Pricing and availability
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Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $167
Budget/Beginner
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Hofner Shorty Electric Travel Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Crafted for the traveling musician and those who refuse to compromise on tone, the Hofner Shorty Electric Travel Guitar is a compact powerhouse with a legacy rooted in the vibrant 80s. This mighty mini guitar features a basswood body that delivers a full-bodied sound, while its maple neck ensures smooth playability. Experience the classic feel of a rosewood fretboard under your fingers as you navigate its 24 frets, offering an impressive range for any musical journey.
The Hofner Shorty's robust design is complemented by a single Höfner humbucker, providing a rich and dynamic sound that defies its size. Whether you're jamming in a hotel room or hitting the stage, this guitar's versatility shines through with a fixed tailpiece and bridge in one, ensuring stability and reliability through every performance. The convenient bolt-on neck attachment enhances its durability, making it a trusty companion wherever your music takes you.
Finished in sleek black, the Hofner Shorty not only sounds great but looks the part too. And, with an included gig bag, it’s never been easier to take this musical marvel on the road. Compact yet commanding, this travel guitar is the ultimate blend of portability and performance, designed for musicians who demand quality on the go.
Key Features:
- Basswood body
- Maple neck with bolt-on attachment
- Rosewood fretboard
- 24 frets
- 628 mm scale length
- 42 mm nut width
- Pickup system: 1 Höfner humbucker
- Fixed tailpiece and bridge in one
- Sleek black finish
- Includes a gig bag
Product specs
| Available since | November 2004 |
| Colour | Black |
| Soundboard | Basswood |
| Neck | Maple |
| Fretboard | Rosewood |
| Frets | 24 |
| Scale | 625 mm |
| Pickup System | H |
| Tremolo | No |
| Incl. Case | No |
| Incl. Gigbag | Yes |
| Electric Guitar | 1 |
| Design | Miscellaneous |
| Acoustic Guitar | 1 |
| Body | Limewood |
| Top | None |
| Saddle Width | 42 mm |
| Pickup Configuration | H |
FAQs
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Is the Hofner Shorty Electric Travel Guitar suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Hofner Shorty Electric Travel Guitar is suitable for beginners due to its compact size and lightweight design, making it easy to handle and transport.
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What kind of pickup does the Hofner Shorty Electric Travel Guitar have?
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The Hofner Shorty Electric Travel Guitar features a Hofner Open Humbucker, which provides a warm and powerful sound suitable for various music genres.
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Does the Hofner Shorty Electric Travel Guitar come with a gig bag?
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Yes, the Hofner Shorty Electric Travel Guitar includes a Hofner gig bag, offering protection and convenience for travel and storage.
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What is the scale length of the Hofner Shorty Electric Travel Guitar?
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The Hofner Shorty Electric Travel Guitar has a scale length of 625 mm (approximately 24.7 inches), which contributes to its compact design and playability.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Hofner Shorty Electric Travel Guitar?
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The Hofner Shorty Electric Travel Guitar is constructed with a basswood body, maple neck, and rosewood fingerboard, providing a balanced tone and comfortable playability.
Videos
Thomas Wallisch
Hofner Shorty Travel E-Guitar JAZZ/BLUES/ROCK - Wallisch Thomas
Reviews
PROS
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Compact and portable, ideal for travel and small spaces
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High-output humbucker offers powerful sound
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Full-length neck provides a familiar playing experience
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Surprisingly good action right out of the box
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Easily customizable with upgrades like tuners and strings
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Fits in overhead compartments on airplanes
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Affordable, making it a low-risk investment
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Versatile sound options with volume and tone knobs
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Fun to play and offers a unique experience
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Suitable as a backup guitar for gigging
CONS
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Extreme neck dive makes it uncomfortable without a strap
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Stock tuning pegs often require replacement
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Uneven weight distribution can lead to awkward playing positions
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Strings may need upgrading for better performance
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Some models have poor quality control issues
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Fretboard and fret finishing can be subpar
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Tone may not be versatile enough for all styles
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Guitar can be difficult to play sitting down without support
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hofner Shorty Electric Travel Guitar.
Setup and maintenance
Build quality
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There is significant variability in neck and body shapes, as well as strap button placement, suggesting possible transitional assembly line differences.
Source -
The neck of the Hofner Shorty can feel unfinished, akin to a raw dowel, indicating variable quality control in the neck's final finish.
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Use cases and applications
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The guitar can be awkward to play while sitting; positioning it between the legs is recommended for better balance.
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The guitar is favored as a convenient "desk guitar" for casual playing during downtime, highlighting its portability and ease of access.
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The guitar's size allows it to fit comfortably in an overhead bin, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
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User experience
Comparisons
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In its price range, the Hofner Shorty is recommended unless a used Traveler model is available for a bit more.
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Features and functionality
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Users report severe neck dive issues, making it challenging to maintain a stable playing position, even with a strap.
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Value and pricing
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Some owners acquire the Hofner Shorty as a budget-friendly modding platform, with open box models occasionally available for as low as $50.
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Mods and upgrades
4.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
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