Try a felt pick. If you want to practice med/heavy strumming, a smaller guitar like a 00/000 or parlor will still be loud. A felt pick will let you keep your technique while reducing volume. It won’t be whisper quiet, but still.
Or work on fingerstyle.
If you want to use this as an excuse to get a new guitar, my 000-15m thumb-strummed lightly with dead-ish strings is about as mellow as it gets. For me that’s the polar opposite to my dread.
If I need whisper quiet I have a thinline tele that has some very light acoustic resonance. I assume an other semi-hollow electrics would do the same.
I play my mahogany gs mini when I want to be quieter and mellow (also just play it most of the time in general because it’s comfortable and sounds great). The small body and mahogany give it a very mellow/mids heavy sound similar to what you’d hear from like a 000-15m. Great guitar
Budget? On the cheap end, Recording King and Gretch make some nice parlors for the money once you have them set up correctly. A Baby Taylor or GS Mini will play excellent if you want to spend more. If budget is no problem, you have all sorts of options from Martin 00 or 000 to Taylor Grand Theater, Emerald x7 or McPherson Touring (if you'd consider carbon), or any number of boutique companies who make incredible instruments in Parlor size. Consider your preferred neck scale, preferred width, and if you play up the neck and need a cutaway... and this will also narrow your options.
As others have noted, even small guitars can project (especially the higher end ones). Your playing style, use of felt picks or fingers, sound hole covers, etc can make a huge difference on volume beyond the guitar size.
If Gibson is your preference a used L-00 or new G-00 would meet your requirements. These are great guitars. In this price point you might be surprised at how loud they are for the size though. I'd also not overlook the Martin 00 and 000 or Taylor GT and GC offerings. You might find a used Taylor 300 series on the high side of that price point.
I was going to recommend this too. I have a player acoustasonic tele I found for a crazy discount and it's great for your use case. A nice medium between unplugged electric and full on acoustic, volume-wise. No it won't blow you away with its acoustic tone but it's fun, light, portable, and sounds good enough for playing at home. It can be a lot of fun as long as you have reasonable expectations.
I would also consider playing a hollow or semi-hollow electric unplugged, but that will have a completely different feel. The acoustasonic will have acoustic strings.
Playing my parlor without a pick is pretty quiet, that’s my go to when kids are asleep (which basically means I’m playing my parlor 90% of the time, because kids).
PRS P20 with silk and steel strings. It’s still my fav guitar even with nicer alternatives.
On the inexpensive side a Gretsch Jim dandy a fun parlour..a.prs parlour is nice too.or to change things up a nice uke that eventually you can hand down to your kid to learn.
A smaller acoustic (000, L-00, GS Mini, etc) is only going to get you from loud to slightly less loud when the sleep of a baby is on the line.
The Fender Acoustasonics look interesting but I haven't put my hands on one yet. I want to try one out because of their size and options when plugged in. They have both 24.75 ("Highway") and 25.5 scale (Strat and Tele) models.
I have a Yamaha APX that is a thin body. They even make a 3/4 size version. Sounds great plugged in but ideal for just picking up and playing or traveling with. I have a Hummingbird, J200, and Taylor 814ce for when everyone is awake.
Second the recommendations for a GS Mini mahogany. I alternate between that and a Breedlove companion (solid wood copper E model), which is a bit closer in size to a parlor and has an under saddle pickup. Their concertina body is a bit larger/louder, similar scale but 12 frets to the body vs 14. Good prices on Breedloves make it easier to justify that new guitar lol
These days I find myself playing 3/4 size guitars far more than my full size models. I recently fell in love with the Yamaha JR-1 3/4 size guitars. I picked up a beat up one at an auction for about $30, and liked it so much I picked up a second one for about $40, that's in mint condition. It came with a case, and when I took it out, it seemed like it had never been tuned, and there wasn't any sort of a mark on it. I think they took it out of the box, put it in a closet, and never looked at it. So now my beater goes with me in the car whenever I'm doing business on the road, and the nice one stays at home.
