Short Scale Acoustic Guitars

Most of the acoustic guitars I own are long scaled guitars. This means that the length from the nut to the bridge saddle is 25.5 inches. Most acoustic guitars utilize this guitar scale length but lately a lot of people have noticed that they like bending the strings and if you have a short scale 24.9 inch, doing so can be done without bringing about early tendinitis. Short scale guitars have a lower string tension because of the decreased scale length. If you like playing blues on your acoustic then you might want to check out a few guitars made to this scale. Some guitars with short scale are:

• Taylor GC series with a 24.0 7/8" scale
• Martin 000-28EC with a 24.9" scale
• BlueRidge BR 341 Parlour guitar - 24.6" scale (Much cheaper alternative)
• BlueRidge BR 361 Parlour guitar 24.6" scale
• Santa Cruz - 24.75" Style 1
• Santa Cruz Guitar Company 24.75" style 00
• Collings Guitar 25.0 " scale OM-2H
• Martin Guitars 24.9" scale 00-18V
• Martin Guitars 24.9"scale 000-18m Eric Clapton
• Martin Guitars 24.9" scale 000-42m Eric Clapton
  

An additional cool thing about short scale guitars is that the fret spacing is closer together. This might make it easier to play if you have smaller hands or fingers. Most people I know really have enjoyed playing this scale length. The decreased tension lends to a buttery feel when moving about the neck.

The only negative thing about the short scale guitar is that because the string tension is lower, the use of alternative tuning could bring about unwanted buzzing or muddy tone. Otherwise, the short scale guitar is fun to play and will add another dimension to a acoustic setting if you are surrounded by a group of long scale players.