Höfner Shorty Deluxe RD

Höfner Shorty Deluxe RD review

The Höfner Shorty Deluxe RD is a compact electric guitar built for travel, couch practice, and situations where a full-size instrument is inconvenient. Its small red body and 82 cm overall length make it easy to carry, while the full neck and two humbuckers give it a more familiar playing and sound setup than a novelty-sized instrument. It has been available since July 2019, and the listed price is 178.

There is a tradeoff at the heart of the design. The Shorty takes up little space, but its small body does not balance like a conventional electric guitar. Player reports consistently mention neck dive, especially when standing with a standard strap. Sitting is possible, though some players find it more stable in a classical position than on the right thigh. Buyers looking for a travel guitar should treat balance as a key part of the decision, not a minor quirk.

Construction and specifications

• Body: Linden, finished in red
• Neck: Bolt-on maple
• Fingerboard: Blackwood, with 24 frets
• Scale length: Listed as 625 mm in one specification and 628 mm in another
• Nut width: 42 mm
• Pickups: Two Höfner humbuckers in an HH configuration
• Bridge: Fixed bridge and tailpiece
• Included: Gig bag

The scale-length listings differ slightly, so the most accurate description is a compact, short-scale instrument. The 24-fret neck offers room for playing across the fingerboard, and several owners describe it as comfortable and familiar under the hand. Reported setup quality varies. Some examples arrived well adjusted, with even frets and clean intonation; others needed work on string height, neck relief, or fret ends. That variation makes a careful inspection and setup worthwhile after delivery.

Sound and playing feel

The two humbuckers are a major reason to choose the Deluxe RD over a simpler travel guitar with one pickup. A three-way selector provides different pickup combinations, giving the instrument more tonal options for practice and casual recording. Owner reports describe a strong output, usable clean sounds, and satisfying results through both small practice amplifiers and larger rigs. One player even used the guitar on recorded music. Others find the pickups less impressive and describe the tone as somewhat dull. One reported detail that may matter to players considering an electronics change is that the factory potentiometers were 250K.

Expect a sound that is useful for the instrument's role, not a direct substitute for a full-size guitar. The fixed bridge keeps the hardware simple, and there is no tremolo. Several owners are happy with the stock pickups, while others consider upgrades. The range of opinions suggests that the sound is serviceable and adaptable, with personal preference and amplifier choice doing much of the work.

The reduced body also changes how the picking arm rests and where the guitar sits against the player. Some owners adapt quickly; others need time to find a stable position. Strap placement can help. One owner reported that moving the strap button to the front side of the body reduced the forward tilt, although the neck still dipped. A grippy strap or additional support may also improve control, but those are workarounds rather than factory solutions.

Setup, strings, and gig bag

Changing strings and adjusting the bridge can take more patience than on a familiar fixed-bridge guitar. The bridge screws affect scale position, so removing them without marking or understanding their placement can make intonation difficult to restore. Reports also note that the strings can slip or catch while being installed. The included adjustment tools may not cover every screw, and some owners needed separate screwdrivers. Players comfortable with guitar setup should be able to work through it, but beginners may prefer to have a technician handle the first adjustment.

The supplied gig bag is useful for basic transport and storage, though owners describe it as lightly padded and not especially robust. It gets the guitar from place to place, but it is not a heavily protective travel case. The guitar itself is compact enough for a car, camper, or other tight storage space, which is the main advantage of the format.

Verdict

The Höfner Shorty Deluxe RD makes the most sense as a portable electric guitar for practice, travel, and casual playing. Its 24-fret neck, dual humbuckers, and included gig bag provide a practical feature set, and many owners consider the sound and build appropriate for the price. Setup and finish details are not equally consistent across reports, so checking the instrument on arrival is sensible.

Neck dive is the biggest limitation. Players who cannot tolerate an unbalanced guitar may want to try one before buying. Those willing to adjust their strap position or playing posture may find it a capable travel companion. At 178, it offers a compact alternative to carrying a regular electric guitar, with clear compromises in balance, setup convenience, and bag protection.