Best Shortscale Guitars 2025

Top-rated shortscale guitars 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

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 Harley Benton Fender Jackson Ibanez

Fender Player II Mustang RW AQB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

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

Fender Player II Jaguar RW AQB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

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

⭐ 4.4/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

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

Fender Player II Mustang MN 3TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

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

Danelectro Pro Maroon Silver Glitter - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

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

Harley Benton SC-200BK Mini Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

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

Höfner Shorty Violin Guitar - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Höfner Shorty Violin Guitar

by Höfner

Comfortable Playing Small Hands Young Players

Key Feature:

• Great for string bending

✓ PROS

• Great for string bending
• Unique tonal character

✗ CONS

• Limited string gauge options
• May affect resale value

Höfner Shorty Violin GuitarElectric GuitarStyle: Violin BassBody: MahoganyOne-piece neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 560335

$263

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Player II Jaguar RW PWT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

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

Squier Affinity Jaguar MMB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Squier Affinity Jaguar MMB

by Squier

Vintage Tones Small Hands Easy Bending

Key Feature:

• Lower string tension

✓ PROS

• Easier playing for smaller hands
• Great for string bending

✗ CONS

• May lack some low-end punch
• May affect resale value

Squier Affinity Jaguar MMBElectric GuitarBody: PoplarTop: Flamed mapleBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Indian...

⭐ 4.5/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 594246

$270

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez GRGM21-WH E-Guitar Micro - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Ibanez GRGM21-WH E-Guitar Micro

by Ibanez

Small Hands Easy Bending Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Comfortable fret spacing

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Comfortable fret spacing

✗ CONS

• May affect resale value
• May lack some low-end punch

Ibanez GRGM21-WH E-Guitar MicroElectric GuitarSize: 3/4Poplar bodyMaple neckPine fretboardShark tooth fretboard...

⭐ 4.9/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 381078

$229

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson JS1X DK Minion AH FB BBG PINK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Jackson JS1X DK Minion AH FB BBG PINK

by Jackson

Small Hands Easy Bending Young Players

Key Feature:

• Comfortable fret spacing

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Great for string bending

✗ CONS

• Not traditional guitar scale
• May lack some low-end punch

Jackson JS1X DK Minion AH FB BBG PINKElectric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: AmaranthFingerboard...

⭐ 4.8/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 620066

$219

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Player II Jaguar RW 3TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.4/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

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

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton SC-200BK Mini Bundle

by Harley Benton

Vintage Tones Small Hands Comfortable Playing

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal character

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Comfortable fret spacing

✗ CONS

• May lack some low-end punch
• May affect resale value

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

⭐ 4.7/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 427981

$237

Buy at Thomann View Details

Höfner Shorty Violin Guitar Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Höfner Shorty Violin Guitar Black

by Höfner

Unique Feel Young Players Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Comfortable fret spacing

✓ PROS

• Comfortable fret spacing
• Unique tonal character

✗ CONS

• May lack some low-end punch
• Limited string gauge options

Höfner Shorty Violin Guitar BlackElectric GuitarStyle: Violin bassBody: MahoganyOne-piece neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 585150

$263

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier CV Duo Sonic HS LRL PPG LPB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.9/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

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

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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TOP

Best Shortscale Guitars 2025

Fender Player II Mustang RW AQB

Fender Player II Jaguar RW AQB

Fender Player II Mustang MN HLY

Fender Player II Mustang MN 3TS

Danelectro Pro Maroon Silver Glitter

Harley Benton SC-200BK Mini Bundle

Höfner Shorty Violin Guitar

Fender Player II Jaguar RW PWT

Squier Affinity Jaguar MMB

Ibanez GRGM21-WH E-Guitar Micro

Jackson JS1X DK Minion AH FB BBG PINK

Fender Player II Jaguar RW 3TS

Harley Benton SC-200BK Mini Bundle

Höfner Shorty Violin Guitar Black

Squier CV Duo Sonic HS LRL PPG LPB

How to Choose the Best Shortscale Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying shortscale guitars?

How much should I spend on shortscale guitars?

Are expensive shortscale guitars worth the investment?

What are the best brands for shortscale guitars?

Should I buy shortscale guitars online or in-store?

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