Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $110
Standard/Professional
$100
$601+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Yamaha GL1 Junior Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Discover the Yamaha GL1 Junior Guitar, a delightful fusion of guitar familiarity and ukulele portability. This unique mini 6-string guitalele offers the best of both worlds, providing a guitar-like experience in a compact, travel-friendly design. Ideal for musicians of any age, the GL1 is perfect for those just starting their musical journey or seasoned players seeking a fresh sound.
Tuned up a perfect fourth to A/D/G/C/E/A, this instrument gives a distinctive voice that stands out, yet remains mellow thanks to its nylon strings. The GL1’s 17-inch scale length fits comfortably in smaller hands, making it an excellent choice for younger learners or those with a preference for more manageable instruments. Despite its size, it maintains the full-bodied resonance and tonal quality expected from Yamaha.
Crafted with a select spruce top and meranti back and sides, the GL1 delivers articulate highs and warm, resonant lows. Its nato neck and sonokeling fingerboard and bridge add to its robust build and playability. Whether you're strumming soulful chords or picking intricate melodies, this guitalele promises a captivating sound experience. Plus, it comes with a convenient gig bag, ensuring your musical companion is ready for any adventure, from living room jams to outdoor gigs.
Key Features:
- Top: Spruce
- Back & Sides: Meranti
- Neck: Nato
- Fingerboard & Bridge: Sonokeling
- Compact 17" scale length
- Tuned A/D/G/C/E/A
- Includes gig bag for easy transport
Product specs
| Brand | Yamaha |
| Model | GL-1 Guitalele 6-String Ukulele |
| Finish | Natural |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | Indonesia |
| Categories | Ukuleles |
FAQs
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What tuning does the Yamaha GL1 Guitalele use?
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The Yamaha GL1 is typically tuned ADGCEA, which is like a guitar with a capo on the fifth fret. This tuning allows it to be played like a guitar transposed up a fourth.
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Is the Yamaha GL1 suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Yamaha GL1 is suitable for beginners. Its smaller size and nylon strings make it easier to play and handle, particularly for young players or those with smaller hands.
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What type of strings should I use for the Yamaha GL1?
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Yamaha recommends using light tension classical guitar strings for the GL1. Savarez D'angelico strings are often suggested as a suitable replacement for the original strings.
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Can the Yamaha GL1 be used for travel?
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Yes, the Yamaha GL1 is an excellent travel instrument. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to transport, making it ideal for musicians on the go.
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How does the sound of the Yamaha GL1 differ from a standard ukulele?
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The Yamaha GL1 offers a richer and fuller sound compared to a standard ukulele due to its six-string configuration and larger body, providing more versatility in playing styles.
Videos
George's Music
Yamaha GL-1 Guitalele Review - George's Music
Reviews
PROS
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Extremely portable and lightweight, ideal for travel and small spaces
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Well-constructed with solid materials, typical of Yamaha quality
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Unique tuning allows for creative chord voicings and experimentation
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Great tonal variety and resonance for its size
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Smooth transition for guitar players, maintaining familiar chord shapes
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Comes with a cute, functional gig bag for easy transport
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Perfect size for children transitioning from smaller instruments
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Fun and engaging to play, encourages creativity
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Good volume and sustain despite compact size
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Affordable price with surprising quality and performance
CONS
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Minor cosmetic flaws and finish imperfections noted by some users
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Small body may make certain chords difficult on higher frets
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Requires more frequent tuning due to nylon strings
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Strings may wear quickly and require replacement
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Lack of a truss rod, though common in classical guitars
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Free carry bag offers minimal protection
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha GL1 Junior Guitar.
Setup and maintenance
Use cases and applications
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The GL1 is considered a fun, portable option but not ideal for learning standard guitar due to its small size and cramped finger positioning.
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The GL1's string spacing is narrower than a ukulele, making certain chords like a standard A shape difficult without using a partial barré.
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The GL1 may be outgrown quickly by children due to its compact size, both in terms of physical growth and musical progression.
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The GL1 has been highlighted as a suitable option for very young learners due to its manageable size and weight, particularly when compared to larger 3/4 scale guitars.
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Value and pricing
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A B-stock GL1 purchased for $70 on Amazon was found to have no playability issues, suggesting it as a budget-friendly entry option.
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User experience
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The GL1 is noted for its low action and ease on fingers, but the low E string can feel floppy, though it doesn't buzz.
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The GL1 is very small, requiring a strap for classical position playing, even for children, as it cannot rest comfortably on the leg.
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Owners report that the GL1's short scale length allows for easy adaptation to left-handed playing, a notable advantage for young left-handed players.
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Comparisons
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Compared to the Cordoba Mini models, the GL1 has tighter string spacing and less resonance, sounding more like a tenor ukulele.
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Build quality
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The GL1 is described as having decent intonation and being a playable instrument despite its small size and lower volume output.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings