looking for a mini or parlour, steel strung on a low budget

Sarge

I'm fairly ignorant of what's what re steel stringed acoustics,  I want something small for lounge use only and as it's just for occasional noodling I want to keep it around £100 used. 
Yes I know I'm probably asking too much, but what's a good mini/parlour at this price point?  something akin to Vintage electrics quality v price. 

LooseMoose

They've just closed down so you may be too late but if you can get your hands on a Maddog Guitars Parlour, you absolutely should! Worth a message over Facebook in case Pat the owner still has any private stock!

Sarge

@LooseMoose  thanks,  I'll surely look into them,  the parlour on his website looks ok,  have you first hand experience of this model? 

LooseMoose

Yeah - I bought one and it goes everywhere with me. It's fantastic! 

Sarge

Alrighty, thanks @LooseMoose ;

Sarge

Any thoughts on the Gretsch Jim Dandy parlour? 
shorter scale and only 12 useable frets but video reviews give it good feedback,  anyone tried one? 

fretfinder

It would cost a bit more but how about a Vintage Paul Brett parlour? I bought one off here a couple of years ago and after a decent setup it's a great guitar.

Sarge

Thanks @fretfinder but that looks like pretty much twice my price limit, I know it'll only get occasional use so the budget is low.   

nick79

I tried a Jim Dandy, just didn't really take to it. Ended up with a Tanglewood tw133, but they are unfortunatly about twice your budget. I think Fender do one aswell for about £100 that's supposed to be pretty good. 

Sarge

@nick79 yes that fender seems to be top of the list soundwise,  but it sure ain't pretty! 

robwright

Got a Fender Ron Emory which plays really well. Looking for £170 delivered (they are £300 new).

stimpsonslostson

Resurrecting this thread a bit...
have you tried a Vintage V300? I played one today & thought it was excellent. Particularly if you can find the Mahogany variant. 

Sarge

@stimpsonslostson not as yet but I've heard good things from knowledgeable people about them. 
this has been put on the back burner a bit as I pare down my collection to something sensible! 
thanks for the heads up  

Sarge

sorry @robwright I didn't see your post nor get a notification of it,  alas that's a bit more than I wanted to shell out tbh, thanks though 

stimpsonslostson

No problem. I'm starting to hunt for something similar, today I tried every small bodied acoustic I could find: Jim Dandy, V300, Martin LX1, Faith Mercury, Fender Ron Emory, a few Tanglewoods etc. Was a fun afternoon!
im pretty sure I'll end up with a V300mh- it was the best balance of tone & price. The wee Martin was awesome, but you pay for it. 
I really want to try a Taylor GS Mini next.