Best Left Handed Acoustic Guitars, Surprising Selections

While it is true that right-handed players have a wider range of options available to them, top-tier brands have increasingly jumped on the left-handed guitar bandwagon. In my years of playing and teaching guitar, I’ve come across many different students and colleagues who play left-handed, and thankfully there is no shortage of great left-handed guitars available today across every price and quality range.

In this article, we are going to take a look at the best left-handed acoustic guitars currently available in the low and mid price range. As you will see, the reviewed guitars strike a great balance between looks, playability, and tonality. We will dive into their pros/cons and features that set them apart.

1. Yamaha FG820L

This all-around great acoustic guitar is part of the highly-esteemed FG series by Yamaha, which dates back to 1966. The FG series of guitars flaunt high-quality craftsmanship while not breaking the bank, and the FG820L is certainly no exception.

Specs at a glance:

• Solid Sitka spruce top
• Mahogany back and sides
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Rosewood bridge
• Nato neck
• Diecast tuners
• Urea nut and saddle
• Scale length: 25.6”

How it sounds

This acoustic guitar is known for its warm, rich sound due to its solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides. The solid top adds a punchy, bright tone while the mahogany contributes towards a warmer, deeper sound. The FG820 truly shines in the bass and mid-range, making it a great fit for blues and country players.

How it looks

Its beautiful classic western Dreadnought body definitely does not give you the impression of a budget guitar. It has a durable gloss urethane finish that resists small bumps and scratches, making it a great guitar to take on the road. The FG820 flaunts many upgrades from its previous models, including scalloped bracing for a lighter, more responsive top, and a beautiful cream binding around the dreadnought body and fingerboard.

How it plays

In terms of playability, this acoustic is top-notch. The smooth, fast nato neck has 20 frets beautifully designated with inlay dots. The guitar will stay in perfect tune for days thanks to the die-cast chrome tuners and compensated saddle bridge with durable ABS pins. If you want to see the guitar in action, this video shows how it shines in blues playing.

What we liked

• Solid Sitka spruce top that ages like a fine wine
• Gloss finish and cream bindings look great
• Ready to play out of the box
• Many color options available
• The package comes with gig bag and other useful accessories
• Great quality for the price

What we disliked

• The strings may need an upgrade to boost the sound
• The sound lacks a well-balanced high range
• The included strap can be confusing to put on

2. Seagull S6 Original Left-Handed

This award-winning guitar is one of the most popular models offered by Seagull. Hand-crafted in Canada, the S6 boasts high-end exotic materials and a great tone for a very reasonable price. It’s definitely no surprise this guitar is Seagull’s number one seller.

Specs at a glance:

• Solid cedar top
• Wild cherry back and sides
• Custom polished semi-gloss finish
• Silver leaf maple neck
• Rosewood fingerboard and bridge
• Tusq nut and saddle
• Scale length: 25.5”

How it sounds

Its pressure-tested solid cedar top has excellent responsiveness and projection that finger pickers would love. The unique laminated Canadian wild cherry back and sides offer a bright, warm tone that sounds like a well-blended mixture between maple and mahogany. A crisp mid-range, great sustain, and a well-balanced, resonant tone make this guitar sound at least double its price.

How it looks

You are first greeted by the classic modified dreadnought body that Seagulls are known for. The soundhole rosette looks very attractive with its herringbone design. The tortoiseshell-patterned pickguard looks like the real thing and adds to the aesthetic appeal of the body.

The gorgeous wild cherry body has a slightly dark stain on it, that lets the natural cherry wood grain shine. The custom polished semi-gloss natural finish further emphasizes the natural grain of the wood and lets the body freely resonate. The tapered headstock is sleek and helps achieve a straight string pull to keep the guitar in tune longer while minimizing tension.

How it plays

The neck, cut from silver leaf maple, is very smooth to play. The wide nut, at 1.8”, gives you more room to play around when playing fingerstyle. No matter how this guitar is played, it is guaranteed to stay in tune thanks to the compensated saddle and narrow headstock that achieves a straight string pull. To hear this guitar in action, be sure to check out this video.

