AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Lefthanded Acoustic Guitars Under $500 2026
The top pick is Epiphone J-45 Studio ($495). Harley Benton D-120LH BK gives you the most for the money at $100. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 28 models across 7 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.
-
- 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 ↗ -
- 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 ↗ -
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 ↗ -
- Nut width42.5 mm (1.67")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- Frets20 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardJatoba fingerboard
The D-120LH BK is a seriously impressive budget acoustic. The dreadnought shape gives it a full, resonant voice, and the dovetail joint really adds to the overall feel. It's an excellent option for beginner left-handed players or anyone needing an affordable, reliable practice guitar.
Pros
- Spruce top provides a surprisingly balanced and articulate tone.
- Mahogany body delivers warmth and a pleasant mid-range focus.
- Dovetail neck joint enhances sustain and adds structural integrity.
Cons
- Factory strings are basic; an upgrade is highly recommended for optimal sound.
- High-gloss finish can be prone to fingerprints and may feel a bit plasticky.
-
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale634 mm (24.96")
- Frets20 frets
The AEG50L-BKH is a solid, budget-friendly option for left-handed players needing a reliable acoustic-electric. The onboard electronics are surprisingly good, and the overall build is decent for the price. It's ideal for beginners, students, or anyone wanting a stage-ready acoustic without spending a fortune.
Pros
- Sapele back and sides deliver a warm, resonant, and balanced tonal foundation.
- Ibanez T-Bar II pickup provides surprisingly natural amplified tone for a guitar in this price range.
- Nyatoh neck offers a comfortable feel and good stability for consistent playability.
Cons
- Spruce top, while decent, lacks the aged complexity of solid tonewoods found in higher-end models.
- High-gloss black finish can be prone to fingerprints and may feel a bit less 'acoustic' aesthetically.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$358 now$358€318 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender California Series Newporter Player
Newporter Player LH NAT WN · Fender
31 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- FingerboardWalnut fingerboard
The Newporter Player LH is a solid choice for left-handed players wanting a versatile, amplified acoustic. It’s got a bright, clear voice with a comfortable neck, making it a great platform for beginners or intermediate players looking for a reliable stage-ready instrument. The build quality is respectable for the price point, offering a good balance of playability and affordability.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a bright, responsive, and articulate tone.
- Slim C-shape neck profile is comfortable for a wide range of players.
- Built-in electronics offer convenient amplified performance for stage or recording.
Cons
- Satin finish on the neck, while comfortable, can feel a little slippery to some.
- Dura-Tone strings are decent stock strings, but an upgrade is highly recommended.
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$393 now$393€349 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender California Deluxe Redondo CE
CA DLX Redondo CE LH NAT · Fender
15 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- FingerboardWalnut fingerboard
This lefty guitar gives you a solid spruce top and mahogany body for a balanced sound. The Fishman preamp lets you tweak bass and treble without buying extra gear. It comes with a built-in tuner, making it great for players who want to get right out of the box.
Pros
- Solid spruce top for strong, clear attack
- Fishman CD-1 preamp with full control
- Built-in tuner for easy playing
Cons
- Mahogany back and sides lack resonance
- Micarta nut adds extra string height
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$381 now$381€339 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets20 frets
- Strings12-string
This lefty 12-string from Harley Benton offers a surprisingly refined experience for the price. The solid top provides a vibrant sound, while the Fishman electronics make it stage-ready. It’s a fantastic option for intermediate players wanting that full, shimmering 12-string vibe without a premium-priced tag.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a bright, resonant, and articulate tone.
- Mahogany back and sides add warmth and sustain, balancing the spruce.
- Fishman Presys-II preamp offers reliable amplification and accurate tuning.
Cons
- Jumbo body can be unwieldy for smaller players or those used to smaller guitars.
- 12-string guitars inherently have higher string tension, requiring more finger strength.
