Buying & Selling - LeftyFretz https://leftyfretz.com/category/guides/buying-selling/ The Left Handed Guitar Player's Resource Thu, 28 Nov 2024 21:55:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://leftyfretz.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/cropped-LFIcon-32x32.png Buying & Selling - LeftyFretz https://leftyfretz.com/category/guides/buying-selling/ 32 32 15 Perfect Christmas Gifts for Guitar Players https://leftyfretz.com/christmas-gift-ideas-for-guitarists/ Wed, 27 Nov 2024 06:26:00 +0000 http://leftyfretz.com/?p=2755 Explore my list of top Christmas gifts for guitar players, featuring must-have items and ideas that every guitarist will appreciate.

The post 15 Perfect Christmas Gifts for Guitar Players appeared first on LeftyFretz.

]]>
Christmas Gifts For Guitar Players

Looking for the best Christmas gifts for guitar players? In this guide, you’ll find killer guitarist Christmas gifts that your recipient will actually use!

There are so many of these lists on the internet, so why did I feel the need to create another? Well, I’m guessing that by stumbling across this guide you are a non-guitarist trying to figure out the ideal gift for your musician friend or relative, right?

For me, the issue with these other guides is that the majority of them are stuffed full of random products that actually would be a very personal purchase for most guitarists. I mean, how on earth would you know if your recipient needs another overdrive pedal, or what type of new acoustic guitar they might like? To the non-guitarist, most of these lists are just minefields of potential dud gifts.

So, in this guide, I have listed only the best gifts with universal appeal that I would personally be happy to receive myself as a guitar player. For the most part, you should be able to pick any of the gift ideas on this page and be met with a big smile on Christmas morning.

Best Christmas Gifts For Guitar Players

Disclaimer: If you decide to purchase one of my Christmas gifts for guitar players using the links on this page I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

1. Truefire Online Lessons

TrueFire Guitar Lessons

Give the gift of knowledge with a year’s subscription to the internet’s number-one online guitar lesson site – TrueFire! With courses and tutorials for all tastes that are taught by some of the world’s top guitarists, this is one of those guitarist Christmas gifts that simply cannot go wrong.

Grab a year’s subscription to give your recipient access to all 80,000+ courses and lessons. Simply add the yearly sub to your basket and make sure to hit the ‘Send As Gift’ button before checking out. Keep it a surprise by adding your own email into the recipient box. This way, the code will be emailed to you and you can simply print it out and include it in their card.

Or, if you can’t quite stretch to a subscription, a TrueFire e-gift card will let them choose a few products they’re interested in specifically. With lessons starting from as little as $5, a gift certificate will go a long way!

2. Positive Grid Spark GO

Positive Grid Spark GO

Positive Grid’s new Spark GO is a tiny battery-powered 5-watt guitar amp, Bluetooth speaker, and recording interface all rolled into one neatly packaged product. It’s an ideal guitarist Xmas gift as it can be used whilst playing guitar, and can also become a regular Bluetooth speaker that the whole family can enjoy.

The amp connects your phone via Bluetooth to give access to over 50,000 custom tones, effects and presets, plus millions of songs and backing tracks. The rechargeable battery will keep you going for 8 hours, and you can even practice in silence via headphones.

Check it out on Amazon, or get it direct from Positive Grid where it’s often on sale!

3. Fender Mustang Micro

Fender Mustang Micro

A simpler alternative to the Spark GO would be the excellent Mustang Micro from Fender. This little guitar gadget is a plug-and-play device, with no need for an additional app. The Mustang Micro plugs directly into your guitar and allows for silent practice through headphones for up to 4 hours via its rechargeable battery.

It features 12 different amp models and effects, EQ adjustment, and a volume dial – nice and simple! Stream music to the device via Bluetooth, or you can even use it as a USB-C recording device.

This year, Fender also introduced the Mustang Micro Plus. For a little extra cash, you get double the amps and effects, a handy built-in tuner, plus an OLED display.

Click here for the best price, or keep browsing for more top Christmas gifts for guitar players.

4. Guitar Store Gift Card

Guitar Store Gift Card

I get it, as a non-musician it can be difficult trying to decide whether or not your recipient will actually get use out of your gift. So, why not take the guesswork out of the equation with the classic gift card from their favorite music store?

Physical cards are available if you’d rather hand over something tangible. Or, if time is running short you can also buy an instant code that can be emailed or included inside a card.

For a safe bet, why not grab a Guitar Center gift card? With over 300 store locations across the USA, there’s sure to be one located near your recipient. If not, the cards can also be redeemed online.

5. Guitar Magazine Subscription

Guitar Magazine Subscription

In a similar vein to a gift card, a magazine subscription is a fairly safe bet that pretty much any guitarist will love. A year’s supply is the practical gift for guitar players that keeps on giving, and can be ordered either as a print magazine or as a digital download sent to your recipient’s device.

Often described as being the ‘National Geographic of guitar magazines‘, Fretboard Journal is the pinnacle of musician periodicals. It ships quarterly in order to focus on quality, is printed on premium paper, features very few ads, and has the most in-depth stories and journalism. Any guitarist would be proud to display this gorgeous magazine on their coffee table. Gift a subscription here.

6. Premium Earplugs

Guitarist Ear Plugs

Musicians are four times more likely to suffer from hearing loss as a result of exposure to loud music. A set of quality earplugs will filter out any harmful noises to help ensure that your recipient doesn’t become a part of that statistic.

A great choice would be the Music Safe Pro set from Alpine. These hypoallergenic earplugs are relatively inexpensive and can be used up to 100 times before needing to be replaced. Three different filters are provided to offer differing levels of protection depending on the situation.

They also come with a carrying case, wearable cord, plus a cleaning spray to keep the plugs in good condition. Click here for the best price.

7. Guitar Care Kit

Guitar Care Kit

Next up in this list of guitarist gift ideas is one that could actually save your recipient a good amount of cash in the long run!

A guitar needs regular adjustments to stay in tip-top playing condition. This process (called a guitar setup) is often carried out by a professional guitar technician. This will generally cost between $60 and $100 each time.

Music Nomad’s excellent Ultimate At Home Guitar Workstation will give them the tools needed to work on and maintain their guitar at home. In addition, the kit is supplied with all of the cleaning compounds needed to keep their instrument conditioned and polished.

For a simpler package, consider Music Nomad’s Complete Cleaning Kit. This little gift bundle includes cleaning and polishing compounds for guitar finishes, fretboard conditioner, plus 2 microfiber cloths. No guitarist would turn their nose up at this!

8. Gig Bag

christmas gift ideas for guitar players - Gig Bags!

A hard case is probably not the safest choice as certain guitar shapes tend to require specific hard case designs. A better bet would be a premium gig bag as, for the most part, any acoustic or electric guitar will fit in any acoustic or electric guitar gig bag.

This could be a great choice if your giftee is currently carrying around their axe in one of those cheap and flimsy nylon bags that come bundled with many beginner guitars.

My favorite premium gig bag is the Mono M80. This is an ultra-high-quality design that features waterproofing, impact protection, and even built-in neck support. Check out the M80 for Acoustics or the M80 for Electric Guitars.

9. Exotic Picks

Timber Tones Guitar Picks

Your guitarist friend or relative will most likely have a specific style of pick that they prefer to use. However, that’s not to say that you cannot gift them a pick-related gift that they will love.

Timber Tones makes premium guitar picks crafted from a variety of exotic materials including wood, bone, horn, metal, and minerals. Gift tins are available which would be ideal Christmas gifts for guitar players.

These products are all winners as they’re all quite unusual compared to the run-of-the-mill picks that most guitarists will own. Each of the various materials will give different tonal qualities, allowing for a lot of experimentation.

10. Guitarist Gift Ideas – Guitar Stand

Xmas Gift Guitar Stands

A guitar needs a safe place to stay when not in use. Upgrade that crummy cheapo stand to a more premium affair to make sure it’s in the best and most sturdy hands possible!

For a popular, but still affordable option, take a look at the Hercules GS414B. This stand features a height-adjustable neck to suit any instrument and uses a special foam rubber to ensure that the delicate finish on more expensive guitars isn’t damaged. The built-in locking system automatically closes when the guitar is placed in the stand, keeping it even more safe and secure.

Hercules also offers variations of this stand that can accommodate 2, or even 3 guitars at the same time. You can also consider a rack that will hold even more. An ideal guitarist Christmas gift for those with large guitar collections.

11. Guitar Humidifer

Guitar Lover Gifts - Humidifier

At this time of year, the relative humidity tends to drop to levels that can be harmful to a guitar. At these lower levels, the woods in an instrument will begin to dry out and shrink. The result is all sorts of nasty playability issues.

While not the most glamorous of Christmas gifts for guitar players, a humidity control system could potentially save a lot of money and heartache in the long term.

An inexpensive option would be something like D’Addario’s Humidipak System. For use with acoustic or electric guitars, this product maintains the perfect relative humidity levels inside a guitar case or gig bag. Refill pouches are inexpensive and last for up to 4 months each.

12. G7th Capo

G7th Guitar Capo

A capo is a really handy guitar gadget that enables players to easily shift to different keys. Most guitarists will own a cheap spring-operated trigger capo. These are fine but don’t offer much in the way of pressure control and don’t exert even pressure across all strings.

For a more premium experience, gift the guitar player in your life a G7th Performance Capo. This is the capo I use personally, and it truly is a little marvel of engineering.

Simply place it on the neck and squeeze it to the desired pressure. It adapts to any guitar neck, ensuring perfect pressure distribution for an ultra-clear tone. They’ll be the envy of all their musician mates with this precision-engineered beauty.

13. Guitar Player Gifts – Books

Guitarist Christmas Gifts

Who doesn’t love a good book? For a guitarist, you might look into books about repair and maintenance, how to get the perfect tone, or even how to build your own guitar. There are a ton of different options here!

Check out this list of a few of my favorites for some inspiration.

Or, why not get them the biography of their favorite musician? Check out my guide to the top guitarist biography books for a solid list of excellent choices.

14. Rocksmith+ Game

Gifts For Guitarists - Rocksmith+ Lessons

Why learn to play guitar from a crusty old tutor when you can do it in a video game and make it a ton of fun?

Ubisoft’s Rocksmith+ is a subscription-based interactive guitar tuition service that teaches everything from instrument maintenance to your favorite songs, and music theory. It’s suitable for beginners as well as more experienced players. Being game-based, it really injects a ton of fun into the learning experience.

Rocksmith+ is for electric, acoustic, and bass guitar, and runs on either PC, Android, or iOS. To use the software players can connect via a proprietary cable, or can also use their mobile phone’s microphone.

15. Headstock Guitar Tuner

Guitar Player Gifts - TC Electronic Polytune Clip

A clip-on headstock tuner is a handy little gizmo that clips onto the headstock of a guitar for a quick and easy way to get the instrument in tune. Many will tune via a microphone. However, the best models will work via vibration, ensuring that the player can get to perfect pitch no matter how noisy the environment is.

Currently, my favorite is the TC Electronic Polytune Clip. It’s a pricey beast for sure, but it’s definitely a case of, you get what you pay for, here.

This stunningly well-made piece of kit features 3 different tuning modes. In chromatic mode, it will tune each string one at a time. In polytune mode, you can strum all strings at once and tune them all at the same time.

Finally, we have the ultra-precise strobe mode, which claims an accuracy of an unbelievable +/- 0.02 cents. Most other clip-on guitar tuners come nowhere close to this level of accuracy!

More Guitarist Christmas Gifts

If this list of the best Christmas gifts for guitar players didn’t quite strike the right chord with you (badum tish!), fear not! Here are a couple of additional articles you can check out for further inspiration.

45 Crazy Guitar Gadgets You Need To Try. In this guide, I have listed some weird and wonderful gizmos that many guitarists will never have even heard of. A great resource if you’d like a more unusual Christmas gift for guitarist friends.

Valentine’s Day Gifts For Guitar Players. It may not be Valentine’s Day yet, but all of the gift suggestions in this article are still winners for the festive season!

Guitarist Stocking Fillers

If you’re looking for a handful of cheap guitarist Christmas gifts, then why not consider one or two of these quick ideas?

  • String Winder
  • String Cutter
  • Guitar Tab Book
  • Guitar Slide
  • Cables
  • Pick Holder
  • Quality Guitar Strap

You Might Also Like

The post 15 Perfect Christmas Gifts for Guitar Players appeared first on LeftyFretz.

]]>
Left Handed 1/2 Size Guitars For Children (Acoustic & Electric) https://leftyfretz.com/half-sized-left-handed-guitars-for-children/ https://leftyfretz.com/half-sized-left-handed-guitars-for-children/#comments Sun, 17 Nov 2024 08:38:00 +0000 http://leftyfretz.com/?p=1646 A guide to left handed 1/2 size guitars for younger children. Includes half-size acoustic, classical, and electric guitars for all budgets.

The post Left Handed 1/2 Size Guitars For Children (Acoustic & Electric) appeared first on LeftyFretz.

]]>
Half Size Left Handed Guitars For Kids

Looking for left handed 1/2 size guitars for children, or perhaps for use as a handy travel-sized instrument? You’re in the right place!

Half-sized guitars are difficult to find in general, so as you can imagine, left handed options aren’t exactly a dime a dozen! However, there are some great options available which I have listed throughout this guide.

Best Left Handed 1/2 Size Guitar

As a general rule of thumb, 1/2 size guitars are the correct size for kids aged around 4-8, or from roughly 3’5″ and over. For older children, head over to my guide for 3/4-sized lefty guitars.

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!

You will find separate sections for classical, acoustic, and electric left handed 1/2 size guitars below. Click one of the links below to go straight to the instruments that you are interested in.

Left Handed 1/2 Size Classical Guitars

These classical guitars all feature soft nylon strings that should be much gentler on fresh and uncalloused fingers.

Master Play Package

Best Budget Classical

Left Handed Half Size Classical Guitar

On a budget, this handy little package from Master Play will be a great choice for budding young guitarists. Everything needed to start with guitar is bundled in, including a gig bag, capo, tuner, strap, spare strings, and a selection of picks.

To sweeten the deal even further, the Master Play package is available in eight different colors! So there should be a choice for all tastes here.

The instrument itself has a basswood body and neck for a warm sound as well as a child-friendly light overall weight.

Interestingly, Master Play has supplied this guitar with steel strings for the thicker strings, and nylon for the three thinnest. As a result, the guitar should be able to handle classical styles of music as well as more modern genres whilst still remaining easy on the fingers.

This will make an excellent budget half-size left-handed guitar for a child. The only choice you have to make is, what color? Check them all out at the link above.

Cordoba R121 & R122

Top Premium Choice

Left Handed Half Size Nylon String Guitar

For a more premium option, you can check out the Ortega R121 (shown above), or the R122 (displayed below). There is obviously a steeper price tag compared to the Master Play package above, but these come with much-improved build quality and playability.

These two left handed 1/2 size guitars are exactly the same, with the only difference being that the R121 has a spruce top, and the R22 has cedar. Cedar is the most commonly used top wood on a classical guitar thanks to its warmer tone. Spruce will offer a brighter, punchier sound. However, it’s unlikely your child will notice any difference, so personally, I would choose whichever you think looks best!

Aside from the tops, the main features include a mahogany body and neck for a nice warm sound, an 18-fret walnut fingerboard, a walnut bridge, and stable classical-style tuners.

Ortega R122 Classical 1/2 Size Left Handed Guitar

Another upgrade over the Master Play package above is the inclusion of a two-way truss rod inside the neck. This is used to reverse the warping effects that changes in humidity and temperature might have on the guitar’s neck over time.

Aside from the higher price, the only real downside to the two Ortegas is that they do not come bundled with any accessories such as a handy tuner, or even some spare strings. However, it does ship with a super high-quality gig bag to protect the instrument.

For those after a real quality left handed 1/2 size classical guitar, one of these two Ortegas is going to be very hard to beat!

Left Handed 1/2 Size Acoustic Guitars

Oscar Schmidt OGHS Package

Left Handed 1/2 Size Acoustic Guitar

Steel-string left handed 1/2 size acoustic guitars are truly a niche within a niche. As a result, I wasn’t able to find any options available at the time of writing. Even right-handed models are few and far between!

The reason for this is that the majority of 1/2-size acoustics will come with nylon strings as these are easier on young, soft fingers.

The Master Play package mentioned in the previous section actually comes with a mix of nylon and steel strings, so this would be a good option that will offer the best of both worlds.

Otherwise, I would recommend checking out other nylon string options until your child is old enough to progress to a 3/4-size steel string model. The Ortegas in the previous section are superb choices.

