Yamaha GL1 Guitalele

The Yamaha GL1 Guitalele is a compact, portable six-string nylon-string instrument that combines the playing characteristics of a classical guitar with the convenient size of a ukulele. Featuring a small guitalele body and a spruce top, it delivers a warm, clear and balanced tone with a distinctive bright acoustic character. Its 433 mm (17-inch) scale length and compact dimensions make it easy to carry, store and play in different settings. The GL1 is designed for beginners, travelling musicians and guitarists looking for a convenient instrument for casual playing, practice and musical exploration.

The GL1 features six nylon strings arranged and played like a standard guitar, providing familiar chord shapes and fingering patterns. Unlike a conventional guitar, it is normally tuned up a perfect fourth to A/D/G/C/E/A, giving it a higher overall pitch while retaining the familiar interval relationships between strings. Its short scale length and comfortable string tension make it accessible for players developing their guitar skills. The small body produces a focused acoustic response, making it suitable for individual practice, fingerstyle playing, simple melodies and accompaniment.

The instrument features a rosewood fingerboard, maple bridge and chrome RM-1252X tuning machines for reliable tuning adjustment. Its locally sourced tonewood back, sides and neck provide a practical and lightweight construction. The matte body and neck finish give it a simple, understated appearance, while the compact design makes transportation convenient. The Yamaha GL1 comes with an original gig bag, providing protection and making it easy to carry during travel, lessons and everyday use.

Key Features

• Compact Yamaha guitalele design
• Six-string nylon-string construction
• Ukulele-inspired small body
• Spruce top
• Locally sourced tonewood back and sides
• Locally sourced tonewood neck
• 433 mm (17-inch) scale length
• Standard six-string guitar playing arrangement
• Standard guitalele tuning of A/D/G/C/E/A
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Maple bridge
• Chrome RM-1252X tuning machines
• Comfortable short-scale construction
• Warm and balanced acoustic tone
• Lightweight and portable design
• Flat fingerboard radius
• Matte body finish
• Matte neck finish
• Original Yamaha gig bag included

Specifications

• Type: Six-String Nylon-String Guitalele
• Series: Yamaha GL Series
• Model: GL1
• Body Shape / Product Type: Guitalele Original Small Body
• Materials / Construction:
  • Top: Spruce
  • Back: Locally Sourced Tonewood
  • Sides: Locally Sourced Tonewood
  • Neck: Locally Sourced Tonewood
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood
  • Bridge: Maple
  • Nut: Urea
  • Saddle: Urea
• Dimensions / Scale / Size:
  • Scale Length: 433 mm (17")
  • Body Length: 319 mm (12-9/16")
  • Total Length: 698 mm (27-1/2")
  • Body Width: 229 mm (9")
  • Body Depth: 70 mm (2-3/4")
  • Nut Width: 48 mm (1-7/8")
  • String Spacing: 10.2 mm
  • Fingerboard Radius: Flat
• Key Technical Specifications:
  • Number of Strings: 6
  • String Type: Nylon
  • Tuning: A/D/G/C/E/A
  • String Gauge: Medium
• Electronics / Connectivity:
  • Electronics: None
  • Pickup System: None
  • Controls: None
  • Connections: None
• Hardware:
  • Tuning Machines: Chrome RM-1252X
  • Bridge Pins: None
• Finish / Color: Matte Natural Finish
• Included Accessories: Original Yamaha Gig Bag
• Other Relevant Specifications:
  • Body Binding: Black (varies by color version)
  • Soundhole Inlay: None
  • Pickguard: None

The Yamaha GL1 Guitalele is an excellent choice for beginners, students, travelling musicians and guitarists seeking a compact alternative to a full-sized acoustic guitar. Its six nylon strings, familiar guitar-style fingering, comfortable short scale and portable design make it suitable for learning, casual performances, practice and travel. The included gig bag and distinctive guitalele tuning add to its convenience and versatility.