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Douglass Scott, 2023

Spruce / Indian Rosewood

Overview

This 2023 guitar from Canadian luthier Douglas Scott is an extraordinary short-scale instrument at 632mm that maintains the full, powerful voice of his standard 650mm builds. Scott is renowned for combining traditional fan-braced designs with subtle modern features, creating guitars that balance clarity, projection, and ease of play.

At just 18mm shorter than standard scale, this guitar offers remarkable comfort, especially for players with smaller hands, without compromising tone. The result is an expressive, resonant instrument that feels silky and responsive under the fingers, with an immediacy that inspires.

Key Features

Scale Length: 632mm
Nut Width: 51mm
Top: Spruce, 7-fan bracing
Back & Sides: Indian rosewood (bookmatched set with striking figure)
Neck: Slight D-profile, raised fingerboard, 20th fret C note
Armrest: Beautifully accented, lighter contrasting detail
Soundport: Side port with removable magnetic cover
Rosette & Purfling: Friederich-inspired with fine outer dots and elegant multi-line purfling
Headstock: Torres-inspired outline with Scott’s distinctive raised arches and matching rosette motif along the center strip
Tuners: Alessi with silver baseplates and ebony buttons

The Sound

Despite its shorter scale, this guitar produces a surprisingly big, balanced, and open sound, easily rivaling Scott’s full-scale models.

Projection: Loud and commanding while retaining sweetness in softer passages
Character: Silky, woody basses with a refined grumble, and breathy, colorful trebles
Playability: Looser tension makes vibrato effortless and stretches more manageable
Versatility: Responds beautifully across tunings, from standard to drop D

The lowered string tension of the 632mm scale brings a natural ease that enhances expressiveness, especially for lyrical playing. It is equally suited for concert performance or as a refined daily practice companion for players seeking comfort without tonal compromise.

Closing Thoughts

Douglas Scott continues to impress with his ability to blend tradition and innovation. This short-scale guitar is not simply a more comfortable option. It is a professional-level concert instrument with its own unique voice and aesthetic refinement.

If you have been looking for a guitar that eases technical demands while still delivering a powerful, world-class tone, this instrument deserves your attention.

If you're interested in purchasing, please write to me at evan@guitarcollection.com