For guitarists exploring the world of acoustic instruments, body size often dictates the initial choice. Traditionally, larger guitars like jumbos and dreadnoughts have reigned supreme, celebrated for their powerful bass and volume. However, their substantial size can be cumbersome for some players, leading to a growing interest in more compact options.
Parlour Guitars and other small-bodied acoustics are experiencing a surge in popularity, and for good reason. While they might not match the sheer volume of their larger counterparts, modern designs and construction techniques mean that these smaller guitars can deliver impressive tone and playability. If you’re in the market for a compact acoustic guitar, the Gretsch G9511 Single-0 Parlor stands out as an exceptional and affordable choice.
This Indonesian-made Gretsch parlour guitar immediately impresses with its quality craftsmanship. The “Appalachia Cloudburst” finish, applied to a solid Sitka spruce top, gives the guitar a visually appealing warm and vintage aesthetic. The gloss finish on the top, complemented by laminated mahogany back and sides, provides a subtle sheen. The mahogany neck features a smooth matte finish, a detail appreciated by many players for its comfortable feel. Vintage-style butter-bean open-geared tuners and a bone nut and saddle further enhance the guitar’s classic look and contribute to its overall quality. The fretwork is clean, with no sharp edges, and the factory setup ensures comfortable playability with low action and no fret buzz. Minor cosmetic imperfections are almost non-existent, highlighting the attention to detail in the G9511’s construction.
My experience reviewing the G9511 revealed that it truly shines when played with a lighter touch. While I often use a flatpick or thumbpick, I found myself gravitating towards fingerstyle playing with bare fingers on this parlour guitar. It produces a wonderfully sweet tone when played softly, revealing a nuanced character particularly well-suited for jazz-influenced styles. Even though blues is my primary genre, I was captivated by the rich sounds of major 7th and 13th chords on this Gretsch.
Switching gears to my blues roots, I picked up my thumbpick to explore John Hurt’s “Stagolee.” The Gretsch delivered a surprisingly full sound, exceeding my expectations for a small-bodied guitar, with a balanced mix of bass and treble frequencies. Next, I experimented with drop-D tuning, venturing into William Moore’s “Old Country Rock.” Small-bodied guitars with light gauge strings, low action, and shorter scales (like the G9511’s 24.875 inches) can sometimes struggle with lower tunings. However, the Gretsch impressed me again, maintaining a clear and defined tone even in drop-D. The low D string retained a pleasant snap and avoided sounding muddy or weak.
Encouraged by this, I tuned down further to open D (D A D F# A D) and played through “Vestapol.” Once again, the Gretsch handled the lower tuning remarkably well. The sound took on a charmingly intimate quality, characterized by warm midrange tones and clear, but not overly bright or harsh, trebles. This makes it an excellent choice for players who appreciate a focused and articulate sound.
The neck’s matte finish allows for effortless navigation across the fretboard. The 1.73-inch nut width and 2-3/8-inch string spacing at the bridge provide ample room for both flatpicking and fingerpicking styles. Gretsch describes the neck profile as a slim “C” shape, which feels comfortable and accessible. Returning to standard tuning, I tested flatpicking with The Beatles’ “I Feel Fine.” The G9511 produced a crisp, almost electric-guitar-like tone, with single-note lines projecting clearly. The only area where the Gretsch felt slightly less impressive was with aggressive strumming. Big, open G chords didn’t resonate with the same warmth and depth as they would on a larger guitar. The harder I strummed, the more the tone tended towards harshness. It’s also worth noting that the neck joins the body at the 12th fret, which might limit access to the highest frets for some players.
Gretsch G9511 Style 1 Single-0 Parlor Guitar
In today’s market, guitarists seeking a small-bodied acoustic have a plethora of options. However, at a street price of around $299, the Gretsch G9511 stands out for its exceptional combination of tonal complexity and ease of playing. It offers incredible value, making it a compelling choice for anyone interested in exploring the world of parlour guitars.
Gretsch G9511 Style 1 Single-0 Specifications:
Body: Parlor-sized body with X-braced solid Sitka spruce top; Laminated mahogany back and sides; Aged white binding; Rosewood bridge with bone saddle; Appalachia cloudburst gloss urethane finish
Neck: 24.875″ scale mahogany neck; 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) strings; Optional gig bag or hardshell case
Price: $499 list / $299 street
Made in: Indonesia
Website: gretschguitars.com
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