If you absolutely need steel strings, then there is always the option of flipping a right-handed model upside down for left-handed play. I recommend the Oscar Schmidt OGHS shown above, as its symmetrical design makes it a great candidate for stringing upside down.

Left Handed 1/2 Size Electric Guitars

SX RST Package

Left Handed Half Size Electric Guitar

There aren’t a ton of options when it comes to 1/2 size left handed electric guitars, so the choice here is fairly straightforward! The SX RST bundle from RondoMusic offers almost everything your child will need to get started with electric guitar.

This 1/2 size left handed guitar package includes a pocket amp with headphones, a cable, a strap, and a handy gigbag. So, the only accessory you will need to source yourself is a guitar tuner.

The SX RSTs come with a handy headphone amp for quiet practice, but if you’d like to rock out loud then check out our guide to beginner guitar amps.

The guitars themselves are your classic Fender Stratocaster style models, which are a great choice for almost any genre of music. Three single-coil pickups paired with a 5-way selector switch offer up a huge variety of different tones.

The main features include a lightweight basswood body, maple neck and full 21-fret rosewood fingerboard, and a vintage-style tremolo system. The entire guitar weighs in at a paltry 7 pounds.

The shorter 23″ scale length makes it ideal for small hands, or it would also be an excellent travel-sized guitar.

Of course, electric guitars are already way more compact than an acoustic model. So, if the purple finish of the SX RST doesn’t float your boat, make sure to also check out my guide to 3/4-size lefties for tons more choices!

1/2 Sized Left Handed Bass Guitars

Don’t even waste your time. Check out my three-quarter size article for some short scale left handed bass options.

Final Thoughts

Of course, depending on where you live you may not be able to find any guitars at all.  After all, the ½ sized market is incredibly niche already, and it can be hard enough finding a right handed guitar in this size bracket.

So if you can’t find what you need, you may want to consider moving up to a ¾ sized guitar, as these are much more readily available and are generally no more expensive than their ½ sized counterparts. 

A ¾ sized guitar may be slightly more of a handful for younger kids, but it will make the transition to full-size guitars that much easier later on. Take a look at this video of some children playing guitars that are bigger than they are!  After watching that a 3/4-sized model might not seem too big after all…

YouTube Video

Check out my 3/4 Sized Left Handed Guitars Guide as well! A fun and even smaller option for a child would be a lefty ukulele!

The post Left Handed 1/2 Size Guitars For Children (Acoustic & Electric) appeared first on LeftyFretz.

]]>
https://leftyfretz.com/half-sized-left-handed-guitars-for-children/feed/ 3
Best 3/4 Left Handed Guitar (Acoustic, Electric & Bass) https://leftyfretz.com/left-handed-guitars-smaller-hands-kids/ Sat, 16 Nov 2024 10:46:00 +0000 http://leftyfretz.com/?p=1751 A selection of 3/4 size left handed guitar and bass choices that are ideal for children and players with smaller hands.

The post Best 3/4 Left Handed Guitar (Acoustic, Electric & Bass) appeared first on LeftyFretz.

]]>
best 3/4 left handed guitar

Are you looking for a left handed 3/4 guitar for a child? Or perhaps you need something a little smaller to throw in the trunk when traveling?

Although we aren’t exactly overwhelmed with choices, there are some fantastic kids left left-handed guitar choices out there.

In this article, I’ll explain what you should look for when considering a 3/4 left-handed guitar. I’ll then list some great options, broken down into electrics, acoustics, classicals, and basses.

As a general rule of thumb, 3/4-size guitars are the correct size for kids around 7 and older, or roughly 4’5″ and taller. Adults with smaller hands or limited dexterity may also benefit from opting for a 3/4-size left-handed guitar.

If you’re looking for something even smaller, take a look back at my half-size left-handed guitars for children article. Or perhaps a Ukulele would be a fun option if you want to go even smaller!

What Is The Best 3/4 Size Left Handed Guitar?

Compared to half-sized models, 3/4-sized guitars will open up a much wider assortment of lefty guitars. This includes some from a handful of the bigger brands. A suitable left-handed kids’ guitar (or even a full beginner package!) should be attainable for less than $100 if on a budget.

Let’s dive right in and take a look at a few good examples of kids left left-handed guitar and bass packs.

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!

I’ve added sections for acoustics, classicals, electrics, and bass separately. Use one of the links below to skip to the section that is relevant to you.

Small Left Handed Acoustic Guitars

Best Left Handed 3/4 Acoustic Guitar

1. Winzz Hand-Rubbed Series

Budget Left Handed 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar

Winzz Hand-Rubbed Acoustic Guitar

The Winzz 3/4 size left handed guitar package comes with everything you need to get started. The kit includes a quality gig bag, tuner, metronome, picks, strap, some beginner lessons, a polishing cloth, and even a wall hanger.

It is the most affordable option here, but also the most complete! The only slight downside is that it only comes in green. So, fingers crossed that it’s a color you can get along with – I think the hand-rubbed finish gives it a premium look! It also comes with a wall hanger rather than a guitar stand. So, you might also want to grab a stand if you’re not confident with a drill.

This would be my choice if you are on a tight budget and don’t want to spend time shopping around for accessories separately.

Sold? Check it out at the link above where you can read 350+ glowing owner reviews.

2. Oscar Schmidt OG1

Most Popular Left Handed 3/4 Acoustic Guitar

Oscar Schmidt OG-1 Left Handed 3/4 Acoustic Guitar

This left handed 3/4 acoustic guitar is perfect for kids, or for use as a compact travel guitar. The Oscar Schmidt range is produced by the well-respected Washburn brand, so you can be assured of getting a good quality instrument.

The main features include a select spruce top, catalpa back and sides, mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, and a fully adjustable truss rod. Abalone accents and a bound fretboard give the guitar the appearance of a much more expensive instrument.

What’s not to like about this left-handed kids guitar? It’s even backed up by a lifetime warranty!

3. Taylor BT1 Baby Taylor

Most Popular Choice

Taylor BT1 Baby Taylor Left Handed

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

If you have a little bit of extra cash to splash, then one of these could be what you’re after. Taylor is one of the biggest names in acoustic guitars, and the Baby Taylor BT-1 left handed 3/4 acoustic guitar is one of the most popular shorter-scale instruments available today, worldwide.

The BT1 is the most popular model from the Taylor Baby series and features a solid Sitka spruce top and walnut back and sides for a warm and resonant sound. The neck is made from maple and is coupled with an ebony fingerboard.

It’s the perfect size for little fingers and also comes with a super high-quality Taylor padded gig bag.

4. Taylor GS Mini Left Handed

Best Premium Choice

Left Handed Taylor GS Mini Acoustic

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

The Taylor GS Mini 3/4 size left handed guitar is an exceptional instrument. I personally keep one in my own collection, and it is one of my absolute favorite acoustics. This is a guitar for life and is a solid investment. It is the only acoustic on this list (besides the Baby Taylor above) that features the highly sought-after solid wood top, rather than cheaper laminate options.

Various models are available, but the mahogany version shown above is the most affordable of the bunch. It doesn’t feature electronics, but you can add Taylor’s plug-and-play ES-Go pickup later on if you wish.

The main features include a solid tropical mahogany top, a beautiful Sapele back and sides, a Sapele neck, and an ebony fingerboard. It also comes with a ridiculously high-quality Taylor soft case.

It’s the priciest left handed 3/4 size acoustic in this list, but absolutely worth it if the budget allows.

5. Harley Benton GS-Travel-E

Bonus European Entry

Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Left Handed Acoustic

European southpaws may also like to check out this little gem from Harley Benton. Thomann’s in-house brand is well-known for producing budget guitars that take influence from popular models.

The Harley Benton GS-Travel-E is clearly taking aim at the Taylor GS Mini shown above. It doesn’t come with a premium solid wood top, or the big name on the headstock – but it’s around a quarter of the price, so perhaps you would be willing to overlook this!

They’ve even managed to add electronics and a handy in-built tuner. Check it out at Thomann’s site above for the best price.

Small Left Handed Classical Guitars

Best 3/4 Size Left Handed Classical Guitars

1. Pyle Classical Left Handed Childrens Guitar

Best Budget Package

Pyle 3/4 Size Left Handed Classical Guitar

For those looking for the most affordable 3/4 left handed classical guitar, the Pyle Classical Package is going to be hard to beat. You will definitely struggle to find anything cheaper than this that couldn’t be considered a toy.

The Pyle is even better value for money when you consider that it comes as part of a package that includes everything you will need to get started with classical guitar. Aside from the guitar, you will also receive a gig bag, a headstock tuner, a guitar strap, plectrums, a set of spare strings, and even some online lessons.

With its low price and traditional looks, this will make a perfect child’s left-handed guitar for younger players. Or even for those with smaller hands.

2. Ortega R121L Left Handed Kids Guitar

Best Premium Choice

left handed ortega r121l classical guitar

If your budget stretches a little beyond the Pyle shown above then a good quality choice would be the Ortega R121L classical. This model offers a good step up in terms of construction and playability.

The main features include the classic mahogany body and spruce top combination for a balanced and versatile sound, a smooth mahogany neck, plus a walnut fretboard and bridge. All great stuff!

Other premium appointments are a 12-hole bridge for improved sound quality and easier restringing, gorgeous maple binding, and a 2-way truss rod.

Aside from the additional expense, the only real downside is that there are no bundled accessories with the Ortega. Although you do get a super high-quality padded gig bag with the guitar.

For a larger selection of options, you might like to take a look at my Newbie Guide, which lists some great full-sized classical guitar options.

Small Left Handed Electric Guitars

Best Left Handed 3/4 Electric Guitar

1. LyxPro Phoenix Package

Best All-Inclusive Package

lyxpro 34 size left handed electric guitar

These new 3/4 size left handed guitar packages from LyxPro are a similar offering to the Sawtooth kit above, including absolutely everything you’ll need to get started. A perfect child’s left handed guitar for little rockers!

It is available either as a single humbucker-equipped model for a thicker tone, or as a more traditional triple single-coil guitar setup for added versatility. Pick the humbucker model if you want to play heavier styles of rock or metal. Or choose the single-coil model for pretty much everything else.

lyxpro 3/4 Size Left Handed Guitar

These 3/4 left handed guitar packages include the guitar, a 20-watt amp, a gigbag, spare strings, picks, a cable, a tuner, and a guitar strap. A nice plus here is that that kit includes a digital headstock tuner. This is going to be way easier to use than the pitch pipes supplied with the Sawtooth above.

Either one of these two left-handed kids guitar bundles will make for an ideal introduction to guitar for children. Or, even for those of you with smaller hands.

2. Squier Mini Strat Left Handed

Best 3/4 Left Handed Electric Guitar

Left Handed Squier Mini Stratocaster Review

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)

It finally happened! Squier has been going to town to improve their left-handed lineup over the last few years, and their most recent release is this little beauty! Finally, we can get ourselves a mini Stratocaster from the world’s best-selling guitar brand – Fender!

This little kids left handed electric guitar has all the features you’d expect from a strat-style guitar, minus one tone pot and a tremolo bridge. The main features include a lightweight poplar body, a maple neck with laurel fretboard, a shorter 22.75″ scale length, and a classy gloss black finish.

Three single-coil pickups and a classic 5-way selector switch ensure that the huge variety of sounds you’d expect from a Stratocaster are easily available. Plus, the removal of the tremolo bridge system in favor of a fixed bridge means that the tuning will be rock solid.

3. Ibanez GRGM21L Mikro

Best For Rock and Metal

Ibanez GRGM21L 3/4 Size Left Handed Guitar

For those into rock and metal who also want a quality, well-known brand name on the headstock, this humbucker-equipped Ibanez Mikro is definitely the kids left handed guitar for you! Based on the iconic Ibanez RG body style, this is one seriously fast axe!

Main features include a basswood body, a maple neck and jatoba fretboard, sharkfin inlays, two powerful humbuckers, and a sleek black scratchplate. Unlike its bigger RG siblings, this left-handed short-scale guitar features a fixed bridge, for rock-solid tuning stability.

If you are into rock and metal, or are a big fan of shred guitarists, then this is the left handed 3/4 electric guitar to opt for if budget allows. The only downside is that you will have to source your own amp and other accessories as this is not available as an all-inclusive package.

4. Harley Benton RG-Junior

European Option

It’s safe to say that USA-based southpaws will have an easier time sourcing many of the guitars on this page. So, here is one option that will be easy to source for European players.

The Harley Benton RG-Junior is from powerhouse European music retailer Thomann’s excellent in-house brand. As you can see, it is almost an exact copy of the Ibanez above, making it ideal for budding rock and metal guitarists.

Check it out at the link above – I guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised at the price of this pint-sized left-handed 3/4 electric guitar.

Small Left Handed Bass Guitars

Best Left Handed 3/4 Bass Guitar

1. Ibanez GSRM20L Mikro

Best Left Handed Short Scale Bass

ibanez gsrm20l left-handed short scale-bass

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)

It’s unfortunately fairly slim pickings when it comes to 3/4 bass guitars – even for right-handed players! Luckily Ibanez has hooked us up with this fabulous little left-handed short-scale bass.

Affordable, quality materials, and that famous name on the headstock – what’s not to love? Definitely your best option for a quality, small-sized lefty bass.

The main features include a lightweight poplar body, a maple neck with a jatoba fretboard, and a short 28.6″ scale length. Ibanez basses are well known for their slim necks and comfortable, contoured bodies, and this model is no exception.

It features a PJ pickup combination for an ultra-versatile sound. The J-style pickup is brilliant for softer styles such as jazz and blues, while the P-style pickup is better suited to rock and heavier genres. So, this is a bass that should happily be able to handle any style of music.

At this price, it’s a lot of bass for the money!

Smaller bass guitars are a lot harder to find compared to 6-string guitars. The Ibanez will make a great first instrument for younger players. However, if you decide to opt for something a little bigger, definitely check out my article on the best beginner left handed bass guitars for a much larger choice.

Alternative 3/4 Left Handed Guitar Options

Left Handed Travel Guitars

It may also be worthwhile having a look into left handed travel guitars if you can’t find anything to your liking from the ¾ sized kids left handed guitar market. Travel guitars are designed to be mobile (duh!), and as such they may turn out to be a good smaller instrument for your kids.

Check out my article on left handed travel guitars.

As A Last Resort

If all else fails, buy a right-handed instrument and string it left handed.  As I mentioned in my article on restringing a right handed guitar upside down, this isn’t the ideal route to take. However, if no other options are available it may be a necessary evil until your child can handle a full-sized guitar or bass.

I get asked about right-handed options often, so I’ve put together a guide specifically for righties which you can check out here.

1/2 Size Left Handed Guitars

If you require a smaller guitar for your even younger child – check out my article on 1/2 Sized Left Handed Guitars or lefty ukuleles.

Try A Full-Sized Guitar

Finally, If you think you might be able to handle a full-sized budget acoustic, then check out my Donner DAG-1C review for an excellent package that won’t break the bank.

Check out my Newbie Guide for recommendations on other full-sized lefty guitars and basses.

Next Steps

If the guitar you’ve selected doesn’t come with an amp, you might like to check out my beginner guitar amp guide, for a great selection of affordable amplifiers. Additionally, my guide to beginner accessories will clue you in on a few must-have gadgets and gizmos that you may also like to pick up.

You may also like to consider setting up the guitar to ensure that it is in the best possible playing condition. A guitar that is difficult to play is only going to make it more likely that new players will give up.

Left Handed Kids Guitar FAQ

Should I Start With An Acoustic, Electric, Classical, or Bass Guitar?

A common misconception is that new guitarists should start on an acoustic before advancing to electric. Or a nylon string classical before steel string acoustic. I’ve even heard people asking if they need to learn guitar first, and then move on to bass.

This is all nonsense – buy whatever the new guitarist wants to ultimately play. Starting on a classical guitar is only going to take the fun out of learning if guitar shredding or slap bass is their main goal.

Likewise, picking up a kids left handed electric guitar isn’t going to be much fun for little budding Ed Sheerans.

Left Handed Short Scale Guitar

Any of the instruments above should make a fantastic smaller guitar choice. Some of the models I’ve listed are not strictly ¾ sized – some can simply be referred to as being a left handed short scale guitar. Don’t worry though, as this more or less means the same thing. You can learn more about scale length here.

On a left handed short scale guitar the frets are closer together, which should make it easier for smaller hands to navigate the fretboard. The majority of full-sized guitars have a scale length of 25.5 inches. Whereas, most Les Paul or SG style guitars are slightly shorter at 24.75 inches.  

If you are unable to locate a 3/4 sized child’s left handed guitar model, try and find a full-sized Les Paul-style guitar. This is as opposed to a Strat or Tele, which both have a longer scale length.

