Fender launches new Short Scale models

Fender Modern Player Short Scale models

The Big F's Modern Player series is awash with unique takes on classic designs, but the addition of Short Scale instruments to the range introduces some of the most radical alterations yet.

The Fender Modern Player Short Scale Stratocaster and Telecaster each offer a 610mm (24-inch) scale length (the same as the Mustang), with 20 frets and a slightly downsized body, while the addition of Guild 'Anti-Hum' humbuckers in the Strat bridge and Tele neck position offers increased tonal versatility, too.

Also available is the Modern Player Short Scale Jazz Bass, which features a 762mm (30-inch) scale length along with 18 frets and a downsized body, plus a Hot Jazz bridge pickup and Precision Bass middle pickup combination.

Each model is available in two finishes, with UK RRPs due to be announced soon – see our gallery above for more info.

Fender Modern Player Short Scale Stratocaster

This is the Short Scale (24-inch) Strat in Three-Colour Sunburst – it features a downsized alder body, rosewood fingerboard, plus a vintage-style Synchronized vibrato and HSS pickup configuration, with two vintage-style Strat single coils and Guild 'Anti-Hum' humbucker

Fender Modern Player Short Scale Stratocaster

And here's the Short Scale Strat in black

Fender Modern Player Short Scale Telecaster

Like the Strat, the Short Scale (24-inch) Tele has a downsized alder body, but features a maple fingerboard, vintage-style three-saddle bridge, a Guild 'Anti-Hum' humbucker in the neck position and Modern Player vintage-style single coil in the bridge – this is the guitar in White Blonde with tortoiseshell scratchplate…

Fender Modern Player Short Scale Telecaster

…and here's the Tele in Butterscotch Blonde, with black scratchplate

Fender Modern Player Short Scale Jazz Bass

The Short Scale (30-inch) Jazz Bass also has a downsized alder body, as well as a rosewood fingerboard and four-saddle Fender Hi-Mass bridge, plus a Hot Jazz Bass pickup in the bridge and Precision Bass in the middle. It comes in two finishes: White Blonde with tortoiseshell scratchplate…

Fender Modern Player Short Scale Jazz Bass

…and Candy Apple Red with black scratchplate – nice!

Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism, and has spent the past decade writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as a decade-and-a-half performing in bands of variable genre (and quality). In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.