AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Lefthanded Classical Guitars for Intermediate 2026
The top pick is Ortega Tour Player FMA Blue LH ($434). Ortega R122-1/2-L gives you the most for the money at $200. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 37 models across 11 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
This Ortega Tour Player FMA Blue LH is a solid choice for the left-handed student or gigging musician who needs a dependable amplified classical. The build quality is surprisingly good for the price point, and the pickup system is a significant upgrade over basic piezo systems. It’s a bright, responsive instrument that cuts through a mix well.
Pros
- Solid Okoume back and sides deliver a surprisingly warm and resonant tone.
- Acacia top provides a bright, clear voice with good projection for a stage guitar.
- Ortega MagusX/G pickup system offers a very usable amplified sound with EQ controls.
Cons
- Okoume, while good, isn't as tonally complex as more premium tonewoods like rosewood.
- The glossy blue finish, while visually striking, can be prone to fingerprints and smudging.
61AudioFu
Index↓ 18.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$534 · Aug 17$434 now$434€389 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ortega Family Series Pro RCE131SN Slim Neck
RCE131SN-L · Ortega
13 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
The Ortega RCE131SN-L is a solid choice for left-handed classical students or players looking for a budget-friendly amplified option. The cedar top gives it a sweet, traditional classical tone, while the Magus Pro pickup makes it surprisingly stage-ready. It's a well-built instrument that balances affordability with respectable quality – a great entry point into the world of classical guitars.
Pros
- Solid cedar top provides warm, responsive projection and tonal complexity
- Mahogany back and sides offer a balanced, focused midrange presence
- Magus Pro pickup system delivers a surprisingly clean and usable amplified tone
Cons
- Cedar top is susceptible to dings and scratches, requiring careful handling
- Mahogany construction can be slightly heavier than guitars with different tonewoods
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$411 now$411€369 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width52 mm (2.05")
- Scale630 mm (24.8")
This left-handed concert guitar feels balanced for smaller hands. The cedar top sings clearly while the mahogany body adds warmth. It suits players who prefer a natural look with matte finish.
Pros
- Solid Canadian cedar top offers bright attack
- Mahogany back and sides provide warm low end
- Ovangkol neck and fingerboard are durable choices
Cons
- Weight value not listed in description
- Fret count not specified in text
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$278 now$278€249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width52 mm (2.05")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
The Ortega R131L is a surprisingly capable left-handed classical guitar offering a warm, traditional tone at an affordable price point. It's a great option for beginner to intermediate students or anyone wanting a reliable, comfortable instrument for classical or flamenco. The build quality is decent for the price, and it's a solid starting point for exploring the classical guitar world.
Pros
- Solid cedar top delivers warm, responsive tone with good projection
- Mahogany back and sides offer balanced resonance and sustain
- Walnut fingerboard provides a smooth, comfortable playing experience
Cons
- Cedar top is susceptible to dings and scratches, requiring careful handling
- Mahogany construction can be slightly heavier than guitars with other woods
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$311 now$311€279 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Takamine GC5CE Acoustic-Electric Classical Guitar
GC5CE-N-LH · Takamine
13 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width51 mm (2.01")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- Frets19 frets
This Takamine is a solid choice for the student or intermediate classical player looking for a quality instrument with amplified capabilities. The solid top provides a surprisingly mature voice, and the built-in tuner is a real convenience. It’s a great all-around package that won’t break the bank, especially considering the electronics and overall build quality.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a bright, resonant, and responsive tone.
- Ovangkol back and sides add warmth and projection to the sound.
- Takamine TP4T pickup system provides surprisingly good amplified tone and a built-in tuner.
Cons
- The high gloss finish, while beautiful, can be a fingerprint magnet and feel a bit plasticky.
- Ovangkol, while great sounding, can sometimes have a slightly less complex character than rosewood.
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$512 now$512€459 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Cordoba C5-L Iberia Classical Left Handed Natural
C5 Lefthand Iberia · Cordoba
4 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width52 mm (2.05")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
The Cordoba C5 Iberia Lefthand is a solid choice for left-handed students and intermediate players looking for a warm, approachable classical tone. The build quality is surprisingly good for the price point, and the mahogany neck offers a comfortable feel. It’s a great entry into the world of classical guitar without a premium price tag.
Pros
- Solid cedar top delivers a warm, responsive, and expressive tone.
- Mahogany neck provides comfortable playability and a stable feel.
- Pau Ferro fretboard offers a smooth, fast playing experience, slightly slicker than ebony.