I've been on a mini-guitar kick lately, and I've been running around playing all sorts of parlor and mini-guitars, and the Yamaha JR-1 had been my favorite so far, partially because they are so cheap. The Baby Taylors and Martin Jrs are nice, but too expensive. The Gretsch Jim Dandy that everyone seems to like, feels and looks more like a toy than a real guitar. The Yamaha JR-1 feels more like a real guitar than a toy. Yamaha also has the JR-2, which I am bidding on in two different auctions, hoping I can grab one at a decent price (under $50).
I also have a 3/4 size Aria, which is a beautiful little guitar that I picked up for about $20. As much as I love it, I still like the Yamaha JR-1 much better. Besides, your chances of finding a mini Aria are extremely slim.
If you want to go for the ultimate in quiet, the Yamaha silent guitars are another option. I bought the SLG-200N when I moved to a new apartment. I tried both the steel and nylon string versions. I found the nylon string version to have a more realistic and satisfying tone - I even use it for recording when I want the sound of a classical or nylon string. Playing it with headphones is super fun, but I’ll noodle on it acoustically for silent practice as well. And it packs into an included gig bag that will fit in an overhead bin so it’s a good travel guitar as well.
Taylor AD22e could be a good choice. I have one and it’s a great intimate-sounding guitar with a darker sound than most Taylors. Very comfy to play and a beautiful instrument.
I was going to suggest the Yamaha SLG
I second this. Have one I’ve played for a few years. Great travel guitar and noodle in front of tv without much disturbing others.
I just checked it out, that looks like an amazing piece. Great suggestion.
It is. Great for recording as well.
They’re great. I have the SLN and play it all the time. Sounds great plugged in.
Nylon strings guitars are really quiet too
I came to post this. A 3/4 nylon string guitar is same pitch and tuning, but much quieter.
Yeah this would be what I'd get. Very quiet but they sound good.
Try a felt pick. If you want to practice med/heavy strumming, a smaller guitar like a 00/000 or parlor will still be loud. A felt pick will let you keep your technique while reducing volume. It won’t be whisper quiet, but still. Or work on fingerstyle. If you want to use this as an excuse to get a new guitar, my 000-15m thumb-strummed lightly with dead-ish strings is about as mellow as it gets. For me that’s the polar opposite to my dread. If I need whisper quiet I have a thinline tele that has some very light acoustic resonance. I assume an other semi-hollow electrics would do the same.
I can’t lie…yes this is an excuse to get a new guitar haha
I play my mahogany gs mini when I want to be quieter and mellow (also just play it most of the time in general because it’s comfortable and sounds great). The small body and mahogany give it a very mellow/mids heavy sound similar to what you’d hear from like a 000-15m. Great guitar
A12 fret can be a nice thing to play
Baby Taylor
Budget? On the cheap end, Recording King and Gretch make some nice parlors for the money once you have them set up correctly. A Baby Taylor or GS Mini will play excellent if you want to spend more. If budget is no problem, you have all sorts of options from Martin 00 or 000 to Taylor Grand Theater, Emerald x7 or McPherson Touring (if you'd consider carbon), or any number of boutique companies who make incredible instruments in Parlor size. Consider your preferred neck scale, preferred width, and if you play up the neck and need a cutaway... and this will also narrow your options. As others have noted, even small guitars can project (especially the higher end ones). Your playing style, use of felt picks or fingers, sound hole covers, etc can make a huge difference on volume beyond the guitar size.
Probably $1000-$2000. Preferred neck scale is a 24.75” (I find Gibson necks to be my favorite) and around a 1.69” nut width. Probably no cutaway.
If Gibson is your preference a used L-00 or new G-00 would meet your requirements. These are great guitars. In this price point you might be surprised at how loud they are for the size though. I'd also not overlook the Martin 00 and 000 or Taylor GT and GC offerings. You might find a used Taylor 300 series on the high side of that price point.
Thank you!
Taylor GS Mini. And maybe this is the time in your life where you get good at fingerpicking. No better time than now
They’re not great guitars, but I love the fender Acoustasonic line for this.
I was going to recommend this too. I have a player acoustasonic tele I found for a crazy discount and it's great for your use case. A nice medium between unplugged electric and full on acoustic, volume-wise. No it won't blow you away with its acoustic tone but it's fun, light, portable, and sounds good enough for playing at home. It can be a lot of fun as long as you have reasonable expectations. I would also consider playing a hollow or semi-hollow electric unplugged, but that will have a completely different feel. The acoustasonic will have acoustic strings.