What we liked

• Made in North America with phenomenal craftsmanship and quality control
• Slim neck profile for great playability
• Great tuning stability
• Bright, well-balanced tone great for fingerpicking
• Comes with a high-quality case

What we disliked

• More expensive than other beginner options
• May be best suited for intermediate players

3. Fender CD-100 Left-Handed

Part of the Classic Design series of Fender acoustic guitars, the CD-100 is a left-handed acoustic-electric guitar that offers a big sound and a classic Western look all at a very cost-effective price.

Specs at a glance:

• Laminated Spruce top
• Laminated Mahogany back and sides
• Rosewood bridge with compensated saddle
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Nato neck
• Die-cast chrome tuners
• Scalloped X-bracing
• Built-in chromatic tuner
• Onboard preamp with volume, bass, mid, and treble controls
• 3” scale length

How it sounds

The bright, crisp sound is ideal for both fingerstyle pickers and strummers who want to accentuate fine details in the notes they play. The on-board electronics adds extra versatility for finding the right balance of treble, mid, and bass. Players of virtually every style can put the CD-100 to good use. As a result of its all-laminate construction, some players might find the low-end response is a bit lacking compared to solid-wood acoustic guitars. While the included strings are great quality, throw on a pair of Elixir Nanowebs to take the tone to a whole new level.

How it looks

The CD-100 has the classic Western dreadnought look. The black pickguard and mother-of-pearl acrylic rosette design are minimalistic and carry the tradition of the classic Fender design. The natural satin finish is spot-on and really makes the aesthetics of this guitar shine. Additionally, the laminate construction is sure to resist bumps and scratches much better than solid wood.

How it plays

One of the most immediate features you recognize is the lightweight of this guitar. Even with the onboard electronics, it feels very well-balanced and comfortable to play. The slim neck profile and satin finish add extra comfort that beginners will appreciate as they learn to finger more complex chords. To hear more about this guitar and its sound, this video is a great watch.

What we liked

• Laminate construction is great for bump and scratch resistance
• Comes in dreadnought or cutaway electric style
• Budget-friendly but premium Fender quality maintained
• Little to no upgrades required, ready to play out of the box

What we disliked

• All laminate construction reduces tonal quality in the low-end range
• No gig-bag or case included
• Just a natural finish available

4. Sawtooth Mahogany Left-Handed Acoustic-Electric Dreadnought Guitar

This all-mahogany left-handed acoustic-electric from Sawtooth screams quality at a bargain price.

Specs at a glance:

• Solid Mahogany top
• Laminate Mahogany back and sides
• Mahogany neck
• Rosewood bridge and fingerboard
• 5” scale length
• Fishman preamp/tuner

How it sounds

Thanks to its full mahogany construction, this guitar has a very rich, warm tone with a highly focused mid-range. The strong, earthy sound from this guitar would pair nicely with other instruments, especially when utilizing the onboard Fishman Presys II electronics to dial in the mix. The preamp system contains a volume adjustment knobs, tone shaping, and phase controls.

How it looks

The looks of this Mahogany series guitar is stunning. The dark, grainy body shines beautifully with the satin finish. The tortoise pickguard, herringbone rosette, and black binding are nice touches that make this guitar look way more expensive than its actual price. The great-looking custom Sawtooth inlays sit on a narrow Ovangkol fingerboard.

How it plays

This guitar is set up well out of the box with low/medium action that is easily adjustable. It has accurate intonation and can be easily tuned thanks to the onboard chromatic tuner.

This video is a great demonstration of what this rich, warm-sounding guitar is capable of.

What we liked

• All mahogany construction looks and sounds great
• Excellent value for the price
• Option to buy with case and other accessories

What we disliked

• Only the top is solid mahogany

5. Ibanez Performance Series PF-15

This beginner-friendly left-handed acoustic guitar comes from Ibanez’ Performance Series first introduced back in 1986. These Dreadnought guitars are known to be great sounding and high quality at a very affordable price.

