AudioFu

Best Ibanez Shortscale Guitars 2025

Premium Ibanez shortscale guitars - legendary tone and craftsmanship

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
Ibanez GRGM21-WH E-Guitar Micro - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

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
Ibanez AZES31-VM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

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
Ibanez GRGM21L-BKN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Ibanez GRGM21L-BKN

by Ibanez
Small Hands Young Players Vintage Tones
Key Feature:
• Great for string bending
✓ PROS
  • • Unique tonal character
  • • Great for string bending
✗ CONS
  • • May affect resale value
  • • Not traditional guitar scale

Ibanez GRGM21L-BKNElectric GuitarLefthand / left-handed modelMicro seriesBody: poplarBolt-on neck: mapleFretboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 524539
$263
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez GRGM21M-MPL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Ibanez GRGM21M-MPL

by Ibanez
Vintage Tones Easy Bending Small Hands
Key Feature:
• Comfortable fret spacing
✓ PROS
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
  • • Great for string bending
✗ CONS
  • • Not traditional guitar scale
  • • May lack some low-end punch

Ibanez GRGM21M-MPLElectric guitarWith short scaleBody: PoplarNeck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard radius: 400...

⭐ 4.5/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 569419
$263
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez GRGM21M-BLT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

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
Ibanez AZES31-IV - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

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

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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