Best 25.5" Scale Acoustic Guitars in 2024

Here you'll find the best 25.5" scale acoustic guitars. This is the same scale length used in Stratocaster guitars, and it's one of the main reasons they have such a bright sound. It's considered a long scale when compared to most non-baritone guitars.

Since the distance between bridge and nut is relatively long, you'll need to give the strings more tension to get them in tune. This higher tension will allow for a couple of things. First, you can get a lower action (get the strings closer to the fretboard) because the strings won't 'wiggle' too much when pluck and won't cause fret buzz. This can allow you to use lower tunings without increasing your string gauge, and it will make it easier to press down the strings fast.

However, the frets will also have a wider separation between each other, which can make it harder to play, especially if you got small hands. The higher tension will also make the strings feel stiffer, so bending will require more strength.

After comparing the 2000+ guitars in our database, these are the best scoring ones with these characteristics. You can use our filters to the left to narrow down these results, or click on "Compare" to get a deep comparison between them. Our automated scoring system takes into account the ratings from ours users who own the guitar, and dozens of parameters to determine the build quality, playability, pickups quality, value for money, and more.

There are affiliate links on this page that may earn us a commission if you purchase after clicking. We are members of the Amazon Associates Program, and many others. However, we compare each guitar against each other under the same parameters, so this doesn't influence our scoring.

1. Gibson Custom SJ-200 Deluxe

Compare
Gibson Custom SJ-200 Deluxe
FIND IT ON:
Reverb logo
Playability 73
Sound 88
Build quality 92
Value for money 69
Overall Score 84

What our users think

  • Pickups noise: Noiseless (3 votes)
  • Pickups power: Clean (3 votes)
Own it? Share your opinion
FIND IT ON:
Reverb logo
  • From Gibson Custom's 2019 Modern Collection series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Sitka Spruce top
  • Solid Rosewood back
  • Solid Rosewood sides
  • Mahogany neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs VTC (Preamp/Active)
  • Moustache bridge
  • Acoustic Rounded Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Grover Rotomatic w/ kidney buttons tuners
  • See all specs and compare >
Show all Specs
  • From Gibson Custom's 2019 Modern Collection series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Sitka Spruce top
  • Solid Rosewood back
  • Solid Rosewood sides
  • Mahogany neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs VTC (Preamp/Active)
  • Moustache bridge
  • Acoustic Rounded Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Grover Rotomatic w/ kidney buttons tuners
  • See all specs and compare >
Strengths & Weaknesses
Gibson Custom SJ-200 Deluxe
  • Made in United States
  • Expensive Wood
  • Bone Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Electronics
  • Bone Saddle
  • Solid Top Wood
  • Solid Side Wood
  • Solid Back Wood
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

All Prices

    2. Gibson Orianthi SJ-200

    Compare
    Gibson Orianthi SJ-200
    FIND IT ON:
    Reverb logoSweetwater logo
    Playability 73
    Sound 88
    Build quality 92
    Value for money 69
    Overall Score 84
    FIND IT ON:
    Reverb logoSweetwater logo
    • 2 Prices - New from $6,499 >
    • From Gibson's 2021 Artist Collection series
    • Made in United States
    • 6 strings
    • 25.5"'' scale
    • 12" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid AAA Sitka Spruce top
    • Solid AAA Flame Maple back
    • Solid Maple sides
    • Mahogany neck
    • Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs (Preamp/Active)
    • Two bar SJ-200 Moustache; Ebony bridge
    • Acoustic Rounded C Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Grover Keystone tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Show all Specs
    • 2 Prices - New from $6,499 >
    • From Gibson's 2021 Artist Collection series
    • Made in United States
    • 6 strings
    • 25.5"'' scale
    • 12" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid AAA Sitka Spruce top
    • Solid AAA Flame Maple back
    • Solid Maple sides
    • Mahogany neck
    • Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs (Preamp/Active)
    • Two bar SJ-200 Moustache; Ebony bridge
    • Acoustic Rounded C Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Grover Keystone tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Gibson Orianthi SJ-200
    • Made in United States
    • Expensive Wood
    • Bone Nut
    • Top Brand Pickups
    • Electronics
    • Bone Saddle
    • Solid Top Wood
    • Solid Side Wood
    • Solid Back Wood
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock

