Wanted to play ukulele but you’re more of a guitar player yourself? Not keen on having to learn the chord structure of the uke? Worry not, because there is an ideal instrument for you, the guitalele. This page looks into the top-selling such hybrid instrument… Read on for a short intro to the Yamaha GL-1 Guitalele.
The Yamaha GL1. A very popular Guitalele. Click on image for latest pricing.
The Yamaha Guitalele
Yamaha has been known for making fine instruments since 1887. Originated in Japan, Yamaha started as a piano and organ manufacturer to actually producing drums, guitar and now guitaleles with great success. Affordable prices with good quality and brand history makes it easy for you when considering to purchase one of their instruments.
This is one of a kind instrument and is getting popular since it was first built in 1997. Even indie bands like The Maccabees use one. Plus, not having the traditional sound of an uke makes it a completely new instrument on its own. Being really innovative and unique, now is a great time to get one and impress! Go to amazon for reviews or to buy
Features of this Six string uke
Designed with guitarists in mind, this instrument is easy and fun to play. But it maintains a good, clean uke-type sound making it enjoyable to play. It also comes at a cheap price and at a very light weight. Perfect for practising while on travel.
This instrument features some of the following qualities:
- 6-string nylon guitar that is sized like a baritone ukulele (17″ scale), with a good action and weight to it.
- Spruce top and meranti body, with a very warm and mellow sound.
- Dimensions: 10 x 29 x 73cm, baritone ukalele sized, it is pretty loud for its size.
- Plays like a standard tune guitar, making life easy for guitarists.
- Soft gig bag included, adding value to its price and making easier to carry your instrument. You may want to buy a hard case separately though.
- Tuned ADGCEA, equal to as if you had a capo on a regular guitar’s 5th fret. Think of it as a ‘half guitar’. Can get tuning to EADGBE with the right strings.
Warning! You will fall in love with the sound of the Yamaha in this video – Great playing!
Yamaha GL-1 Review Reports From Buyers
With a 4.6 out of 5 star rating according to Amazon.com, this is definitely regarded as a great purchase. Most costumers like its playability, portability and sound. Plus, it is very unique and seems great fun too. Comments include:
“I wanted a Ukulele, but being guitarist – I didn’t want to relearn and teach myself a new instrument that looked like one I’ve been playing for years. This awesome little guitar gives me the sound that I was looking for, feels great in my hands and most importantly… Right out of the box, I was playing and inspired to write songs. It’s a well made instrument that I believe I’ll be utilizing for years to come..”
“This was probably the best $99 I spent all year…
No kidding! … totally playable, sounds great and fits in a suitcase for travel.
Plus I get the sound of a uke without the learning curve. This thing is a winner for ANY guitar player..”
Summary Note
The guitalele is a fun addition to the guitar/ukulele stables. It brings many of the advantages of both into one hybrid instrument. One downside is the lack of variety of models out there. The best-selling (albeit with not much competition) is the Yamaha GL-1.
This instrument is very much recommended by good folks on Amazon.com. So if you are a guitarist or a uke player keen to try something different, yet not spend too much while doing so, then the Yamaha Guitalele might be worth a pop. Click here to read the reviews in depth.
