What are some good short scale acoustics?

[Dr. Porkchop]

I keep hearing that short scale acoustics have less tension and are easier to play, so I am interested in trying one out. Is this really true? The Gibson Southern Jumbo with its 24 3/4 scale looks nice, but I am too poor to afford something like that. Any good southern jumbo clones, or other good short scale models that could be gotten for 1000 or less? Thanks.

[Whalebot]

Many Seagull acoustics are short scale and under 1K. Gibby J-45 & Martin 000-18 (both around 1,500)

[17.817]

I would look into the Blueridge BG-140 and BG-160. Short-scale Gibson knockoffs.

 

http://elderly.com/new_instruments/names/blueridge-bg-160-slope-shoulder-dreadnought--BG160.htm

[17.817]

Accidental double post. Dang, I hate that.

[eyeball987]

 

Originally posted by Whalebot Many Seagull acoustics are short scale and under 1K. Gibby J-45 & Martin 000-18 (both around 1,500)

 

 

I didn't know that and I have 2. My vote would be for the newer Taylors. Can't remember the models but even used, you won't find one under $1,000.

[DonK]

 

Originally posted by eyeball987 I didn't know that and I have 2. My vote would be for the newer Taylors. Can't remember the models but even used, you won't find one under $1,000.

 

 

They're special versions of regular Taylors, designated L9, e.g., 510 L9. Since they start in the 5 series (they're only available in the 5 and 7 series), you're right that you won't touch one for under $1,000, even used. Think $1,500 and up.

[AndrewGG]

Find a Gibson WM45; a stripped-down J45 and recently discontinued. Nice guitar.

[Freeman Keller]

Certain Martin 000's are short scale - this is from the UMGF FAQ

 

"OM. All OMs are long scale, 25.4" nut to saddle.

 

12-fret 000. All 12-fret 000s are long scale except for the Norman Blake models, which are short scale. These models are an exception to the rule, perhaps because they combine a 12-fret neck with a 14-fret 000 size body and are thus one-of-a-kind design models.

 

14-fret 000:

a. All 000s in the 16 Series and below are long scale.

b. All 000s in the Standard and Vintage Series are short scale, 24.9" nut to saddle.

c. 000s in the Limited and Special Editions vary by model. Most, but not all, are short scale."

 

 

Note that 12 fretters are frequently long scale - the bridge is moved farther down into the lower bout. Most Martin 12 strings are also short scale - makes them a bit easier to play.

[leftync]

i think the taylor 310 and 410, and maybe some others in those series, come standard now with short scale. both more than a grand.