The post Best 3/4 Left Handed Guitar (Acoustic, Electric & Bass) appeared first on LeftyFretz.

]]>
7 Best Left Handed Semi Hollow Guitars https://leftyfretz.com/left-handed-semi-hollow-guitars/ Tue, 09 Apr 2024 15:38:30 +0000 https://leftyfretz.com/?p=26202 Discover the best left-handed semi-hollow guitars. This guide covers models for all budgets, highlighting sound quality and playability.

The post 7 Best Left Handed Semi Hollow Guitars appeared first on LeftyFretz.

]]>
Best Left Handed Semi Hollow Guitars

Whether you’re all about jazzing it up with smooth, mellow tones or rocking out with a bit of an edge, my roundup of the best left-handed semi hollow guitars will help find the best guitar for you.

Throughout this guide, I will list 7 excellent semi hollow left handed guitar choices for all musical tastes, abilities, and budgets. Stick around for the end of the article where I will also answer many questions about semi acoustic guitars in general.

Note that this guide is purely for left handed semi-hollow body guitars. I have a separate guide for left handed hollow body guitars if that is what you are after.

Left Handed Semi Hollow Guitars

Here are my 7 prime picks for the best left handed semi hollow guitars for beginner, intermediate, and advanced players this year. The instruments are arranged from the most affordable to the most pricey, and I feel confident that there is a great guitar in this list for all budgets and musical tastes.

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!

You can use the following links to jump directly to the guitar reviews. Make sure to also check out the end of this article where you’ll find a ton of useful semi-hollow information.

  1. Harley Benton HB-35LH
  2. Epiphone ES-335
  3. Gretsch G2622LH Streamliner
  4. Ibanez AS93FML Artcore Expressionist
  5. Gretsch G5622LH Electromatic
  6. Epiphone Sheraton
  7. Epiphone Riviera Noel Gallagher

1. Harley Benton HB-35LH

Budget Left Handed Semi Hollow Guitar

Harley Benton HB-35LH Left Handed Semi Acoustic Guitar

Get The Best Price
Shop At Thomann

Players searching for a lefty guitar on a budget can generally always count on good old Harley Benton to serve up a few great options. Available exclusively at Thomann, the Harley Benton HB-35LH is significantly more affordable than any of the other semi hollow left handed guitars in this list.

The HB-35 features an arched top maple body with a mahogany sustain block to enhance sustain and help combat unwanted feedback. A Canadian maple neck is paired with an Amaranth fretboard with understated dot inlays.

A slight negative is that it does not ship with a gig bag, although for this sort of money, you can hardly complain! Check out the demo video below for the full lowdown – note that the lefty model is not currently available in this particular finish.

YouTube Video

Key Features:

  • Body: Maple w/ Mahogany Sustain Block
  • Neck: Canadian Maple w/ 22 Fret Amaranth Fingerboard
  • Bridge: Tune-O-Matic
  • Pickups: Vintage-Voiced Humbuckers
  • Gig Bag: Not Included
  • Finish: Black

This left handed semi acoustic guitar is available in a classy black finish. Alternatively, for a little extra cash you could also consider the HB-35 Plus (linked below). This model has a cherry red finish and adds a few nice extras such as a flamed maple top, block inlays, and split coil functionality.

Get The Best Price
Shop At Thomann

2. Epiphone ES-335

Most Popular Left Handed Semi Acoustic

Semi Hollow Body Left Handed Epiphone ES-335

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

Possibly the most iconic semi-hollow guitar of all, the left handed Epiphone ES-335 has recently been released in two classic finishes – Vintage Sunburst and Cherry.

As part of Epiphone’s Inspired by Gibson series, this left handed semi hollow body guitar is an affordable take on the legendary Gibson model. It exhibits all of the warm, vintage tones that you’d expect with exceptional sustain from the resonant body.

Key Features:

  • Body: Layered Maple w/ Maple Sustain Block
  • Neck: Mahogany w/ 22 Fret Laurel Fingerboard
  • Bridge: Tune-O-Matic
  • Pickups: Alnico Classic Pro Humbuckers
  • Gig Bag: Not Included
  • Finish: Vintage Sunburst or Cherry

Check out the demo video of this left handed Epiphone semi hollow from our buddy Shane over at InTheBlues.

YouTube Video

The ES-335 is available in both Vintage Sunburst and Cherry. Unfortunately, it does not ship with a gig bag, so you will need to source your own if required.

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

3. Gretsch G2622LH Streamliner

Affordable Rock And Roll Machine

Gretsch G2622LH Streamliner Left Handed Semi Hollow Guitar

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

For similar money to the ES-335 above, we can also check out the Gretsch G2622LH semi hollow electric guitar from the brand’s affordable Streamliner range.

This left handed semi hollow guitar has a striking appearance with its gunmetal finish, V-stop tailpiece, tortoise pickguard, and vintage-inspired radio knob controls. It also features coil-split functionality to further enhance the versatility of this classy axe.

A standout feature of the G2622LH is its weight-relieved center block. This all-new design helps to strike the balance between keeping the guitar lightweight whilst also helping to repel unwanted feedback.

Key Features:

  • Body: Laminated Maple w/ Chambered Center Block
  • Neck: Nato w/ 22 Fret Laurel Fingerboard
  • Bridge: Adjusto-Matic
  • Pickups: Broad’Tron BT-3S Humbuckers
  • Gig Bag: Not Included
  • Finish: Gunmetal
YouTube Video

Check out the fantastic demo video above from our pal Chris George for the complete lowdown on this semi hollow body guitar.

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

4. Ibanez AS93FML Artcore Expressionist

Big Value With Premium Looks

Ibanez Semi Hollow AS93FML Artcore Left Handed

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)

Thought Ibanez was just for shred guitarists and metal masters? Well, think again! The Japanese giant actually has a ton of guitars for semi hollow fans, and the Ibanez AS93FML Artcore Expressionist is one of them!

With its fully flame maple body and gold hardware the AS93FML is certainly one of the flashier looking left handed semi hollow body electric guitars on this list.

The medium-output Super 58 humbuckers are loaded with vintage-voiced tone, and the guitar features separate volume and tone controls for each pickup. This results in a truly versatile semi-hollowbody that is well suited to a wide variety of musical genres.

YouTube Video

Key Features:

  • Body: Flame Maple w/ Center Block
  • Neck: 3-Piece Nyatoh/Maple w/ 22 Fret Macassar Ebony Fingerboard
  • Bridge: Gibraltar Performer w/ Quik Change III Tailpiece
  • Pickups: Super 58 Humbuckers
  • Gig Bag: Not Included
  • Finish: Violin Sunburst

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)

5. Gretsch G5622LH Electromatic

Mid-Range All Rounder

Gretsch G5622LH Electromatic Semi Hollow Guitar Left Handed

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)

Spending a little more money allows us to move up into the Gretsch Electromatic range. This series of guitars uses higher quality parts and components compared to the more affordable Streamliner range.

The guitar we are considering is the Gretsch G5622LH Electromatic, which is available in a deliciously retro-inspired Georgia Green finish. It’s still relatively wallet-friendly and includes a raft of modern features to enhance playability and tone.

Standout features include a maple body with a lightweight chambered spruce center block, a comfortable thin-U neck profile, a master tone knob with treble bleed circuitry, and classy pearloid thumbnail inlays.

The hot Broad’Tron Blacktop pickups are the perfect mix of raw power and jangly cleans. Versatility is further enhanced by master tone and volume controls as well as individual volume controls for each humbucker.

Key Features:

  • Body: Laminated Maple w/ Chambered Spruce Center Block
  • Neck: Maple w/ 22 Fret Laurel Fingerboard
  • Bridge: Anchored Adjusto-Matic
  • Pickups: Blacktop Broad’Tron Humbuckers
  • Gig Bag: Not Included
  • Finish: Georgia Green
YouTube Video

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)

6. Epiphone Sheraton

Old Age Charm With Unique Appointments

Epiphone Sheraton Left Handed Semi Hollow Body Guitar

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)

The Epiphone Sheraton is one of the most recent left handed semi-hollow body guitars to enter the market. Unlike the Inspired by Gibson ES-335 that we looked at above, this particular design is an Epiphone original.

Standout features include mini-humbuckers for a tighter and punchier sound, classy 7-ply binding, a 100% maple center block, Mother-of-pearl block inlays with “V” inserts, and that gorgeous tree-of-life design on the headstock.

Of course, one of the most striking appointments is the Frequensator tailpiece which provides that iconic look whilst also helping to improve the bass and treble response of the guitar.

In the video below, Cooper from Alamo Music thoroughly explores this Epiphone semi hollow and treats us to an excellent sound demonstration.

YouTube Video

The Sheraton is brimming with old-age charm – even more so than its ES-335 cousin above. An undeniably fantastic-looking left-handed semi-acoustic guitar that should happily handle most genres of music from classic rock to smooth jazz lines.

Key Features:

  • Body: Laminated Maple w/ Maple Center Block
  • Neck: Mahogany w/ 22 Fret Indian Laurel Fingerboard
  • Bridge: Tune-O-Matic with Frequensator Split Trapeze Tailpiece
  • Pickups: ProBucker Mini Humbuckers
  • Gig Bag: Epiphone Gig Bag Included
  • Finish: Vintage Sunburst or Natural

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)

7. Epiphone Riviera Noel Gallagher

Much More Than A Signature Guitar

Left Handed Epiphone Riviera Noel Gallagher Signature

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

The left handed Epiphone Riviera Noel Gallagher signature is somewhat of a hybrid instrument. Although it is called a Riviera, it has swapped the usual mini pickups for full-sized humbuckers, and the Frequensator bridge for a LockTone stopbar. Much like you’d find on an ES-335…

Compared to the ES-335 semi hollow body guitars above, you’ll get a slim taper profile maple neck, parallelogram inlays, and period correct appointments in keeping with the guitar it is modeled on – such as the headstock shape. It’s also the only semi hollow electric guitar on this list to ship with a hard case.

And if you’re not an Oasis fan, don’t despair! With just a tiny Noel Gallagher signature on the back of the headstock, you’d never really know unless you were a diehard fan.

Key Features:

  • Body: Layered Maple w/ Maple Center Block
  • Neck: Maple w/ 22 Fret Laurel Fingerboard
  • Bridge: LockTone Tune-O-Matic
  • Pickups: Alnico Classic Pro Humbuckers
  • Gig Bag: Hardshell Case
  • Finish: Dark Wine Red
YouTube Video

Noel Gallagher’s signature models also tend to become highly collectible, so this semi hollow body guitar could possibly turn into a good investment over the long term.

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

Semi Hollow Body Guitar FAQ

What Is A Semi-Hollow Guitar?

A semi-hollow guitar combines the qualities of a solid-body electric guitar and a hollow-body model. The body isn’t completely empty like a hollow body guitar, instead having a solid ‘center block‘ of wood inside the body.

The resulting sound is somewhere between the brightness of a solid body and the warmth of an acoustic. The best of both worlds! In addition, the center block makes a semi hollow body electric guitar far less susceptible to feedback when playing at high volume or with gain.

What Type Of Music Are Semi Hollow Guitars Good For?

Like their hollowbody cousins, the warmer and fuller tone of a semi hollow body guitar makes them especially ideal for genres such as jazz, and blues. However, thanks to their improved resistance to feedback they are also often seen in the hands of players that use overdrive and distortion.

Can You Play A Semi-Hollow Guitar Without An Amp?

Absolutely! Without an amplifier, a semi-hollow body guitar will sound like a very quiet acoustic guitar. You will be able to practice at home without plugging in, however you probably won’t be using it to play any unplugged gigs!

Are Semi-Hollow Guitars Heavy?

In terms of weight, a semi-hollow electric guitar will generally fall somewhere in between a solidbody electric and a full hollowbody instrument.

The post 7 Best Left Handed Semi Hollow Guitars appeared first on LeftyFretz.

]]>
7 Best Left Handed Hollow Body Guitars https://leftyfretz.com/left-handed-hollow-body-guitars/ Mon, 01 Apr 2024 19:56:58 +0000 https://leftyfretz.com/?p=26145 A list of the best left handed hollow body guitars. Includes options for all budgets, abilities, and musical tastes!

The post 7 Best Left Handed Hollow Body Guitars appeared first on LeftyFretz.

]]>
Best Left Handed Hollow Body Guitars

Left handed hollow body guitars aren’t exactly a dime a dozen, but there are plenty of excellent instruments out there if you know where to look!

From the lush, resonant tones sought after by jazz aficionados to the vibrant bite ideal for blues and rock, this list explores the best left-handed hollowbody guitars available on the market today.

Whether you’re making your first foray into the world of hollow body guitars or are looking to add a new gem to your collection, you’ll find the ideal guitar for you below!

Note that this guide is purely for hollow body instruments. I have a separate guide for lefty semi hollow guitars if that is what you’re after.

Stick around for the end of the article where I’ll also answer a few key questions that you may have about this style of instrument.

Left Handed Hollowbody Guitars

Here are my 7 top picks for the best left handed hollowbody guitars for beginner, intermediate, and advanced players this year. The guitars are arranged from the most affordable to the most pricey, and I feel confident that there is a solid option in this list for all budgets and musical tastes.

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!

You can use the following links to jump directly to the guitar reviews. Make sure to also check out the end of this article where you’ll find a ton of useful hollowbody information.

  1. Ibanez AF55L
  2. Epiphone Casino
  3. Gretsch G5422GLH
  4. Gretsch G5420LH
  5. Epiphone Broadway
  6. Epiphone Casino USA
  7. Gretsch G6136TG White Falcon

1. Ibanez AF55L

Budget Left Handed Hollowbody Guitar

Ibanez AF55L Left Handed Jazz Guitar

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

In terms of sticking to well-known brands, the Ibanez AF55L is currently one of the most affordable lefty hollow body guitars on the market. This natural beauty from the brand’s Artcore range comes in at a shade under $400.

The AF55L features an all-linden body (another name for basswood), a lightweight tonewood that is known for its defined and warm sounds. The well-defined tone is further enhanced by a pair of uncovered Ibanez Infinity humbuckers.

A Gibraltar bridge and trapeze-style tailpiece combo ensure that tuning is rock solid on the Ibanez. I can only come up with one slight negative, and that is that it doesn’t ship with a gig bag.

The guitar’s flat finish and minimal hardware and appointments give it a raw, no-nonsense look that is ideal for rocking out on stage night after night. A great, versatile choice for players on a tight budget.

YouTube Video

Key Features:

  • Body: Linden
  • Neck: Nyatoh w/ 20 Fret Walnut Fingerboard
  • Bridge: Gibraltar Performer w/ VT06 Trapeze-Style Tailpiece
  • Pickups: Ibanez Infinity Humbuckers
  • Gig Bag: Not Included
  • Finish: Tobacco Flat

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

2. Epiphone Casino

The Legend Rides Again!

Epiphone Casino Left Handed Archtop Guitar

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

Next up on our list is the iconic left-handed Epiphone Casino which is available in a choice of two classy finishes. Originally made famous by the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, this model has ES-335-like semi-hollow looks but is actually a fully-fledged hollow body instrument.

The main features include a layered mahogany body for a bright and articulate sound, a fast and slim mahogany neck, and a classy parallelogram inlay adorned laurel fretboard. Like the Ibanez above, these left handed hollow body guitars feature a trapeze-style tailpiece for rock-solid tuning stability.

On pickup duty is a pair of Epiphone PRO P90s that are carefully wound to offer both chiming highs and powerful, warm lows. P90s are one of the more versatile pickup styles, helping the Casino to become a bit of a jack of all trades.

YouTube Video

An additional plus is that this recently refreshed model also ships with a branded gig bag. As Epiphone’s best-selling archtop, the Casino is a great choice for players with a modest budget who need a guitar to cover a wide variety of different genres.

Key Features:

  • Body: Maple
  • Neck: Mahogany w/ 22 Fret Laurel Fingerboard
  • Bridge: Tune-O-Matic w/ Diamond Trapeze Tailpiece
  • Pickups: Epiphone PRO P90
  • Gig Bag: Included
  • Finish: Natural or Vintage Sunburst

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

3. Gretsch G5422GLH Electromatic

Double Cut Left Handed Hollow Body Guitar

Gretsch G5422GLH Lefty Hollowbody

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

Gretsch is one of the best-known brands when it comes to hollow and semi-hollow body guitars, with a rich heritage in building these styles of guitar.

The double-cutaway left-handed Gretsch G5422GLH from the brand’s Electromatic range is a classy-looking instrument indeed with its snow crest white finish and all gold hardware.

The main features include a snappy-sounding maple body with trestle block bracing to help reduce feedback whilst simultaneously increasing sustain. A c-profile maple neck is paired with a laurel fingerboard featuring pearloid hump block inlays.

