Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $113
Standard/Professional
$100
$601+
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Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Yamaha GL1 Nylon Guitalele - Natural". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Yamaha GL1 Nylon Guitalele is where the worlds of guitar and ukulele converge, offering a unique musical experience that’s both familiar and fresh. Sized like a baritone ukulele with a 17" scale, this compact instrument keeps the standard six-string layout but pitches everything up a fourth to A/D/G/C/E/A, making it a breeze for guitarists to transition to. Its portability is unmatched; at just 27.5" long, it’s the perfect companion for travel, lessons, or spontaneous jam sessions, all while fitting snugly into the included gig bag.
Crafted to Yamaha's high standards, the GL1 features a select spruce top that ensures crisp highs and mids, complemented by meranti back and sides that provide a warm resonance. The nylon strings lend a mellow, rich sound, creating a distinct tonal palette that stands out yet blends beautifully with other instruments. Whether you’re strumming full-bodied chords or picking intricate melodies, the GL1’s voice is both unique and captivating.
This guitalele is not just an instrument; it's a bridge between musical worlds, offering both seasoned musicians and beginners a new avenue for creativity. With a fretboard and neck designed to mimic a traditional guitar, transitioning is seamless, making it an ideal choice for those with smaller hands or for younger players looking to explore the joys of music.
Key Features:
- Top: Spruce
- Back and Sides: Meranti
- Neck: Nato
- Fingerboard and Bridge: Sonokeling
- 17" scale length
- Tuned to 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 is the tuning of the Yamaha GL1 Guitalele?
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The Yamaha GL1 Guitalele is tuned to ADGCEA, which is similar to a guitar with a capo on the fifth fret, offering a unique sound that blends guitar and ukulele characteristics.
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Is the Yamaha GL1 Guitalele suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Yamaha GL1 Guitalele is suitable for beginners due to its compact size, nylon strings, and easy playability, making it an excellent choice for those transitioning from ukulele to guitar or vice versa.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Yamaha GL1 Guitalele?
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The Yamaha GL1 features a spruce top, meranti back and sides, a nato neck, and a sonokeling fingerboard and bridge, providing a warm and resonant sound.
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Does the Yamaha GL1 Guitalele come with a gig bag?
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Yes, the Yamaha GL1 Guitalele includes a gig bag, making it convenient and easy to transport for travel or practice sessions.
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Can I use standard guitar strings on the Yamaha GL1 Guitalele?
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It is recommended to use light tension classical guitar strings for the Yamaha GL1 Guitalele to maintain proper tension and sound quality.
Videos
Liseth Horsten Music
Comparing Yamaha guitalele (nylon) / Ibanez piccolo travel guitar (steel) - MORE INFO in DESCRIPTION
Reviews
PROS
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Smooth transition from regular guitar to guitalele
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Excellent body, neck, and headstock proportionality
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Super portable with included padded gigbag
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Solid construction and reliable intonation
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Resonant tone with natural reverb on certain notes
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Perfect scale for children learning guitar
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Fits easily in a backpack, great for travel
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Small size doesn't crowd rooms
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High-quality, durable strings included
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Affordable and often available at discounted prices
CONS
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Small size makes high fret chords challenging
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Rough fit and finish on some units
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Can require frequent tuning adjustments
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Limited projection; might sound dull to some
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Some cosmetic imperfections noticed in the finish
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha GL1 Nylon Guitalele - Natural.
Build quality
Use cases and applications
Features and functionality
Mods and upgrades
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Some users recommend using Hannabach 653059 Series 890 Duel strings for better tension when tuning to standard EADGBE.
Source
User experience
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Owners mention the Yamaha GL1 has low action and good intonation, making it comfortable for beginners to play.
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Some owners keep the GL1 in their cars for easy access during breaks, highlighting its portability and convenience for outdoor activities.
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It's noted that the Yamaha GL1 fits into a carry-on backpack, making it a favored travel companion for musicians on the go.
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Comparisons
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The Yamaha GL1 is compared to Cordoba Mini models, which offer better string spacing and fuller sound but at a higher price point.
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While the Yamaha GL1 is praised for its ruggedness, some users compare it to Caramel guitarleles, noting that Caramel models offer electronic amplification options.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 16 Ratings
328
Fun to mess around with
I found this on sale somewhere, seems to be easy to find discounted. For the price it's hard to complain, plus these things are pretty fun.
I experimented a bit with some really thick strings trying to tune it to E, but it sounds kinda muddy and it can be tough to keep it in tune. The recommended tuning is A, but by getting some dense nylon strings and tuning to G, I've found that it's a good compromise; it mostly stays in tune without sounding quite so overtly uke-like.
Artist usage
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Damon Albarn is pictured with a Yamaha GL1 Nylon Guitalele on the front cover of the French magazine, The Inrockuptibles.
Album Usage
The Yamaha GL1 Nylon Guitalele - Natural has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Yamaha GL1 Nylon Guitalele - Natural, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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