Best Shortscale Guitars for Vintage Tones 2025

Perfect shortscale guitars for vintage-tones - easy to play and learn on

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 Mustang RW BCG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

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

⭐ 4.8/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

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 LTD MIJ Cyclone MN WBL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

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 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

Fender Player II Mustang RW BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

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

Höfner Shorty Violin Guitar Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

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

Harley Benton ST-Junior HSS SBK Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton ST-Junior HSS SBK Bundle

by Harley Benton

Small Hands Comfortable Playing Unique Feel

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal character

✓ PROS

• Easier playing for smaller hands
• Unique tonal character

✗ CONS

• Limited string gauge options
• Not traditional guitar scale

Harley Benton ST-Junior HSS SBK Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton ST-Junior HSS SBK*Electric Guitar*Total...

⭐ 4.8/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 583387

$138

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#10

⭐ 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

Fender Player II Jaguar RW AQB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 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

Squier Sonic Mustang MN Torino Red - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.9/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Squier Sonic Mustang MN Torino Red

by Squier

Vintage Tones Unique Feel Young Players

Key Feature:

• Great for string bending

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Comfortable fret spacing

✗ CONS

• Limited string gauge options
• Not traditional guitar scale

Squier Sonic Mustang MN Torino RedElectric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot fretboard...

⭐ 4.9/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 561072

$168

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier Sonic Mustang MN 2TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.6/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Squier Sonic Mustang MN 2TSB

by Squier

Easy Bending Young Players Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Great for string bending

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Comfortable fret spacing

✗ CONS

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

Squier Sonic Mustang MN 2TSBElectric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.6/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 561069

$164

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Player II Mustang MN HLY - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 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

Ibanez AZES31-VM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

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

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 for Vintage Tones 2025

Fender Player II Mustang RW AQB

Fender Player II Mustang RW BCG

Ibanez AZES31-IV

Fender LTD MIJ Cyclone MN WBL

Fender Player II Jaguar RW PWT

Fender Player II Mustang RW BLK

Höfner Shorty Violin Guitar Black

Höfner Shorty Violin Guitar

Harley Benton ST-Junior HSS SBK Bundle

Fender Player II Mustang MN 3TS

Fender Player II Jaguar RW AQB

Squier Sonic Mustang MN Torino Red

Squier Sonic Mustang MN 2TSB

Fender Player II Mustang MN HLY

Ibanez AZES31-VM

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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