AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Lefthanded Classical Guitars for Professional 2026
The top pick is Cordoba C10 Cedar Classical Guitar ($1,560). Ortega Tour Player FMA Blue LH gives you the most for the money at $434. 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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Cordoba C10 Cedar Classical Guitar
C10 Cedar Lefthand · Cordoba
16 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width52 mm (2.05")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- Frets19 frets
The C10 Cedar Lefthand is a really well-made instrument, especially for someone stepping up from a beginner guitar. The cedar top gives it a lovely, mellow voice that’s perfect for traditional classical repertoire, and the build quality is genuinely impressive for a guitar in this price bracket. It's an ideal choice for serious student or intermediate players looking for a reliable and beautiful-sounding classical guitar.
Pros
- Solid cedar top delivers a warm, responsive, and articulate tone, excellent for classical pieces.
- Rosewood back and sides add depth and sustain, balancing the cedar's brightness beautifully.
- Ebony fingerboard provides a smooth, fast playing experience with excellent note clarity.
Cons
- The Savarez Cristal Corum strings, while decent, might be a point of immediate replacement for experienced players.
- Solid rosewood construction contributes to a slightly heavier feel compared to some all-cedar models.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,560 now$1,560€1,399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This 214ce-N LH is a fantastic option for left-handed players wanting a Taylor experience with a classical feel. The torrefied spruce top gives it a surprisingly mature voice, while the slimmer neck makes it more accessible than a traditional classical. It's a great all-around instrument for students or players looking for a comfortable, amplified nylon-string guitar.
Pros
- Solid torrefied spruce top delivers a responsive, mature tone.
- Walnut back and sides add warmth and projection to the sound.
- Slimmer neck profile enhances playability for transitioning players.
Cons
- Plywood back and sides limit the overall tonal complexity.
- The narrower nut width might feel cramped for experienced classical players.
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,281 now$1,281€1,149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width52 mm (2.05")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
The Alhambra 5P LH is a fantastic entry point into serious classical guitar playing, especially for left-handed students. The solid cedar top provides a lovely, projecting tone that's surprisingly mature for its price point, and the ebony fingerboard makes it a joy to play. It's a well-built instrument offering excellent value for those seeking a quality classical guitar without a premium-priced tag.
Pros
- Solid AA Cedar top delivers a warm, responsive, and vibrant tone.
- Rosewood back and sides add depth and sustain to the overall sound.
- Ebony fingerboard provides a smooth, comfortable playing experience and precise intonation.
Cons
- Cedar top is susceptible to dents and scratches; requires careful handling.
- Sapele neck, while stable, can sometimes exhibit a slightly drier feel compared to mahogany.
40AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,114 now$1,114€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width46 mm (1.81")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This Ibanez FRH10NL-BSF LH is a solid choice for left-handed students or players wanting an amplified classical. The combination of spruce and sapele gives it a balanced voice, and the built-in pickup makes it stage-ready. It's a really versatile instrument for practice, lessons, or small gigs.
Pros
- Solid Sitka spruce top delivers a bright, responsive acoustic tone.
- Sapele back and sides offer warmth and sustain, balancing the top.
- Ibanez T-bar pickup and preamp system allows for amplified performance with decent clarity.
Cons
- Sapele body can make it slightly heavier than some all-spruce classical guitars.
- Matte polyurethane finish, while nice, might show fingerprints more easily.
75AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$535 now$535€480 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets17 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This left-handed guitar feels solid thanks to its spruce top and walnut body. The built-in pickup makes it easy to play in a band without feedback. It suits players who want a warm tone and reliable sound at a great price.
Pros
- Solid spruce top paired with walnut back and sides for warmth.
- ES-B pickup system delivers clear signal without noise.
- Mahogany neck provides a comfortable, stable playing feel.
Cons
- No weight information is listed in the provided details.
- NuBone nut may require special string gauge selection.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$924 now$924€829 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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 ↗ -
- Nut width51 mm (2.01")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- Frets19 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This left-handed guitar uses a solid cedar top for a bright sound and a walnut back for depth. The African mahogany neck feels solid under your fingers. It suits players who want a clear tone without extra bells and whistles.