Finally, a pair of vintage-voiced Filter’Tron FT-5E humbuckers give untapped access to that legendary Gretsch tone.

YouTube Video

Sadly, Gretsch does not include a gig bag or hard case with the G5422GLH, so you will need to source your own for this classy axe. A minor negative!

Key Features:

  • Body: Maple
  • Neck: Maple w/ 22 Fret Laurel Fingerboard
  • Bridge: Adjustomatic w/ Gretsch G-Cutout Tailpiece
  • Pickups: Filter’Tron FT-5E Humbuckers
  • Gig Bag: None
  • Finish: Snow Crest White

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

4. Gretsch G5420LH Electromatic

Single Cut Left Handed Hollowbody Guitar

Gretsch G5420LH Left Handed Hollow Body

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

The left handed Gretsch G5420LH Electromatic is a very similar instrument to the G5422GLH that we just looked at. It features the same tonewoods and hardware, but is instead wrapped up in a single-cut package. Both guitars sit at the same price point, so which one do you pick?

Compared to the G5422GLH above, this model sports a slightly deeper body – 2.75″ vs 2.25″. This results in the G5420LH having a slightly improved bass response when compared to the model above. The sounds produced are a little rounder and warmer here.

If a snappier, brighter tone is important then the G5422GLH will be the better choice. The slimmer body may also be a little more comfortable for smaller players.

Of course, the decision could just come down to aesthetics! But then again, they both look superbwhat a dilemma to have! Again, I was disappointed to see that this model does not ship with a gig bag.

Check out the demo video below from the incredible Chris George. Unfortunately, the left handed model is no longer available in black.

YouTube Video

Key Features:

  • Body: Maple
  • Neck: Maple w/ 22 Fret Laurel Fingerboard
  • Bridge: Adjustomatic w/ Gretsch G-Cutout Tailpiece
  • Pickups: Filter’Tron FT-5E Humbuckers
  • Gig Bag: None
  • Finish: Orange Stain

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

5. Epiphone Broadway

Quality Left Handed Jazz Guitar

Epiphone Broadway Left Handed Jazz Guitar

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

Players looking for a quality left handed jazz guitar will definitely want to check out the newly released Epiphone Broadway. Available in a traditional vintage sunburst finish as well as a gorgeous wine red color.

The main features include a select spruce top with maple back and sides for a punchy and bright sound. A comfortable slim taper maple neck is paired to a smooth laurel fingerboard with classy pearloid and abalone block inlays.

The Broadway also uses a pair of Epiphone’s vintage-voiced Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers that provide plenty of fat and warm tones on tap.

The Epiphone ‘Frequensator‘ tailpiece has an interesting split design that uses a shorter fork and a longer fork. This helps to provide a deeper sound on the bass side, and a brighter tone on the treble for a well-balanced frequency response.

YouTube Video

With its big band roots, large body, and killer looks, the Broadway is the ideal left handed jazz box.

Key Features:

  • Body: Maple w/ Select Spruce Top
  • Neck: Maple w/ 20 Fret Laurel Fingerboard
  • Bridge: Floating Pau Ferro Bridge w/ Frequensator Tailpiece
  • Pickups: Filter’Tron FT-5E Humbuckers
  • Gig Bag: Premium Gig Bag Included
  • Finish: Wine Red or Vintage Sunburst

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

6. Epiphone USA Casino

Gibson-Quality Handcrafted Casinos

Epiphone USA Casino Left Handed Hollowbody Guitars

Get The Best Price
Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

Hold up a minute…didn’t I already talk about these guitars? Well, not quite, as this pair of premium Casinos are actually from Epiphone’s ultra high-end USA range!

These left handed hollow body guitars are handcrafted in Bozeman, Montana by Gibson’s finest luthiers, and as such, they command a price tag that you would normally associate with a Gibson model.

These USA Casinos feature premium appointments such as solid tonewoods, a nitro finish, quality Gibson pickups, hand-wired electronics, and a deluxe hardshell case.

YouTube Video

This is as close as you are likely to get to the magic of those original 1960s Casinos if your pockets are deep enough! You might find it a strange thought to be spending this sort of cash on Gibson’s ‘affordable‘ brand. However, these guitars really are in a completely different league to the Epiphones we are used to.

Key Features:

  • Body: 3-Play Maple/Poplar
  • Neck: Solid Mahogany w/ 20 Fret Indian Rosewood Fingerboard
  • Bridge: ABR-1 Adjustable Bridge w/ Thinline Trapeze Tailpiece
  • Pickups: Gibson USA Dogear P-90s
  • Gig Bag: Premium Hardshell Case Included
  • Finish: Royal Tan or Vintage Sunburst

Get The Best Price
Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

7. Gretsch G6136TG Falcon

Most Desirable Left Handed Hollow Body Guitar

G6136TG Gretsch White Falcon Left Handed Jazz Box

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

Often described as the world’s greatest hollow body guitar, the legendary Gretsch White Falcon is one of those instruments that every guitarist aspires to own. Having that falcon etched on your pickguard is an absolute badge of honor for many musicians.

Luckily, Gretsch hasn’t forgotten us southpaws and offers the G6136TG Players Edition Falcon from their flagship Professional Collection as a left-handed model. This ultra-classy axe aims to give all of the vintage vibe whilst also incorporating the latest modern innovations for improved play.

Standout features include a string-through Bigsby vibrato, dual FT-67 Filter’Tron pickups, Grover locking tuners, Luminlay side dots, no-load tone pots that won’t color your sound, and a premium Gretsch hard case.

It also features a slimmer 2.5″ deep body compared to the originals which helps to cut down on unwanted feedback and improve comfort and ergonomics.

YouTube Video

For those with a healthy wallet, this could very well be the ultimate left handed hollow body guitar!

Key Features:

  • Body: Laminated Maple
  • Neck: Maple w/ 22 Fret Ebony Fingerboard
  • Bridge: Adjusto-Matic w/ Bigsby B6GP String-Thru
  • Pickups: FT-67 Filter’Tron
  • Gig Bag: Premium Hardshell Case Included
  • Finish: White

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

Hollow Body FAQ

What Is A Hollowbody Guitar?

Similar to an acoustic guitar, a hollowbody instrument has a body that consists of a top, back, and sides. Unlike a solid body guitar, these instruments are completely empty inside.

The guitars are generally larger-bodied, archtop designs and feature f-holes to allow the air to move in and out freely. They are also usually equipped with lower output pickups and a slightly higher action when compared to their solid body cousins.

What Is a Hollow Body Guitar Best For?

Known for their clean and smooth tones, hollowbody guitars are generally favored by jazz and blues players – they are oftentimes referred to as jazz guitars in fact. Indeed, they were originally created as a means for guitarists to achieve increased volume when playing in large jazz bands.

However, that is not to say that these versatile axes are only to be used for these two genres of music. For example, AC/DC’s Malcolm Young was known to rock a Gretsch White Falcon on stage often!

What Are The Disadvantages Of A Hollow Body Guitar?

The most obvious disadvantage of a hollowbody guitar is its tendency to produce unwanted feedback when playing with high volume or gain settings. This is due to the hollow design of the guitars amplifying the sound of the strings acoustically.

Not a massive issue for players who favor a low-gain, clean style. However, you probably won’t find many high-gain shred guitarists tearing it up on one of these instruments!

The post 7 Best Left Handed Hollow Body Guitars appeared first on LeftyFretz.

]]>
Left Handed Travel Guitars and Basses https://leftyfretz.com/left-handed-travel-guitar-bass/ Sun, 12 Nov 2023 02:36:00 +0000 http://leftyfretz.com/?p=2863 Browse my handy list of compact left handed travel guitars and basses, ideal for musicians on the road.

The post Left Handed Travel Guitars and Basses appeared first on LeftyFretz.

]]>
Left Handed Travel Guitar

Searching for the best left handed travel guitars? Within this guide, you’ll find a selection of top lefty backpacker guitars to suit all budgets!

Travel guitars are ideal for when you’re on the road, or even just for when you need something compact in the office for a quick lunchtime jam session. 

As you’d expect from a guitar likely to be thrown around a lot, none of these models are desperately expensive, and so should be accessible to most. 

Designs range from models which are simply reduced in size, to clever guitars that save space through removable guitar parts or other similarly innovative features.

Left Handed Travel Guitars

Below you will find my current top choices for the best left-handed travel guitars. This includes electric guitars, acoustic models, as well as electro-acoustic options.

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!

Feel free to use the quick links below to jump to any specific guitar that you might be interested in.

  1. Traveler Ultra-Light Electro-Acoustic
  2. Traveler Ultra-Light Electric
  3. Martin Backpacker Acoustic
  4. Johnson Trailblazer Acoustic
  5. Journey OF420L Acoustic
  6. Stewart Stowaway Electric
  7. Squier Mini Stratocaster Electric
  8. Martin LX1RE Electro-Acoustic
  9. Further Options

Some of these backpacking guitars are created specifically for travelling with, and feature clever and innovative designs to help save space. However, I know that some people would simply prefer a slightly smaller ‘traditional’ instrument, so I have included a couple of good examples of these as well.

1. Traveler Ultra-Light Electro-Acoustic Guitar Left Handed

Traveler Ultra Light Acoustic Left Handed

The Ultra-Light Acoustic is Traveler’s left handed electro-acoustic travel guitar option for southpaw players, and is the smallest and lightest full-scale length acoustic-electric guitar ever made!

This backpacker guitar features a hard maple body and a one-piece hard maple neck-through-body design. The fingerboard is made from black walnut and features 22 medium frets. The lap-rest is detachable to give an even smaller footprint. Overall length is 28 inches and weight is just 2 lbs. 14 oz.

The Ultra-Light uses an innovative in-body tuning system. This clever design utilizes regular guitar tuners and lets you use any standard set of strings.

It also includes an acoustic piezo pickup and passive electronics for when you need a little extra volume. Plug into an amp or recording device and practice anywhere and at any time!

As with all Traveler guitars, it will easily fit into airline overhead bins. A custom gig bag is also provided to ensure that the guitar is kept safe when not being played.

You can see it in action in the demo video below!

YouTube Video

  • Overall Length : 28″ (711mm)
  • Overall Width : 5.25″ (133mm) with lap stand detached
  • Overall Depth : 2″ (51mm)
  • Scale Length : 24.75″
  • Weight : 2 lbs. 14 oz (3 lbs. 12 oz with gig bag)
  • Body : Eastern American Hard Maple
  • Neck : Eastern American Hard Maple (Neck-Through-Body)
  • Fretboard : Black Walnut – 22 Medium Frets
  • Pickup : Traveler Piezo
  • Truss Rod? : Yes
  • Gigbag Included? : Yes

This is the one to go for if you need a left handed electro-acoustic travel guitar. Check it out at the link below.

2. Traveler Ultra-Light Electric Guitar Left Handed

Traveler Ultra Light Electric Guitar Left Handed

The newly introduced left handed Ultra Light Electric from Traveler is the world’s smallest, most lightweight full-scale electric travel guitar. According to Traveler, it is 28% shorter and 68% lighter than a regular electric guitar.

It is essentially the electric travel guitar version of the electro-acoustic model above. So if you need to rock out a little harder, this is going to be the one to go for!

The guitar features an Eastern American hard maple body, paired with a one-piece hard maple neck. It uses a black walnut fretboard with 22 medium frets. You can detach the lightweight lap-rest to reduce the guitar’s overall size when in transit. The Ultra-Light’s full length is just 28 inches and it’s lightweight at a mere 3 lbs. 2 oz.

Crucially, you can use any standard set of strings on this guitar, thanks to its clever in-body tuning system which uses regular tuners.

It features a powerful dual-rail mini-humbucker which should easily be able to handle most styles of music. Plug it into your amp or practice device, and play as loud or as quiet as you’d like.

All Traveler guitars are specially designed to comfortably fit into the overhead bins on planes, and this guitar is no exception. It is also bundled with a custom gig bag to make sure that your guitar comes to no harm in transit.

See this left handed travel guitar in action in the demonstration video below!

YouTube Video

  • Overall Length : 28″ (711mm)
  • Overall Width : 5.25″ (133mm) with lap stand detached
  • Overall Depth : 2″ (51mm)
  • Scale Length : 24.75″
  • Weight : 3 lbs. 2 oz (3 lbs. 15 oz with gig bag)
  • Body : Eastern American Hard Maple
  • Neck : Eastern American Hard Maple (Neck-Through-Body)
  • Fretboard : Black Walnut – 22 Medium Frets
  • Pickup : Dual-Rail Humbucker
  • Truss Rod? : Yes
  • Gigbag Included? : Yes

Sold? Check it out at the link below to grab yours.

3. Martin Backpacker Left Handed Acoustic Guitar

Martin Backpacker Left Handed Travel Guitar

Unlike the more unique designs found on the two Travelers above, the 24″ scale-length Martin Backpacker more closely resembles a traditional acoustic guitar.

This backpacking guitar is specifically designed to withstand the rough and tumble of outdoor life. Plus, as it’s a Martin you can be assured of getting a high-quality instrument. There’s also an additional nylon string version if you’d prefer.

It is made with all-solid, sustainable tonewoods including a tried and tested solid Sitka spruce top for superior tone. A mahogany neck is paired with a Richlite fingerboard. A slight downside is that it only features 15 frets, which might put some players off. Think about whether or not you need those extra frets! There is also no truss rod on this model for neck adjustments.

It also features a slightly shorter 24″ scale length, which means that the fretboard will be a little more cramped when compared to the two Travelers above.

The left handed Martin Backpacker acoustic comes complete with a quality, padded gigbag and Martin branded woven strap. Its overall length is 33 inches and it is the lightest guitar here, at just 2.5 lbs.

See the Martin Backpacker in action in the excellent demo video below.

YouTube Video

  • Overall Length : 33″ (838mm)
  • Overall Width : 8.5″ (216mm)
  • Overall Depth : 2″ (51mm)
  • Scale Length : 24″
  • Weight : 2.5 lbs (1.13kg)
  • Body : Mahogany Back & Sides w/ Spruce Top
  • Neck : Mahogany
  • Fretboard : Richlite – 15 Frets
  • Pickup : None
  • Truss Rod? : No
  • Gigbag Included? : Yes

This could be the perfect backpacking guitar! Check it out at the link below.

4. Johnson JG-TR3 Trailblazer Acoustic Left Handed

Johnson JG-TR3 Trailblazer Left Handed Travel Guitar

The Johnson Trailblazer is essentially a full-sized guitar neck with a scaled-down acoustic body tacked on! It is similar in appearance to the Martin Backpacker above but features a longer 24.75″ scale length, 6 (ish!) additional frets, a truss rod, and a more affordable price point.

Although, the parts are clearly going to be of a lower quality than the Martin Backpacker. You won’t find a solid wood top here! Despite its low price tag, fancy appointments such as body and neck binding do give it the appearance of being a much more expensive instrument.

A 24.75″ scale length and 33.75″ overall length make it ideal for taking on the road. It also comes with its own custom gig bag, ensuring your guitar stays safe when on the move.

  • Overall Length : 33.75″ (857mm)
  • Overall Width : 7.75″ (197mm)
  • Overall Depth : 2.5″ (63mm)
  • Scale Length : 24.75″
  • Weight : 2.5 lbs (1.13kg)
  • Body : White Wood
  • Neck : Mahogany
  • Fretboard : Revebond – 21 Frets
  • Pickup : None
  • Truss Rod? : Yes
  • Gigbag Included? : Yes

This is the one to go for if you need a left handed travel acoustic guitar and you have a tight budget. Check it out at the link below.

5. Journey OF420L Overhead Acoustic

Journey OF420L Overhead Left Handed Travel Guitar

The OF420L backpack guitar from Journey stands out from the rest of the guitars on this list thanks to its innovative and premium design. It will pack away to an even smaller size (length-wise at least!) than the guitars above thanks to its collapsible neck! This video will show you how easy it is to assemble and disassemble the guitar in seconds.

The main selling point here is that once unpacked, the OF420L is almost a full-sized, regular acoustic guitar. So it should offer a similar playing experience to that of your regular acoustics.

The main features of this collapsible guitar include a solid Sitka spruce top, sapele back and sides, Grover tuners, 24.5″ scale length, and an under-bridge pickup system for amplified play, or quiet practice with headphones.

This backpack guitar also comes with a specially designed, high-quality carry bag to enable it to easily fit in any aircraft overhead storage locker. The premium bag even has a pocket for your laptop.

The only real downside to the innovative design and premium appointments of the OF420L is that it comes with a price tag to match. It’s one of the more pricey options on this list, but it’s also one of the best choices if budget allows!