Specs at a glance:

• Spruce top
• Mahogany back and sides
• Mahogany neck
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Die-cast chrome tuners

How it sounds

Out of all the beginner-range left-handed guitars I’ve played, this guitar has a very well-balanced, resonant tone. The spruce top contributes to a bright, crisp sound and the mahogany adds in a deep, warm mid-range. The intonation is great and there doesn’t appear to be any dead spots moving around the full 20 frets.

How it looks

The classic dreadnought body has a flashy black and white rosette and a shiny natural high-gloss finish. The spruce top and mahogany back and sides give the guitar a very professional look. The nice-looking headstock is all-black and gives a nice contrast to the lighter tonewoods of the body.

How it plays

This is a great guitar to learn on. The medium action and comfortable mahogany neck makes moving around on the fretboard seamless. The high-quality die-cast chrome tuners are sure to keep the guitar perfectly in tune for days. If you’re looking for a beginner guitar that doesn’t skimp on quality or craftsmanship while being very affordable, the Ibanez PF-15 is a perfect option.

What we liked

• A highly affordable option with great quality construction
• Full, resonant sound with a punchy mid-range
• Shiny high-gloss finish makes the guitar look great

What we disliked

• No gig-bag or hard case included
• Might need to be set up to lower the action

6. Jameson Guitars Full Size Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar

This acoustic-electric is part of the Thinline series from the highly reputable Jameson Guitars. Don’t be fooled by the cheap price of this guitar, it has a load of great features and it may be one of the best options in its price range for an affordable beginner guitar.

Specs at a glance:

• Spruce top
• Nato back and sides
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Maple neck
• Die-cast enclosed tuners
• High gloss black finish
• Full scale, 41” scale length

How it sounds

For a guitar in a starter price range, I was surprised by the full, well-balanced sound. It has a well-developed mid-range and a more than satisfying bass response. Playing it over time, it seems to stay in tune just as well as guitars that are much more expensive. There doesn’t appear to be any major intonation issues that may accompany other guitars in its price range. The onboard electronics let you play loudly and easily get yourself heard in the mix with other instruments. There is an onboard pickup and active EQ that lets you hone in the perfect sound for your unique playing needs.

How it looks

From the base of the body to the classic headstock, this guitar is sleek and very pretty. The thin line cutaway body has a modern look accentuated by a nice high-gloss finish and white dot inlays. The rosewood fingerboard and black pickguard add a nice touch.

How it plays

The streamlined, cutaway body is very comfortable to hold and play for hours. The glossy maple neck is not too thick and not too thin, perfect for beginners building up their dexterity on the fingerboard. With that said, the full-scale 41” body may be a little big for children or smaller-framed beginner players. For a demo of this great beginner guitar, check out this video.

What we liked

• Extremely high quality for the low price
• Comes in six colors
• Free gig bag and picks included
• Thinline cutaway body looks and feels great
• Included electronics lets you plug in and play loudly

What we disliked

• No control over the tone with onboard electronics
• Included strings need an upgrade for best sound

7. Kona K2LTSB Left-Handed Acoustic-Electric Guitar

The Kona K2LTSB is another affordable beginner left-handed acoustic-electric guitar that strikes a perfect balance between beautiful aesthetics and great tonality. Perfect for the beginner, hobbyist, or traveler, this guitar is a more than worthy addition to the collection based on its sound, feel, and playability.

Specs at a glance:

• Spruce top
• Mahogany back and sides
• Tobacco sunburst finish
• Rosewood fretboard and bridge
• Enclosed gold die-cast tuners
• 5” scale length

How it sounds

This guitar has a nice, rich sound. It is well-balanced and gives a resonant, true acoustic tone with or without the active electronics engaged. The intonation is just right and there doesn’t seem to be any buzzing, defects, or dead spots. The three-band active piezo EQ and pickup system powered by the onboard 9V battery let you dial in the right sound.

