7/8 size guitars are not only made for kids and youth but also for young women with small hands. It is just a bit smaller than a full size guitar but in that way it facilitates the playing for people with small hands. For kids this guitar size is often ignored but many teachers think it is alright to go for a 3/4 or a full size guitar. I can only partly agree on this opinion.
Guitar for women
If you are woman with small hands looking for the right guitar and your height is between 4’11” and 5’3″, then a 7/8 size guitar is a good choice for you.
A distinction needs to be made between children who are already playing guitar and those who just want to get started. In case your child has got already a 3/4 size guitar I recommend you not to buy a new 7/8 guitar. It’s not worth it since he can also play on the 3/4 guitar size the next years. Because if you are getting a 7/8 guitar, it will be just the right size for some years and then he wants to get anyway a full size guitar. You do better keeping the money and to invest a bit more in a full size guitar once your child has the right height for it.
However, if it will be the first guitar for your child and he meets the criteria for this guitar size (student’s height: ~ 5’1″) then think about getting a 7/8 guitar. In my opinion it’s important to get the first guitar in the right size for a child to make sure that it fits just perfectly. Nothing is more frustrating to start learning on a too big instrument.
Best 7/8 classical and acoustic guitars
Cordoba Dolce
As a beginner you should start with a classical nylon string guitar. Nylon strings are much softer, have less tension and are consequently easier to play. A quite popular brand for classical guitars is Cordoba. It has been founded to survive classical guitar since they have been overshadowed by acoustic steel string and electric guitars. The Cordoba Dolce is the 7/8 classical nylon string from this manufacturer. It has a solid top, which is not only a good quality sign but also a guarantee for a nice sound. They seem to be really well made as well.
Ortega R121
Another nice 7/8 classical guitar is the Ortega R121. Ortega is a german guitar brand and they produce actually all different guitar sizes and the R121 is their family series. I already played on several Ortega guitars and they have really nice sound, are well made and feel very comfortable to play. I can only recommend Ortega guitars if you are looking for a quality beginner guitar.
EARTH 50 OP
If you are not a beginner then you could be also interested in a 7/8 acoustic steel string guitar. There are not many on the market and the only one I would recommend is the Earth 50 OP. Again, I have already played on several guitars from this brand and they are great instruments. By the way Earth has a reputation for offering really good value for money.
As a beginner you should start with a classical nylon string guitar. Nylon strings are much softer, have less tension and are consequently easier to play. A quite popular brand for classical guitars is Cordoba. It has been founded to survive classical guitar since they have been overshadowed by acoustic steel string and electric guitars. The Cordoba Dolce is the 7/8 classical nylon string from this manufacturer. It has a solid top, which is not only a good quality sign but also a guarantee for a nice sound. They seem to be really well made as well.
Another nice 7/8 classical guitar is the Ortega R121. Ortega is a german guitar brand and they produce actually all different guitar sizes and the R121 is their family series. I already played on several Ortega guitars and they have really nice sound, are well made and feel very comfortable to play. I can only recommend Ortega guitars if you are looking for a quality beginner guitar.
If you are not a beginner then you could be also interested in a 7/8 acoustic steel string guitar. There are not many on the market and the only one I would recommend is the Earth 50 OP. Again, I have already played on several guitars from this brand and they are great instruments. By the way Earth has a reputation for offering really good value for money.
Next smaller guitar: 3/4 size Guitar
Next bigger guitar: 4/4 size Guitar