Check out the video demo of this folding travel guitar below from our friend Shane over at InTheBlues.

YouTube Video

  • Overall Length : 35.5″ (900mm)
  • Overall Width : 12.5″ (318mm)
  • Overall Depth : 4.64″ (118mm)
  • Packed Size : 22x14x9″ (559x355x229mm)
  • Scale Length : 24.5″
  • Weight : 4.4 lbs (2kg) or 7.4 lbs (3.3kg) with case
  • Body : Premium Layered Pau Ferro w/ Hand-Selected Premium Solid Sitka Spruce Top
  • Neck : Solid African Mahogany (Carbon Fiber Reinforced)
  • Fretboard : Ovangkol – 20 Frets
  • Pickup : JourneyTek Under-Bridge 3-Piezo Transducer
  • Truss Rod? : Yes
  • Gigbag Included? : Yes

This is the option to go for if you want a premium, full-sized left handed travel guitar. It is also the shortest overall package here when packed away, so it’s also worth considering if the length is an important factor to you. In addition, it might be a great choice if secrecy is important, as the average Joe will have no idea that you have an expensive guitar in your bag!

Sound good? Find this backpacking guitar at the link below! You’ll also find other variations of the guitar, such as a cutaway version and a nylon string classical model!

6. Stewart Stowaway Electric

Stewart Stowaway Left Handed Travel Guitar

The Stewart Stowaway is the latest addition to this list. The company offers their innovative travel electric guitar as a left handed version in tobacco sunburst.

Key selling points here are the shorter length once packed away, and the ability to specify various pickup combinations when ordering. In addition, it is the only guitar here that features a standard 25.5″ scale length.

Like the Journey left handed travel acoustic guitar above, the Stewart Stow-away is a premium product and runs more or less the same price. However, you can spend a little more depending on the pickup configuration that you choose when ordering (dual humbuckers is an additional $200 for example).

It features a similar design to the Journey Overhead above, but in an electric travel guitar package. Main features include an alder body, maple neck with amaranthus fretboard, full 25.5″ scale length, and a custom carry backpack.

A recessed slot in the back of the body allows the neck to be stored when not in use, kind of like a samurai sword – very cool!

Stewart Travel Guitar Review

The images above are just for illustration, this collapsible guitar model is available left handed only in tobacco sunburst.

The tuners are located on the rear of the body to allow for a space-saving headless design.

  • Overall Length : 31″ (787mm)
  • Overall Width : 12″ (305mm)
  • Overall Depth : 2″ (51mm)
  • Packed Size : 20.5x14x4″ (521x356x102mm)
  • Scale Length : 25.5″
  • Weight : 6.8 lbs (3.1kg)
  • Body : Alder
  • Neck : Maple
  • Fretboard : Amaranthus – 22 Medium Frets
  • Pickup : Various single-coil and humbucker configurations available
  • Truss Rod? : Yes
  • Gigbag Included? : Yes

7. Squier Mini Stratocaster

Left Handed Squier Mini Strat Review

All of the instruments above are excellent guitars, designed specifically for travel. But what if all you really need is just a slightly reduced-size regular guitar?

Well, if you’re looking for a small electric guitar, then the new Squier Mini Stratocaster will probably tick your boxes. With the exception of a tremolo bar, and a single tone knob, this little guy will give you the full Strat experience on a smaller scale.

It features a thin and lightweight poplar body, a maple neck, and a 20-fret Indian laurel fingerboard. Three single-coil pickups and a 5-way selector switch ensure that you can eke out a wide variety of different tones. The hardtail bridge will also help to maintain rock-solid tuning stability.

It uses a 22.75″ scale length, so the fretboard will be a little more cramped than on your regular guitars, but not massively so.

The mini Squier is also super affordable, so you’re not going to be completely gutted when it inevitably picks up a few dings and scratches on the road. It would also make an ideal beginner electric guitar for a child!

  • Overall Length : 34.5″ (876mm)
  • Overall Width : 12″ (305mm)
  • Overall Depth : 1.5″ (38mm)
  • Scale Length : 22.75″
  • Weight : 5.8 lbs (2.6kg)
  • Body : Poplar
  • Neck : Maple
  • Fretboard : Indian Laurel – 20 Narrow Tall Frets
  • Pickups : 3 Single-Coil Strat Pickups
  • Truss Rod? : Yes
  • Gigbag Included? : No

Sound good? Check it out at the link below!

8. Martin LX1RE Little Martin Left Handed

Martin LX1RE Acoustic

And finally, if you’d prefer a slightly reduced size acoustic, then my recommendation is for the excellent Martin LX1RE electro-acoustic.

The LX1RE from the Little Martin series is small in size, but big on tone. It features a mahogany laminate back and sides for extra strength and durability, and adds a quality solid Sitka spruce top for improved resonance and tone.

The neck is made from rust birch laminate for extra stability, and is paired with a 20 fret Richlite fingerboard. A lot of sustainable laminate options are used in the construction of this guitar in order to make it really hard wearing for when you are on the road.

The shorter 23″ scale length means that the fretboard will be a little more cramped than on your regular acoustic guitars, but not to a huge degree.

Premium Fishman Sonitone electronics are also squeezed into this tiny package to let you plug into an amp or practice device. A quality Martin gig bag is also included to protect the guitar when not in use.

Check out the excellent demo video below for some sound samples.

YouTube Video

  • Overall Length : 34″ (864mm)
  • Overall Width : 15″ (381mm)
  • Overall Depth : 3″ (76mm)
  • Scale Length : 23″
  • Weight : 3.5 lbs (1.6kg)
  • Body : HPL Back/Sides w/ Solid Sitka Spruce Top
  • Neck : Rust Birch Laminate
  • Fretboard : Richlite – 20 Frets
  • Pickups : Fishman Sonitone Electronics
  • Truss Rod? : Yes
  • Gigbag Included? : Yes

If it sounds like the Martin LX1RE ticks all of your boxes, check it out at the link below.

Other Travel Guitar Options

Headless Guitars

If you find that your current guitar is just that little bit too tall to take on the road then a guitar with a headless design may just be what you need. For example, Steinberger guitars are famed for their headless neck and smaller body size.

Whilst not technically ‘travel guitars’, they could just save that extra couple of inches that your main guitar would take up. Something like this Strandberg Boden could be just the ticket!

Strandberg Left Handed Headless Guitar

Other brands that offer left handed headless guitars include Steinberger, Kiesel, Mayones, Skervesen, and Ormsby.

Short Scale Left Handed Guitars

Shorter scale guitars are not just for kids – they can make a perfect left handed travel guitar for anyone! Many guitars will come in all shapes and sizes all the way down to a 1/4 size. Obviously, smaller-sized guitars come with their trade-offs, but these issues can probably be overlooked in place of their portability.

Take a look at my previous articles on short-scale left-handed guitars for ideas…

Or for the ultimate compact guitar – why not try a ukulele? I have a guide for that too!

Important Travel Guitar Features

Here are a few key points to consider before shopping for a travel guitar.

  • It should feature as close to a full scale length as possible so that you are not forced to compromise your playing style.
  • It must be able to hold tuning and achieve good intonation.
  • As it may be subjected to differing climates, it must have a truss rod to allow for neck adjustments to be made.
  • It should accept regular ball-end guitar strings.
  • It should preferably come supplied with a custom carry case solution for safe transport.

All of the guitars featured above will satisfy most, if not all of these criteria.

The post Left Handed Travel Guitars and Basses appeared first on LeftyFretz.

]]>
Best Left Handed Mandolin (Choices For All Budgets & Abilities) https://leftyfretz.com/best-beginner-left-handed-mandolin/ Thu, 27 Jul 2023 10:26:00 +0000 http://leftyfretz.com/?p=13430 A list of the best left handed mandolin choices for beginners and intermediate players. Including options for all budgets and musical tastes!

The post Best Left Handed Mandolin (Choices For All Budgets & Abilities) appeared first on LeftyFretz.

]]>
best left handed mandolin

Searching for the best left handed mandolin, but unsure where to start? This in-depth guide should clue you in on all you could ever need to know!

Throughout this guide, I’ll talk you through my favorite lefty mandolin models that are easily available without the need to special order from a dealer. We have a few beginner mandolin bundles as well as more premium options that will suit intermediate and advanced players.

If you stick around until the end of the guide, we’ll also answer a few important questions that beginners may have about the instrument. Such as…

  • The difference between A-style and F-style mandos?
  • What accessories might you also need?
  • How do you learn to play mandolin left handed?

Left-handed mandolins are truly a niche within a niche, so you won’t be surprised to discover that beginner lefty instruments are few and far between.

You certainly aren’t going to find many left handed mandolins for sale (if any at all!) in your local guitar store, which makes purchasing online pretty much unavoidable.

Let’s take a look at my top picks!

What Is The Best Left Handed Mandolin?

Below, you’ll discover my top 3 picks for the best left handed mandolin for beginners and intermediate players this year. I have ordered this list from the most affordable left handed mandolins first, to the more expensive options towards the end.

Disclosure: If you decide to purchase a banjo using the links in this article I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

Even right-handed players might struggle to find a local store that stocks more than a handful of mandolins, so as a left handed player you’re almost certainly going to have to purchase online. I’ve listed a few good left handed mandolins for sale below, complete with links to buy.

  1. Vangoa VMA10 A-Style
  2. Stagg M20 A-Style
  3. Oscar Schmidt OM40 F-Style

1. Vangoa VMA10 A-Style Mandolin

Left Handed Vangoa Mandolin VMA10

At the time of writing, the most affordable left-handed mandolin is the Vangoa VMA10. Unless you hit up the second-hand market, that is!

The main features of this A-style mandolin include a basswood body for a well-balanced sound, a strong Okoume neck, and a 20-fret ebony fingerboard. The Vangoa’s body is finished in an eye-catching sunburst that is continued on the neck and headstock for a premium aesthetic.

Other appointments on the Vangoa Mandolin include an adjustable mahogany bridge with an anti-rust top to help prolong the life of your strings, vintage-style open tuners, as well as a matching vintage-style tailpiece. It also features an arched back to help enhance resonance.

This instrument will make an ideal beginner left handed mandolin as it ships as a bundle including everything needed to start playing. Inside the package, you’ll find a gig bag, a strap, a selection of picks, spare strings, as well as a clip-on headstock tuner. In addition, Vangoa has included an optional pickup that you can use to amplify or record your mandolin.

Unless you are completely in love with the look of an F-style mando, beginners should really opt for an 8-string A-style model such as this, as you’ll get more bang for your buck. When you first start out, a mandolin is going to sound like a mandolin. Once you’ve been playing a year or two you’ll be in a better position to feel confident about dropping extra money on a more advanced instrument.

So, if you’re sold on this budget beauty, you can check it out at the link below.

2. Stagg M20 A-Style Mandolin

Left Handed Stagg Mandolin M20

For just a little extra money compared to the Vangoa above, we can look at the Stagg M20 left handed Mandolin. Like the Vangoa, this is an 8-string A-style model in a burst finish and it carries similar specifications.

So, your decision may ultimately come down to which model you prefer the looks of!

The main features of this Stagg mandolin include a basswood body for a nice balanced tone, a nato neck (similar to mahogany), and a 20-fret rosewood fingerboard. A nice touch that gives the Stagg a slightly more premium vibe is that the headstock is also fully bound.

Further notable appointments include an adjustable rosewood bridge, open-gear nickel tuners, a vintage-style carved tailpiece, and a fully-bound body, neck, and headstock.

Unfortunately, the Stagg doesn’t ship with any bundled accessories. So, you will need to source your own extras if you require them. Head to the end of the page where I have prepared a list of additional bits and pieces that you might also like to pick up.

Hit the link below to find out more, plus read a few player reviews of the Stagg.

3. Oscar Schmidt OM40 F-Style

Left Handed Oscar Schmidt Mandolin OM40

If an F-style mandolin is what you’re after, the most affordable option currently available is the left handed Oscar Schmidt OM40. And, it’s certainly a looker!

For those who don’t know, Oscar Schmidt is owned by Washburn Guitars. So, you can be assured of a high-quality instrument here.

The main features include maple back and sides, a select spruce top, a mahogany neck, and a 21 fret rosewood fingerboard. So, a tried and tested tonewood selection that will offer up a lush, bright tone.

Premium appointments include full body and neck binding, classy pearloid tuning pegs, an adjustable rosewood bridge, plus a beautiful vintage-styled gold tailpiece.

The only real downside to the OM40 is that it doesn’t ship with a gig bag, so you will need to source your own if this is something you require. Head to the end of this article for some recommendations.

Check out the link below if you love the sound of the Oscar Schmidt OM40.

What Mandolin Accessories Will I Need?

If this will be your first mandolin, there are a few extra bits and pieces that you may also like to pick up if your instrument doesn’t already come bundled with them.

Picks. Most mandolin players prefer to use a thick pick, of at least 1mm.

Tuner. My choice would be an inexpensive Snark SN5X clip-on tuner. This little gadget clamps onto your headstock and tunes very accurately via vibration (although it also includes a built-in mic).

Strap. Mandolin straps are a little different from regular guitar straps. A popular option is this beautiful brown leather Planet Waves strap.

Gigbag. Protect your mandolin when traveling to lessons or gigs with a good case or padded gig bag. A great budget option is this Donner gig bag.

Strings. Most stores won’t put a fresh set on before shipping, so who knows how old the strings will be on your new mandolin. Grab a few sets to make sure your mandolin sounds its best from day one. The most popular set for mandolin is the D’Addario J74 Phosphor Bronze pack.

Learn to Play Left Handed Mandolin

So, you’ve got your new mandolin and a bunch of shiny accessories – now what? At this point it would probably make sense to learn how to make some sweet, sweet music, right?

Obviously, your best option is going to be finding a good mandolin tutor. However, not all of us can afford pricey one-on-one lessons, and there’s no reason why you can’t teach yourself using free resources such as video lessons on YouTube.

I would suggest that if you decide to go the self-taught route, make sure to supplement with a good beginner book to ensure that you have a little structure in your education.  A great book is Mandolin Primer for Beginners by Bert Casey, which includes free access to online video lessons.

There’s really no reason to look for lessons specifically aimed at left handed players. The only slight disadvantage you have is that you will need to read chord diagrams backward – not exactly a difficult task!

However, I know that some new players can struggle a little at first. So, if you want to make sure to get started on the right foot, William Bay has a great left handed mandolin chord chart.

Beginner Mandolin Questions

What IS a Mandolin?

In a nutshell, the mandolin is a small-sized instrument descended from the lute family.

Although there are 10 and 12-string variations, most common mandolins feature 8 strings split up into 4 ‘courses‘. Each course consists of two strings which are typically tuned to the same note in order to give the instrument its distinctive chiming sound.

The most common tuning is G-D-A-E, which is the same as a violin.

A-Style, F-Style, or Bowl-Back Mandolin?

Which style is best? Although there is little variance between designs in terms of tones produced, there are some key differences between each style.

A-Style or F-Style Mandolin

A mandolin that is oval or tear-shaped is referred to as A-Style. This type of design is generally the most affordable because they are simpler to build. This is due to the lack of decorative scrolls and points which are found on F-Style models. 

Due to their much lower price, an A-Style left handed mandolin is going to be the best choice for new southpaw players wanting to dip their toes in the water.

F-Style mandolins (sometimes referred to as Florentine mandolins) are instantly recognizable thanks to their luxurious body scroll and points, generally accompanied by additional lavish appointments.

They were introduced by Gibson in the early 20th century, and most modern designs are based on these original instruments. The points on the bottom of the mandolin have a small impact on the sound produced, and also provide a handy resting point for when playing seated. F-Style mandolins are generally most popular amongst country, bluegrass, and roots-style players.

Finally, Bowl-Back mandolins tend to be favored for classical, renaissance, and other historical styles of music. As you can probably tell by the name, these mandolins feature a rounded back, helping them to produce a deeper tone than the two styles above.

Are There Left Handed Electric Mandolins?

Left Handed Mandocaster

Back in the 50s, Fender produced a solid-body electric mandolin which players came to call the ‘Mandocaster‘. Today, a number of other brands produce electric mandolins. And fear not, there are a handful of great lefty options.

On the left is the Eastwood 8-string Mandocaster which features an alder body, bolt-on maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, and two single-coil pickups for a variety of tones. You can check out a great demonstration video here.

Another cool option is the Gold Tone GME-4 shown above on the right. This model has 4 strings, an alder body, a maple neck and fingerboard, and a single neck pickup. See it in action here.

Where To Find Used Left Handed Mandolins?

Although they are obviously fairly rare, you should be able to find a good used left handed mandolin for sale on sites such as eBay, or Reverb.