How it looks

Right away you’re greeted with a stunning tobacco sunburst finish on the body of this guitar. This beautiful finish, in addition to the full cream binding around the neck, body, and headstock, is sure to turn heads. The gold tuners and gold strap pins add a nice finishing touch and give this guitar a high-end, regal look.

How it plays

The slim, dreadnought cutaway design will be appreciated by any smaller-framed players who don’t want to stretch over the bulky full body dreadnought. I was impressed by the low action on the guitar that is easily adjustable with some bridge and neck tweaks if needed. The thin neck profile makes this guitar great for learning and for anyone with fingers on the smaller side. To learn more details and hear this guitar in action, check out this video.

What we liked

• Beautiful Tobacco sunburst finish
• Slim dreadnought cutaway design
• One of the best value starter guitars in its price point
• Ready to play out of the box
• Comes with a ten-year limited warranty

What we disliked

• Nut and bridge are constructed of cheap plastic, may not hold up over the long term
• Included D’addario strings could use an upgrade

8. Little Martin LX1 Left-Handed Acoustic Guitar

The Little Martin LX1 is the perfect backup or travel guitar for beginners, intermediates, and experts alike. Although ¾ size, it definitely does not skimp on tonality or craftsmanship. Made in the Martin factory in Mexico, this guitar comes from the premium Martin brand well-known for their top of the line guitars. With popular artists like Ed Sheeran using the Little Martin live, this guitar is one of the most popular options for everything from large live gigs to travel, campfires, and solo bedroom jamming. This guitar is a tight competitor to the popular Taylor left-handed acoustic guitars such as the Baby Taylor.

Specs at a glance:

• Solid sitka Spruce top
• High pressure laminate (HPL) back and sides
• Rust stratabond neck
• Chrome small-knob tuners
• Black micarta fingerboard
• X-bracing pattern
• Hand-rubbed custom finish
• Tusq saddle
• ¾ scale

How it sounds

The LX1’s popularity comes largely from its great, well-balanced tone. Although there isn’t the same volume projection you’d find in a full-size dreadnought, it has great sustain and rich, crisp sound. The solid sitka spruce top creates a bright, crisp, almost twangy sound that is perfectly suited for folk and blues players. The HPL back and sides reduce the brightness a bit, and add a nice low/mid punch. The included phosphor bronze medium gauge strings further add to its low-end bass response.

How it looks

The Little Martin has a non-cutaway concert body that sits very nicely on the lap. The ¾ size makes it ideal for young or smaller-framed players, as well as travelers or campfire players who don’t mind getting a little rough with it. Thankfully, the HPL design on the back and sides makes it highly resistant to warping, bumps, and scratches. This guitar is built to last, even when venturing into climates with high temperature and humidity.

How it plays

The smooth low oval nut neck profile is very comfortable, perfect for the beginner learning how to maneuver around the fretboard. The intonation is spot on, as you’d expect from a Martin guitar. The action is low and the guitar needs no major adjustments right out of the box. Here is a great video showing the LX1 in action.

What we liked

• Solid sitka spruce top gives a crisp, bright sound that ages well
• Perfect size for throwing in the overhead cabin or taking on a road trip
• HPL laminate construction makes it more resistant to bumps and scratches
• Sustainable wood certified construction
• High-quality soft gig bag included

What we disliked

• HPL is plastic that looks like wood, reduces tonal quality a bit for the benefit of durability
• No dot inlays on fingerboard
• Volume projection isn’t as great as a full-size dreadnought

9. Yamaha APX700 Left-Handed Acoustic-Electric Guitar

The APX series from Yamaha was introduced in the late 1980s. These guitars are world-renowned for their use as a performance or gigging guitar. The APX700 shines as a slim, low profile acoustic-electric with a great, well-balanced tone.

