AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Lefthanded Acoustic Guitars Under $1,000 2026
The top pick is Epiphone J-45 Studio ($495). Fender California Standard Redondo Mini gives you the most for the money at $181. Epiphone Hummingbird Standard EC leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 52 models across 13 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This lefty guitar uses a solid spruce top and mahogany body for a balanced, warm tone. The Fishman S-Core pickup helps it sound great through an amp. The cutaway shape makes reaching the top frets easier for big hands. It suits solo players or bedroom musicians who want a classic J-45 feel without right-handed options.
Pros
- Solid spruce top for bright, responsive attack
- Mahogany back and sides deliver warm midrange
- Fishman S-Core pickup ensures clear amplification
Cons
- Left-handed configuration limits player pool
- White plastic nut may wear faster than bone
74AudioFu
Index↓ 8.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$539 · Aug 17$495 now$495€440 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender California Standard Redondo Mini
CA STD Redondo LH BPG NAT · Fender
115 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This Redondo LH is a solid, reliable dreadnought – a real workhorse for left-handed players. The tone is full and balanced, making it great for strumming and vocal accompaniment. It's a fantastic entry point into Fender acoustics and a great value for the money.
Pros
- Sapele back and sides deliver a warm, resonant, and focused tone.
- Spruce top provides excellent projection and responsiveness across the fretboard.
- Okoume neck offers a comfortable, balanced feel and contributes to sustain.
Cons
- Sapele can be a bit 'woody' sounding initially, requiring a break-in period.
- The single-ply black binding is functional but not as visually striking as layered binding.
73AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$181 now$181€161 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Epiphone El Capitan J-200 Studio Bass
J-200 Studio EC VS LH · Epiphone
38 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This left-handed Super Jumbo sounds great for live gigs thanks to its solid spruce top and reliable Fishman pickup. The mahogany neck gives a warm tone that cuts through the mix well. It's a solid choice for players who want a big sound without breaking the bank, though the plastic nut keeps it from feeling quite premium.
Pros
- Solid spruce top provides strong bass response and clear treble.
- Mahogany neck offers a warm, balanced midrange tone.
- Fishman S-Core pickup delivers reliable on-stage sound.
Cons
- Plastic nut feels less premium than bone or composite.
- No specific weight listed makes balance uncertain.
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$584 now$584€519 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.8 mm (1.69")
- Scale578 mm (22.76")
- Frets19 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
The Baby Taylor BT1 LH is a fantastic option for left-handed beginners, students, or anyone needing a travel-friendly acoustic. It offers a surprisingly full sound thanks to the solid spruce top, and the ebony fingerboard makes it easy to play. Don't expect a concert-hall tone, but it’s a joy to pick up and strum, offering a real taste of Taylor quality at a reasonable price.
Pros
- Solid Sitka spruce top delivers a surprisingly rich and responsive tone.
- Laminated walnut back and sides provide excellent projection for its size.
- Ebony fingerboard offers a smooth, comfortable playing experience, crucial for beginners.
Cons
- Laminated back and sides limit the potential for mature, complex overtones compared to all-solid instruments.
- Shorter scale length might feel a little cramped for players with larger hands.
69AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$438 now$438€389 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Epiphone Hummingbird Standard EC
Hummingbird Standard LH CS · Epiphone
34 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This is a solid choice for left-handed players who want a traditional dreadnought sound. The solid spruce top keeps things bright and lively, while the mahogany body adds warmth. The Fishman pickup makes it ready to play in a band without extra gear, though you'll need to buy a battery separately. It suits anyone looking for a reliable workhorse without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Solid spruce top for bright, responsive tone
- Solid mahogany back and sides for warmth
- Fishman S-Core pickup built in
Cons
- Battery not included with pickup
- Gig bag included but weight unknown
68AudioFu
Index↓ 14.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,068 · Aug 17$910 now$910€809 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Epiphone Hummingbird Studio
Hummingbird Studio AN LH · Epiphone
23 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This left-handed dreadnought uses a solid spruce top for a punchy sound, backed by mahogany for warmth. The Fishman S-Core pickup makes it ready for stages or practice. It is a budget-friendly option for players who need a reliable workhorse without right-handed bias.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers strong attack and projection
- Mahogany body adds warmth and midrange presence
- Fishman S-Core pickup ensures reliable amplified sound
Cons
- Plastic nut may lack sustain compared to bone
- Mahogany back and sides limit high-end sparkle
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$528 now$528€469 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.8 mm (1.69")
- Scale597 mm (23.5")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This GS Mini Mahogany LH is a fantastic option for songwriters, travelers, or anyone wanting a genuinely portable guitar with a rich, mellow voice. The solid top provides a surprising amount of tonal depth for its size, and the ebony fingerboard makes it a joy to play. It’s a great entry point into the Taylor brand and a reliable companion for any guitarist.
Pros
- Solid mahogany top delivers a warm, focused tone with excellent sustain.
- Sapele back and sides provide surprising projection for a small-bodied guitar.
- Ebony fingerboard offers a smooth, comfortable playing experience and clear note definition.
