Shorty Joe Archives

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Shorty Joe was designed around a lightning fast 23 1/4 inch scale, which would make this a 3/4  size guitar. But, when you pick one up, you know you're playing a professional  instrument.

It's been awhile since big manufacturers have put much effort into building their "student models". Some are practically unplayable.  Some will leave you in stitches - literally. 

But some, like early Duo Sonics and Les Paul Jrs. were a total joy to play - and well made, and I had the pleasure to play both as a kid. I'm trying to carry on that tradition building well made short scale guitars. 

I'm still wrestling with that answer. 

I made the first one for myself, as usual. I didn't have any electrics in this length, and all the "kiddie" guitars I acquire are toys in comparison. 

I like how expressive I can get on the shorter scale. Big sweeping vibrato, bending a note up five frets. Shorty Joe is a Blues Machine! 

Some will see this guitar as a stepping stone, while others may make a lifelong partner of one. 

Personally, I think of Shorty Joe as a "lead" instrument more than a rhythm one. A guitar that you'd leave out in the living room and grab everytime you have to wait for your movie to buffer.