'Parlour' guitars were the popular choice in Victorian times and were designed to be of manageable proportions for 'ladies' wishing to strum their favourite tunes to their family, friends and suitors! In fact, it was not until much later, when the CF Martin Company came up with the 'Dreadnaught' guitar, that guitars started to get larger.

These days, small bodied guitars are enjoying a revival in popularity for different reasons. Their small size affords a tight, crisp sound without the muddy, sometimes overwhelming bass response of their larger cousins. Smaller guitars are often preferred by players whose emphasis is more towards their guitar playing than their singing.

Parlour guitars, although small, should not be confused with 'half' or 'three quarter' sized guitars which are primarily designed for children. On the contrary, they are full sized, full scale length 'adult' guitars in every respect except for their smaller body size.