Cons
- The smaller body size might feel cramped for players with larger hands.
- While versatile, the mahogany top leans towards warmer tones, limiting bright, cutting styles.
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$730 now$730€649 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.8 mm (1.69")
- Scale597 mm (23.5")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
The GS Mini-e Mahogany LH is a fantastic option for songwriters, travelers, or anyone wanting a high-quality, compact instrument. The mahogany top provides a beautifully warm voice, while the Taylor ES-B pickup makes it stage-ready. It’s a joy to play and surprisingly versatile for its size.
Pros
- Solid mahogany top delivers a warm, focused, and articulate tone.
- Taylor ES-B pickup provides excellent amplified sound with discrete EQ controls.
- Sapele back and sides offer surprising projection and sustain for its size.
Cons
- Plywood back and sides limit the overall resonance compared to all-solid wood models.
- Smaller body size may not suit players preferring a full-sized guitar’s comfort.
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$832 now$832€739 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ibanez Talman TCY10E Acoustic-Electric Guitar
TCY10LE-BK · Ibanez
58 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- Frets20 frets
- BodySapele body
This lefty guitar uses spruce and Sapele for a bright, resonant voice. The solid build and built-in tuner make it ready to play right out of the box. It is a great budget-friendly choice for a left-handed player who wants a reliable workhorse without the cost of a pro model.
Pros
- Premium Sapele back and sides for rich tone
- Solid spruce top for clear attack and projection
- Ibanez Under Saddle pickup for balanced sound
Cons
- No back and sides wood specified in description
- Missing listed weight measurement for player info
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$291 now$291€259 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- Frets20 frets
This lefty dreadnought packs a punch with its spruce top and Sapele body. The T-Bar pickup keeps things simple, but the Okoume neck might not hold up long-term. It suits left-handed players who want a big sound without complex electronics.
Pros
- Solid Sitka spruce top drives volume and attack
- Sapele back and sides offer rich, dark resonance
- Purple Heart fingerboard adds unique warmth and glow
Cons
- Okoume neck may feel less stable than maple
- T-Bar pickup lacks active EQ for tone shaping
63AudioFu
Index↓ 6.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$353 · Aug 17$330 now$330€293 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 52 lefthanded acoustic guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Takamine G Series GD30CE DreadnoughtGD30CE-NAT-LH · Takamine60Stable$562€499$562€499Check ↗
- 12
Harley Benton D-120LH BKHarley Benton · 5 finishes59Stable$100€89$100€89Check ↗
- 13
Epiphone L-00 StandardL-00 Standard VS LH · Epiphone59Stable$955€849$955€849Check ↗
- 14
Ibanez AEG50AEG50L-BKH · Ibanez57Stable$358€318$358€318Check ↗
- 15
Taylor BT1e Baby TaylorBaby Taylor-e BT1e LH · Taylor57Stable$584€519$584€519Check ↗
- 16
Fender California Series Newporter PlayerNewporter Player LH NAT WN · Fender55Stable$393€349$393€349Check ↗
- 17
Takamine GD51CE NAT G50 Series Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic/Electric…GD51CE-NAT LH · Takamine54Stable$562€499$562€499Check ↗
- 18
Takamine GD21CEGD21CE SM Lefthand · Takamine53Stable$618€549$618€549Check ↗
- 19
Breedlove Rainforest S Concert CERainforest S Concert BG LH CE · Breedlove53Stable$674€599$674€599Check ↗
- 20
Fender California Deluxe Redondo CECA DLX Redondo CE LH NAT · Fender52Stable$381€339$381€339Check ↗
- 21
Harley Benton Custom Line CLJ-412E LH SBHarley Benton · 2 finishes49Stable$336€299$336€299Check ↗
- 22
Guild Westerly Collection M-120L Left-HandedM-120LH Nat Westerly · Guild49Stable$780€693$780€693Check ↗
- 23
Martin Guitar D-X2EL Rosewood LHMartin Guitar · 2 finishes49Stable$989€879$989€879Check ↗
- 24
Harley Benton GS-Travel-E LH MahoganyHarley Benton47Stable$179€159$179€159Check ↗
- 25
Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-10SCE-12BKS LHHarley Benton47Stable$280€249$280€249Check ↗
- 26
Harley Benton Cust. Line CLA-15MCE LH w/BagHarley Benton47Stable$303€269$303€269Check ↗
- 27
Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15ME LHHarley Benton · 2 finishes46Stable$235€209$235€209Check ↗
- 28
Epiphone Blues King Studio Dark Burst LEpiphone45↓ 1.1%$422€375$422€375Check ↗
- 29
Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Concert CE All MyrtlewoodPursuit EX S Concert TE LH CE · Breedlove45Stable$449€399$449€399Check ↗
- 30
Martin Guitar DX Johnny Cash LHMartin Guitar45Stable$843€749$843€749Check ↗
- 31
Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-1048SCE-LHHarley Benton44Stable$280€249$280€249Check ↗
- 32
Harley Benton CLP-12SM BRS Solid Top LHHarley Benton44Stable$336€299$336€299Check ↗