Pros
- Solid cedar top delivers bright attack and quick response
- African mahogany neck offers stable playability
- Natural finish provides a clean, warm look
Cons
- No specific tonal character described beyond materials
- Weight not listed for potential heaviness concerns
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$746 now$746€669 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 ↗ -
- Nut width51 mm (2.01")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- Frets19 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This lefty classical guitar uses a solid cedar top for a punchy tone and Bubinga wood for richness. It fits left-handed players with a standard nut width and comes with a gig bag. It suits students and touring musicians who need a reliable, travel-ready instrument.
Pros
- Solid cedar top offers bright, responsive attack
- Bubinga back and sides provide deep resonance
- Left-handed design fits lefty players perfectly
Cons
- Weight is not listed in the description
- Fret count is fixed at 19 without extras
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$619 now$619€555 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width46 mm (1.81")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodySapele body
Tim Henson’s signature model is a surprisingly versatile classical guitar. The Fishman pickup system makes it stage-ready, and the unique fretboard inlays add a touch of personality. It's an excellent choice for left-handed players wanting a modern, amplified classical experience, particularly those influenced by Henson's unique playing style.
Pros
- Solid Sitka spruce top delivers a bright, responsive, and articulate tone.
- Fishman Sonicore pickup system provides clear amplified sound with minimal feedback.
- Walnut fingerboard offers a smooth playing experience and a warm tonal character.
Cons
- Sapele body, while beautiful, can be a bit dense, impacting overall resonance.
- Matt polyurethane finish, while stylish, can show fingerprints and require more careful cleaning.
47AudioFu
Index↓ 4.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$708 · Aug 17$679 now$679€609 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
Cordoba C5-L Iberia Classical Left Handed NaturalC5 CE Lefthand Iberia · Cordoba · 2 finishes46Stable$534€479$534€479Check ↗
- 12
Ortega RCE138SN-LOrtega45Stable$556€499$556€499Check ↗
- 13
Larry Carlton G5N Natural LHLarry Carlton44Stable$701€629$701€629Check ↗
- 14
Ortega Family Series Pro RCE131SN Slim NeckRCE131SN-L · Ortega54Stable$411€369$411€369Check ↗
- 15
Höfner HF17-LHöfner42↓ 3.5%$590€529$590€529Check ↗
- 16
Höfner HF15-LHöfner48↓ 16.9%$444€398$444€398Check ↗
- 17
Cordoba GK Studio Negra LefthandCordoba39Stable$835€749$835€749Check ↗
- 18
Alhambra 1C HT LH incl. GigbagAlhambra40Stable$512€459$512€459Check ↗
- 19
Alhambra 4P LH incl.Gig BagAlhambra35↑ 5.9%$1,002€899$1,002€899Check ↗
- 20
Höfner HF13-L ClassicalHöfner · 2 finishes46Stable$400€359$400€359Check ↗
- 21
La Mancha Rubi CM/63-LLa Mancha · 4 finishes53Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 22
Ortega Family Series Pro R131SN Slim NeckR131L · Ortega50Stable$311€279$311€279Check ↗
- 23
La Mancha Granito 32-CEN-AB-LLa Mancha42Stable$266€239$266€239Check ↗
- 24
Ortega R122L-3/4Ortega42Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 25
Ortega R122-1/2-LOrtega42Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 26
La Mancha Rubinito LSM/63-N-LLa Mancha · 2 finishes47Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 27
La Mancha Rubinito LSM/47-L 1/4La Mancha44Stable$177€159$177€159Check ↗
- 28
La Mancha Rubinito LSM/53-L 1/2La Mancha44Stable$188€169$188€169Check ↗
- 29
La Mancha Rubinito LSM/59-L 3/4La Mancha44Stable$188€169$188€169Check ↗
- 30
La Mancha Granito 32-AB-LLa Mancha42Stable$177€159$177€159Check ↗
- 31
Thomann Classic 4/4 Guitar LefthandThomann40Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 32
Thomann Classic Guitar 3/4 LefthandThomann38Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 33
Thomann Classic Guitar 1/2 LefthandThomann38Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 34
Manuel Rodriguez Estudio Spruce 3/4 LH HGManuel Rodriguez37Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 35
Thomann Classic 4/4 Guitar Left BundleThomann25Stable$155€139$155€139Check ↗
- 36
Thomann Classic Guitar 3/4 Left BundleThomann24Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 37
Thomann Classic Guitar 1/2 Left BundleThomann24Stable$155€139$155€139Check ↗
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
Tonewood Selection & Voicing
Spruce tops are standard, but the grade of spruce (Sitka, German, etc.) dramatically impacts the responsiveness and tonal complexity. The back and sides (rosewood, mahogany, cypress) determine the warmth, projection, and overall character - we're looking for wood that provides that crucial fat midrange honk without becoming muddy.