You can also read through my eBay search tips article or my article on how to get the best deals on eBay for help.

The post Best Left Handed Mandolin (Choices For All Budgets & Abilities) appeared first on LeftyFretz.

]]>
Best Left Handed Banjo (6 Choices For All Budgets) https://leftyfretz.com/buy-left-handed-banjo/ Mon, 03 Apr 2023 11:41:00 +0000 http://leftyfretz.com/?p=11769 A list of the best left handed banjo choices for beginners and intermediate players. Including options for all budgets and musical tastes!

The post Best Left Handed Banjo (6 Choices For All Budgets) appeared first on LeftyFretz.

]]>
Left Handed Banjo Guide

If you’re searching for a left handed banjo you’re in the right place! Although these niche instruments aren’t exactly a dime a dozen, there are plenty of great banjos out there for lefty players of all abilities and budgets.

Throughout this guide, we’ll take a look at my top 6 best left handed banjo picks. This list includes beginner packages including everything you’ll need to get started, to more premium options that will potentially last you for life.

Stick around for the end of the guide where I will also answer some common questions that you may have about playing banjo left handed. Such as…

  • Should you play left or right-handed?
  • 4, 5, or 6-string banjo – Which is best?
  • What are the main banjo playstyles?
  • Resonator versus open-back models
  • How to tune a banjo?

What Is The Best Left Handed Banjo?

Below you’ll discover my top 6 choices for the best left handed banjo for beginners and intermediate players this year. The list is ordered from the most affordable left handed banjos at the start to the more pricey options at the end.

Disclosure: If you decide to purchase a banjo using the links in this article I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

If you’re feeling impatient, you can use these links to head directly to the specific left handed banjo reviews that you’re interested in. But be sure to also check out the end of this article where you’ll discover a ton of handy advice that you’ll want to consider before pulling the trigger on your new instrument.

  1. Jameson 5-String Banjo
  2. Ashthorpe 5-String Banjo
  3. Vangoa 5-String Banjo
  4. Oscar Schmidt OB5LH
  5. Deering Goodtime 2
  6. Harley Benton HBJ-25LH

1. Jameson 5-String Banjo

Best Cheap Banjo

Jameson Banjo Review

At the time of writing, the most affordable left handed banjo available is the Jameson 5-string banjo. That is, without hitting up the second-hand market at least!

The main features include a laminate maple and mahogany shell, a mahogany neck, and a beautiful purpleheart fingerboard. The closed-back resonator is also made from mahogany. Crucially, the resonator is removable in case you would prefer to use this banjo as an open-back model.

Other appointments include an industry-standard Remo Weatherking drum head for a full and rich tone, a maple bridge with an ebony saddle, a chrome armrest, plus an adjustable tailpiece and truss rod. A geared 5th tuner allows for precise control of the banjo’s sound.

This instrument also ships with a quality padded gig bag to keep your new banjo safe when out and about.

The Jameson 5-string will make an excellent beginner left handed banjo for players looking to dip their toes into the world of banjo for the first time. The only downside to this budget instrument is that it does not include any accessories, so you will need to source your own picks, strap, and tuner at additional expense.

If you’re sold, you can check it out at the links below!

2. Ashthorpe 5-String Banjo

Budget Left Handed Banjo

Left Handed 5 String Banjo

I recommended the Jameson above as being the cheapest banjo currently available. But, in truth, there is another option!

The Ashthorpe 5-string banjo is basically a re-branded version of the Jameson with a slightly different gig bag. It does come with a few extra accessories such as picks, spare strings, and a polishing cloth, but I’ll leave it up to you to decide if that is worth an additional $10!

Like the Jameson, it has a 5-ply maple/mahogany shell, a smooth mahogany neck, and a slick purpleheart fretboard. The mahogany resonator can also be removed using 4 thumb screws allowing the instrument to be used as an open-back banjo if required.

The frosted Remo banjo head offers up a classic clear and bright tone, and the quality 15:1 ratio geared tuners ensure excellent tuning precision. An adjustable truss rod lets you combat the effects that changes in humidity may have on the neck over time.

If these two banjos are exactly the same, which one should you pick if on a tight budget? Check the price below to find out which is currently the most affordable!

If there’s currently no difference in price, the decision will most likely come down to whether you prefer the black gig bag with the Jameson, or the beige bag with this one.

3. Vangoa 5-String Banjo

Best Banjo Bundle

Vangoa Left Banjo

If you’re new to banjo and would love a package that includes everything you need to get started, then look no further than the Vangoa left handed 5-string banjo bundle.

This superb package is only slightly more expensive than the two models above, but includes a gig bag, spare strings, a headstock tuner, a pickup, a strap, a polishing cloth, and a set of fingerpicks.

As far as the banjo itself is concerned, it features a 5-ply birch rim with a mahogany shell, a removable mahogany resonator for open-back play, a mahogany neck, and a smooth purpleheart fretboard. Precise tuning is available via the 14:1 ratio geared tuners, and the classic Remo Weatherking head ensures a bright and twangy tone.

YouTube Video

A standout feature of this excellent banjo package is the included pickup which will allow you to play at volume through an amplifier or PA system.

A slight disadvantage is that the included gig bag isn’t quite as premium when compared to the Jameson and Ashthorpe above, but that may not be an issue depending on your needs.

Overall, I’d recommend this kit as the best left handed banjo bundle currently available. Check it out at the link below for current pricing information.

4. Oscar Schmidt OB5LH

Best Beginner Left Handed Banjo

Left Handed Banjo For Beginners

We’re starting to move up in terms of price now, but at under $300, the Oscar Schmidt OB5LH is still very affordable as far as banjos are concerned.

For those not in the know, Oscar Schmidt is produced by Washburn Guitars, so you can be sure that these banjos will be a little higher in terms of craftsmanship and playability when compared to other budget options.

Main features include a mahogany resonator, a nato neck with a 22-fret rosewood fingerboard, a Remo Weatherking head, and a geared 5th string tuner.

It certainly looks a cut above the previous banjos in this list thanks to its 30-bracket cast aluminum tone ring, decorative inlays, and fully bound fingerboard and resonator.

The only downside to this instrument is that the resonator is not removable, so if you would like to switch to open-back play on occasion this may not be the banjo for you. On the plus side, the non-removable back results in a slightly improved sound overall.

Find out more about the Oscar Schmidt OB5LH at the link below.

5. Deering Goodtime 2

Best Left Handed Banjo

Deering Goodtime 2 Banjo

The banjos above are all great for beginners or for those on a budget. But what if you’re looking to advance from your first banjo, or are happy splashing a little extra cash?

Well, you will probably struggle to find much better than the USA-built best-selling Deering Goodtime 2 for under $1000.

Main features include a 3-ply violin-grade maple rim, a 3-ply poplar/maple resonator, a hard rock maple neck, and a 22-fret fingerboard. And just look at those ultra-classy hardwood bowtie inlays. She’s a beauty for sure!

You can even remove the resonator for open-back style play if required.

Check out Deering’s video below for an excellent demonstration of the sounds that the Goodtime 2 is capable of.

YouTube Video

Deering is so confident in the quality of this instrument that it comes with a whopping 6-year warranty. The only slight downside is that you would probably expect a gig bag at this price point. Unfortunately, you will need to source your own bag or case for the Goodtime 2.

The Deering Goodtime 2 is a killer bluegrass banjo with a rich and golden tone, with a build quality that guarantees this instrument will be with you for life. Head to the link below for current pricing and further information.

6. Harley Benton HBJ-25LH

European Banjo Option

Harley Benton Left Handed Banjo

All of the banjo choices above are readily available in the USA, but I also wanted to include an extra option for you southpaws across the pond.

Thomann’s incredibly wide-ranging in-house brand Harley Benton includes an excellent budget-friendly left handed banjo that European players can get their hands on with ease. Say hello to the Harley Benton HBJ-25LH!

This model is part of Harley Benton’s Bluegrass series, and is incredibly affordable at just €169 at the time of writing.

Main features include a sapele resonator, a nato neck with a 22-fret blackwood fingerboard, a Remo Weatherking head, a maple and ebony bridge, plus quality geared tuners. The resonator can be removed if you would like to experience that open-back sound as well.

Unfortunately, this banjo does not ship with a gig bag or any included accessories, but you can easily pick up anything you need from Thomann when placing your order.

Check it out at the link below for more information.

Banjo Accessories

Here are a few extras that you might like to pick up with your new instrument if they are not already bundled along with it.

Tuner. A good headstock tuner is a must to ensure that you are playing in perfect pitch – my personal favorite is the KLIQ Ubertuner. Simply clamp it onto your headstock and it will tune your banjo perfectly via vibration. Check it out here.

Straps. A banjo strap is slightly different compared to a regular guitar strap and is a must-have if you plan to stand up while playing. Take a look through a selection here.

Fingerpicks. If bluegrass or clawhammer is the style of music you are opting for then a good set of picks is a necessity. Both plastic and metal varieties are available. Most players favor a plastic thumb pick coupled with metal fingerpicks. However, be sure to test all options (including your own fingernails!) to see what works best for you.

Banjo Lessons

So you’ve got your new instrument – now all that’s left to do is learn to play the damn thing! I’ve listed below a few popular books that will help get you off to a great start.

  1. Bluegrass Banjo for the Complete Ignoramus
  2. Clawhammer Banjo for the Complete Ignoramus
  3. Earl Scruggs and the 5-String Banjo
  4. Banjo for Dummies
  5. Left-Handed Banjo Beginners Jumpstart
  6. Left Handed Banjo Chord Chart

LinkClick Here To Check Out These 6 Books

Banjo FAQ

I’m sure the information above will be enough to get many of you started. However, for those of you who might need a little more information before taking the plunge, here’s a bit of extra reading that’ll cover a few extra questions you might like to consider.

Should I Play Banjo Left or Right Handed?

Right or left handed banjo? If you are brand new to playing a stringed instrument you might be debating over which way to play. For a quick answer, refer back to my article Should I Play Guitar Left or Right Handed?

It’s worth noting that for most styles of banjo playing I would suggest that it is especially important to have your dominant hand as your picking hand. Banjo is typically a very picking-centric instrument, so it’s critical to have a good sense of rhythm and control with your picking hand in particular.

Four or Five String Banjo?

This really depends on the style of music you’d like to be playing.

4-String. A 4-string banjo typically comes in two flavors –  a tenor, or a plectrum banjo. A plectrum banjo is the same as a 5-string, minus the shorter drone string (5th string), and is popular with jazz players. The tenor has a shorter scale length and is popular with Irish folk players.

They are typically used to perform a Dixieland style of playing and are mostly played using a plectrum (guitar pick). Example video.

5-String. The most popular banjo by far, and probably the style that most will opt for. A standard 5-string banjo has 22 frets, with the 5th string tuning peg being located at the 5th fret.

They typically come in two different variations – with a resonator, or with an open-back. Often called a Bluegrass Banjo, the design with a resonator is the most popular style of banjo for playing bluegrass. An open-back banjo is preferred for Clawhammer (frailing) style play due to its softer tone.

  • Bluegrass (resonator) banjo is typically played with a thumb-pick and two metal fingerpicks (also known as Scruggs style). Example video.
  • Clawhammer style is played with either fingernails or specialized plastic or metal fingerpicks. Example video.

6-String. If you already play guitar then a 6-string banjo may be an appealing option to you. However, note that these are essentially just banjo-shaped guitars. They are tuned and played like a guitar, but give a banjo-style sound. Example video.

What Is The Difference Between Open-Back And Resonator Banjos?

Open Back or Resonator Banjo

Resonator. If you look at the back of a resonator banjo you’ll notice a plate that is attached to the body – also sometimes referred to as the ‘pot’. The purpose of this resonator plate is to help the banjo to produce a louder sound, which helps in band situations. The sound bounces off the plate and is projected forward toward the audience. As mentioned above, you’ll probably want to opt for a resonator if bluegrass is your intended play style.

Open-Back. It should be fairly self-explanatory, but open-back banjos are essentially resonator banjos without the resonator! Because of their open back, these instruments produce a slightly quieter, mellower sound than their resonator cousins. Due to their softer tone, they are generally favored for playing old-timey American music, and are typically played using the clawhammer playstyle (or variations of this style). Another benefit to open-backed banjos is their lighter weight!

It’s worth noting that on some resonator banjos, the plate can be removed to give a quieter sound if needed. Almost all of the choices I have listed above have this facility.

Banjo Strings and Tuning

As a new player, it is generally felt that you should stick to lighter gauge strings, at least initially.

If you’re coming to banjo from playing guitar, the order of the strings might surprise you a little. Unlike on a guitar where the strings are in order from thickest to thinnest, the string order on a standard 5-string banjo is 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st, and then 5th.

The 5th string differs to the others in that it attaches to a special tuner located at the 5th fret, resulting in it being 3/4 the length of the other strings. It is often called the ‘thumb string’ and is used to create a drone sound. Specialized capos are available to alter the pitch of the thumb string.

The most common tuning used in bluegrass is open G (G B G B D). When playing older styles of music, common tunings are Open D (F# D F# A D) and Double C (G C G C D)

Main Banjo Play Styles

The two most common banjo playstyles are Scruggs style and clawhammer. Other styles exist (such as simply playing with a guitar pick), but these are the two which are most commonly associated specifically with banjo playing.

Scruggs Style (or 3-Finger Style). The most common form of picking in bluegrass music is Scruggs style (named after Earl Scruggs), where the player uses fingerpicks on the thumb, index, and middle fingers. The ring and pinky fingers are typically used as a brace against the body of the banjo. In this playstyle the strings are plucked very quickly in repetitive patterns (rolls), resulting in a very fast, lively sound.

Clawhammer. Also known as Frailing, the clawhammer style of play is preferred for old-time American music. The thumb and index or middle fingers are primarily used to pick. The hand forms a ‘claw’ shape with most of the movement coming from the wrist or elbow, rather than the fingers, which remain relatively stiff throughout.

A big difference between clawhammer and Scruggs style is the direction in which the strings are plucked. Scruggs-style players will pick down with the thumb and up with the fingers, whereas clawhammer players will pick downwards with all fingers. While Bluegrass can be called a picking style, clawhammer is more a rhythmic strumming style.

Check out the video below for a great demonstration of the difference between the 3-finger style and clawhammer.

YouTube Video

The post Best Left Handed Banjo (6 Choices For All Budgets) appeared first on LeftyFretz.

]]>
Left Handed Ukulele Buyer Guide https://leftyfretz.com/best-beginner-left-handed-ukuleles/ Wed, 30 Nov 2022 08:32:00 +0000 http://leftyfretz.com/?p=11285 Explore the best left handed ukulele options for beginners and more advanced players. All lefty uke questions are answered in this guide!

The post Left Handed Ukulele Buyer Guide appeared first on LeftyFretz.

]]>
best left handed ukulele

Finding the best left handed ukulele for your personal situation can be a little tricky as there aren’t a ton of lefty ukes on the market currently.

Luckily, there are some great choices out there if you know where to look, and in this article you’ll find my top picks depending on your budget and ability.

We’ll also look at the most common sizes of uke, and answer a few other questions such as how to tune a lefty, as well as how to learn to play.

If a ukulele is going to be your very first stringed instrument, and you’ve landed on this page wondering if you should be playing a left or right handed ukulele – read this article first.

Best Left Handed Ukulele

These are my current top picks for the best left handed ukuleles this year! Use the links to jump directly to the instruments, or keep reading and we’ll answer a few questions that beginner players might have.

ukulele for left handers

Do I Need A Left Handed Ukulele?

There are three schools of thought when it comes to southpaw ukuleles.

1. Get a Right Handed Ukulele and Flip it Over

But don’t restring! The big advantage here is that you will be able to play any uke, wherever you are. The downside is that you’ll need to learn the chords upside down. However, as there are fewer strings, this isn’t a hugely daunting task.

A further problem here is that if you flip a righty, (in most cases) you’ll have no position markers on the side of the fretboard to help guide you. The dots which should be helping you to navigate the fretboard are now facing the floor. It doesn’t sound that troublesome, but trust me, you’ll miss those little markers!

2. String a Right Handed Ukulele for Left Handed Play

Ukes are fairly simple instruments that are more often than not pretty much symmetrical in design. This means that unlike with a 6-string guitar, flipping a ukulele will generally only involve reversing the strings.

In some cases, if the strings aren’t sitting snugly, you may need to also flip the nut. On most ukes, the nut is held in place by string tension, so you should be able to remove it simply by loosening the strings. You may also require a lefty specific saddle to ensure correct intonation.

The benefit here is that learning chords will be easier. Watching ukulele lesson videos is made simple by the fact that the instructor will mirror you on-screen. However, you won’t be able to walk into a store and test out other ukuleles without a quick restring.

