Best 23.5" Scale Acoustic Guitars in 2025
Here you'll find the best 23.5" scale acoustic guitars. This is a slightly shorter scale than the more common short scale of 24.75". It's a good choice for beginners that want to get an easier-to-play guitar without it being much different than a normal scale guitar.
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.
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. Taylor GS Mini-e Rosewood Plus
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What our users think
- Neck access to high frets: Hard (1 vote)
- Fret edges: Smooth (1 vote)
- Tuning stability: Holds tune well (1 vote)
- Weight: Very lightweight (1 vote)
- Neck profile shape: D (9 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (8 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (8 votes)
- Pickups power: Clean (7 votes)
Show All Specs
| Taylor GS Mini-e Rosewood Plus | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Taylor | |
| Year: | 2022 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Mexico | |
| Series: | GS Mini | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Sitka Spruce | |
| Sides Material: | Rosewood | |
| Back Material: | Rosewood | |
| Bridge: | West African Crelicam Ebony | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Taylor Nickel | |
| Fretboard: | West African Crelicam Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Tropical Mahogany | |
| Decoration: | 4mm Dot Italian Acrylic | |
| Scale Size: | 23.5" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Taylor Standard | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15" | |
| Nut: | NuBone | |
| Nut Width: | 42.9mm (1.688'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | Expression System 2 Electronics (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Nickel | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Taylor GS Mini-e Rosewood Plus
Taylor GS Mini-e Rosewood Plus
- Expensive Wood
- NuBone Nut
- Electronics
- NuBone Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- Made in Mexico
- No Top Brand Pickups
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
2. Cort Little CJ Adirondack
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Show All Specs
| Cort Little CJ Adirondack | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Cort | |
| Year: | 2019 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Indonesia | |
| Series: | CJ | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Adirondack Spruce | |
| Sides Material: | Mahogany | |
| Back Material: | Mahogany | |
| Bridge: | Ovangkol | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Vintage Open Gear | |
| Fretboard: | Ovangkol | |
| Neck Material: | Mahogany | |
| Decoration: | White Dots | |
| Scale Size: | 23.5" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic V | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15.748" | |
| Nut: | Plastic | |
| Nut Width: | 43mm (1.693'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | Fishman Presys II (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Cort Little CJ Adirondack
Cort Little CJ Adirondack
- Expensive Wood
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- Solid Top Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- Made in Indonesia
- No High-Quality Nut
- Low-Quality Material Saddle
- Laminated Side Wood
- Laminated Back Wood
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
3. Taylor GS Mini-e Rosewood
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: D (9 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (8 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (1 vote)
- Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
Show All Specs
| Taylor GS Mini-e Rosewood | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Taylor | |
| Year: | 2015 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Mexico | |
| Series: | GS Mini | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Sitka Spruce | |
| Sides Material: | Rosewood | |
| Back Material: | Rosewood | |
| Bridge: | Ebony | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Die-Cast Chrome | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Tropical Mahogany | |
| Decoration: | 4mm Dot Italian Acrylic | |
| Scale Size: | 23.5" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Taylor Standard | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15" | |
| Nut: | NuBone | |
| Nut Width: | 42.9mm (1.688'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | ES-B Electronics (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Taylor GS Mini-e Rosewood
Taylor GS Mini-e Rosewood
- Expensive Wood
- NuBone Nut
- Electronics
- Synthetic Bone Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- Made in Mexico
- No Top Brand Pickups
- Laminated Side Wood
- Laminated Back Wood
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
4. Taylor GS Mini-e Koa Plus
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What our users think
- Neck access to high frets: Normal (1 vote)
- Tuning stability: Holds tune well (1 vote)
- Weight: Lightweight (1 vote)
- Neck profile shape: D (9 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (8 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (8 votes)
- Pickups power: Clean (7 votes)
Show All Specs
| Taylor GS Mini-e Koa Plus | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Taylor | |
| Year: | 2020 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Mexico | |
| Series: | GS Mini | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Hawaiian Koa | |
| Sides Material: | Koa | |
| Back Material: | Koa | |
| Bridge: | Ebony | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Taylor Nickel | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Tropical Mahogany | |
| Decoration: | 4mm Dot Italian Acrylic | |
| Scale Size: | 23.5" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Taylor Standard | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15" | |
| Nut: | NuBone | |
| Nut Width: | 42.9mm (1.688'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | Expression System 2 Electronics (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Nickel | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Taylor GS Mini-e Koa Plus
Taylor GS Mini-e Koa Plus
- Expensive Wood
- NuBone Nut
- Electronics
- Synthetic Bone Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- Made in Mexico
- No Top Brand Pickups
- Laminated Side Wood
- Laminated Back Wood
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
5. Taylor GS Mini-e Mahogany
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: D (9 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (8 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (1 vote)
- Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
Show All Specs
| Taylor GS Mini-e Mahogany | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Taylor | |
| Year: | 2021 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Mexico | |
| Series: | GS Mini | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Tropical Mahogany | |
| Sides Material: | Sapele | |
| Back Material: | Sapele | |
| Bridge: | West African Crelicam Ebony | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Taylor Chrome | |
| Fretboard: | West African Crelicam Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Tropical Mahogany | |
| Decoration: | 4mm Dot Italian Acrylic | |
| Scale Size: | 23.5" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Taylor Standard | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15" | |
| Nut: | NuBone | |
| Nut Width: | 42.9mm (1.688'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | ES-B Electronics (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Taylor GS Mini-e Mahogany