    All Prices

    3. Epiphone Frontier USA Collection

    Compare
    Epiphone Frontier USA Collection
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logoReverb logo
    Playability 73
    Sound 88
    Build quality 92
    Value for money 69
    Overall Score 84

    What our users think

    • Pickups noise: Noiseless (3 votes)
    • Pickups power: Clean (3 votes)
    Own it? Share your opinion
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logoReverb logo
    • 3 Prices - New from $4,499 >
    • From Epiphone's 2021 Made in USA series
    • Made in United States
    • 6 strings
    • 25.5"'' scale
    • 12" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Sitka Spruce top
    • Solid Figured Maple back
    • Solid Figured Maple sides
    • Mahogany neck
    • Indian Rosewood fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs VTC (Preamp/Active)
    • Indian Rosewood; Belly Up bridge
    • Acoustic Rounded C Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Gotoh Keystone tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Show all Specs
    • 3 Prices - New from $4,499 >
    • From Epiphone's 2021 Made in USA series
    • Made in United States
    • 6 strings
    • 25.5"'' scale
    • 12" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Sitka Spruce top
    • Solid Figured Maple back
    • Solid Figured Maple sides
    • Mahogany neck
    • Indian Rosewood fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs VTC (Preamp/Active)
    • Indian Rosewood; Belly Up bridge
    • Acoustic Rounded C Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Gotoh Keystone tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Epiphone Frontier USA Collection
    • Made in United States
    • Expensive Wood
    • Bone Nut
    • Top Brand Pickups
    • Electronics
    • Bone Saddle
    • Solid Top Wood
    • Solid Side Wood
    • Solid Back Wood
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock

    All Prices

    4. Ibanez AE440

    Compare
    Ibanez AE440
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logoReverb logo
    Playability 77
    Sound 89
    Build quality 84
    Value for money 78
    Overall Score 83
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logoReverb logo
    • 1 Prices - New from $2,000 >
    • From Ibanez's 2021 AE series
    • Made in Japan
    • 6 strings
    • 25.5"'' scale
    • 15.748" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid African Mahogany top
    • Solid African Mahogany back
    • Solid African Mahogany sides
    • African Mahogany/Pau Ferro neck
    • Macassar Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: Ibanez AP11 Magnetic, T-bar Undersaddle & Contact (Preamp/Active)
    • Macassar Ebony scalloped bridge
    • Acoustic Advanced Comfort Grip Set neck
    • 20 Jumbo frets
    • Ibanez tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Show all Specs
    • 1 Prices - New from $2,000 >
    • From Ibanez's 2021 AE series
    • Made in Japan
    • 6 strings
    • 25.5"'' scale
    • 15.748" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid African Mahogany top
    • Solid African Mahogany back
    • Solid African Mahogany sides
    • African Mahogany/Pau Ferro neck
    • Macassar Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: Ibanez AP11 Magnetic, T-bar Undersaddle & Contact (Preamp/Active)
    • Macassar Ebony scalloped bridge
    • Acoustic Advanced Comfort Grip Set neck
    • 20 Jumbo frets
    • Ibanez tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Ibanez AE440
    • Made in Japan
    • Expensive Wood
    • Bone Nut
    • Electronics
    • Bone Saddle
    • Solid Top Wood
    • Solid Side Wood
    • Solid Back Wood
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • No Top Brand Pickups
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock

    All Prices

    5. Taylor PS14ce Honduran Rosewood

    Compare
    Taylor PS14ce Honduran Rosewood
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logoReverb logo
    Playability 73
    Sound 88
    Build quality 89
    Value for money 68
    Overall Score 83