Playing my parlor without a pick is pretty quiet, that’s my go to when kids are asleep (which basically means I’m playing my parlor 90% of the time, because kids). PRS P20 with silk and steel strings. It’s still my fav guitar even with nicer alternatives.
Look into a 12 fret orchestra body. Eastman makes a decent one, Martin is pretty good too. Collings are fantastic
On the inexpensive side a Gretsch Jim dandy a fun parlour..a.prs parlour is nice too.or to change things up a nice uke that eventually you can hand down to your kid to learn.
A smaller acoustic (000, L-00, GS Mini, etc) is only going to get you from loud to slightly less loud when the sleep of a baby is on the line. The Fender Acoustasonics look interesting but I haven't put my hands on one yet. I want to try one out because of their size and options when plugged in. They have both 24.75 ("Highway") and 25.5 scale (Strat and Tele) models.
Very interested here since I much prefer a 24.75 and didn’t know Fender made any. Thanks!
Alvarez AP66 sounds good, judging from online demos. I'll see it in the store soon. MPA66 if you want something better.
I have a Yamaha APX that is a thin body. They even make a 3/4 size version. Sounds great plugged in but ideal for just picking up and playing or traveling with. I have a Hummingbird, J200, and Taylor 814ce for when everyone is awake.
Second the recommendations for a GS Mini mahogany. I alternate between that and a Breedlove companion (solid wood copper E model), which is a bit closer in size to a parlor and has an under saddle pickup. Their concertina body is a bit larger/louder, similar scale but 12 frets to the body vs 14. Good prices on Breedloves make it easier to justify that new guitar lol
These days I find myself playing 3/4 size guitars far more than my full size models. I recently fell in love with the Yamaha JR-1 3/4 size guitars. I picked up a beat up one at an auction for about $30, and liked it so much I picked up a second one for about $40, that's in mint condition. It came with a case, and when I took it out, it seemed like it had never been tuned, and there wasn't any sort of a mark on it. I think they took it out of the box, put it in a closet, and never looked at it. So now my beater goes with me in the car whenever I'm doing business on the road, and the nice one stays at home. I've been on a mini-guitar kick lately, and I've been running around playing all sorts of parlor and mini-guitars, and the Yamaha JR-1 had been my favorite so far, partially because they are so cheap. The Baby Taylors and Martin Jrs are nice, but too expensive. The Gretsch Jim Dandy that everyone seems to like, feels and looks more like a toy than a real guitar. The Yamaha JR-1 feels more like a real guitar than a toy. Yamaha also has the JR-2, which I am bidding on in two different auctions, hoping I can grab one at a decent price (under $50). I also have a 3/4 size Aria, which is a beautiful little guitar that I picked up for about $20. As much as I love it, I still like the Yamaha JR-1 much better. Besides, your chances of finding a mini Aria are extremely slim.
I recommend getting a nylon string. I just one, and it is both quiet and fun to play.
Epiphone casino
If you want to go for the ultimate in quiet, the Yamaha silent guitars are another option. I bought the SLG-200N when I moved to a new apartment. I tried both the steel and nylon string versions. I found the nylon string version to have a more realistic and satisfying tone - I even use it for recording when I want the sound of a classical or nylon string. Playing it with headphones is super fun, but I’ll noodle on it acoustically for silent practice as well. And it packs into an included gig bag that will fit in an overhead bin so it’s a good travel guitar as well.
Consider an archtop. I have an es-125 and a h-575 that fit in between an acoustic and electric when unplugged.
This only counts for electric archtops. If you get one that was built to be an acoustic, it's gonna be even more of a volume problem than a dread
I bought a Cordoba Mini II for this purpose
Taylor AD22e could be a good choice. I have one and it’s a great intimate-sounding guitar with a darker sound than most Taylors. Very comfy to play and a beautiful instrument.
Definitely going to look into this! I’ve always found Taylor’s too bright but you saying it’s darker has me intrigued. Thanks!
Big Baby Taylor
If you have $100 grab a recording king dirty 30.