Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
4.0 (24)
$199.99
Amazon
4.2 (42)
$209.99
Reverb
4.0 (28)
$129.99 New
$109.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (26)
$199.99
Thomann
4.0 (94)
$155.00 $154.00 $1.00 · All time low

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

Is the Hofner Shorty Electric Travel Guitar suitable for beginners?

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.

What kind of pickup does the Hofner Shorty Electric Travel Guitar have?

The Hofner Shorty Electric Travel Guitar features a Hofner Open Humbucker, which provides a warm and powerful sound suitable for various music genres.

Does the Hofner Shorty Electric Travel Guitar come with a gig bag?

Yes, the Hofner Shorty Electric Travel Guitar includes a Hofner gig bag, offering protection and convenience for travel and storage.

What is the scale length of the Hofner Shorty Electric Travel Guitar?

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.

What materials are used in the construction of the Hofner Shorty Electric Travel Guitar?

The Hofner Shorty Electric Travel Guitar is constructed with a basswood body, maple neck, and rosewood fingerboard, providing a balanced tone and comfortable playability.

Thomas Wallisch

Thomas Wallisch

Hofner Shorty Travel E-Guitar JAZZ/BLUES/ROCK - Wallisch Thomas

Video thumbnail for Hofner Shorty Travel E-Guitar JAZZ/BLUES/ROCK - Wallisch Thomas by Thomas Wallisch

Hofner Shorty Travel E-Guitar JAZZ/BLUES/ROCK - Wallisch Thomas

Thomas Wallisch

Thomas Wallisch

Video thumbnail for Can a Hofner Shorty travel guitar Rock? by TonePedia

Can a Hofner Shorty travel guitar Rock?

TonePedia

TonePedia

Video thumbnail for Watch This Video before you buy a Hofner Shorty by Landon Bailey

Watch This Video before you buy a Hofner Shorty

Landon Bailey

Landon Bailey

Video thumbnail for Hofner Shorty Guitar Review & Demo by AstraVex

Hofner Shorty Guitar Review & Demo

AstraVex

AstraVex

Video thumbnail for The Höfner Shorty - what is it good for? by Michael Reiser

The Höfner Shorty - what is it good for?

Michael Reiser

Michael Reiser

Video thumbnail for Hofner Shorty Short Review by Red Dog Music

Hofner Shorty Short Review

Red Dog Music

Red Dog Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Compact and portable, ideal for travel and small spaces

  • High-output humbucker offers powerful sound

  • Full-length neck provides a familiar playing experience

  • Surprisingly good action right out of the box

  • Easily customizable with upgrades like tuners and strings

  • Fits in overhead compartments on airplanes

  • Affordable, making it a low-risk investment

  • Versatile sound options with volume and tone knobs

  • Fun to play and offers a unique experience

  • Suitable as a backup guitar for gigging

CONS

  • Extreme neck dive makes it uncomfortable without a strap

  • Stock tuning pegs often require replacement

  • Uneven weight distribution can lead to awkward playing positions

  • Strings may need upgrading for better performance

  • Some models have poor quality control issues

  • Fretboard and fret finishing can be subpar

  • Tone may not be versatile enough for all styles

  • 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

  • Owners advise using .011 gauge strings to improve feel and sound, as .010s can feel too loose on the Hofner Shorty's short scale.

    Source
  • Owners advise checking for slipping tuners as a common setup issue, impacting tuning stability.

    Source

Build quality

  • 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.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar can be awkward to play while sitting; positioning it between the legs is recommended for better balance.

    Source
  • The guitar is favored as a convenient "desk guitar" for casual playing during downtime, highlighting its portability and ease of access.

    Source
  • The guitar's size allows it to fit comfortably in an overhead bin, making it ideal for frequent travelers.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite initial setup challenges, including nut filing, owners find the guitar playable and satisfying post-adjustment.

    Source
  • Playing the Hofner Shorty with an acoustic-style guitar strap can mitigate neck weight issues during both sitting and standing play.

    Source

Comparisons

  • In its price range, the Hofner Shorty is recommended unless a used Traveler model is available for a bit more.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Users report severe neck dive issues, making it challenging to maintain a stable playing position, even with a strap.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some owners acquire the Hofner Shorty as a budget-friendly modding platform, with open box models occasionally available for as low as $50.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • While specific pickup models aren't mentioned, there's a consensus on the need to replace stock pickups to improve tonal quality.

    Source
  • Adding a tremolo bar is a popular mod, with some users exploring options like the Duesenberg Les Trem II for improved functionality.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Patrick Alavi uses Hofner Shorty Electric Travel Guitar

Patrick Alavi

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram

Patrick Alavi shares his enthusiasm for his Höfner Shorty bass guitar in an Instagram post, highlighting its distinctive "German bass crunch" sound.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Community setups

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lminiero

lminiero

Gear IQ 796

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