    What our users think

    • Neck profile shape: D (8 votes)
    • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (8 votes)
    • Pickups noise: Noiseless (7 votes)
    • Pickups power: Clean (6 votes)
    Own it? Share your opinion
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logoReverb logo
    • 1 Prices - New from $11,999 >
    • From Taylor's 2018 Presentation series
    • Made in United States
    • 6 strings
    • 25.5"'' scale
    • 15" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Sinker Redwood top
    • Solid Honduran Rosewood back
    • Solid Honduran Rosewood sides
    • Tropical Mahogany neck
    • West African Crelicam Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: Expression System 2 Electronics (Preamp/Active)
    • West African Crelicam Ebony bridge
    • Acoustic Taylor Standard Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Gotoh tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Show all Specs
    • 1 Prices - New from $11,999 >
    • From Taylor's 2018 Presentation series
    • Made in United States
    • 6 strings
    • 25.5"'' scale
    • 15" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Sinker Redwood top
    • Solid Honduran Rosewood back
    • Solid Honduran Rosewood sides
    • Tropical Mahogany neck
    • West African Crelicam Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: Expression System 2 Electronics (Preamp/Active)
    • West African Crelicam Ebony bridge
    • Acoustic Taylor Standard Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Gotoh tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Taylor PS14ce Honduran Rosewood
    • Made in United States
    • Expensive Wood
    • Ivory Tusq Nut
    • Electronics
    • Synthetic Bone Saddle
    • Solid Top Wood
    • Solid Side Wood
    • Solid Back Wood
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • No Top Brand Pickups
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock

    All Prices

    6. Fender Highway Series Dreadnought

    Compare
    Fender Highway Series Dreadnought
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logoFender logoReverb logo
    Playability 80
    Sound 88
    Build quality 82
    Value for money 88
    Overall Score 83

    What our users think

    • Neck profile shape: D (2 votes)
    • Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (2 votes)
    Own it? Share your opinion
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logoFender logoReverb logo
    • 3 Prices - New from $999.99 >
    • From Fender's 2023 Highway series
    • Made in Mexico
    • 6 strings
    • 25.5"'' scale
    • 12" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Sitka Spruce top
    • Chambered Mahogany back
    • Chambered Mahogany sides
    • Mahogany neck
    • Rosewood fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: Fishman Fluence Acoustic Pickup (Preamp/Active)
    • Modern Viking bridge
    • Acoustic C Shape Neck-Through neck
    • 20 Narrow Tall frets
    • Fender ClassicGear tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Show all Specs
    • 3 Prices - New from $999.99 >
    • From Fender's 2023 Highway series
    • Made in Mexico
    • 6 strings
    • 25.5"'' scale
    • 12" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Sitka Spruce top
    • Chambered Mahogany back
    • Chambered Mahogany sides
    • Mahogany neck
    • Rosewood fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: Fishman Fluence Acoustic Pickup (Preamp/Active)
    • Modern Viking bridge
    • Acoustic C Shape Neck-Through neck
    • 20 Narrow Tall frets
    • Fender ClassicGear tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Fender Highway Series Dreadnought
    • Expensive Wood
    • Ivory Tusq Nut
    • Top Brand Pickups
    • Electronics
    • Ivory Tusq Saddle
    • Solid Top Wood
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • Made in Mexico
    • Laminated Side Wood
    • Laminated Back Wood
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock

    All Prices

    7. Cort The Black Tree

    Compare
    Cort The Black Tree
    FIND IT ON:
    Reverb logo
    Playability 73
    Sound 88
    Build quality 87
    Value for money 78
    Overall Score 83
    FIND IT ON:
    Reverb logo
    • From Cort's 2020 Limited series
    • Made in Indonesia
    • 6 strings
    • 25.5"'' scale
    • 15.748" Fretboard Radius
    • Flame Maple top
    • Solid Flamed Blackwood (Master Grade) top
    • Solid Flamed Blackwood (Master Grade) back
    • Solid Flamed Blackwood (Master Grade) sides
    • Walnut Reinforced Mahogany neck
    • Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: L.R.Baggs Anthem (Preamp/Active)
    • Ebony w/ Ebony Pins bridge
    • Acoustic Ergo-A Asymmetric Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Gotoh SGL510Z Gold tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Show all Specs
    • From Cort's 2020 Limited series
    • Made in Indonesia
    • 6 strings
    • 25.5"'' scale
    • 15.748" Fretboard Radius
    • Flame Maple top
    • Solid Flamed Blackwood (Master Grade) top
    • Solid Flamed Blackwood (Master Grade) back
    • Solid Flamed Blackwood (Master Grade) sides
    • Walnut Reinforced Mahogany neck
    • Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: L.R.Baggs Anthem (Preamp/Active)
    • Ebony w/ Ebony Pins bridge
    • Acoustic Ergo-A Asymmetric Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Gotoh SGL510Z Gold tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Cort The Black Tree
    • Expensive Wood
    • Black Tusq XL Nut
    • Top Brand Pickups
    • Electronics
    • Black Tusq XL Saddle
    • Solid Top Wood
    • Solid Side Wood
    • Solid Back Wood
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • Made in Indonesia
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock

