$500 budget...what to buy?

[Smallz]

my only real requirement is a shorter scale. im a big fan of the gibson scale (24.75) and i can deal with 25 but my small hands dont work so well with the traditional 25.5 inchers.

any suggestions? im really just looking for a wide range of suggestions to look at here.

[RacerX]

An older Japanese Fusion.

[VitaminG]

there are newer Japanese Fusions?

[RacerX]

2:35 in the morning waddaya spect?

[dg]

The PRS SE models are 25" scale and are pretty good bang for the buck. A used Fusion would be a great choice, though. Another used one to look for would be a Kramer Nightswan, which is short scale & is narrower at the nut.

[rocksoldier]

I would go for a fushion for sure.

[data187]

a hamer studio, which i believe is the same scale as a gibby les paul.

[charvelguy]

Older Dean baby. Depends on what kind of neck you like tho.. like almost wizard thin.. to 60's gibson? two hum, floyd, kahler, hardtail. Body style.. V's, Z's, S's, RR's, etc..

what do you have a preference for? 500.00 is a pretty decent budget for a used instrument.

[jcm800x]

How about a nice LP import?

[Smallz]

what are my options if i go new? peavey v-type about the only thing in that price range?

im definitely looking for something super-stratish...ive got a couple les pauls and enough non-traditional shaped guitars. nothing stratish in a shorter scale though.

[RacerX]

Schecter is good value for the money, and they do have a couple short scale superstrats:

C-1 Plus

C-1 Special

[slash]

A warmoth 24.75 conversion neck and a body from......

[mm2002]

A warmoth 24.75 conversion neck and a body from......

+1000

[YetAnotherOne]

Peavey Vandenbergs would fall well under that range and they're great players. You might even find a cosmetically challenged Nightswan for $500-ish, they're one of my favorite short scale guitars.

[DonP]

An older Japanese Fusion.

+1000

I have a love of Gibson, and these Fusions Rock hard. 2 Jackson's with bound ebony/MOP sharkies, and a great Charvel Fusion Deluxe with Rosewood. Next one I need to find is a maple fretboard Fusion.