AudioFu

Best Shortscale Guitars 2026

Top-rated shortscale guitars 2026 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: February 4, 2026 • Next update: February 11, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $800
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Small Hands For Young Players For Comfortable Playing For Vintage Tones For Easy Bending For Unique Feel
BRANDS: Squier Fender Harley Benton Ibanez Jackson
Fender LTD MIJ Cyclone MN WBL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Fender LTD MIJ Cyclone MN WBL

by Fender
Unique Feel Comfortable Playing Young Players
Key Feature:
• Comfortable fret spacing
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable fret spacing
  • • Great for string bending
✗ CONS
  • • Not traditional guitar scale
  • • Limited string gauge options

Fender LTD MIJ Cyclone MN WBLElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.5/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 602065
$1,407
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Player II Jaguar RW AQB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Fender Player II Jaguar RW AQB

by Fender
Comfortable Playing Easy Bending Small Hands
Key Feature:
• Easier playing for smaller hands
✓ PROS
  • • Great for string bending
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
✗ CONS
  • • May lack some low-end punch
  • • Different feel from standard guitars

Fender Player II Jaguar RW AQBElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.4/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 595498
$890
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Player II Mustang MN HLY - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Fender Player II Mustang MN HLY

by Fender
Comfortable Playing Small Hands Unique Feel
Key Feature:
• Comfortable fret spacing
✓ PROS
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
  • • Unique tonal character
✗ CONS
  • • May lack some low-end punch
  • • Limited string gauge options

Fender Player II Mustang MN HLYShort-Scale Electric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot...

⭐ 4.4/5 (50 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 595122
$768
Buy at Thomann View Details
Squier CV Duo Sonic HS LRL PPG LPB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Squier CV Duo Sonic HS LRL PPG LPB

by Squier
Young Players Unique Feel Easy Bending
Key Feature:
• Unique tonal character
✓ PROS
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
  • • Unique tonal character
✗ CONS
  • • Different feel from standard guitars
  • • Not traditional guitar scale

Squier CV Duo Sonic HS LRL PPG LPBElectric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Indian laurelPearloid Dot...

⭐ 4.9/5 (19 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 619726
$494
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Player II Mustang MN 3TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Fender Player II Mustang MN 3TS

by Fender
Comfortable Playing Easy Bending Small Hands
Key Feature:
• Lower string tension
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable fret spacing
  • • Lower string tension
✗ CONS
  • • May lack some low-end punch
  • • Not traditional guitar scale

Fender Player II Mustang MN 3TSElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleNeck profile: Modern...

⭐ 4.7/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 595121
$762
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Player II Jaguar RW PWT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Fender Player II Jaguar RW PWT

by Fender
Comfortable Playing Unique Feel Vintage Tones
Key Feature:
• Easier playing for smaller hands
✓ PROS
  • • Lower string tension
  • • Comfortable fret spacing
✗ CONS
  • • Limited string gauge options
  • • Different feel from standard guitars

Fender Player II Jaguar RW PWTElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot...

⭐ 5.0/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 595496
$879
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Player II Mustang RW BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Fender Player II Mustang RW BLK

by Fender
Unique Feel Easy Bending Vintage Tones
Key Feature:
• Unique tonal character
✓ PROS
  • • Lower string tension
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
✗ CONS
  • • May affect resale value
  • • Different feel from standard guitars

Fender Player II Mustang RW BLKElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot fingerboard...

⭐ 5.0/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 595117
$768
Buy at Thomann View Details
Danelectro Pro Maroon Silver Glitter - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Danelectro Pro Maroon Silver Glitter

by Danelectro
Comfortable Playing Young Players Small Hands
Key Feature:
• Comfortable fret spacing
✓ PROS
  • • Lower string tension
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
✗ CONS
  • • Different feel from standard guitars
  • • Not traditional guitar scale

Danelectro Pro Maroon Silver GlitterElectric GuitarNew edition of the legendary Pro modelType: Semi-hollow with centre...

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 620681
$637
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Player II Mustang RW BCG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Fender Player II Mustang RW BCG

by Fender
Unique Feel Small Hands Young Players
Key Feature:
• Unique tonal character
✓ PROS
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
  • • Great for string bending
✗ CONS
  • • Different feel from standard guitars
  • • Not traditional guitar scale

Fender Player II Mustang RW BCGElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodBlack dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.7/5 (28 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 595120
$768
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez AZES31-IV - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Ibanez AZES31-IV

by Ibanez
Vintage Tones Small Hands Comfortable Playing
Key Feature:
• Easier playing for smaller hands
✓ PROS
  • • Unique tonal character
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
✗ CONS
  • • May affect resale value
  • • Different feel from standard guitars

Ibanez AZES31-IVElectric GuitarAZ Essential seriesBody: poplarBolt-on neck: mapleFretboard: jatobaWhite dot fretboard...

⭐ 4.8/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 524895
$304
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Player II Jaguar RW 3TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Fender Player II Jaguar RW 3TS

by Fender
Small Hands Easy Bending Young Players
Key Feature:
• Unique tonal character
✓ PROS
  • • Great for string bending
  • • Comfortable fret spacing
✗ CONS
  • • Different feel from standard guitars
  • • May lack some low-end punch

Fender Player II Jaguar RW 3TSElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.4/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 595494
$887
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton SC-200BK Mini Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Harley Benton SC-200BK Mini Bundle

by Harley Benton
Small Hands Young Players Vintage Tones
Key Feature:
• Unique tonal character
✓ PROS
  • • Lower string tension
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
✗ CONS
  • • Not traditional guitar scale
  • • Different feel from standard guitars

Harley Benton SC-200BK Mini Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton SC-200BK Mini*Mini Electric Guitar*Body:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 427979
$197
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez AZES31-VM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Ibanez AZES31-VM

by Ibanez
Easy Bending Small Hands Vintage Tones
Key Feature:
• Comfortable fret spacing
✓ PROS
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
  • • Great for string bending
✗ CONS
  • • May lack some low-end punch
  • • Limited string gauge options

Ibanez AZES31-VMElectric GuitarAZ Essential seriesBody: poplarBolt-on neck: mapleFretboard: jatobaWhite dot fretboard...

⭐ 4.8/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 524899
$307
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Player II Mustang RW AQB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Fender Player II Mustang RW AQB

by Fender
Vintage Tones Comfortable Playing Unique Feel
Key Feature:
• Unique tonal character
✓ PROS
  • • Great for string bending
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
✗ CONS
  • • May lack some low-end punch
  • • May affect resale value

Fender Player II Mustang RW AQBElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodBlack dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.6/5 (9 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 595119
$769
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez GRGM21M-BLT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Ibanez GRGM21M-BLT

by Ibanez
Vintage Tones Young Players Small Hands
Key Feature:
• Lower string tension
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable fret spacing
  • • Lower string tension
✗ CONS
  • • Not traditional guitar scale
  • • May lack some low-end punch

Ibanez GRGM21M-BLTElectric GuitarMicro SeriesSize: 3/4Body: BasswoodBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: mapleBlack dot...

⭐ 4.7/5 (50 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 511417
$243
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Shortscale Guitars

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced shortscale guitars typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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