Taylor GS Mini-e Mahogany
- Expensive Wood
- NuBone Nut
- Electronics
- Synthetic Bone Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- Made in Mexico
- No Top Brand Pickups
- Laminated Side Wood
- Laminated Back Wood
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
6. Taylor GS Mini-e Special Edition Caramel Burst Top
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What our users think
- Neck access to high frets: Easy (1 vote)
- Fret edges: Smooth (1 vote)
- Tuning stability: Holds tune well (1 vote)
- Weight: Lightweight (1 vote)
- Neck profile shape: D (9 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (8 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (1 vote)
- Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
Show All Specs
| Taylor GS Mini-e Special Edition Caramel Burst Top | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Taylor | |
| Year: | 2022 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Mexico | |
| Series: | GS Mini | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Sitka Spruce | |
| Sides Material: | Sapele | |
| Back Material: | Sapele | |
| Bridge: | West African Crelicam Ebony | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Die-Cast Chrome | |
| Fretboard: | West African Crelicam Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Tropical Mahogany | |
| Decoration: | 4mm Dot Italian Acrylic | |
| Scale Size: | 23.5" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Taylor Standard | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15" | |
| Nut: | NuBone | |
| Nut Width: | 42.9mm (1.688'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | ES-B Electronics (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Taylor GS Mini-e Special Edition Caramel Burst Top
Taylor GS Mini-e Special Edition Caramel Burst Top
- Expensive Wood
- NuBone Nut
- Electronics
- NuBone Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- Made in Mexico
- No Top Brand Pickups
- Laminated Side Wood
- Laminated Back Wood
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
7. Taylor GS Mini-e Koa
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: D (9 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (8 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (1 vote)
- Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
Show All Specs
| Taylor GS Mini-e Koa | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Taylor | |
| Year: | 2014 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Mexico | |
| Series: | GS Mini | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Hawaiian Koa | |
| Sides Material: | Koa | |
| Back Material: | Koa | |
| Bridge: | West African Crelicam Ebony | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Taylor Chrome | |
| Fretboard: | West African Crelicam Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Sapele | |
| Decoration: | 4mm Dot Italian Acrylic | |
| Scale Size: | 23.5" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Taylor Standard | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15" | |
| Nut: | NuBone | |
| Nut Width: | 42.9mm (1.688'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | ES-B Electronics (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Taylor GS Mini-e Koa
Taylor GS Mini-e Koa
- Expensive Wood
- NuBone Nut
- Electronics
- Synthetic Bone Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- Made in Mexico
- No Top Brand Pickups
- Laminated Side Wood
- Laminated Back Wood
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
8. Cort Little CJ Blackwood
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Show All Specs
| Cort Little CJ Blackwood | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Cort | |
| Year: | 2019 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | China | |
| Series: | CJ | |
| Colors: | Light Burst | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Blackwood | |
| Sides Material: | Blackwood | |
| Back Material: | Blackwood | |
| Bridge: | Ovangkol | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Vintage Open Gear | |
| Fretboard: | Ovangkol | |
| Neck Material: | Mahogany | |
| Decoration: | White Dots | |
| Scale Size: | 23.5" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic V | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15.748" | |
| Nut: | Plastic | |
| Nut Width: | 43mm (1.693'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | Fishman Presys II (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Cort Little CJ Blackwood
Cort Little CJ Blackwood
- Expensive Wood
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- Solid Top Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- Made in China
- No High-Quality Nut
- Low-Quality Material Saddle
- Laminated Side Wood
- Laminated Back Wood
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
9. Taylor GS Mini Rosewood
Compare
What our users think
- Neck access to high frets: Easy (1 vote)
- Fret edges: Smooth (1 vote)
- Tuning stability: Holds tune well (1 vote)
- Weight: Lightweight (1 vote)
- Neck profile shape: D (9 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (8 votes)
Show All Specs
| Taylor GS Mini Rosewood | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Taylor | |
| Year: | 2014 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Mexico | |
| Series: | GS Mini | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Sitka Spruce | |
| Sides Material: | Rosewood | |
| Back Material: | Rosewood | |
| Bridge: | Ebony | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Die-Cast Chrome | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Tropical Mahogany | |
| Decoration: | 4mm Dot Italian Acrylic | |
| Scale Size: | 23.5" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Taylor Standard | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15" | |
| Nut: | NuBone | |
| Nut Width: | 42.9mm (1.688'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | ( / ) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Taylor GS Mini Rosewood
Taylor GS Mini Rosewood
- Expensive Wood
- NuBone Nut
- Synthetic Bone Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- Made in Mexico
- No Top Brand Pickups
- No Electronics
- Laminated Side Wood
- Laminated Back Wood
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
10. Taylor GS Mini Mahogany
Compare
What our users think
- Neck profile shape: D (9 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (8 votes)
Show All Specs
| Taylor GS Mini Mahogany | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Taylor | |
| Year: | 2012 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Mexico | |
| Series: | GS Mini | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Tropical Mahogany | |
| Sides Material: | Sapele | |
| Back Material: | Sapele | |
| Bridge: | West African Crelicam Ebony | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Die-Cast Chrome | |
| Fretboard: | West African Crelicam Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Sapele | |
| Decoration: | 4mm Dot Italian Acrylic | |
| Scale Size: | 23.5" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Taylor Standard | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15" | |
| Nut: | NuBone | |
| Nut Width: | 42.9mm (1.688'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | ( / ) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Taylor GS Mini Mahogany
Taylor GS Mini Mahogany
- Expensive Wood
- NuBone Nut
- Synthetic Bone Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- Made in Mexico
- No Top Brand Pickups
- No Electronics
- Laminated Side Wood
- Laminated Back Wood
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
