Talk to me about cheap short scale guitars

DeeTee

I've been thinking recently about trying out a decent short scale guitar (think 24", not 22.5") to see if it would fit my small hands. The problem is, I like a bit of hard rock. While I do like indie/alternative stuff, if something was going to be my main guitar, it would need a bridge humbucker at least. 

I've been looking at the Fender Duo-Sonic HS and the Blacktop Jaguar, as I don't care for trems. Problem is they're a bit pricey, and not very common at all in my area. Bullet Mustangs come up occasionally, but they're a bit *too* cheap. I know, Goldilocks problems.

So, I know that I should try some out, but it's hard to get my hands on something like this nearby. Do any of you have any recommendations for something between the two price points I mentioned? Can I get a decent rock sound out of a short scale Fender, or will the scale length cause some difficulty?

dbphoto

I have been tempted to get one of these for a laugh:

https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/product/180108320393008-2353237--ibanez-pgmm31-wh-paul-gilbert-mikro-white-ex-demo-18060

stimpsonslostson

What about the Classic Player HH Jag?
Dont worry about the trem- You can lock the trem off by tightening a single screw. Some have a wee switch that locks it off too. 

Regarding rock tones, Kurt Cobain seemed to manage ok on his jag. 

Sporky

Daisy rock. 24.75" but slightly narrow necks, and totally rawk.

https://static.bax-shop.es/image/product/403185/1249099/2b3cf873/450x450/1509972532Daisy_Rock_Rock_Candy_Classic_Platinum_Sparkle.jpg

Funkfingers

stimpsonslostson said:

What about the Classic Player HH Jag?

Maybe, even, its close cousin, the Squier VM series Jaguar HH? 

dbphoto

Would a PRS SE 245 not be a good compromise? (24.5” scale length)

mikem8634

How about this? Really fancy one of these.

DeeTee

The Squier VM and the Classic Player HH look interesting. I still think the Bullet Mustang is probably a bit too cheap.

My Godin is Gibson scale length (24.75"), so I feel like I'm covered for that and 24.5" wouldn't be a huge change. Thank you all for the input!

I assume I'd lose a bit of that high end snap, with the shorter scale?

DrBob

I got my lefty daughter a Harley Benton Mustang for £60 second hand. Might give it s fret dress at some point to really get the action down but truth be told there’s actually sod all wrong with how it plays as is. Wilkinson pickups in it are alright too.
Thd Jazzmaster trem unit isn’t amazing but for £60 ? Really ? 
But yes, if it’s staying a bridge humbucker is going in for added shunt.

Not really answering the OP’s question more a rumination on the amazing quality for buttons money 

chrisj1602

The new Player Series Jaguar? Has a bridge humbucker.

ICBM

Squier Bullet Mustang with upgraded pickups if necessary. They may be cheap to buy but they are not cheaply made.

merciful-evans

I bought one of these to take on holiday (fits my case) years ago. This is really short scale.

http://www.muziker.cz/epiphone-zakk-wylde-bullseye-lp-peewee-pack

It should be tuned to G#.

All shorter scale instruments (brass & woodwind too) are trickier to maintain tuning. This thing is truly dreadful.

I have played a Fender Duo Sonic recently. I was impressed with it. It played well and sounded great. So much so that I am no longer anti-ceramic pickups.

DeeTee

ICBM said:

Squier Bullet Mustang with upgraded pickups if necessary. They may be cheap to buy but they are not cheaply made.

That's good to know, cheers. I've seen them pop up in my area a couple of times, but it's been a reasonable drive. I didn't consider it worth it at the time. May look again if they pop up again.

TTBZ

Sorry for slight hijack but what are 24" guitars like for tuning down to Eb? I imagine floppy without something like 12s? Always liked Jaguars and Mustangs (especially the Squier now it comes in decent finishes!) bit not sure if it would work for me!

steer

I just picked up a secondhand modern player Fender jag. Short scale. Two P90s. First imressions great. Less than 200 quid.

carlos

Whenever I see Troy Grady shred on his Mustang I get the urge to buy one but their radii are always 9.5" which I can't really handle.

stimpsonslostson

GuitarGuitar have a jagstang in their pre-owned section. 
You could buy that (so I don't). 

DeeTee

The way is clear for you, @stimpsonslostson - I live in Canada!

rossi

The Bullet mustang with a Fender decal is what you need.Great guitars, in fact probably the most usable ,playable and good sounding 100 quid or so you spend your ackers  on.I sold mine to finance others but may well buy a foam green one as I miss it.great for kids too but I would certainly go on stage with finest in the land and be happy.A Fender decal improves it.... purely on aesthetics you understand.

Funkfingers

DeeTee said:

I live in Canada!

i.e. London, Ontario. 

DeeTee

Funkfingers said:

DeeTee said:

I live in Canada!

i.e. London, Ontario. 

It seems I hadn't updated my bio for a wee while....