Cons
- Veneered back and sides, while visually appealing, slightly limit the overall tonal complexity.
- Mahogany can sometimes be a bit 'woody' – lacks some of the brightness of rosewood.
48AudioFu
Index↓ 3.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$423 · Aug 17$408 now$408€366 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width50 mm (1.97")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This left-handed model uses a solid spruce top and mahogany body for a balanced sound. It features a high-gloss antique gold finish and rosewood fingerboard. It suits left-handed players who want a traditional classical guitar without electronics.
Pros
- Solid German spruce top for bright response
- Left-handed design for right-handed players
- Mahogany back and sides for warm tone
Cons
- No frets listed for potential playability issues
- No weight data provided for comfort check
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- Nut width50 mm (1.97")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This lefty model uses solid spruce for a punchy sound, paired with mahogany wood for warmth. The rosewood neck is comfortable for long playing sessions. It is affordable and perfect for beginners who need a reliable instrument.
Pros
- Solid spruce top for bright attack
- Mahogany back and sides for warmth
- Rosewood fingerboard for comfort
Cons
- Satin finish hides surface scratches
- No pickup system included
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$400 now$400€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale560 mm (22.05")
The Ortega R122-1/2-L is a great little instrument for younger or smaller players just starting out with classical guitar. The cedar top gives it a lovely, mellow voice, and the smaller size makes it much easier to handle. It's a really solid choice for a first guitar – easy to play and sounds surprisingly good for the price.
Pros
- Cedar top delivers a warm, responsive tone ideal for beginners
- Sapele back and sides add clarity and projection
- Okume neck provides good stability and a comfortable feel
Cons
- Savarez strings are serviceable but an upgrade would significantly improve tone
- Satin finish, while attractive, can feel a bit slippery to some players
42AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$200 now$200€179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale590 mm (23.23")
The Ortega R122L-3/4 is a solid, budget-friendly option for left-handed students or players who prefer a smaller-bodied classical. The cedar top provides a lovely warm tone, and the 3/4 scale makes it easy to handle. It’s a great starter instrument or a comfortable travel guitar.
Pros
- Cedar top delivers a warm, responsive tone ideal for classical and fingerstyle.
- Sapele back and sides add projection and a balanced sonic character.
- 3/4 size makes it manageable and comfortable for younger or smaller players.
Cons
- Okume neck, while stable, isn't as tonally rich as mahogany or Spanish cedar.
- Silk matte finish can be a little delicate and prone to fingerprints.
42AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$211 now$211€189 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 37 lefthanded classical guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
La Mancha Granito 32-CEN-AB-LLa Mancha42Stable$266€239$266€239Check ↗
- 12
La Mancha Rubinito LSM-LLa Mancha · 2 finishes47Stable$188€169$188€169Check ↗
- 13
Alhambra 1C HT LH incl. GigbagAlhambra40Stable$512€459$512€459Check ↗
- 14
La Mancha Rubinito LSM/53-L 1/2La Mancha44Stable$188€169$188€169Check ↗
- 15
La Mancha Rubinito LSM/59-L 3/4La Mancha44Stable$188€169$188€169Check ↗
- 16
La Mancha Rubinito LSM/47-L 1/4La Mancha44Stable$177€159$177€159Check ↗
- 17
Ibanez FRH10NFRH10NL-BSF LH · Ibanez75Stable$535€480$535€480Check ↗
- 18
La Mancha Granito 32-AB-LLa Mancha42Stable$177€159$177€159Check ↗
- 19
Manuel Rodriguez Estudio Spruce 3/4 LH HGManuel Rodriguez37Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 20
Taylor Academy 12e-NAcademy 12e-N LH · Taylor57Stable$924€829$924€829Check ↗
- 21
Cordoba C10 Cedar Classical GuitarC10 Cedar Lefthand · Cordoba54Stable$1,560€1,399$1,560€1,399Check ↗
- 22
Ortega R20GWN-LOrtega · 2 finishes52Stable$746€669$746€669Check ↗
- 23
Ortega R18S-LOrtega47Stable$619€555$619€555Check ↗
- 24
Ibanez Sign. Tim Henson TOD10NL LHIbanez47↓ 4.1%$679€609$679€609Check ↗
- 25
Thomann Classic 4/4 Guitar LefthandThomann40Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 26
Ortega RCE138SN-LOrtega45Stable$556€499$556€499Check ↗
- 27
Thomann Classic 4/4 Guitar Left BundleThomann25Stable$155€139$155€139Check ↗
- 28
Larry Carlton G5N Natural LHLarry Carlton44Stable$701€629$701€629Check ↗
- 29
Thomann Classic Guitar 1/2 Left BundleThomann24Stable$155€139$155€139Check ↗
- 30
Höfner HF17-LHöfner42↓ 3.5%$590€529$590€529Check ↗
- 31
Taylor 214ce-N LH Spruce/WalnutTaylor41Stable$1,281€1,149$1,281€1,149Check ↗
- 32
Alhambra 5P LH incl.Gig BagAlhambra40Stable$1,114€999$1,114€999Check ↗
- 33
Cordoba GK Studio Negra LefthandCordoba39Stable$835€749$835€749Check ↗
- 34
Thomann Classic Guitar 3/4 LefthandThomann38Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 35
Thomann Classic Guitar 1/2 LefthandThomann38Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 36
Thomann Classic Guitar 3/4 Left BundleThomann24Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 37
Alhambra 4P LH incl.Gig BagAlhambra35↑ 5.9%$1,002€899$1,002€899Check ↗
Lefthanded Classical Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 47 models we track, not a sample.
