A Parlor Guitar That Punches Way Above Its Size
There's something genuinely satisfying about picking up a parlor guitar and discovering it sounds nothing like you expected — full, resonant, and with real presence. The Yamaha CSF1M in Crimson Red Burst is exactly that kind of pleasant surprise. It's compact enough to grab off the stand and play for twenty minutes between other things, but it has enough voice to hold its own when you're serious about a session.
Yamaha's CSF series was reintroduced in 2018 to answer a real demand for well-built parlor guitars that don't ask you to sacrifice tone for portability. The CSF1M delivers a solid Sitka spruce top, newly designed forward-shifted scalloped bracing, and a passive SRT undersaddle piezo pickup — so you're covered whether you're playing unplugged at home or patching into a PA at an open mic.
This particular example is a B-Stock unit in the eye-catching Crimson Red Burst finish. It's a great opportunity to get into a genuinely capable small-body acoustic-electric at a better price point.
This item is a B-Stock guitar sourced directly from the manufacturer. It is new and has never been previously owned. The photos shown are of the exact instrument you will receive. Before shipment, our licensed technician will inspect and professionally set up the guitar to ensure it is playing its best. During our inspection, we noticed small amount of rough cut binding, very fine finish scratches on top body. (see pictures) Please note, these may not be the only cosmetic imperfections. As a B-Stock instrument, there may be additional minor blemishes that are small in nature and do not affect playability or performance.
Solid Top, Smarter Bracing
The foundation of the CSF1M's sound is its solid Sitka spruce top — and Yamaha didn't stop there. The bracing underneath uses a forward-shifted scalloped design specifically engineered to increase bass response and overall volume for a body this size. The result is a guitar that players often find has more low-end presence than you'd expect from a parlor.
The laminate mahogany back and sides contribute warmth and a bit of midrange softness, balancing out the spruce's natural clarity and punch. It's a combination that works well for fingerpicking, light strumming, and anything in between.
Short Scale, Easy Feel
The CSF1M runs a 23 5/8" (600 mm) scale length — notably shorter than a standard full-size acoustic. That shorter string length means less string tension, which makes fretting easier and bending more forgiving. Players who find full-size guitars fatiguing after long sessions often appreciate what a shorter-scale parlor can do for their playing comfort.
The nut width comes in at 1 11/16" (43 mm), the rosewood fingerboard sits flat and smooth, and the rosewood bridge rounds out the tonal picture with added depth and sustain. Die-cast tuners keep things in tune reliably.
Plug In Without the Battery Hassle
The passive SRT Zero-Impact piezo pickup is one of the more thoughtful features on the CSF1M. Inspired by the sensor design in Yamaha's L Series acoustics, it places an individual sensor under each string for a natural, balanced amplified tone — and because it's passive, you never need a battery. No compartment to check, no 9-volt to swap mid-gig.
Whether you're running into an acoustic amp, a DI box, or straight into a PA, the CSF1M gives you a clean, dynamic signal that holds up well on stage and in the studio.
Product Features:
-
Top Wood: Solid Sitka spruce with forward-shifted scalloped bracing for enhanced bass response and projection
-
Back & Sides: Laminate mahogany for warm, balanced tone
-
Body Shape: Parlor (Yamaha CSF body)
-
Scale Length: 23 5/8" (600 mm) short scale for comfortable playability
-
Nut Width: 1 11/16" (43 mm)
-
Fingerboard & Bridge: Rosewood
-
Pickup: Passive SRT Zero-Impact undersaddle piezo — no battery required
-
Finish: Crimson Red Burst
-
Tuners: Die-cast chrome
Brand: Yamaha
Model: CSF1M CRB
SKU: CSF1M CRB-2ND|ILX171236
Condition: B-Stock
Since 1872, C.A. House Music has been helping musicians across the Ohio Valley find the right gear -- with real advice from a team that actually plays. We're your authorized dealer of all the big names in guitars, keyboards, band instruments, drums, pro audio, and more. With four family-owned and operated locations in Ohio and West Virginia (plus a full online store), you don't have to go far for instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs. No matter your musical needs, our team of musicians wants to help you Play Music for Life.
