The CSF3M appeared on our recommended list for Parlor Guitars Under $500 when we first published it back in September 2021 and remained there until it was out-ranked by other models in the Under $1000 price category March 2022.
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Overview
The CSF3M takes Yamaha’s parlor guitar line up a notch with the use of solid wood for the body.
Like the CSF1M, the top is crafted from solid sitka spruce top, but the main difference is the use of solid mahogany wood for the back and sides.
This all-solid wood body results in a more resonant and lively sounding parlor guitar, which together with its classical style body shape, results in tone that’s closer to a regular sized acoustic. This makes the CSF3M ideal for those who want an all solid body parlor guitar that doesn’t stray too far from familiar acoustic guitar tones.
The neck is crafted from nato, and is topped by a 23.5″ scale rosewood fingerboard with 20 frets.
It also comes with the SRT Zero-Impact piezo pickup, a passive pickup system that lets you plug-in the guitar with no modifications required.
The Yamaha CSF3M’s all solid wood body, high ratings, and full sounding tone makes this very easy to recommend.
Specifications
Body Shape: Parlor
Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
Back and Sides: Solid Mahogany
Finish: Gloss Tobacco Brown Sunburst or Vintage Natural
Bridge: Rosewood
Neck: Nato
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius: 16″
Number of Frets: 20
Frets to Body: 14
Scale Length: 23.5”
Nut Width: 1.692″
Although this was previously on our recommended list, there are now more highly rated options available which you can see in our guide to The Best Parlor Guitars.
About the Author
Alexander Briones
I have been writing about and researching music gear for many years, all while serving as a music director at my local church. I engage in guitar playing and singer-songwriter stints, in addition to mentoring young musicians and teaching guitar and bass.
