Best Shortscale Guitars Under $200 2025

Affordable shortscale guitars under $200 - great value without compromising quality

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

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

Squier Mini Jazzmaster MN DBL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Squier Mini Jazzmaster MN DBL

by Squier

Young Players Vintage Tones Easy Bending

Key Feature:

• Easier playing for smaller hands

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Comfortable fret spacing

✗ CONS

• Not traditional guitar scale
• May affect resale value

Squier Mini Jazzmaster MN DBLMini Electric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: MapleFretboard inlays: Black...

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 493746

$171

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier Mini Stratocaster IL DR Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Squier Mini Stratocaster IL DR Bundle

by Squier

Comfortable Playing Unique Feel Young Players

Key Feature:

• Great for string bending

✓ PROS

• Comfortable fret spacing
• Easier playing for smaller hands

✗ CONS

• May lack some low-end punch
• Different feel from standard guitars

Squier Mini Stratocaster IL DR Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Squier Mini Stratocaster IL DR*Mini Electric...

⭐ 4.9/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 538680

$188

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier Sonic Mustang HH California BL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Squier Sonic Mustang HH California BL

by Squier

Vintage Tones Unique Feel Comfortable Playing

Key Feature:

• Lower string tension

✓ PROS

• Great for string bending
• Easier playing for smaller hands

✗ CONS

• Not traditional guitar scale
• May affect resale value

Squier Sonic Mustang HH California BLElectric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard...

⭐ 4.9/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 561075

$183

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier Sonic Mustang HH Flash Pink - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Squier Sonic Mustang HH Flash Pink

by Squier

Comfortable Playing Young Players Small Hands

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal character

✓ PROS

• Lower string tension
• Great for string bending

✗ CONS

• May lack some low-end punch
• Different feel from standard guitars

Squier Sonic Mustang HH Flash PinkElectric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 561079

$184

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.5/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton SC-200BK Mini

by Harley Benton

Vintage Tones Young Players Comfortable Playing

Key Feature:

• Lower string tension

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Comfortable fret spacing

✗ CONS

• Not traditional guitar scale
• Limited string gauge options

Harley Benton SC-200BK MiniMini Electric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: RoseacerDot fretboard...

⭐ 4.5/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 415541

$120

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier Mini Strat V2 BK IL Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Squier Mini Strat V2 BK IL Bundle

by Squier

Easy Bending Small Hands Young Players

Key Feature:

• Great for string bending

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Easier playing for smaller hands

✗ CONS

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

Squier Mini Strat V2 BK IL Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Squier Mini Strat V2 BK IL*Electric Guitar*Mini...

⭐ 4.9/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 538710

$185

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier Mini Stratocaster IL DR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Squier Mini Stratocaster IL DR

by Squier

Unique Feel Comfortable Playing Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal character

✓ PROS

• Lower string tension
• Great for string bending

✗ CONS

• May affect resale value
• Limited string gauge options

Squier Mini Stratocaster IL DRMini Electric GuitarBody: PoplarNeck: MapleFretboard: Indian LaurelScale: 578 mmNut...

⭐ 4.8/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 493269

$171

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.5/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton ST-Junior HSS SBK

by Harley Benton

Small Hands Young Players Comfortable Playing

Key Feature:

• Comfortable fret spacing

✓ PROS

• Great for string bending
• Comfortable fret spacing

✗ CONS

• Limited string gauge options
• Different feel from standard guitars

Harley Benton ST-Junior HSS SBKElectric GuitarTotal length: 81 cmBody: PoplarNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 554119

$109

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier Sonic Mustang MN Torino Red - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 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

Vox SDC-1 Mini Guitar Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Vox SDC-1 Mini Guitar Black

by Vox

Vintage Tones Unique Feel Small Hands

Key Feature:

• Great for string bending

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Great for string bending

✗ CONS

• Different feel from standard guitars
• Limited string gauge options

Vox SDC-1 Mini Guitar BlackMini Electrig GuitarBody: PoplarNeck: MapleFingerboard: Purple HeartNut width: 42 mm...

⭐ 4.6/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 579557

$186

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson JS1X Dinky Minion INF BL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.8/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Jackson JS1X Dinky Minion INF BL

by Jackson

Young Players Unique Feel Small Hands

Key Feature:

• Lower string tension

✓ PROS

• Easier playing for smaller hands
• Lower string tension

✗ CONS

• May affect resale value
• Not traditional guitar scale

Jackson JS1X Dinky Minion INF BLElectric GuitarBody: PoplarNeck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard inlays: Black...

⭐ 4.8/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 594426

$197

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#13

⭐ 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

Squier Mini Strat V2 BK IL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.7/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Squier Mini Strat V2 BK IL

by Squier

Young Players Comfortable Playing Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Comfortable fret spacing

✓ PROS

• Comfortable fret spacing
• Unique tonal character

✗ CONS

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

Squier Mini Strat V2 BK ILElectric GuitarMini StratocasterBody: PoplarNeck: MapleFretboard: Indian Laurel20 Medium...

⭐ 4.7/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 434130

$167

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton ST-Junior BK Standard S Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.9/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton ST-Junior BK Standard S Bundle

by Harley Benton

Young Players Unique Feel Small Hands

Key Feature:

• Lower string tension

✓ PROS

• Great for string bending
• Unique tonal character

✗ CONS

• Limited string gauge options
• Not traditional guitar scale

Harley Benton ST-Junior BK Standard S Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton ST-Junior BK Standard Series*Short...

⭐ 4.9/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 544087

$105

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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Best Shortscale Guitars Under $200 2025

Harley Benton SC-200BK Mini Bundle

Squier Mini Jazzmaster MN DBL

Squier Mini Stratocaster IL DR Bundle

Squier Sonic Mustang HH California BL

Squier Sonic Mustang HH Flash Pink

Harley Benton SC-200BK Mini

Squier Mini Strat V2 BK IL Bundle

Squier Mini Stratocaster IL DR

Harley Benton ST-Junior HSS SBK

Squier Sonic Mustang MN Torino Red

Vox SDC-1 Mini Guitar Black

Jackson JS1X Dinky Minion INF BL

Harley Benton ST-Junior HSS SBK Bundle

Squier Mini Strat V2 BK IL

Harley Benton ST-Junior BK Standard S Bundle

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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