Yamaha Acoustic Guitars: JR1 Mini Folk Guitar

by Guitar Guru
(play-acoustic-guitar.com)

”Inexpensive ¾ Sized Folk Guitar”

If you need an inexpensive, easy to play ¾ sized guitar for a young beginning guitarist, then the Yamaha JR1 Mini Folk Guitar may be just what you are looking for!

From its genuine spruce top to its Indonesian mahogany body, this little number is designed to be just what the younger set needs in a beginning guitar. This small sized guitar is easy to handle and hold, especially for younger or smaller players. It is also an easy price for a parent to pay, for the JR1 Mini only costs ~$129 and comes with its own Yamaha gig bag!

On the downside, the JR1 Mini is not as well made as some other ¾ sized guitars. There can be a problem with the edges of the guitar being a little rough, and the overall tone being a little mushy, especially when playing chords. Also, when using a pick the JR1 Mini sounds “tinny”. This can be changed by replacing the strings with lighter strings and by replacing the bridge pins with bone or metal pins.

Unfortunately it is difficult to change the overall tone of the guitar. And while it is an inexpensive instrument, it is made with a laminate cedar top which does not lend well to the overall tone and projection of the instrument. In fact, guitar reviews tend to agree that the best guitars for any beginning player are those that have a solid cedar or spruce top so that the quality of tone will encourage the beginning guitarist to keep learning and playing.

But if you need a ¾ size guitar quickly, or if you are in a position to need a number of them (such as those who need small guitars for music classes or school programs) and are not too concerned about the tone, then the Yamaha JR1 Mini Folk Guitar is an inexpensive choice.

See more great guitar reviews at Yamaha Acoustic Guitars.

Shop safe at Musician's Friend and enjoy FREE SHIPING!