Neck Profile & Playability
A comfortable neck is non-negotiable. We're evaluating the profile - is it a traditional 'V', a modern slim taper, or something in between? - and how it interacts with your hand, particularly under the stress of long gigs or complex passages. Action is critical; too high, and it's a fight; too low, and you'll be dealing with fret buzz.
Bracing Pattern & Structural Integrity
This is where the craftsmanship shines (or fails). A well-executed bracing pattern maximizes resonance and sustain while maintaining structural stability. Cheap guitars often use overly aggressive bracing which chokes the tone and makes the instrument feel stiff - you'll feel it in your hands.
Scale Length & String Response
A longer scale (typically 650mm) generally offers more projection and clarity, but it can also make the strings feel tighter. We're assessing how the guitar responds to different string gauges and playing styles, looking for evenness and dynamic range across all strings.
Projection & Articulation
Classical guitars aren't about distortion, but they need to cut through a mix, whether you're playing with a quartet or a full band. We're listening for clear articulation of individual notes, a balanced tonal spectrum, and the ability to project without sounding harsh or brittle.
Buying guide
Finding a left-handed classical guitar that truly delivers at the professional level is a frustrating hunt. You're not just looking for something playable; you need an instrument that responds to your nuances, projects with authority in a concert hall, and holds up under the demands of constant gigging and recording. This isn't about beginner instruments; it's about tools for serious players who demand the best, and who understand that 'best' often comes with a hefty price tag.
Don't be fooled by flashy aesthetics. A beautiful guitar doesn't equal a good guitar. The biggest trade-off is often between cost and wood quality - you're paying for the wood's inherent resonance and the luthier's skill in bringing it out.
A well-set-up guitar is paramount; even a great instrument can be unplayable without a proper setup. Consider the neck joint - a poorly fitted neck joint will kill sustain and negatively impact the overall tone.
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 there truly good left-handed classical guitars available, or am I limited to re-fretted right-handed models?
While re-fretting is an option, the market for left-handed instruments has improved significantly. Several reputable luthiers now build dedicated left-handed models, ensuring proper bracing and neck carving from the start. You'll still pay a premium, but it's worth it for the authentic feel and tone.
What's the difference between Spanish cedar and mahogany for the neck?
Spanish cedar is lighter and generally considered to offer a slightly warmer tone, while mahogany is a bit stiffer and can provide more stability. It's a subtle difference, but worth considering if you're sensitive to nuances in tone.
I'm looking for a classical guitar for recording. Does pickup installation impact the tone?
Yes, absolutely. Piezo pickups are common but can sound brittle; magnetic pickups offer a warmer tone but can lack nuance. K&K and B&G systems are often preferred for their more natural voicing, but even then, careful EQing is essential to get a usable sound.
My current guitar has a high action. Can a luthier fix that?
Almost certainly. A qualified luthier can adjust the action by shaving the saddle and nut, and potentially performing a neck reset if the problem is more severe. Don't attempt this yourself - it's a delicate process.
What's the best way to determine if a guitar is 'worth' the price?
Play it. Seriously. Forget the brand name and the fancy wood; play it through your usual repertoire. Does it inspire you? Does it respond to your touch? If it feels like an extension of your hands, it's likely worth the investment.