    All Prices

      8. Washburn D100SWCE

      Compare
      Washburn D100SWCE
      FIND IT ON:
      Reverb logo
      Playability 73
      Sound 90
      Build quality 80
      Value for money 81
      Overall Score 81
      FIND IT ON:
      Reverb logo
      • From Washburn's 2020 Heritage series
      • Made in China
      • 6 strings
      • 25.5"'' scale
      • 12" Fretboard Radius
      • Torrefied Solid Sitka Spruce top
      • Solid Mahogany back
      • Solid Mahogany sides
      • Satin Mahogany with Walnut Rails & 2-way Truss Rod neck
      • Ebony fretboard
      • Bridge pickup: Fishman Presys+ Blend EQ with built in mic & tuner. (Preamp/Active)
      • Ebony bridge
      • Acoustic Washburn Heritage Set neck
      • 20 Medium frets
      • Graphtech Ratio Tuned w/Black buttons tuners
      • See all specs and compare >
      Show all Specs
      • From Washburn's 2020 Heritage series
      • Made in China
      • 6 strings
      • 25.5"'' scale
      • 12" Fretboard Radius
      • Torrefied Solid Sitka Spruce top
      • Solid Mahogany back
      • Solid Mahogany sides
      • Satin Mahogany with Walnut Rails & 2-way Truss Rod neck
      • Ebony fretboard
      • Bridge pickup: Fishman Presys+ Blend EQ with built in mic & tuner. (Preamp/Active)
      • Ebony bridge
      • Acoustic Washburn Heritage Set neck
      • 20 Medium frets
      • Graphtech Ratio Tuned w/Black buttons tuners
      • See all specs and compare >
      Strengths & Weaknesses
      Washburn D100SWCE
      • Locking Tuners
      • Expensive Wood
      • Bone Nut
      • Top Brand Pickups
      • Electronics
      • Bone Saddle
      • Solid Top Wood
      • Solid Side Wood
      • Solid Back Wood
      • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
      • Made in China
      • No Compound Radius Fretboard
      • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
      • No Strap Lock

      All Prices

        9. Gibson SJ-200 Standard

        Compare
        Gibson SJ-200 Standard
        FIND IT ON:
        Reverb logoSweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
        Playability 73
        Sound 88
        Build quality 92
        Value for money 69
        Overall Score 84

        What our users think

        • Neck profile shape: C (2 votes)
        • Neck speed (thickness): Slightly chunky (1 vote)
        Own it? Share your opinion
        FIND IT ON:
        Reverb logoSweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
        • 4 Prices - New from $5,699 >
        • From Gibson's 2016 Modern Acoustic series
        • Made in United States
        • 6 strings
        • 25.5"'' scale
        • 12" Fretboard Radius
        • Solid AAA Sitka Spruce top
        • Solid AAA Flame Maple back
        • Solid AAA Flame Maple sides
        • Mahogany neck
        • Indian Rosewood fretboard
        • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs Anthem (Preamp/Active)
        • Two bar SJ-200 Moustache; Rosewood bridge
        • Acoustic Rounded Set neck
        • 20 Medium frets
        • Grover Rotomatic tuners
        • See all specs and compare >
        Show all Specs
        • 4 Prices - New from $5,699 >
        • From Gibson's 2016 Modern Acoustic series
        • Made in United States
        • 6 strings
        • 25.5"'' scale
        • 12" Fretboard Radius
        • Solid AAA Sitka Spruce top
        • Solid AAA Flame Maple back
        • Solid AAA Flame Maple sides
        • Mahogany neck
        • Indian Rosewood fretboard
        • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs Anthem (Preamp/Active)
        • Two bar SJ-200 Moustache; Rosewood bridge
        • Acoustic Rounded Set neck
        • 20 Medium frets
        • Grover Rotomatic tuners
        • See all specs and compare >
        Strengths & Weaknesses
        Gibson SJ-200 Standard
        • Made in United States
        • Expensive Wood
        • Ivory Tusq Nut
        • Top Brand Pickups
        • Electronics
        • Ivory Tusq Saddle
        • Solid Top Wood
        • Solid Side Wood
        • Solid Back Wood
        • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
        • No Locking Tuners
        • No Compound Radius Fretboard
        • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
        • No Strap Lock

