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Short-Scale Guitar Kits
Short scale guitars use a reduced scale length, typically 24 inches compared to the standard 25.5 inches. That inch and a half makes a real difference. The frets are closer together, the string tension is lower, and the overall feel is slinkier and more forgiving under your fingers.
Our short scale guitar kits are perfect for players with smaller hands, younger builders, or anyone who prefers a more relaxed playing feel. The reduced tension makes bending easier, chords less fatiguing, and fast runs more fluid. Many professional players choose short scale guitars specifically for these playing advantages.
Tonally, short scale guitars tend toward a warmer, slightly thicker sound than their full-scale counterparts. The lower string tension gives the notes a softer attack and rounder character that works beautifully for blues, indie, classic rock, and jazz.
These kits suit all skill levels, including first-time builders. The compact body size is easier to handle during finishing, and the standard bolt-on construction goes together the same way as a full-size kit. If standard guitars have always felt like a stretch, a short scale kit will feel like it was made for your hands.
Ready to Ship
🌍 Worldwide
Short-scale JG style Guitar Kit with Mahogany Body, Rosewood Fretboard
Original price
$279.99 USD
Original price
$279.99 USD
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Original price
$279.99 USD
Original price
$279.99 USD
Current price
$229.99 USD
$229.99 USD
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$229.99 USD
Current price
$229.99 USD
Build Skill
5/10 — Intermediate
Build your own short-scale JG style guitar with a Mahogany body, bolt-on neck with rosewood fretboard, and white dot inlays using our DIY Guitar ki...
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Ready to Ship
🌍 Worldwide
Violin Bass Kit with Pau Ferro Fretboard
Original price
$299.99 USD
Original price
$299.99 USD
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Original price
$299.99 USD
Original price
$299.99 USD
Current price
$269.99 USD
$269.99 USD
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$269.99 USD
Current price
$269.99 USD
Build Skill
8/10 — Advanced
Experience the joy of creating your own music with our DIY Violin Bass Guitar kit! This short-scale (30" / 760 mm) kit includes all the materials n...
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Ready to Ship
🌍 Worldwide
Short-scale R25 Guitar Kit with Rosewood Fretboard
Original price
$289.99 USD
Original price
$289.99 USD
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Original price
$289.99 USD
Original price
$289.99 USD
Current price
$249.99 USD
$249.99 USD
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$249.99 USD
Current price
$249.99 USD
Build Skill
7/10 — Intermediate
Ever dreamed of crafting your custom short-scale guitar? It's time with our DIY kit, offering everything from a rosewood fretboard to a strong mapl...
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Pre-Order
🌍 Worldwide
Short-scale JGS style Guitar Kit with Basswood Body, Maple Neck
Original price
$279.99 USD
Original price
$279.99 USD
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Original price
$279.99 USD
Original price
$279.99 USD
Current price
$259.99 USD
$259.99 USD
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$259.99 USD
Current price
$259.99 USD
Build Skill
5/10 — Intermediate
Build your own short-scale JGS style DIY guitar with a Basswood body, a Maple bolt-on neck, and an Ebony fretboard with white Pearloid dot inlays. ...
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Ready to Ship
🌍 Worldwide
Short-Scale Mahogany GB Bass Guitar Kit with Maple Neck
Original price
$299.99 USD
Original price
$299.99 USD
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Original price
$299.99 USD
Original price
$299.99 USD
Current price
$289.99 USD
$289.99 USD
-
$289.99 USD
Current price
$289.99 USD
Build Skill
6/10 — Intermediate
Build your own Short-Scale DIY bass guitar with mahogany body & neck tonewood, ebony fretboard with beautiful pearl white trapezoid fretboard i...
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Scale Length
Most short scale kits use a 24-inch scale. Some go shorter at 22.5 inches, which is closer to a three-quarter size guitar.
Body Size
Short scale kits often have proportionally smaller bodies that are lighter and more comfortable for smaller players.
String Gauge
Lower tension means standard strings feel slinkier. You can use your regular gauge or go up one step if you prefer more resistance.
Nut Width
Some short scale kits have narrower nut widths that suit smaller hands. Check the measurements if hand size is your main reason for choosing short scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should build a short scale guitar kit?
Short scale kits are great for players with smaller hands, younger builders, and anyone who wants a more relaxed playing feel. They are also popular with experienced players who want a different tonal character and easier string bending.
Does short scale mean lower quality?
Not at all. Short scale is a design choice, not a compromise. Professional musicians have used short scale guitars on countless recordings. The tonewoods, pickups, and hardware in our short scale kits are the same quality as our full-size kits.
Can I tune a short scale guitar to standard tuning?
Yes. Short scale guitars tune to standard E-to-E tuning just like full-scale guitars. The shorter scale length reduces string tension at the same pitch, which gives you the slinky playing feel these guitars are known for.