Guitars are one of the most popular and most portable musical instrument that many people enjoy playing. However, with Yamaha JR1 vs JR2, you might wonder if your guitar is portable enough.
Standard size is portable enough. But dreadnoughts and concert-size guitars are not handy! They take much space in your car, and they are quite troublesome to bring along.
A smaller guitar is more convenient to bring. They’re lighter and takes little space. You wouldn’t have your arms or back sore while carrying it with you. You can bring it along with you anywhere you go without hassle.
But hey, you already know that right? You’re here to know more about Yamaha’s JR models. Let’s take a deeper look at JR1 vs JR2 and see which one is the right model for you.
It seems like the two are not really that different. However, holding them in your hands and closer inspection would reveal that JR2 is made with superior materials than the JR1.
| Preview | Product | |
|---|---|---|
|
Yamaha JR1 FG Junior 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar, Natural | Check Price |
|
Yamaha JR2TBS 3/4 Scale Guitar Tobacco Sunburst | Check Price |
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 05:36 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Yamaha JR1 vs JR2 - Which Guitar Is Better?
Yamaha JR1 Review - Good Travel Guitar
Yamaha JR1 is based on their FG series. The FG series is Yamaha’s first line of folk guitars that has gained its popularity in the 50s.
Yamaha’s Folk Guitar Series body measures 19 inches long and 16.2inches wide at the lower bout. It has a pretty large resonating body that is 4.65 inches deep. This guitar’s total length is 42.4 inches.
JR1 is a miniaturized version of the FG series. It’s 25% smaller than standard FG size. The total length of JR1 is 33.25 inches. That’s about an arm’s length.
The body is, of course, smaller and shallower. JR1’s body measures 15.35 inches while the length is 12.5 inches.
The body is 3.5inches deep. You get a 21 and ¼ inch scale length. The fretboard is made of rosewood that gives a warm sound. The neck is made of durable nato that is bend resistant.
To give a bright sounding and distinct FG-series tone, Yamaha chose laminated spruce for the top of this guitar.
The back and the sides are fitted with laminated mahogany. Mahogany is a tough wood, it can be quite heavy, but it is known for its durability.
To make sure that guitar’s neck would resist warping, Yamaha equipped it with a truss rod.
This adjustable truss rod also allows you to straighten up the bowed neck. The tuning pegs are accented with chrome to stand out.
You know, you don’t just have an excellent sounding guitar, it’s also beautiful. The bridge pins and saddle are made with white ABS, so you know, no elephants are harmed!
Lastly, this guitar already comes with a gig bag. The free gig bag is suitable for carrying your guitar with you.
However, if you want to give your guitar more protection, you can go for a hard case padded gig bags.
Although this model is small and handy, it packs a punchy sound that will fill the air with excellent tone.
Yes, it’s a smaller version of the FG series, and it may not play as loud. But surprisingly, for its small size, it boasts a huge sound. This guitar is perfect for beginners, people with smaller hands, and those who just won’t stay in one place!
- The FG Junior is a 3/4 sized guitar modeled after the acclaimed Yamaha FG Series
- The JR1 has a smaller body and shorter neck, perfect for young players or those with smaller hands
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 09:40 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
Cons
Yamaha JR2 Review - Bright Sound Acoustic
Yamaha JR2 is also a guitar model based on the FG series. JR1 and JR2 are pretty much alike in appearance.
But, you can easily spot their color difference in color. Although both tops are made with spruce, JR1 has a darker yellow tint compared with JR2.
Also, JR2 is made with a denser solid spruce. The sides and back are also made with mahogany, but this model uses the Ultra Thin Finish.
This feature sheds some more weight from your guitar and makes a bit lighter. The bridge and the fretboard are made of rosewood. The tuning pegs are made with chrome plated machine heads for accent.
This model is also fitted with adjustable truss rods to make sure that your guitar neck profile is always at your preferred level.
Overall, the materials used in this model is of higher quality. Holding the guitar side by side would easily show the superiority of JR2s material.
This model boasts a full sound with a compact body. Many users claim that it has the tone of the full-sized FG guitars.
The solid spruce top resonates a bright sound. Together with the Ultra Thin mahogany sides and back, this compact guitar plays excellent music!
- Spruce Top
- Mahogany Back and Sides
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 05:36 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
Cons
Conclusion - JR1 or JR2? (Good Guitars)
Yamaha’s Folk Guitar series was a massive hit in the 50s. They made a long list of models based on the original FG to cater to different styles of playing.
Today, Yamaha decided to miniaturize the FG series for beginners and travelers!
Choosing between the two models is a matter of budget decision. They don’t have that much difference physically. But, of course, Yamaha JR2 has better quality materials that lead to projecting better sound.
If you are a beginner and not sure if playing the guitar is really for you, you may want to choose Yamaha JR1.
However, for experienced musicians who can’t go anywhere without a guitar, this compact instrument will save you space and will be easier to tag along wherever you go.
Further Reading:
https://www.wikihow.com/Rapidly-Learn-to-Play-the-Acoustic-Guitar-Yourself
Happy New year! Thank you for a lovely review.
I purchased the Yamaha F310 and find it way too big to play. So am rather lost on which Yamaha to purchase.
Would appreciate some suggestions please.
Much thanks
Hi, Happy New Year! You can choose Yamaha Fs800.
https://advisormusic.com/yamaha-fg800-vs-fs800/
Thanks!