Höfner Shorty Violin Guitar

Höfner Shorty Violin Guitar review

The Höfner Shorty Violin Guitar takes the outline of Höfner's familiar violin bass and adapts it to a compact electric guitar. Its sunburst finish and distinctive body give it a strong visual identity, while its 89 x 23 x 5 cm dimensions make it easier to pack and store than a full-size guitar. It has been available since June 2023, and the listed price is 188, with no currency specified in the supplied information. A gig bag is included.

That small footprint comes with tradeoffs. Travel guitars can feel awkward on the lap, particularly when the body is too narrow to support the picking arm comfortably. One player who had sold an earlier, narrower Shorty found this violin-shaped version more comfortable when seated. The wider body helped reduce contact between the picking hand and the player's trousers. The body's side cutouts also helped it sit more securely on the legs and reduced the feeling that the neck was pulling the guitar out of balance.

Playing position and neck

The guitar weighs about 2.5 kg according to one owner, which is substantial for an instrument of this size. That added weight is not automatically a problem, but the neck still needs some support. The body shape improves the balance compared with the owner's previous Shorty, rather than eliminating neck dive altogether. Players who spend a lot of time seated may find the broader body more accommodating, although it remains a compact instrument, not a substitute for the support of a full-sized guitar.

The neck is maple, and the fingerboard is rosewood. Reports on its feel vary: one player found the neck comfortable but said reaching around it with the thumb to fret the low E string was harder than on flatter necks. Another described it as thicker than expected and comfortable in hand. That range of impressions makes a hands-on try useful, especially for players with strong preferences about neck depth or thumb position.

There is a discrepancy in the supplied specifications: one entry lists 24 frets, while the detailed description lists 22. The field report also describes a 24-fret neck. Buyers should confirm the fret count for the specific instrument rather than assume the listing is consistent. In practical use, one player found access beyond the 21st fret limited compared with a superstrat or a guitar designed for fast upper-register playing. The compact body can also take some adjustment if you are accustomed to resting your arm on a larger guitar.

Hardware, setup, and sound

The pickup system is a pair of Höfner humbuckers in an HH configuration. A three-way switch and teacup-style knobs control the electronics, including volume and a tone-cut function described by one owner. The guitar has a wraparound bridge and no tremolo. A player reported that the bridge felt sturdy, the tuners seemed adequate, and the controls were comfortable to use. The fixed bridge does not provide a mechanical tremolo, though a player noted that pushing the body could raise the pitch slightly. Lowering the pitch in the same way was harder to control.

Sound reports are mixed, but several owners were pleased with the guitar through an amplifier. One called the pickups low-output and said they handled overdrive well. Another initially heard a flat, subdued sound, then felt the tone improved after several days of playing. A separate report blamed the perceived low output on the 250 kΩ potentiometers and suggested 500 kΩ replacements. That is an owner's proposed modification, not a guaranteed fix or an established requirement. If you want to change the electronics, check the guitar's actual components and consult a qualified technician before buying parts.

Factory setup may need attention. Owners mention action that could be lower, intonation that needed adjustment, and neck relief that required correction. One player found the frets neatly finished and saw no obvious unevenness at the original string height. Another had a poor experience with the frets on a first instrument, returned it, and found the frets only acceptable on the replacement. These accounts point to some variation between examples. Inspect the fretwork, nut, tuners, and setup on arrival, and budget for a professional adjustment if low action or precise intonation matters to you.

Verdict

The Höfner Shorty Violin Guitar makes a persuasive travel and practice instrument for players drawn to its unusual shape. Its wider body improves lap comfort over a narrower travel-guitar design, and the humbuckers can deliver satisfying amplified tones, including with overdrive. The maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, and wraparound bridge provide a straightforward foundation, while the included gig bag makes transport easier.

Expect some compromises: the short, compact format affects balance and upper-fret access, and setup quality may vary. The conflicting fret-count information also deserves clarification before purchase. For a player who wants a portable guitar with a distinctive Höfner look and is willing to check the setup, it offers a more usable experience than its small dimensions might suggest.