smaller-handed players due to its size

CONS

  • Some dead spots on the fretboard affecting sustain

  • Pickup can cause feedback issues when amplified

  • Initial set-up may require neck adjustment and conditioning of the fingerboard

  • Frets may need polishing for smoother play

  • Piezo pickup may have unbalanced string volume and is not very ambitious

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha CSF3M Parlor.

Build quality

  • The all-solid wood construction features solid mahogany back and sides, enhancing tonal depth compared to laminate alternatives.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The action may initially be high, requiring adjustment for optimal playability, especially for fingerstyle players.

    Source
  • Owners recommend adding a bone saddle for enhanced tonal quality, elevating the CSF3M to boutique standards.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 600mm scale length aids beginners and players with smaller hands in managing the neck comfortably.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Taylor GS Mini offers a similar compact size, but the CSF3M's all-solid wood construction provides richer tonal quality.

    Source
  • The Guild P-240 is often compared to the CSF3M, with some preferring the CSF3M for its solid wood construction and tonal depth.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Suitable for small gigs and recordings, the passive zero-impact pickup delivers a natural tone with minimal EQ tweaking needed.

    Source
  • The CSF3M is praised for its lightweight design, making it an ideal choice for spontaneous, everyday play.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the comfortable satin neck finish, which allows for extended play without finger fatigue.

    Source
  • One owner found the Yamaha CSF3M to be the perfect couch guitar, highlighting its suitability for casual, comfortable playing sessions.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A mint condition CSF3M was purchased for $475, showcasing its potential as a more affordable alternative to higher-end parlor guitars.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Yamaha CSF3M Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Yamaha's CSF3M Parlor guitar is a refined blend of quality and value, offering excellent playability and a rich tonal palette for under $550. Its inviting setup, flawless construction, and luxurious feel make it a standout for both fingerstyle and strumming. While some low-mid tones can sound boxy, the guitar's overall balance and clarity are impressive, making it ideal for studio work and intimate settings. The minor tonal imperfections are overshadowed by its strengths, delivering a compelling option for musicians seeking a high-quality parlor guitar at an accessible price.

positive

Gear Review: Yamaha CSF3M and FG-TA Acoustics | Acoustic Guitar

acousticguitar.com

Yamaha's CSF3M is a delightful surprise for the budget-conscious guitarist, offering a rich, punchy sound and elegant craftsmanship. With its all-solid-wood construction and scalloped bracing, it delivers impressive tone and projection for its compact size. The shorter scale might not please long-scale purists, but its playability and clear, dry sound make it a joy for fingerpicking and strumming alike. The included zero-impact pickup maintains the guitar's natural aesthetics and sound when amplified. While lacking the deep bass of pricier models, the CSF3M stands out as a well-crafted, fun-to-play instrument, proving Yamaha's commitment to quality at accessible prices.

positive

Is The Yamaha CSF3M REALLY A Premium Parlor Guitar? - Killer Guitar Rigs

killerguitarrigs.com

Yamaha's CSF3M parlor guitar is a revelation for those willing to invest a little more in their acoustic arsenal. With its solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back, this compact guitar defies its size, delivering a nuanced, robust tone that fills the room. The craftsmanship is impeccable, from the stunning wood grain to the smooth rosewood fretboard. While its nato neck feels slightly out of place among such premium materials, it doesn't detract from the overall experience. However, the lack of onboard electronics controls might leave some players wanting. Despite this, its playability and sonic versatility make it a standout choice for serious musicians. If you’re in the market for a high-quality parlor guitar that combines vintage charm with modern precision, the CSF3M is hard to beat.

positive

Yamaha CSF3M - Acoustic Review - Acoustic Review

acousticreview.co.uk

Yamaha's CSF3M parlor guitar punches well above its weight, delivering a full-bodied sound that rivals larger instruments. Its solid wood construction—Sitka spruce top with mahogany back and sides—ensures a remarkable tonal quality. Despite its compact size, it offers impressive volume, making it a great travel companion without compromising on tone. The short scale length is comfortable, especially with low string tension and no buzz, even with a low action. The passive SRT pickup might not sound thrilling on paper, but it surprises with a strong amplified tone. Including a quality padded case, this guitar is a smart choice for players seeking a smaller instrument without sacrificing sound.

positive

Yamaha CSF3M review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Yamaha's CSF3M Parlor guitar is a compact powerhouse, delivering a surprisingly full-bodied sound in a travel-friendly size. Its rich tone and impressive plugged-in performance make it a standout, although the lack of onboard EQ might deter some stage performers. With its solid build and thoughtful design, including a comfortable neck and quality rosewood fretboard, this guitar is more than just a campfire companion. It bridges the gap between a traditional parlor guitar and a travel model, offering versatility and playability that could appeal to a wide range of players. A valuable addition to any guitarist's collection.

positive

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