Top 5 Best Short Scale Acoustic Guitar

For guitarists with smaller hands or those who prefer a more comfortable playing experience, short scale acoustic guitars can be a game-changer. These guitars, with their shorter distance between frets, make chords easier to reach and reduce finger strain. Finding the right one, though, can feel overwhelming with so many options available. So, I've put together a list of some top contenders to help you find the best short scale acoustic guitar for your needs.

Here's a quick rundown of the guitars we'll be looking at:

• Yamaha CSF3M: All-solid wood construction with a comfortable concert body.
• Taylor GS Mini: A popular travel-sized guitar with a big sound.
• Martin LX1E Little Martin: A durable and affordable option made with sustainable materials.
• Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top: A vintage-inspired parlor guitar with a classic look.
• Seagull Coastline S6 Slim CW Spruce QI: A Canadian-made guitar with a warm tone and comfortable neck.

Top 5 Best Short Scale Acoustic Guitar Reviews

1. Yamaha CSF3M

The Yamaha CSF3M is a beautifully crafted short scale acoustic guitar featuring all-solid wood construction. Its concert body size makes it comfortable to hold and play, while the solid Sitka spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides deliver a rich, resonant tone. This guitar is a great choice for players looking for a high-quality instrument with a smaller scale.

Pros:

• ✅ All-solid wood construction for superior tone
• ✅ Comfortable concert body size
• ✅ High-quality craftsmanship

Cons:

• ❌ May be more expensive than some other options
• ❌ Some players might prefer a larger body size
• ❌ Doesn't include a built-in pickup

Verdict: The Yamaha CSF3M is an excellent choice for experienced players who appreciate quality materials and craftsmanship. It's a great sounding, comfortable guitar that's well worth the investment.

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2. Taylor GS Mini

The Taylor GS Mini is a hugely popular short scale acoustic guitar known for its portability and surprisingly big sound. Despite its smaller size, it projects well and has a balanced tone, thanks to its solid Sitka spruce top and layered sapele back and sides. It's a fantastic option for travel, practice, or anyone who wants a comfortable and easy-to-play guitar.

Pros:

• ✅ Compact and portable size
• ✅ Surprisingly big sound for its size
• ✅ Comfortable neck profile

Cons:

• ❌ Layered back and sides may not offer the same tonal complexity as solid wood
• ❌ Can feel a bit small for some players
• ❌ Doesn't come with a built-in pickup in the standard model

Verdict: The Taylor GS Mini is ideal for travelers, beginners, or anyone looking for a comfortable and portable acoustic guitar with a surprisingly full sound. It's a versatile instrument that's easy to love.

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3. Martin LX1E Little Martin

The Martin LX1E Little Martin is a durable and affordable short scale acoustic guitar made with sustainable materials. It features a solid Sitka spruce top and high-pressure laminate (HPL) back and sides, making it resistant to changes in humidity and temperature. Plus, it has a built-in Fishman Sonitone pickup, making it stage-ready. I remember once taking mine camping in the pouring rain, and it survived without a scratch!

Pros:

• ✅ Durable and resistant to humidity
• ✅ Affordable price point
• ✅ Built-in Fishman Sonitone pickup

Cons:

• ❌ HPL back and sides don't offer the same tonal richness as solid wood
• ❌ Smaller body size may not be comfortable for all players
• ❌ Some users find the Sonitone pickup to be basic

Verdict: The Martin LX1E is a great choice for beginners, students, or anyone who needs a durable and affordable acoustic guitar that can withstand travel and various weather conditions. Its built-in pickup is a bonus for performing musicians.

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4. Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top

The Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top is a vintage-inspired parlor guitar with a classic look and a short scale length. Its agathis body and "C"-shape neck provide a comfortable playing experience, while its vintage-style appointments give it a cool, retro vibe. This guitar is perfect for blues, fingerpicking, or anyone who appreciates a vintage aesthetic.

Pros:

• ✅ Vintage-inspired design
• ✅ Affordable price point
• ✅ Comfortable neck profile

Cons:

• ❌ Agathis body may not offer the same tonal complexity as other tonewoods
• ❌ Smaller parlor body size may not project as loudly as larger guitars
• ❌ Basic hardware and components

Verdict: The Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy is a fun and affordable option for players who love vintage-style guitars and are looking for a comfortable and easy-to-play instrument. It's perfect for blues, folk, and fingerpicking styles.

5. Seagull Coastline S6 Slim CW Spruce QI

The Seagull Coastline S6 Slim CW Spruce QI is a Canadian-made short scale acoustic guitar known for its warm tone and comfortable neck. It features a solid spruce top and wild cherry back and sides, providing a balanced and resonant sound. The slim neck profile makes it easy to play, and the built-in Quantum I electronics allow you to plug in and amplify your sound. This is a guitar I've recommended to students for years; it's reliable and sounds great.

Pros:

• ✅ Solid spruce top for excellent tone
• ✅ Comfortable slim neck profile
• ✅ Built-in Quantum I electronics

Cons:

• ❌ Wild cherry back and sides may not be as visually appealing to some players
• ❌ Some users may prefer a different preamp system
• ❌ May be slightly more expensive than some other options

Verdict: The Seagull Coastline S6 Slim CW Spruce QI is a great choice for intermediate to advanced players who value tone, playability, and Canadian craftsmanship. Its comfortable neck and built-in electronics make it a versatile instrument for both practice and performance.

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Buying Guide

Choosing the right short scale acoustic guitar depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:

• Scale Length: Short scale guitars typically have a scale length of 24 inches or less. Consider the scale length that feels most comfortable for your hand size and playing style.
• Body Size: Smaller body sizes, like parlor or travel guitars, are more portable and comfortable for some players. Larger body sizes, like dreadnoughts, generally offer more volume and projection.
• Tonewoods: The type of wood used in the guitar's construction affects its tone. Spruce tops are common and versatile, while mahogany back and sides offer a warm, mellow sound.
• Electronics: If you plan to play amplified, consider a guitar with built-in electronics. Look for reputable brands like Fishman or LR Baggs.
• Budget: Short scale acoustic guitars are available at a wide range of price points. Determine your budget and look for guitars that offer the best value for your money.
• Playability: The neck profile and string action affect how easy a guitar is to play. Look for a guitar with a comfortable neck and low action.

FAQs

Q: What is a short scale guitar?

A: A short scale guitar has a shorter distance between the nut and the bridge, resulting in a shorter distance between frets. This makes the guitar easier to play, especially for people with smaller hands.

Q: Are short scale guitars only for beginners?

A: No, short scale guitars are suitable for players of all skill levels. Many experienced guitarists prefer them for their comfort and playability.

Q: Do short scale guitars sound different than full-size guitars?

A: Yes, short scale guitars generally have a warmer, more mellow tone than full-size guitars. They may also have less volume and projection.

Q: Can I use regular guitar strings on a short scale guitar?

A: Yes, you can use regular guitar strings on a short scale guitar. However, you may want to experiment with different string gauges to find the best tone and feel.

Conclusion

Finding the best short scale acoustic guitar for you comes down to personal preference. Consider your budget, playing style, and desired features when making your decision. Each of the guitars reviewed offers something unique, so take your time, do your research, and choose the one that feels right for you. Happy playing!