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
$112.69 Used (Like New)
Reverb
5.0 (19)
$93.86 New
$64.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (68)
$129.99
zZounds
2.5 (2)
$129.99

Average Price: $113

Standard/Professional

$100

$601+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

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

What is the tuning of the Yamaha GL1 Guitalele?

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.

Is the Yamaha GL1 Guitalele suitable for beginners?

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.

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

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.

Does the Yamaha GL1 Guitalele come with a gig bag?

Yes, the Yamaha GL1 Guitalele includes a gig bag, making it convenient and easy to transport for travel or practice sessions.

Can I use standard guitar strings on the Yamaha GL1 Guitalele?

It is recommended to use light tension classical guitar strings for the Yamaha GL1 Guitalele to maintain proper tension and sound quality.

Liseth Horsten Music

Liseth Horsten Music

Comparing Yamaha guitalele (nylon) / Ibanez piccolo travel guitar (steel) - MORE INFO in DESCRIPTION

Video thumbnail for Comparing Yamaha guitalele (nylon) / Ibanez piccolo travel guitar (steel) - MORE INFO in DESCRIPTION by Liseth Horsten Music

Comparing Yamaha guitalele (nylon) / Ibanez piccolo travel guitar (steel) - MORE INFO in DESCRIPTION

Liseth Horsten Music

Liseth Horsten Music

Video thumbnail for Yamaha GL1 Guitar Overview by Yamaha Global

Yamaha GL1 Guitar Overview

Yamaha Global

Yamaha Global

Video thumbnail for Kraft Music - Yamaha Guitalele GL1 PB Demo at NAMM 2013 by Kraft Music

Kraft Music - Yamaha Guitalele GL1 PB Demo at NAMM 2013

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Video thumbnail for Guitalele Yamaha GL1 (Sound Demo) | Kitharra by Kitharra TV

Guitalele Yamaha GL1 (Sound Demo) | Kitharra

Kitharra TV

Kitharra TV

Video thumbnail for UNBOXING of Yamaha GL1 Guitalele  |  Mini 6-string Nylon Guitar  |  Natural Finish by Team Dioso

UNBOXING of Yamaha GL1 Guitalele | Mini 6-string Nylon Guitar | Natural Finish

Team Dioso

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

  • Smooth transition from regular guitar to guitalele

  • Excellent body, neck, and headstock proportionality

  • Super portable with included padded gigbag

  • Solid construction and reliable intonation

  • Resonant tone with natural reverb on certain notes

  • Perfect scale for children learning guitar

  • Fits easily in a backpack, great for travel

  • Small size doesn't crowd rooms

  • High-quality, durable strings included

  • Affordable and often available at discounted prices

CONS

  • Small size makes high fret chords challenging

  • Rough fit and finish on some units

  • Can require frequent tuning adjustments

  • Limited projection; might sound dull to some

  • 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

  • The Yamaha GL1 can withstand rough handling, including drops, and still maintain its tuning stability.

    Source
  • One owner reported that the Yamaha GL1 arrived well set up, with excellent action and intonation straight out of the box, indicating consistent quality control.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for parents with young children, as it can be left in various environments, like a sun-baked car, without concern for damage.

    Source
  • Owners find the Yamaha GL1 suitable for practicing in quiet environments like shared apartments due to its lower volume compared to full-sized guitars.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Adults find the Yamaha GL1's fret spacing cramped compared to full-sized guitars, but it allows for covering multiple frets with a single finger.

    Source
  • The Yamaha GL1 requires a strap for playing in a classical position due to its small size, even for children.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users recommend using Hannabach 653059 Series 890 Duel strings for better tension when tuning to standard EADGBE.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners mention the Yamaha GL1 has low action and good intonation, making it comfortable for beginners to play.

    Source
  • Some owners keep the GL1 in their cars for easy access during breaks, highlighting its portability and convenience for outdoor activities.

    Source
  • It's noted that the Yamaha GL1 fits into a carry-on backpack, making it a favored travel companion for musicians on the go.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Yamaha GL1 is compared to Cordoba Mini models, which offer better string spacing and fuller sound but at a higher price point.

    Source
  • While the Yamaha GL1 is praised for its ruggedness, some users compare it to Caramel guitarleles, noting that Caramel models offer electronic amplification options.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners experience a floppy low E string when using strings for standard EADGBE tuning but report no buzzing issues.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Yamaha Guitalele GL-1 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Yamaha GL1 Nylon Guitalele is a quirky yet charming hybrid that's more than just a novelty. With the playability of a guitar and the size of a ukulele, it’s perfect for travel and casual jam sessions. This instrument impresses with its build quality and versatility, although its unique ADGCEA tuning and cramped fingerboard may not suit everyone. It's not quite a guitar, nor a ukulele, but instead offers a warm, resonant sound that fills a niche of its own. The GL1 shines in its role as a fun, accessible instrument for both guitarists and ukulele players.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 16 Ratings

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trailwinder

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.

nardwacht

Fun little guitar

Fun little guitar that sounds really good for its size.

Artist usage

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See how Damon Albarn uses Yamaha GL1 Nylon Guitalele - Natural

Damon Albarn

Singer, Guitarist

Gorillaz

...
Verified via Photo

Damon Albarn is pictured with a Yamaha GL1 Nylon Guitalele on the front cover of the French magazine, The Inrockuptibles.

See how Matt Diamond uses Yamaha GL1 Nylon Guitalele - Natural

Matt Diamond

Singer, Guitarist

Panucci's Pizza

...
Verified via YouTube

Shown in a sketch by Lou using a Yamaha GL1 guitalele

See how JVKE uses Yamaha GL1 Nylon Guitalele - Natural

JVKE

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Tiktok

In this TikTok video JVKE can be seen using the Yamaha GL1 Nylon Guitalele at 0:24, the exact model can be seen at 0:34. JVKE was using the Guitalele to record his song, this is what sadness feels like

See how Alexander 23 uses Yamaha GL1 Nylon Guitalele - Natural

Alexander 23

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Yamaha Guitalele is seen in this photo.

See how Mon Laferte uses Yamaha GL1 Nylon Guitalele - Natural

Mon Laferte

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via Photo

Mon Laferte playing her Yamaha Guitalele

See how Vanni Tagliavento uses Yamaha GL1 Nylon Guitalele - Natural

Vanni Tagliavento

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this instagram photo by Vanni Tagliavento, he is playing a Yamaha GL1 Guitalele

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.

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Community setups

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ullieswan

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