For guitarists seeking a departure from the booming dreadnoughts and jumbos that have long dominated the acoustic landscape, the allure of smaller-bodied instruments is undeniable. Parlor guitars, with their compact dimensions and distinctive voice, are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. These guitars offer enhanced comfort and portability, making them ideal for players of all sizes and playing situations. While they may not possess the sheer volume and bass response of their larger counterparts, modern advancements in guitar design and construction have ensured that smaller guitars can deliver rich, nuanced tones that belie their size. Among the compelling options in the compact acoustic realm is the Gretsch G9511 Single-O Parlor guitar, a model that seamlessly blends vintage aesthetics with contemporary playability at an accessible price point.
This Indonesian-made Gretsch G9511 immediately impresses with its attention to detail and quality craftsmanship. The “Appalachia Cloudburst” finish, applied to a solid Sitka spruce top, gives the guitar a visually striking and warm, inviting appearance. The finish enhances the natural beauty of the spruce, creating a smoky, vintage-inspired look. A thin gloss coating on the top, along with the laminated mahogany back and sides, provides a subtle sheen that is both elegant and understated. The mahogany neck features a matte finish, offering a smooth, silky feel that many players, including seasoned professionals, find exceptionally comfortable and conducive to effortless playing.
Complementing the vintage vibe are the butter-bean, open-geared tuners, which not only contribute to the guitar’s classic aesthetic but also function smoothly and reliably for precise tuning. The inclusion of a bone nut and saddle further elevates the instrument, adding to both its tonal quality and visual appeal. Examining the fretwork reveals meticulous attention to detail – the frets are perfectly finished with no sharp edges, ensuring comfortable and fluid hand movement across the fretboard. The factory setup promotes a fast and enjoyable playing experience, characterized by low action and the absence of fret buzz, allowing for immediate playability straight out of the box. Upon close inspection, the review unit exhibited only a minor cosmetic imperfection – a slight overspray near the soundhole – a negligible flaw in an otherwise impeccably crafted instrument.
Gretsch G9511 Style 1 Single-0 Parlor Guitar
Sonic Qualities and Playability
In evaluating the Gretsch G9511’s sonic performance, it quickly became apparent that this parlor guitar responds exceptionally well to a lighter touch. While my typical playing style often involves the use of a flatpick or thumbpick, particularly when fingerpicking, I discovered a unique pleasure in playing the G9511 with bare fingers. This approach unlocked a sweet, delicate tone that resonated with a jazz-influenced sensibility. Although not primarily a jazz guitarist, I found myself drawn to the lush, complex harmonies of major 7th and 13th chords on this instrument, its voice perfectly complementing these richer harmonic textures.
Venturing into my blues fingerpicking repertoire, I switched to a thumbpick and delved into John Hurt’s classic “Stagolee.” The Gretsch defied expectations, producing a sound that was surprisingly full for its size, with a pleasing balance across the tonal spectrum, neither overly bass-heavy nor excessively trebly. To further explore its versatility, I experimented with altered tunings. Dropping the 6th string to D for William Moore’s “Old Country Rock” revealed another positive attribute. Small-bodied guitars with light gauge strings (typically .012–.053), low action, and shorter scales (the G9511 has a 24.875-inch scale) can sometimes struggle with lower tunings, often losing clarity and tension. However, the Gretsch again impressed, maintaining a robust and defined tone in drop-D. The low D string retained a degree of articulation and avoided sounding muddy or indistinct.
Encouraged by these results, I proceeded to open D tuning (D A D F# A D) and explored “Vestapol.” Once again, the Gretsch’s performance in a lower register was remarkable. It yielded a sound that was intimate and self-contained, characterized by warm, present mids and clear, articulate trebles that avoided harshness or excessive brightness. This tonal profile is particularly well-suited for solo playing and recording, where clarity and nuanced expression are paramount.
The neck’s matte finish proved to be exceptionally comfortable and easy to navigate, facilitating smooth position shifts and chord changes. The 1.73-inch nut width and 2-3/8-inch string spacing at the bridge provided ample room for both flatpicking and fingerpicking styles, accommodating a range of right-hand techniques with ease. Gretsch describes the neck profile as a slim “C” shape, which feels contemporary and comfortable in the hand without being too thin or feeling insubstantial. Returning to standard tuning, I tested the guitar’s flatpicking capabilities with The Beatles’ “I Feel Fine.” The Gretsch responded with a crisp, articulate sound, almost reminiscent of an electric guitar, with single-note lines projecting clearly and distinctly.
The only area where the Gretsch G9511 exhibited limitations was in aggressive strumming. Big, open G chords, while sounding pleasant, lacked the warmth and enveloping resonance typically associated with larger-bodied guitars. The harder the strings were strummed, the more the tone tended towards harshness, suggesting that the guitar is voiced and optimized for more nuanced playing styles rather than heavy strumming. It’s also worth noting that the neck joins the body at the 12th fret, which may restrict access to the higher frets for players who frequently venture into that range of the fretboard.
Conclusion: A Standout Parlor Guitar in Its Class
In today’s market, guitarists seeking a small-bodied acoustic instrument are presented with a wealth of choices. However, at a street price of around $299, the Gretsch G9511 Single-O Parlor guitar stands out as an exceptional value proposition. It is unlikely that you will find many guitars in this price range that can match the Gretsch’s tonal complexity, refined playability, and vintage-inspired aesthetics. For players drawn to the charm and character of parlor guitars, particularly those who favor fingerpicking, blues, and lighter musical styles, the Gretsch G9511 is a compelling option that delivers a rewarding playing experience far exceeding its affordable price tag. It’s a testament to how modern manufacturing can bring vintage vibe and quality to a wider range of players.
Gretsch G9511 Style 1 Single-0 Specifications:
Body: Parlor-sized body with X-braced solid-spruce top and laminated mahogany back and sides; aged white binding; rosewood bridge with bone saddle; Appalachia cloudburst gloss urethane finish
Neck: 24.875″-scale mahogany neck with slim-C shape, 19-fret rosewood fingerboard with 12.6″ radius, 1.73″-wide bone nut, vintage-style open geared tuners, matte finish
Other: D’Addario EXP16–coated phosphor bronze, light gauge (.012-.053); optional gig bag or hardshell case
Price: $499 list/$299 street
Made in: Indonesia
Website: gretschguitars.com
Buy on Amazon: See it on Amazon
This review originally appeared in the November 2017 issue of Acoustic Guitar magazine.