Specs at a glance:

• Solid sitka Spruce top
• Eastern Mahogany back and sides
• Nato neck
• Non-scalloped X bracing
• Rosewood fretboard and bridge
• Ivory body binding
• Premium active electronics, System64 1way A.R.T preamp

How it sounds

The 1-way preamp system is called the A.R.T, or acoustic resonance transducer. It offers great feedback control and tons of versatility in volume and tonality. It uses two contact pickups that reduce feedback and accentuate the natural, rich acoustic tones. The preamp system has a 3-way EQ and a handy onboard chromatic tuner. Due to its superb electronics, this guitar would be fantastic for any performer or live gig player.

In terms of construction, the non-scalloped X bracing pattern lets the top maximally resonate for the most full acoustic sound. The solid sitka Spruce top adds a nice punch to the mid and high range which will only get better with time. The mahogany back and sides develops the low and mid range, adding a nice mellow sound in the mix.

How it looks

The body of this guitar looks phenomenal. It features an abalone sound hole ring inlay, an ivory fingerboard, and an ivory head and body binding. These features, in addition to its mother of pearl dot inlays, give this guitar a classy, elegant look.

How it plays

This acoustic-electric is a great choice for anyone transitioning from the electric guitar world to the acoustic. Its slim, cutaway design lets you easily access the upper frets. It has a well-balanced weight that sits easily on the knee or strapped while standing. The neck is smooth and fast, making jamming comfortable for players of every skill level. To hear this guitar in action, this demo is a good demonstration of what it is capable of.

What we liked

• High-quality tonewoods for that rich, natural acoustic sound
• Top of the line electronics that rival any in the price range
• Slim, cutaway design hugely adds to the comfort and playability
• No need to set up right out of the box

What we disliked

• Chord plug-in point is in an awkward position near the bottom strap anchor

10. Takamine GD10LH Left-Handed Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar

Although this left-handed guitar is sold as a lower-end model in the Takamine G-series, it is definitely a high quality guitar that performs way above its price tag. We especially love its solid top construction and premium, rich sound.

Specs at a glance:

• Spruce top
• Mahogany back and sides
• Mahogany neck
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Chrome hardware
• Natural satin finish

How it sounds

This guitar truly shines in the low-end tonal range. It has a deep, rich bass response that is reminiscent of a mid-range price tag at the least. Across the entire fretboard, the intonation is perfect. The included Fender strings produce a great sound and don’t require an immediate upgrade.

How it looks

On first sight, this guitar definitely seems to resemble a Martin. The light, shiny tonewoods coupled with the all chrome hardware give a very traditional, premium look. The natural satin finish gives it a flashy, elegant look. With the hard case included, this guitar should hold up very well over the years no matter where its lugged around to.

How it plays

The guitar came out of the box with a nice, low action. The smooth mahogany neck is slim enough to move easily around the fingerboard and not too thick for smaller-handed beginner players. To hear a demo of this great-sounding guitar, this video is a nice example of what it is capable of.

What we liked

• Pinless bridge design makes string changes very easy
• Great, rich tone, especially in the low end range.
• Comes with a high-quality hard case and useful accessories

What we disliked

• May need to be set up for the best playability and sound.

Final Verdict

I know it can be difficult to find a high-quality guitar in a world of mostly right-handed guitars. I’ve had the privilege of testing these great guitars out with the help of a left-handed professional guitarist that I have known for years and, naturally, it is difficult to recommend the best choice.

However, after lots of analysis and testing, the Seagull S6 reigns supreme for its superb, hand-built craftsmanship, wonderfully rich tone, and top of the line tonewoods. This guitar is built to last a lifetime and is a great choice for the beginner or intermediate player willing to spend a bit extra.

If you’re on a budget and still considering, the Yamaha FG820L is the next best choice with a more modest price tag. This guitar is built with premium Yamaha craftsmanship and excellent quality control. The guitar features excellent tonewoods, a rich sound and a classic, elegant design.