Median $411 — half of all lefthanded classical guitars here cost less.
median of 46 models · 45 mm (1.77")–52 mm (2.05")
median of 41 models · 560 mm (22.05")–650 mm (25.59")
median of 16 models · 17–22
most common · 13 models
How to choose the best lefthanded classical guitars
Playability (Action & Neck Profile)
At this level, you need a comfortable neck profile - not too thick, not too thin - something that allows for clean legato and precise fingerstyle. The action needs to be set up reasonably well; too high and it's a workout, too low and you'll get fret buzz. A little buzzing is acceptable, but it shouldn't be constant.
Tonewoods & Voicing
Solid spruce tops are generally going to give you more projection and responsiveness than laminated tops. You want a balanced tone - not overly bright and ice-picky, but not muddy either. That 'fat midrange honk' is what you're chasing for a good classical tone; it needs to cut through without being harsh.
Bracing Pattern
This drastically affects the guitar's responsiveness and sustain. Fan bracing is common on higher-end instruments and tends to offer better projection and a more complex tone, but a simpler X-bracing pattern is perfectly fine for an intermediate player and often more affordable.
Scale Length & String Spacing
A standard scale length (around 650mm) is what you're used to, but wider string spacing can make it easier to play complex fingerstyle passages without accidentally muting strings. This is a personal preference, but it's worth considering.
Construction Quality (Finish & Binding)
A well-executed finish isn't just about looks - it affects the guitar's resonance and longevity. Clean binding work is a sign of attention to detail, which usually translates to better overall construction. Sloppy binding isn't a dealbreaker, but it's a clue that corners were cut elsewhere.
Buying guide
So, you're a lefty classical player stepping up your game. That's awesome - the classical world has a lot to offer. Finding a guitar that's actually good and not just a flipped right-handed model can be surprisingly tricky. We're focusing on instruments that'll feel comfortable, inspire you to practice, and actually sound decent when you start gigging or recording - not just a budget box that fights you every step of the way.
Don't chase the prettiest headstock. Seriously. At this level, focus on playability and tone.
Many 'left-handed' guitars are simply right-handed models flipped, and the bracing might be wrong or the setup rushed. A good setup from a qualified luthier is essential, regardless of the guitar you buy. Paying a bit more for a guitar with a solid top and decent bracing will pay dividends in your playing experience - it's a worthwhile investment.
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 47 lefthanded classical 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 all left-handed classical guitars just flipped right-handed models?
Many are, especially in the lower price ranges. Manufacturers often don't bother re-tooling for left-handed production, so they flip the design. This can affect the bracing and overall tone, so be cautious.
What's a 'good' action height for a classical guitar?
Generally, around 1.0mm to 1.2mm at the 12th fret is a good starting point. It's a balance - low enough for comfortable playing, high enough to avoid constant fret buzz. This is something a luthier can easily adjust.
Should I buy online or from a local shop?
Ideally, try before you buy. Online is cheaper, but you're gambling. A local shop lets you feel the guitar and get a setup, which is crucial. If you must buy online, make sure there's a good return policy.
What's the difference between spruce and cedar tops?
Spruce is brighter and more responsive, good for a more projecting sound. Cedar is warmer and more immediate, great for a more intimate tone. It's largely a matter of personal preference.
My left-handed guitar feels stiff. Is that normal?
It might be. Many guitars need a 'break-in' period. The strings stretch, the wood settles. A good setup and regular playing will usually loosen it up. If it's extremely stiff, it might need a more significant adjustment.