- 33
Epiphone Blues King Studio Ebony LHEpiphone44Stable$426€379$426€379Check ↗
- 34
Ibanez V40CE-OPN LHIbanez43Stable$164€146$164€146Check ↗
- 35
Ibanez AEWC621L-BOTIbanez43Stable$415€369$415€369Check ↗
- 36
Guild F-2512E LH BlondeGuild43Stable$742€659$742€659Check ↗
- 37
Taylor GS Mini Sapele LefthandTaylor42Stable$546€485$546€485Check ↗
- 38
Taylor Big Baby Taylor BBTe EC LHTaylor42Stable$652€579$652€579Check ↗
- 39
Taylor Academy 12e LH Wal/EucaTaylor42Stable$899€799$899€799Check ↗
- 40
Ibanez AAM50LCE-OLBIbanez41Stable$396€352$396€352Check ↗
- 41
Ibanez AEG70L-TIHIbanez41Stable$439€390$439€390Check ↗
- 42
Furch Pioneer-EM a LHFurch41Stable$955€849$955€849Check ↗
- 43
Fender CD-60S Lh WN NatFender39Stable$234€208$234€208Check ↗
- 44
Ibanez AW54LCE-OPNIbanez38Stable$383€340$383€340Check ↗
- 45
Guild D240 LE N LHGuild38Stable$517€459$517€459Check ↗
- 46
Baton Rouge X11LS/P-L-SCC Parlor LHBaton Rouge37Stable$179€159$179€159Check ↗
- 47
Ovation Celebrity Tradition CS-24L-4-GOvation37Stable$528€469$528€469Check ↗
- 48
Ovation Celebrity Elite CE44L-5-GOvation37Stable$618€549$618€549Check ↗
- 49
Baton Rouge AR21C/ACEC-LBaton Rouge37Stable$674€599$674€599Check ↗
- 50
Yamaha FG820L NTIIYamaha31Stable$528€469$528€469Check ↗
Lefthanded Acoustic Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 65 models we track, not a sample.
Median $449 — half of all lefthanded acoustic guitars here cost less.
median of 63 models · 42.5 mm (1.67")–48 mm (1.89")
median of 5 models · 305 mm (12.01")–400 mm (15.75")
most common · 33 models
median of 62 models · 597 mm (23.5")–650 mm (25.59")
How to choose the best lefthanded acoustic guitars
Tone
We're not chasing a mythical 'perfect' tone. We're looking for balanced response - a decent low-end thump for strumming, clear articulation for fingerpicking, and a usable midrange without that harsh, ice-picky top end. A little bit of 'fat midrange honk' is a plus.
Playability
Action is king. A high action makes everything a chore, while too low can lead to fret buzz. Neck profile matters too - a comfortable shape that fits your hand is crucial for longer gigs or practice sessions.
Construction Quality
Dovetail neck joints are a sign of better build quality than bolt-ons. Solid wood tops (especially Sitka Spruce) almost always sound better than laminate, even if the rest of the guitar is layered. Check for consistent bracing and clean fretwork.
Electronics (if applicable)
Many of these guitars offer built-in pickups. We're assessing the voicing - does it sound like a cheap, tinny version of the acoustic tone, or does it offer a usable signal for live performance or basic recording?
Durability
A gigging guitar needs to survive a few bumps and bruises. We're looking for instruments that feel solid, have decent hardware, and won't fall apart under the pressure of regular use.
Buying guide
Finding a decent left-handed acoustic guitar that doesn't make you cringe after a few chords can be a real challenge, especially when you're watching your budget. This isn't about 'best' in a vacuum; it's about the most bang for your buck for a left-handed player.
At this price point, you're making trade-offs. Solid wood back and sides are a luxury - expect mostly layered woods. The pickups, if included, won't rival a dedicated acoustic preamp.
Focus on playability and overall tone - a guitar that feels good and sounds decent now is better than a flashy instrument that's a pain to play. Don't be afraid to check the action and have a shop adjust it if needed - a simple setup can make a huge difference.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 65 lefthanded acoustic guitars from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are left-handed guitars always more expensive?
Generally, yes. Left-handed models are produced in smaller quantities, which often drives up the price. However, competition in this under $1000 bracket is increasing, so deals can be found.
What's the difference between laminate and solid top guitars?
Solid tops vibrate more freely, producing a richer, more complex tone that improves with age. Laminate tops are more durable and cheaper to produce, but the sound is generally less vibrant and doesn't age as well.
I'm a beginner, does the wood type really matter?
It does, but don't obsess over it. Sitka Spruce is a safe bet for the top - it's versatile. Mahogany offers a warmer, more mellow tone. Ultimately, playability is more important when you're learning.
Can I realistically expect a great plugged-in sound under $1000?
'Great' is subjective. You can get a usable signal for basic recording or live performance, but don't expect it to rival a high-end acoustic preamp. Pickup voicing is often a compromise at this price point.
What should I check for when I go to try a guitar?
Fret buzz, neck relief (look down the neck from the headstock), action height, and overall comfort. Don't be afraid to plug it in and test the electronics if it has them. Listen for any unusual noises or rattles.





