Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
4.5 (36)
$129.99
Amazon
4.4 (3337)
$129.99 New
$116.47 Used (Like New)
Reverb
4.0 (2)
$93.86 New
$110.89 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (68)
$129.99
Thomann
4.6 (56)
$87.00 $86.00 $1.00 · All time low

Average Price: $113

Standard/Professional

$100

$401+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Yamaha GL1 Sunburst". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Discover the Yamaha GL1, the compact yet mighty guitalele that bridges the gap between a traditional guitar and a ukulele. With its unique 6-string design, this instrument is a portable powerhouse that offers the familiarity of a guitar's fretboard while delivering the bright, melodious sound of a ukulele. Perfectly tuned to A/D/G/C/E/A, the Yamaha GL1 sits at a perfect fourth higher than standard guitar tuning, offering a fresh perspective to your music.

Crafted with a select spruce top and meranti body, the GL1 guarantees a resonant, warm tone that is both inviting and full-bodied. The nato neck and sonokeling fingerboard ensure a smooth playing experience, while the compact size makes it easy to carry along on your next adventure. Whether you're jamming at home, performing outdoors, or traveling, this guitalele is your ideal companion.

Designed for both beginners and seasoned musicians, the Yamaha GL1 is perfect for those with smaller hands or those simply looking for a unique addition to their collection. The nylon strings add a mellow touch, allowing you to experiment with different styles, from fingerpicking intricate melodies to strumming full chords.

Key Features:

  • 6-string nylon guitalele
  • Tuning: A/D/G/C/E/A
  • Top: Spruce
  • Back & Sides: Meranti
  • Neck: Nato
  • Fingerboard & Bridge: Sonokeling
  • Includes gig bag for easy transport

Product specs

Available since January 2013
Cutaway No
Top Spruce
Back and Sides Meranti
Pickup System No
Fretboard Meranti
Nut width in mm 47,50 mm
Scale 450 mm
Colour Sunburst
Gig Bag included Yes
Case No
tuning A, D, G, C, E, A
scale-length 475 mm

FAQs

What tuning does the Yamaha GL1 Sunburst use?

The Yamaha GL1 Sunburst is tuned to A, D, G, C, E, A, which is similar to a guitar capoed at the fifth fret, offering a unique sound compared to standard ukuleles.

Is the Yamaha GL1 Sunburst suitable for travel?

Yes, the Yamaha GL1 Sunburst is compact and lightweight, making it an ideal instrument for travel or practice on the go.

What materials are used in the construction of the Yamaha GL1 Sunburst?

The Yamaha GL1 Sunburst features a spruce top, meranti back and sides, a nato neck, and a sonokeling fingerboard and bridge, providing a rich and warm tone.

Does the Yamaha GL1 Sunburst come with a gig bag?

Yes, the Yamaha GL1 Sunburst includes a gig bag, which helps protect the instrument during transport and storage.

Can I use regular guitar strings on the Yamaha GL1 Sunburst?

It is recommended to use light tension classical guitar strings for the Yamaha GL1 Sunburst to maintain optimal playability and sound quality.

Yamaha Music Australia

Yamaha Music Australia

Yamaha GL1 Guitalele

Video thumbnail for Yamaha GL1 Guitalele by Yamaha Music Australia

Yamaha GL1 Guitalele

Yamaha Music Australia

Yamaha Music Australia

Video thumbnail for Yamaha GL1 Guitar Overview by Yamaha Global

Yamaha GL1 Guitar Overview

Yamaha Global

Yamaha Global

Video thumbnail for Yamaha GL1 Guitalele - Rimmers Music by Rimmers Music

Yamaha GL1 Guitalele - Rimmers Music

Rimmers Music

Rimmers Music

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA GL-1 Guitalele Review; The 6 stringed ukulele! by Ariff Johanis Music

YAMAHA GL-1 Guitalele Review; The 6 stringed ukulele!

Ariff Johanis Music

Ariff Johanis Music

Video thumbnail for Yamaha GL1 Guitalele Quickview - Cosmo Music by Cosmo Music - The Musical Instrument Superstore!

Yamaha GL1 Guitalele Quickview - Cosmo Music

Cosmo Music - The Musical Instrument Superstore!

Cosmo Music - The Musical Instrument Superstore!

Reviews

PROS

  • Compact and lightweight, perfect for travel and small spaces

  • Well-constructed with good quality materials

  • Unique tuning offers a fresh playing experience

  • Produces a distinctive tone, described as woody and banjo-like

  • Affordable price for the quality

  • Good sustain and volume for its size

  • Nylon strings offer a soft playing feel

  • Ideal for casual play and experimentation

  • Consistent action and clear intonation across the fretboard

  • Fits well with a Tenor Ukulele case for better protection

CONS

  • Some units have rough finishes and visible construction flaws

  • Requires frequent tuning, especially initially

  • Strings may wear out quickly with heavy use

  • Limited fret markers can be challenging for some players

  • No truss rod for neck adjustments

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha GL1 Sunburst.

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners recommend Cordoba Mini E strings for standard tuning (EADGBE) with proper tension on the Yamaha Guitalele GL1.

    Source
  • Frets can feel rough and grindy; smoothing with sandpaper for an hour improved playability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to a full-sized guitar, the GL1 is smaller, leading to cramped finger positions when playing chords.

    Source
  • The GL1's tone is perceived closer to a ukulele than a guitar, adding a bright, lighthearted sound to music pieces.

    Source

User experience

  • Purchased as B stock for $70 from Amazon, with no playability issues noted.

    Source
  • The Yamaha GL1 is highly portable, easily fitting in a bag for travel without incurring extra charges on flights.

    Source
  • The small size allows unique chord shapes that are difficult on full-sized guitars, offering comfort for extended playing.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some owners found patches on the fingerboard where the paint/finish was not properly applied, leading to a "cheap" feel.

    Source
  • Owners report that the Yamaha GL1 is rugged, surviving multiple drops with only minor scratches and scrapes.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Its quieter sound is ideal for shared living spaces, allowing practice without disturbing others, even through thin walls.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Yamaha Guitalele GL-1 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Yamaha GL1 Guitalele is an intriguing hybrid, balancing between a guitar and a ukulele. Priced affordably, it impresses with its build quality and versatility, making it ideal for travel or practice sessions. The guitalele's rich sound outshines a ukulele, thanks to its classical guitar construction and six nylon strings. However, its unique ADGCEA tuning and cramped fingerboard may not suit everyone. While not a replacement for a classic guitar's tone, its distinctive charm shines in classical or fingerstyle pieces. Perfect for casual play, the GL1 is a fun, compact companion for any music enthusiast.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
soundsfun

Worth every penny!!

I had to make a special place for the sunburst version on EquipBoard as it is a completely different vibe. I couldn't rightly claim ownership of the bland original version.... She falls out of tune quite a bit but my super snark keeps her in check

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