3. Get a Lefty Ukulele

If possible, it would definitely be preferable to look at proper left handed ukuleles to ensure that you can utilize the side position markers. In addition, you won’t need to flip the nut, or potentially have a new saddle fitted. Plus, the internal body bracing will be correct for left handed play, producing a better quality of sound.

As with most instruments, opting for a bona fide lefty is always the best option if the choice is available. Keep reading to browse my list of the best left handed ukuleles.

What Size Of Ukulele Do I Need?

There are four main sizes to choose from. In order from smallest to largest you have: Soprano > Concert > Tenor > Baritone

Other sizes do exist, but they are much rarer, and very hard to find as lefty models.

Common Ukulele Sizes

The Soprano is the smallest instrument at around 21 inches in total length. This is the size that most people will associate the ukulele with, as it makes that typical classic ukulele sound. Because of its smaller size, it is perfect for traveling with and for children or those with smaller hands. People with larger hands may find the fretboard a little cramped.

The Concert ukulele is a little bit bigger at 23 inches, which makes it a little less cramped than the Soprano above. It also produces that classic ukulele sound, but is a bit louder and deeper than the smaller Soprano. If you are new to the instrument, this is the size that I would opt for, personally.

Even bigger again is the Tenor at 26 inches. At this size, the Tenor begins to sound a little less Uke-like and a little deeper, like a classical guitar. It is generally favored by professional players.

Lastly, we have the Baritone ukulele at 30 inches. Its larger size makes it sound closer to a classical guitar than a ukulele. It is also tuned slightly differently to the 3 smaller styles above.

Check out the following video from our friends over at Reverb. In this, you can clearly hear the differences between the four different sizes to help you make your decision.

YouTube Video

What Is The Best Left Handed Ukulele?

When starting out with ukulele you are probably going to want to opt for one of the two smallest sizes – Soprano or Concert. These will give you that traditional ukulele sound, and a more compact, comfortable size.

I’ve listed a few great, affordable choices below which you can pick up today using the links supplied. One of this list of the best left handed ukuleles could be in your hands as soon as tomorrow!

Disclosure: If you decide to purchase a ukulele using the links in this article I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

Any of these instruments will make for a great introduction to left handed ukuleles.

Ranch Left Handed Concert Ukulele

Best Budget Left Handed Ukulele

Best budget left handed ukulele

The most affordable route into left handed ukulele is going to be this concert-sized beauty from Ranch. Despite its low price, the Ranch left handed Concert Ukulele also comes with a fantastic quality padded gig bag for easy transport.

The main features include a classy Sapele body with full body binding, Okoume neck, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and quality Aquila nylon ukulele strings.

A really nice touch on the Ranch is the Hawaiian-inspired etching around the soundhole, as well as the etched logos on the headstock. This combined with the full body binding really gives the ukulele the appearance of a much more expensive instrument.

The only real downside to this instrument is that it doesn’t come with any bundled accessories other than a gig bag. So you may need to source your own tuner at the very least.

Here’s a great video that will let you hear how great it sounds. Note that the left handed version is not available as a package, so the headstock tuner and strap mentioned in this video aren’t included. See the section below on tuning for my recommendation for a super-affordable tuner option.

YouTube Video

Key Features:

  • Body : Sapele (Fully Bound)
  • Neck : Okoume w/ 18 Fret Rosewood Fingerboard
  • Bridge : Rosewood
  • Gig Bag : Yes
  • Accessories : None

What I Like/Dislike About The Ranch Left Handed Concert Ukulele

Like:

  • Low price without sacrificing quality and features.
  • Quality gig bag included
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Strung with premium Aquila ukulele strings.
  • Has the look of a ukulele which is much more expensive than it is.

Dislike:

  • A headstock tuner would have been a useful addition to the package.
  • No ability to connect to an amp or computer.
  • Brand snobs may not approve.

The Ranch is undoubtedly one of the best left handed ukuleles for new players on a tight budget. Check out the glowing customer reviews at the link below!


Donner Concert Ukulele

Best Left Handed Uke Package

Left Handed Ukulele Package

If you are looking for a left handed ukulele package on a budget, then this little beauty from Donner may just tick all of your boxes.

I recently reviewed the Donner DAG-1C acoustic and was super-impressed at the quality of instrument on offer for such little money. Their lefty ukulele continues that trend, offering astonishing value for money.

For just a little more cash than the Ranch model above, the Donner left handed Concert Ukulele package includes a funky gig bag, but also bundles in a raft of extra accessories such as a strap, headstock tuner, extra strings, and a few others.

Essentially, you are getting everything you need to get started with the ukulele.

The left handed uke body is constructed from mahogany, a tonewood that is known for having a smooth and warm sound without becoming overly muddy. The rustic mahogany combined with the black binding, headstock veneer, and tuners gives this instrument a unique and classy appearance.

A further attribute of this left handed uke is its cutaway, which helps to ensure that you have excellent access to the higher frets. I think it also looks a little more appealing, but that’s just me!

Remarkably, the Donner also comes with a real bone nut and saddle for improved sound transmission. Although, the vegans amongst us might not be too glad to hear about this inclusion!

Finally, both front and rear strap pegs are present to ensure maximum compatibility with various types of straps.

YouTube Video

Key Features:

  • Body : Mahogany (Fully Bound)
  • Neck : Mahogany w/ 18 Fret Rosewood Fingerboard
  • Bridge : Rosewood
  • Gig Bag : Yes
  • Accessories : Strap, Tuner, Extra Strings, Picks, Polishing Cloth

What I Like/Dislike About The Donner Concert Ukulele

Like:

  • Includes everything you need to get started.
  • 2-year warranty
  • Strung with quality Aquila strings.
  • Real bone nut and saddle.

Dislike:

  • No ability to connect to an amp or computer.
  • Brand snobs may look down on you.

On a budget, the Donner left handed concert ukulele is going to be hard to beat if you are looking for a package that includes everything needed to get started. Check it out at the link below!


Kmise Soprano Ukulele

Left Handed Soprano Ukulele

Left Handed Soprano Ukulele

The Concert-sized instruments above are great budget choices, but what if you’d prefer a slightly smaller left handed Soprano ukulele? The choices are fairly slim in this size bracket, but luckily, the Kmise soprano ukuklele is a solid and affordable choice.

Even better, the Kmise ukulele package comes with everything you need to get started with the instrument. Included with this bundle are a gig bag, strap, tuner, and even a spare set of strings.

This smaller-sized lefty uke features an all-mahogany construction to help warm up and smooth out the tone. The body is paired with a walnut fingerboard which gives a rosewood look and feel without that hefty price tag.

The price is also kept low by eliminating any fancy appointments such as binding and body-etching. As a result, the Kmise has a bit of a no-frills appearance, but it plays just as well as the two budget left handed concert ukulele models we’ve looked at above.

Upgraded 18:1 ratio tuners should give a smooth and stable tuning experience when compared to the 15:1 tuners found on many budget instruments.

YouTube Video

Key Features:

  • Body : Mahogany (Fully Bound)
  • Neck : Mahogany w/ 18 Fret Rosewood Fingerboard
  • Bridge : Rosewood
  • Gig Bag : Yes
  • Accessories : Strap, Tuner, Extra Strings, Picks, Polishing Cloth

What I Like/Dislike About The Kmise Soprano Ukulele

Like:

  • Includes everything you need to get started.
  • Incredible value for money.
  • Smooth 18:1 ratio tuners.

Dislike:

  • No-frills appearance.
  • Non-branded strings.
  • Brand snobs may not approve.

The Kmise is an excellent left handed Soprano ukulele for new left handed players testing the waters, and also for those on a tight budget. Check it out at the link below!


Ranch Tenor Ukulele

Left Handed Tenor Ukulele

left handed tenor ukulele

You didn’t think I’d forgotten about those of you looking for a larger left handed tenor ukulele, did you?

I recommended the affordable Ranch left handed concert ukulele models above as one of the best choices for left handed players on a budget. Well, the good news if that Ranch also offers this model in a beefier tenor size!

This Ranch tenor ukulele is exactly the same as the concert model, just bigger! So, I won’t bore you with the same details again. Instead, you can jump back up to the concert model for a detailed rundown of specs and features.

As far as tenors go, this is undoubtedly one of the best left handed ukuleles on a budget. If it sounds like the lefty uke for you, then check it out at the link above!


Ortega RU5 Concert Ukulele

Best Intermediate Choice

Ortega RU5L Ukulele

Ortega is a brand that makes a big song and dance about their left handed range, so it’s unsurprising to see that their range of left handed ukuleles is strong!

From their popular Bonfire series, the Ortega RU5L is the brand’s best-selling ukulele (well, the right handed version is!). It is available with either a spruce or Sapele top – I have shown the spruce version above.

For a little extra money, the RU5L offers improved build quality, playability, and sound when compared to the more affordable models above.

The model I have displayed features the classic tried and tested spruce and sapele tonewood combination for a balanced and versatile sound. As I’ve already mentioned, it is also available with a Sapele top if you would like to warm the sound up a little.

The mahogany neck uses a satin finish that helps to provide a really smooth playing experience, and the die-cast tuners will ensure that this uke stays perfectly in tune.

Standout features on the Ortega RU5L include tortoise shell body binding for a unique and classy appearance, plus an elegant laser-etched butterfly and grass motif on the body.

YouTube Video

Key Features:

  • Body : Sapele w/ Spruce Top (Mahogany Top Also Available)
  • Neck : Mahogany w/ 18 Fret Walnut Fingerboard
  • Bridge : Walnut
  • Gig Bag : Yes
  • Accessories : None

What I Like/Dislike About The Ortega RU5L

Like:

  • Excellent build quality and playability.
  • Choice of spruce or Sapele top.
  • Tortoise shell binding and body etching give a premium look.
  • 2-year warranty.

Dislike:

  • No gig bag or accessories are included.
  • Non-branded strings

The Ortega RU5L is an excellent choice for a first ukulele, but will also make a great option for left handed players looking to move up from a budget model. The only choice you have to make is – spruce or Sapele?


Luna Tattoo Electro-Acoustic Concert Ukulele

Left Handed Electric Ukulele

Luna Left Handed Electric Ukulele

The Luna Tattoo left handed electric ukulele is a great choice if you’d prefer your uke to have electronics. It’s also certainly one of the better-looking instruments on this list with its Hawaiian-inspired body etching!

This ukulele has an all-mahogany body, with a walnut fingerboard featuring shark tooth inlays. This classic tonewood combination gives the Tattoo a clear, warm, and resonant sound.

An onboard pre-amp allows the uke to be plugged into an amp or practice/recording device. There are also EQ sliders that will allow you to shape the bass and presence levels, as well as adjust the volume.

Also note that while it does have a pre-amp, there is no built-in tuner, so you will need to pick up one of these separately if you do not already have one. See the section below on tuning for my recommendation.

Other standout features include a cutaway for improved upper fret access, geared tuners, and a Luna-branded gig bag for easy transport. It comes strung with quality Aquila super nylgut strings as well.

Check out the video below for a quick overview and sound demonstration of this beautiful little uke.

YouTube Video

Although I’ve suggested it as a great choice for a left handed electric ukulele, it is also available without electronics if you like the look but don’t require the ability to plug in. Check it out here.

Key Features:

  • Body : Mahogany
  • Neck : Mahogany w/ 18 Fret Walnut Fingerboard
  • Bridge : Walnut
  • Gig Bag : Yes
  • Accessories : None

What I Like/Dislike About The Luna Tattoo

Like:

  • Excellent build quality and playability.
  • Hawaiian-inspired etching gives a premium look.
  • Lifetime warranty.
  • Comes with superior Aquila strings.

Dislike:

  • No accessories are included.
  • The preamp has no built-in tuner.

There aren’t a ton of choices when it comes to electro-acoustic left handed ukuleles, but the Luna should definitely tick all of your boxes if your budget allows it.

If the Luna Concert Tattoo left-handed ukulele sounds like the instrument for you, be sure to check it out at the link below!


Ortega RUTI-CC Concert Ukulele

Premium Lefty Ukulele Choice

Left Handed Solid Top Ukulele

How about a higher-end choice for those that have a little extra cash to splash on one of the more premium left handed ukuleles? For the second time in this list, I’d like to direct your attention toward Ortega.

The Ortega RUTI-CC from the brand’s Timber Series is the only left handed solid-top ukulele to feature in this list. For those not in the know, a solid top will resonate better, offering an improved quality of sound. In addition, the solid cedar top will continue to improve as the wood ages!

Other premium features on these solid wood ukuleles include beautiful walnut back and sides, walnut binding, maple ‘bar’ inlays, ovangkol headstock veneer, a real bone nut and saddle, and deluxe gold tuners with classy black buttons.

Aside from the actual uke, you will also receive an ultra-high quality deluxe gig bag in which to store your new pride and joy.

The only real downside to this uke is that it is fairly pricey compared to the other instruments on this list. But it really is a case of you getting what you pay for here.

YouTube Video

Key Features:

  • Body : Walnut w/ Solid Cedar Top
  • Neck : Okoume w/ 18 Fret Walnut Fingerboard
  • Bridge : Walnut
  • Gig Bag : Yes
  • Accessories : None

What I Like/Dislike About The Ortega RUTI-CC

Like:

  • Superb build quality and playability.
  • The solid top offers improved sound quality.
  • High-quality gig bag included.
  • 2-year warranty.

Dislike:

  • Pricey for a ukulele
  • No accessories are included.
  • The preamp has no built-in tuner.

Although it’s a decent chunk of cash for a ukulele, those who can afford it will be rewarded with excellent build quality, a rich tone that will only improve with age, and smooth playability.

Check out these solid wood ukuleles at the link below.

And that concludes our list of the best left handed ukuleles! Read on and we’ll answer a few questions that you may have about the instrument.

How To Tune A Left Handed Ukulele

If you’d like to purchase a separate tuner, I recommend the Fender FT-1 clip-on headstock tuner. It functions perfectly on a ukulele, and costs less than the price of a pack of good strings!

Standard tuning on a ukulele is G-C-E-A (from top to bottom). For extra clarity, check out the image below which shows tuning on a lefty ukulele.

How To Tune a Left Handed ukulele

As we’ve already mentioned above, if you opt for a larger left handed baritone ukulele you will need to tune slightly differently. Baritone left handed ukuleles are tuned DGBA – a fourth down from GCEA tuning.

Left Handed Ukulele Lessons

As I’ve mentioned elsewhere on the site, lefties generally have an easier time learning from right handed teachers. For this reason, there is nothing stopping you from using one of the many free lessons on sites such as Youtube.

Learn To Play Ukulele Left Handed

However, if you want to make sure you are starting off on the right path, there is a great book from Hal Leonard for beginner lefty players which you can check out here. It is chock full of left handed ukulele chords, scales, and more!

The book, by Hal Leonard, is aimed squarely at brand new left handed ukulele players. It includes 46 tracks of online audio which can be streamed or downloaded for playing along with.

A wide range of beginner lessons are covered from the history of the ukulele, how to read music, different tunings, chords, scales, strumming techniques, and much more. A perfect place for any new player to begin!

Left Handed Ukulele Chords

You can also find a free left handed ukulele chord chart right here on LeftyFretz. On this page, you’ll learn some really useful chords to help get you started.

Click here to check it out.

Ukulele Parts Guide

Wondering what all of the different parts that make up a ukulele are called? Or not sure exactly what they all do?

Check out my ukulele parts guide (with helpful diagrams)

More Expensive Options

If you’re looking to spend a little more cash, here are a few brands that will happily supply you with the best left handed ukuleles. Send me an email if I have missed anyone – you’ll find a link to the contact form in the footer at the bottom of this page.

These were the best left handed ukuleles that I can happily recommend. Hopefully, if you’ve made it this far you’ve managed to find your perfect left handed ukulele. Good luck, and enjoy your new instrument!

Fun fact! Did you know that once every year we celebrate National Ukulele Day?

The post Left Handed Ukulele Buyer Guide appeared first on LeftyFretz.

]]>
Best Left Handed 12 String Guitars (For All Budgets) https://leftyfretz.com/left-handed-12-string-acoustic-guitar/ Wed, 07 Sep 2022 18:11:00 +0000 http://leftyfretz.com/?p=12620 A list of the best left handed 12 string guitars for all budgets and musical tastes. Plus all beginner 12-string questions answered!

The post Best Left Handed 12 String Guitars (For All Budgets) appeared first on LeftyFretz.

]]>
Left Handed 12 String Guitar

Choosing the best left handed 12 string guitar for your budget, tastes, and ability is crucial to make sure that your practice sessions are both productive and enjoyable.

