Head to head
Gretsch Prelude D100 Dreadnought vs Yamaha JR1 FG Junior
The short answer is that the scale lengths are not the same (25.3" against 21.25"). Below, every specification we hold for both instruments is lined up, with the 15 rows that actually differ marked out.
Prelude D100 Dreadnought
Black
An all-laminate dreadnought that survives being carried around, and sounds like one
JR1 FG Junior
Natural, 3/4 size
The 3/4 guitar that keeps getting recommended, twenty years on
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Score profile
Six editorial axes, overlaid. Where one shape sits outside the other, that is where the instrument gains ground.
- Gretsch Prelude D100 Dreadnought6.0
- Yamaha JR1 FG Junior6.7
Scores are Fretline editorial ratings on a 1-10 scale. They are our own assessment and are not supplied or endorsed by Amazon or by any manufacturer.
Specification by specification
| Prelude D100 Dreadnought | JR1 FG Junior | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Gretsch | Yamaha |
| Model | Prelude D100 Dreadnought | JR1 FG Junior |
| Finish | Black | Natural, 3/4 size |
| Instrument | Acoustic guitar | Acoustic guitar |
| Fretline score | 6.0 / 10 | 6.7 / 10 |
| Value for money | 7 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Amazon rating | 4.4 / 5 (60) | 4.4 / 5 (1,119) |
| Price | Under $300 | Under $300 |
| Type | Acoustic guitar | Acoustic guitar |
| Body | Dreadnought | Mini dreadnought, 3/4 size |
| Top | Laminated basswood | Spruce |
| Back & sides | Laminated basswood | Meranti |
| Bracing | X-bracing | — |
| Neck joint | Set neck | Set neck |
| Neck wood | Nato | Nato |
| Neck profile | "C" shape | — |
| Scale length | 25.3" (643 mm) | 21.25" (540 mm) |
| Fingerboard | Walnut | Rosewood or walnut, depending on production run |
| Radius | 12" (305 mm) | — |
| Frets | 20 | — |
| Fret size | Medium | — |
| Nut | Synthetic bone | Urea |
| Nut width | 1.6875" (42.86 mm) | 1.6875" (43 mm) |
| Bridge | — | Rosewood |
| Tuners | Sealed gear | Covered chrome |
| Orientation | Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Skill level | Beginner | Beginner |
| Styles | Folk, Country, Pop, Rock, Worship, Indie | Folk, Pop, Country, Indie, Worship |
| In the box | — | Gig bag included |
A marked row is one where the two differ. A highlighted cell is the stronger figure where one can be judged objectively. Empty cells are specifications the manufacturer does not publish — never estimates.
Which one should you buy?
Computed from the specifications and our editorial scores for these two instruments only. It is not a general ranking.
Most versatile
Gretsch Prelude D100 DreadnoughtHighest editorial versatility score, backed by pickup layout and switching.
Most comfortable
Yamaha JR1 FG JuniorHighest editorial comfort score: neck profile, radius and body ergonomics.
Best for beginners
Yamaha JR1 FG JuniorStrongest overall score among the instruments we rate as beginner-friendly.
Best for rock
Gretsch Prelude D100 DreadnoughtStrongest overall score among the instruments suited to rock.
Best for the studio
Yamaha JR1 FG JuniorBuild and tone scores combined, with credit for tuning-stability hardware that matters when tracking.
Scores are Fretline editorial ratings on a 1-10 scale. They are our own assessment and are not supplied or endorsed by Amazon or by any manufacturer.
Want a third opinion?
The comparator takes as many instruments as you like, not just two, and recomputes the whole table and every conclusion as you add them.
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