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$336 now$336€299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 28 lefthanded acoustic guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Harley Benton GS-Travel-E LH MahoganyHarley Benton47Stable$179€159$179€159Check ↗
- 12
Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-10SCE-12BKS LHHarley Benton47Stable$280€249$280€249Check ↗
- 13
Harley Benton Cust. Line CLA-15MCE LH w/BagHarley Benton47Stable$303€269$303€269Check ↗
- 14
Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15ME LHHarley Benton · 2 finishes46Stable$235€209$235€209Check ↗
- 15
Epiphone Blues King Studio Dark Burst LEpiphone45↓ 1.1%$422€375$422€375Check ↗
- 16
Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Concert CE All MyrtlewoodPursuit EX S Concert TE LH CE · Breedlove45Stable$449€399$449€399Check ↗
- 17
Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-1048SCE-LHHarley Benton44Stable$280€249$280€249Check ↗
- 18
Harley Benton CLP-12SM BRS Solid Top LHHarley Benton44Stable$336€299$336€299Check ↗
- 19
Epiphone Blues King Studio Ebony LHEpiphone44Stable$426€379$426€379Check ↗
- 20
Ibanez V40CE-OPN LHIbanez43Stable$164€146$164€146Check ↗
- 21
Ibanez AEWC621L-BOTIbanez43Stable$415€369$415€369Check ↗
- 22
Ibanez AAM50LCE-OLBIbanez41Stable$396€352$396€352Check ↗
- 23
Ibanez AEG70L-TIHIbanez41Stable$439€390$439€390Check ↗
- 24
Fender CD-60S Lh WN NatFender39Stable$234€208$234€208Check ↗
- 25
Ibanez AW54LCE-OPNIbanez38Stable$383€340$383€340Check ↗
- 26
Baton Rouge X11LS/P-L-SCC Parlor LHBaton Rouge37Stable$179€159$179€159Check ↗
- 27
Harley Benton HBD120CEBK LH Bundle EnglishHarley Benton27Stable$145€129$145€129Check ↗
- 28
Ibanez V50NLJP-NT Jam PackIbanez20Stable$145€129$145€129Check ↗
Lefthanded Acoustic Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 34 models we track, not a sample.
Median $303 — half of all lefthanded acoustic guitars here cost less.
median of 33 models · 42 mm (1.65")–48 mm (1.89")
median of 5 models · 305 mm (12.01")–400 mm (15.75")
most common · 14 models
median of 32 models · 596 mm (23.46")–650 mm (25.59")
How to choose the best lefthanded acoustic guitars
Playability (Action & Neck Profile)
A high action will kill your gigging enthusiasm. We're looking for something comfortable to play, even if it needs a slight setup. Neck profiles matter too - a chunky neck can feel like wrestling an alligator, while a thin one might feel lifeless.
Tonewoods (and what they really mean)
Solid tops are king, but at this price point, expect laminate back and sides. Mahogany tends to offer a warmer, more focused tone, while sapele often delivers more high-end sparkle - though it can get a bit shrill if not well-voiced. Don't expect miracles from these woods, but look for decent resonance.
Electronics (If Applicable)
Many guitars in this range come with built-in pickups. We're assessing the pickup voicing - does it sound like a cheap, tinny version of the acoustic tone, or something usable for basic amplification? Headroom is important; you want it to handle a gig volume without immediate breakup.
Construction Quality
Check for fret buzz, sharp fret ends, and overall build integrity. Sloppy construction means headaches down the line - intonation issues, tuning instability, and a general feeling of fragility. It's not about flawless, it's about reasonable.
Sustain & Articulation
A dead-sounding guitar is a frustrating guitar. We're looking for some sustain, even if it's not endless, and decent articulation - the ability for individual notes to be clearly defined, especially when strumming chords.
Buying guide
Finding a decent left-handed acoustic that won't make your ears bleed and your wallet cry isn't easy. We've all been there - staring at a wall of guitars, wondering if that 'warm, inviting' tone is just marketing hype. This list focuses on left-handed acoustic guitars under $500 that actually deliver playable quality and a reasonable amount of sonic character for the price. Let's cut through the noise and find you something that works.
At this budget, you're making trade-offs. Solid tops are your best bet for better tone, but expect laminate back and sides. Don't get hung up on fancy binding or elaborate inlays - those are purely cosmetic.
Prioritize playability and a comfortable neck profile above all else; a good setup from a local tech can make a huge difference. Be realistic about the pickup quality - it's rarely going to blow you away.
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 34 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
Is a solid top really worth the extra money?
Generally, yes. A solid top will vibrate more freely, offering more resonance and a more complex tone compared to a laminate top. It'll age better too, often 'opening up' over time. But a well-built laminate guitar can still be quite good.
What about 'dreadnought' vs. 'grand auditorium' body shapes?
Dreadnoughts are typically louder and have a fuller low-end thump - great for strumming and cutting through a band. Grand auditoriums are more balanced and comfortable to hold, often preferred for fingerstyle. It's mostly preference; try both if you can.
Can I expect a perfect setup out of the box?
Highly unlikely. Most guitars need a tweak or two - a truss rod adjustment, a saddle shave to lower the action, maybe some fret leveling. Factor in the cost of a setup ($50-$100) into your budget.
Are used guitars a good option?
Absolutely. You can often find significantly better guitars for your money on the used market. Just be sure to inspect it carefully for cracks, damage, and fret wear.
What's the deal with pickup systems like Fishman or LR Baggs?
Those are generally higher-end systems. You're unlikely to find them on guitars under $500, but some brands will include decent alternatives that get the job done for basic amplification. Don't expect studio-quality sound - it's for getting heard on stage.