Although you most likely won’t find too many left-handed 12-string acoustic guitars in your local store, there are some great options for us out there.

In this article, we’ll look at my top 5 choices, from budget-friendly beginner kits, to premium instruments for intermediate and advanced-level guitarists. I was very careful to pick 5 solid options so as not to overwhelm you with decisions!

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!

What Is The Best Left Handed 12 String Guitar?

If you’re anything like me, you just won’t have the patience to wait potentially months for your local store to special order a southpaw guitar from the manufacturer – ain’t nobody got time for that!

Need a left handed 12-string acoustic guitar right now? Here are my top 5 readily available choices that you can pick up today!

If you’re in a rush, you can use the following links to jump straight to the guitars you are interested in. But make sure to also take a read through the end of this post where I will answer a ton of questions you may have about 12-string acoustic guitars.

The guitars below are arranged in order from the cheapest to the most expensive.

  1. Vangoa VA20CE
  2. Oscar Schmidt OD312CE
  3. Sawtooth Maple Series Jumbo
  4. Sawtooth Mahogany Series Dreadnought
  5. Martin D12X1AE-L

1. Vangoa VA20CE

Cheap Left Handed 12 String Guitar

On a tight budget, I’m going to send you over to the brand that really has us lefties covered when it comes to niche guitars – Vangoa. At the time of writing, the Vangoa VA20CE is just a shade over $200 – an incredible bargain.

Left Handed Vangoa 12 String Acoustic Guitar

LINKS TO BUY

Astonishingly, for such little money, the Vangoa is also bundled with a quality gig bag, plus a ton of other accessories such as a capo, headstock tuner, spare strings, and a strap. Check out the full list of included accessories below.

I have no doubt that for most, this won’t be their very first acoustic. So, for that reason, I almost question the point of the bundled accessories since the majority will already own most of the products. Still, they won’t add much to the overall cost, and I’m sure some players will find them to be of use.

The Vangoa VA20CE electro-acoustic won’t quite be able to go toe-to-toe with the guitars below, but then again, it is less than half the price of most of them! However, it will give tentative new players a perfectly solid taste of 12-string life without breaking the bank.

The guitar itself has a dreadnought body and features a Sitka spruce top with Sapele back and sides, and an Okoume neck with walnut fingerboard and bridge. A cutaway provides improved upper fret access, and it comes complete with built-in electronics to connect to an amp or recording device.

The black finish is complimented by a fully bound body to help protect the guitar’s edges from accidental damage. Plus the white binding and accents give the instrument a really classy, tuxedo-like aesthetic – there’s a clear Gibson Les Paul Custom flavor happening here!

Notice how the guitar doesn’t have a scratchplate? Vangoa has included one in the package, so you can decide which look you’d like to go for – a nice touch!

Psst… Not sure what a scratchplate is? Check out my guide to the different parts of the guitar.

Key Features:

  • Body: Sapele w/ Sitka Spruce Top
  • Neck: Okoume w/ 20 Fret Walnut Fingerboard
  • Electronics: 3-Band EQ Preamp
  • Gig Bag: Included
  • Accessories: Headstock tuner, capo, cable, strap, picks, cleaning cloth, spare bridge pins, pickguard, spare strings.

What I Like/Dislike About The Vangoa VA20CE

Like:

  • Includes everything you’ll need to get started with the guitar.
  • Low price without sacrificing quality and features.
  • Classic Sapele and Sitka spruce dreadnought body will give a balanced tone suitable for many styles of music.
  • Has the look of a guitar which is much more expensive than it is.

Dislike:

  • Dreadnought body size may be a little large for smaller players.
  • No built-in tuner.
  • Brand snobs may not approve.
  • No other color choices if black isn’t to your tastes.

Check out the video below for a great overview and demonstration of the Vangoa.

YouTube Video

Overall, I recommend the Vangoa VA20CE as my pick for the best cheap left-handed 12-string guitar. You just aren’t going to find a more budget-friendly option than this excellent little package.

Check out the link above for more information plus owner reviews.

LINKS TO BUY

2. Oscar Schmidt OD312CE

Budget Left Handed 12 String Acoustic

If you would prefer a more traditional-looking instrument, then for just a little more money we can look at the excellent Oscar Schmidt OD312CE. For the extra cash, we get a slightly more premium guitar than the Vangoa, plus a respected and trusted brand name on the headstock.

Best Left Handed 12 String Guitar

LINKS TO BUY

For those who don’t know, Oscar Schmidt is owned by Washburn guitars, so you can be assured that the quality of this instrument will not be sub-par. Indeed, the brand is so confident in the OD312CE that you will receive a lifetime warranty with the guitar, versus only a year on the Vangoa.

The guitar itself is the common dreadnought body size and features the tried and tested spruce top and mahogany back and sides tonewood combination. This pairing is well known for producing well-balanced tones.

A mahogany neck is partnered with a 20-fret Rosetek (simulated rosewood) fretboard. Like the Vangoa above it features a fully bound body and neck for a really elegant aesthetic.

Electronics are handled by the excellent 4-band Barcus Berry EQ4T preamp system hooked up to an under-saddle pickup. This is a nice upgrade over the Vangoa’s electronics as it features an LCD screen plus a handy built-in tuner.

Other handy features include a cutaway for improved upper fret access, plus a nice low action for superb playability.

The only real downside to the Oscar Schmidt is the lack of any bundled gig bag, but that is easily remedied. Plus, I’m sure many of you who opt for this guitar will already own one anyway!

Key Features:

  • Body: Mahogany w/ Spruce Top
  • Neck: Mahogany w/ 20 Fret Rosetek Fingerboard
  • Electronics: 4-Band Barcus Berry EQ4T Preamp
  • Gig Bag: Not included
  • Accessories: None

What I Like/Dislike About The Oscar Schmidt OD312CE

Like:

  • Traditional looks.
  • Electronics with handy built-in tuner.
  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • Classic mahogany and spruce dreadnought body will give a balanced tone suitable for any style of music..
  • Also a good option for intermediate players after something less pricey that they don’t have to baby.

Dislike:

  • Dreadnought body size may be a little large for smaller players.
  • No bundled gig bag or other accessories.

Overall, the Oscar Schmidt is another excellent choice for a budget left handed 12 string acoustic guitar. For just a little extra cash versus the Vangoa you are rewarded with a slightly higher quality instrument, backed up by a generous warranty from a well-known brand.

Check it out at the link below to read more about this fantastic guitar.

LINKS TO BUY

3. Sawtooth Maple Series Jumbo

Best Jumbo Left Handed 12 String Guitar

A significant step up from the Oscar Schmidt comes in the form of the Sawtooth Maple Series Cutaway. This is an excellent jumbo body sized option that comes with many premium features not usually found at this still affordable price point.

Left Handed Sawtooth 12-String Left Handed Acoustic Guitar

LINKS TO BUY

It is the first solid top 12 string acoustic to appear in this list, meaning it should have improved resonance and will also sound better as it ages. The top is solid Sitka spruce, while the gorgeous flamed maple back and sides will help to provide a clear and bright tone.

The larger jumbo body size results in excellent sound projection as well as a more balanced tone when compared to the more common dreadnought size.

The body is fully bound and incorporates abalone into the rosette and block inlays for a really premium aesthetic.

The bright and articulate sound of this guitar is further enhanced by the maple neck which is paired with a 20-fret ovangkol fingerboard.

The premium vibe of the Sawtooth is further enhanced by the inclusion of a quality 3-band Fishman Presys II preamp that also includes a handy built-in tuner.

As an added bonus, Sawtooth puts every guitar through a 24-point inspection before it leaves the factory. So, your new 12-string should (hopefully!) play well right out of the box.

In the video below, shred maestro Michael Angelo Batio puts the Sawtooth through its paces.

YouTube Video

The only real downside is the lack of any included gig bag or case. In addition, smaller players might find the jumbo body size a little large and uncomfortable. Plus, depending on your tastes, the bright tone of the maple construction might not be to your preference.

Key Features:

  • Body: Flamed Maple w/ Solid Spruce Top
  • Neck: Maple w/ 20 Fret Ovangkol Fingerboard
  • Electronics: Fishman Presys II Preamp/Tuner
  • Gig Bag: Not included
  • Accessories: None

What I Like/Dislike About The Sawtooth Maple Series

Like:

  • Absolutely stunning looks.
  • The solid wood top offers a more dynamic quality of sound than cheaper laminated guitars, plus the tone will improve further as it ages.
  • Jumbo body size offers improved projection and well-balanced tones.
  • High-quality Fishman electronics.

Dislike:

  • No gig bag, accessories, or lessons are included.
  • Only one year warranty.
  • Brighter tones may not be to everyone’s tastes.
  • Jumbo body may be too big for some.

If you can wield the sizeable jumbo acoustic body, the Sawtooth Maple series will make an excellent 12-string guitar for any level of player. A still very affordable price point coupled with its premium looks and appointments makes it a very attractive proposition indeed!

Check out this guitar at the link below for current pricing information.

LINKS TO BUY

4. Sawtooth Mahogany Series Dreadnought

Best Dreadnought Left Handed 12-String Guitar

Another excellent option from Sawtooth is the Mahogany Series Dreadnought. Compared to the Maple Series model above, this guitar is a little smaller and offers a warmer tone thanks to its all-mahogany construction.

Left Handed 12 String Mahogany Guitar

LINKS TO BUY

Like its Maple Series cousin above, this guitar resonates really well thanks to its solid mahogany top. Plus, a great added bonus is that solid wood will begin to sound even better as it ages.

You won’t be surprised to discover that the guitar features mahogany back and sides, plus a mahogany neck. The 20 fret fingerboard is made from Ovangkol, a wood known for its balanced sound. The bridge is also constructed from Ovangkol.

Aside from their gorgeous, rustic appearance, all-mahogany acoustics will tend to sound warmer and smoother without becoming overly muddy. This is because, as a tonewood, mahogany produces a sound that emphasizes the bass and mid-range frequencies the most.

To help sculpt your sound when plugged in, the Sawtooth is equipped with premium Fishman electronics – namely the Presys II preamp. This is a 3-band preamp that includes a useful in-built tuner.

The body is fully bound with black binding to help protect the guitar from accidental knocks and dings. The custom Sawtooth diamond inlays give the impression that this affordable 12-string should cost way more than it does.

As with all Sawtooth instruments, the guitar is subject to a 24-point inspection to ensure that the guitar is in excellent playable condition before it leaves the factory.

Check out the video below to see and hear the Sawtooth Mahogany Series Dreadnought in action.

YouTube Video

Again, the only major downside is a lack of any bundled gig bag or hard case. Additionally, those who prefer a brighter sound may not gel with the warmer tone produced by the all-mahogany construction.

Key Features:

  • Body: Mahogany w/ Solid Mahogany Top
  • Neck: Mahogany w/ 20 Fret Ovangkol Fingerboard
  • Electronics: Fishman Presys II Preamp/Tuner
  • Gig Bag: Not included
  • Accessories: None

What I Like/Dislike About The Sawtooth Mahogany Series

Like:

  • Gorgeous, rustic looks.
  • The solid wood top offers a more dynamic quality of sound than cheaper laminated guitars, plus the tone will improve further as it ages.
  • Dreadnought body size strikes a good balance between volume and playing comfort.
  • Premium Fishman electronics with an onboard tuner.

Dislike:

  • No gig bag, accessories, or lessons are included.
  • Only one year warranty.
  • Warmer tones may not be to everyone’s tastes.

The Sawtooth Mahogany Series Dreadnought is an excellent choice for those who prefer the rustic aesthetic and/or the warm tones that an all-mahogany guitar provides.

If it ticks all of your boxes, why not check it out at the link below?

LINKS TO BUY

5. Martin D12X1AE-L

Premium Left Handed 12 String Guitar

If you’d prefer to stick with one of the bigger, more well-known brands, then how about this beauty from acoustic legends Martin Guitars? Recently updated, it is undoubtedly one of the best value Martins available, at just a touch more expensive than the Sawtooth above.

Martin D12X1AEL LEft Handed 12 String Acoustic Guitar

Pricing Information: Check it out by clicking here.

Main features include a solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, extremely strong birch laminate neck, and richlite fretboard. It is also equipped with an excellent Fishman Sonitone onboard preamp system.

Left Handed 12 String Guitar FAQ

What Is a 12-String Guitar Good For?

The main selling point of a 12-string guitar is the much fuller sound that they produce when compared to a 6-string. Having twice as many strings gives a natural chorus effect, which sounds similar to playing two guitars at the same time.

How To Tune a Left Handed 12 String Guitar

The main difference between 12 and 6-string guitar tuning, is that on a 12, the strings are paired. Oh, and there’s double the strings – but you knew that, right?

It’s totally up to you how you decide to pair them, but generally, the 4 lowest pitched strings are coupled with thinner strings tuned an octave higher. The highest two are simply paired with another identical string tuned to the same note. This gives you that fantastic, airy, and jangly sound that only a 12-string can produce.

The most common 12-string guitar tuning from lowest to highest is (E3-E2) (A3-A2) (D4-D3) (G4-G3) (B3-B3) (E4-E4). So basically, standard 6-string guitar tuning with some additional octave notes thrown in.

Check out the diagram below for a visual representation of standard tuning on a left handed 12 string acoustic. Also notice that the thicker strings are the lower of the paired strings.

How to Tune a Left Handed 12 String Guitar

If your current tuner does not have the ability to correctly tune up a 12-string, check out my huge guide to guitar tuners for some inexpensive (or free!) alternatives.

How To Play a 12-String Guitar?

Although we have twice as many strings as found on a regular guitar, the paired strings are spaced closely together to allow them to still be played with a single finger simultaneously.

It isn’t like a 7 or 8-string guitar where the fretboard is widened to accommodate extra strings – although the neck is very slightly wider. If you are comfortable with a 6-string acoustic, you’ll be fine on a 12 as well.

Although the paired strings are usually close enough together to be played with the callused tips of your fingers as normal, this may not be comfortable for many. Oftentimes, 12-string players will adopt a flatter fretting technique to allow a larger area of the finger to be used.

Because of the extra tension and doubling of strings, extra force is required to play a 12-string. For this reason, it is much trickier to perform strings bends and solos, resulting in the instrument being mainly used for rhythm purposes.

There will also usually be a period of adjustment required to make sure that all strings are strummed or picked with control and accuracy.

A Note About Extra Tension

The added tension introduced by the extra strings is high, which necessitates improved reinforcement of the neck and body. 12-string guitars used to have a bad reputation for warping over time, but with modern design techniques, this is largely not a huge issue anymore.

Still, some players will tune down a half-step or two to help relieve stress on their instrument. You can still quickly revert to standard tuning by placing a capo at the 1st or 2nd frets. Learn more about how to do this in my guitar capo guide.

I only bring this point up to try and dissuade you from buying a super cheap 12-string which may not be up to the task. Check out the suggestions below for some great, but still affordable, lefty models.

Due to the additional tension, you should also be careful not to remove too many strings from one side at a time. Similarly, taking all of the strings off at the same time could potentially lead to issues with the neck thanks to the sudden large drop in tension!

So when restringing, it is a good idea to remove and replace one string at a time. If this isn’t possible, just try to keep the tension as balanced as possible.

12-String Guitar String Gauge

As I’ve mentioned above, due to the additional number of strings there is a lot of extra tension placed on the neck of a 12-string.

So to overcome this, most players will use a lighter gauge of strings than what they would usually play on their 6-string acoustics.

Downsides of a 12-String Guitar

Cost. You have twice as many strings, so restringing will set you back twice the price of a 6-string acoustic. Read my guide on how to make your guitar strings last longer.

Time. You have twice as many strings, so restringing and re-tuning will take double the time.

Harder On Fingers. Fretting two strings at once is more difficult and will require more finger strength.

Wider Neck. The slightly larger neck and fretboard could be a struggle for people with smaller hands.

Set Up Issues. The additional string tension can lead to issues such as bowed necks and high action if not kept in check. Read my guitar setup guide for more information on how to prevent this.

Further Options

All of the brands listed below offer left handed 12-string acoustic guitars which may or may not need to be specially ordered depending on where you live.

Note that this list is for acoustics guitars only – I do plan to add a guide for left handed 12-string electric guitars at a later date.

Hopefully, that’ll give you plenty of left handed 12 string guitars to choose from.

Top 5 12 String Acoustic Guitar Songs

To finish up, here’s a great video from Andertons that showcases some iconic 12 string guitar songs that you can learn when you get yours!

YouTube Video

You’ll find a few more well-known 12-string guitar songs in my guide to easy guitar songs.

The post Best Left Handed 12 String Guitars (For All Budgets) appeared first on LeftyFretz.

]]>