        All Prices

        10. Gibson SJ-200 Original

        Compare
        Gibson SJ-200 Original
        FIND IT ON:
        Reverb logoSweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
        Playability 73
        Sound 88
        Build quality 92
        Value for money 69
        Overall Score 84

        What our users think

        • Neck profile shape: C (2 votes)
        • Neck speed (thickness): Slightly chunky (1 vote)
        • Pickups noise: Noiseless (3 votes)
        • Pickups power: Clean (3 votes)
        Own it? Share your opinion
        FIND IT ON:
        Reverb logoSweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
        • 4 Prices - New from $5,499 >
        • From Gibson's 2020 Original Acoustic series
        • Made in United States
        • 6 strings
        • 25.5"'' scale
        • 12" Fretboard Radius
        • Solid Sitka Spruce top
        • Solid Flame Maple back
        • Solid Flame Maple sides
        • Mahogany neck
        • Rosewood fretboard
        • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs VTC (Preamp/Active)
        • SJ-200 Four Bar Moustache bridge
        • Acoustic Rounded Set neck
        • 20 Medium frets
        • Gotoh Keystone tuners
        • See all specs and compare >
        Show all Specs
        • 4 Prices - New from $5,499 >
        • From Gibson's 2020 Original Acoustic series
        • Made in United States
        • 6 strings
        • 25.5"'' scale
        • 12" Fretboard Radius
        • Solid Sitka Spruce top
        • Solid Flame Maple back
        • Solid Flame Maple sides
        • Mahogany neck
        • Rosewood fretboard
        • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs VTC (Preamp/Active)
        • SJ-200 Four Bar Moustache bridge
        • Acoustic Rounded Set neck
        • 20 Medium frets
        • Gotoh Keystone tuners
        • See all specs and compare >
        Strengths & Weaknesses
        Gibson SJ-200 Original
        • Made in United States
        • Expensive Wood
        • Bone Nut
        • Top Brand Pickups
        • Electronics
        • Bone Saddle
        • Solid Top Wood
        • Solid Side Wood
        • Solid Back Wood
        • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
        • No Locking Tuners
        • No Compound Radius Fretboard
        • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
        • No Strap Lock

        All Prices

        Filter ResultsClear all filters×
        Price
      • General
        Brand
        Country of Origin
        For Hand Size
        Great for
        Handedness
        Max Weight
        • Type desired range in pounds (lbs):
        String Material
        Strings
        Body
        Back Wood
        Body Finish
        Body Shape
        Body Type
        Top Wood
        Comfortability
        Decorative Top
        Saddle Material
        Sides Wood
        Neck
        Custom 12th Fret Inlay
        Fret Material
          Fret Size
          Fretboard Radius
          Fretboard Wood
          Headstock
          Inlay Material
          Inlay Position
          Inlay Shape
          Luminescent Sidedots
          Neck Joint
          Neck Profile
          Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
          • Type desired range in inches:
          Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
          • Type desired range in inches:
          Neck Wood
          Number of Frets
          Nut Material
          Nut Width
          Playstyle
          Scale Length
          Electronics
          Bridge Pickups Brand
          Neck Pickups Brand
            Pickup Mods
              Pickups Power
              Hardware
              Hardware Color
              Strap Lock
              Tuners Type
              By Score
              Build Quality Score
                Build Quality Score
              • Type desired score
              Features Score
                Features Score
              • Type desired score
              Material Quality Score
                Material Quality Score
              • Type desired score
              Pickups Quality Score
                Pickups Quality Score
              • Type desired score
              Playability Score
                Playability Score
              • Type desired score
              Quality Control Score
                Quality Control Score
              • Type desired score
              Sound Score
                Sound Score
              • Type desired score
              Value for Money Score
                Value for Money Score
              • Type desired score
              Versatility Score
                Versatility Score
              • Type desired score