Finding the best left-handed acoustic bass guitar can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. It truly is a niche within a niche, but fear not: this guide is here to level the playing field. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a beginner exploring the world of acoustic left-handed bass, the right instrument is out there waiting for you.
An acoustic bass offers a natural, resonant tone and the ability to play without amplification. This makes it perfect for unplugged settings, songwriting, or casual jam sessions. It provides a unique, organic sound that complements acoustic instruments and adds depth to intimate musical arrangements.
In this article, I’ve rounded up the best left-handed acoustic bass guitars to suit every style, skill level, and budget. Afterward, I’ll also answer a few key questions that you might have about the instrument.
So, whether you’re playing at home, jamming with friends, or performing on stage, you’ll find something here to inspire your next groove. Let’s dive in and discover the top left-handed acoustic basses!
Disclosure: If you decide to purchase a guitar using the links in this article I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Best Left-Handed Acoustic Bass
1. Harmonia Tario
Budget Left-Handed Acoustic-Electric Bass
Available To Purchase Now At:
Amazon
Players on an ultra-tight budget may like to check out the sub-$200 Harmonia Tario. This handsome left-handed acoustic-electric bass would be a great choice for those looking to test the waters before dropping more serious cash on a more premium instrument.
The Tario looks classy with its bound black body, and even comes with built-in electronics for amplified play, as well as a handy tuner. As you’d expect from an acoustic instrument at this price point, it is an all-laminate construction. On the plus side, this does mean that the bass should be very durable, however!
Reviews suggest that the supplied strings aren’t the best, so make sure to pick up a fresh set if you decide to give the Tario a go.
2. Sire Marcus Miller GB5
Electro-Acoustic Bass
Available To Purchase Now At:
Sweetwater
The left-handed Sire Marcus Miller GB5 is a quality acoustic-electric bass designed for players who demand high performance and versatile tonal options. Built with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, this bass produces a warm, full-bodied sound that’s ideal for a variety of musical styles. Its elegant design features a Venetian cutaway, allowing for easy access to the upper frets. The mahogany neck paired with a rosewood fingerboard with rolled edges ensures smooth playability and a comfortable feel.
A standout feature of the GB5 is its Marcus Miller-designed preamp system, which provides exceptional control over your amplified tone. With precise EQ options, you can tailor your sound to suit any stage or studio setup. Whether you’re playing unplugged or plugged in, the Sire Marcus Miller GB5 offers a combination of excellent craftsmanship, tonal richness, and professional-grade electronics, making it a great choice for serious bassists.
The southpaw Sire Marcus Miller GB5 is available in both natural and black finishes, as well as in a 5-string variant. Check it out at the link above!
3. Takamine GB30CE
Acoustic-Electric Bass
Available To Purchase Now At:
Amazon
The left-handed Takamine GB30CE is a standout choice for bassists seeking a reliable, high-quality acoustic-electric bass. Built with performance and playability in mind, it features a solid spruce top paired with mahogany back and sides, delivering a rich, warm tone with impressive projection. The slim mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard make it comfortable to play, even during long sessions. In addition, its Venetian cutaway design provides easy access to higher frets, expanding your creative possibilities.
One of the GB30CE’s highlights is its Takamine TK-40B preamp system, which offers a 3-band EQ and built-in tuner, ensuring you’ll sound great in any amplified setting. This versatility makes it perfect for live performances, studio recordings, or unplugged practice.
Its durable construction, balanced tone, and professional-grade electronics make it an excellent choice for players of all levels.
4. Warwick Rockbass Alien Standard 4 NT LH
Electro-Acoustic Bass
Available To Purchase Now At:
Thomann
The left-handed Warwick Rockbass Alien Standard 4 is a highly regarded acoustic-electric bass that combines exceptional craftsmanship with a unique, modern design. Featuring a solid spruce top and laminated agathis back and sides, it delivers a warm, balanced tone with excellent clarity and projection.
The neck, crafted from mahogany and paired with a wenge fingerboard, offers smooth playability and a comfortable feel, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned players.
What sets the Alien Standard 4 apart is its Fishman Sonicore pickup system and Fishman Sonitone preamp, which provide precise and versatile amplified performance. With onboard controls for bass, treble, and midrange, as well as a built-in tuner, you can easily tailor your sound to any setting.
Its lightweight yet durable build makes it ideal for gigging musicians who want a reliable and portable instrument. Whether you’re playing unplugged or plugged in, the Warwick Rockbass Alien Standard 4 offers a blend of style, tone, and versatility, making it a fantastic choice for any bassist looking to explore the acoustic side of their music.
5. Warwick Rockbass Alien Standard 5
Left-Handed Acoustic 5-String Bass
Available To Purchase Now At:
Thomann
Sweetwater
The Warwick Rockbass Alien Standard 5 offers all the excellent craftsmanship and tonal quality of its 4-string counterpart above, with the added versatility of a low B string. This extended range makes it an ideal choice for bassists who want deeper, fuller tones to explore genres like jazz, gospel, or modern rock.
Whether you’re creating intricate basslines or anchoring the low end in complex arrangements, this 5-string variant provides greater flexibility, making it perfect for players seeking more sonic possibilities.
FAQ
What’s The Difference Between An Acoustic Bass And An Electric Bass?
The primary difference between an acoustic bass and an electric bass lies in their design and sound production. An acoustic bass generates sound naturally through its hollow body, which amplifies the vibrations of the strings, much like an acoustic guitar. This makes it ideal for unplugged settings or casual jam sessions where amplification isn’t necessary.
On the other hand, an electric bass relies on electronic pickups to capture string vibrations and convert them into an electrical signal, which is then amplified through an amplifier or similar. This setup allows for greater control over volume, tone, and effects, making electric basses more versatile for live performances and studio recordings.
Another key distinction is their physical feel. Acoustic basses typically have thicker bodies in order to produce lower frequency notes with sufficient volume to be heard unplugged. Additionally, acoustic basses usually have a warmer, mellower tone, while electric basses offer a broader tonal range, from deep, punchy lows to bright, sharp highs.
Can I Use Effects With An Acoustic Bass?
Yes, you can use effects with an acoustic bass. However, this typically requires the bass to be amplified using a pickup or microphone. Once amplified, you can connect it to effects pedals just like an electric bass, allowing you to experiment with sounds like reverb, delay, or chorus.
Be aware that while effects can enhance your tone, they may slightly alter the natural warmth that many players love about the unplugged acoustic bass. In addition, hollow instruments are far more likely to produce feedback when amplified.
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