AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Lefthanded Classical Guitars Under $800 2026
The top pick is Ibanez FRH10N ($535). La Mancha Rubinito LSM/63-N-L gives you the most for the money at $166. Ortega R20GRG-L leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 31 models across 10 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 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 ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
The Ortega Tour Player ACA Burst LH is a solid choice for the left-handed student or gigging musician needing a reliable, amplified classical. The combination of solid woods and a comfortable neck profile makes it a joy to play, and the built-in pickup system opens up possibilities for performance and recording. It’s a well-rounded instrument that offers a good balance of quality and affordability.
Pros
- Solid Okoume back/sides offer a surprisingly resonant, warm tone.
- Acacia top provides a bright, articulate voice with good projection.
- Ortega MagusX pickup system delivers a usable, rechargeable amplified signal.
Cons
- Okoume, while good, isn't the premium tonewood of rosewood or mahogany.
- Burst finish, while attractive, can sometimes show minor blemishes in production.
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 width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
This La Mancha Rubi is a fantastic entry point into classical guitar playing, especially for left-hand players. The smaller neck profile makes it comfortable for smaller hands or those new to the instrument, and the cedar top provides a lovely, warm tone. It’s a well-built instrument offering excellent value for the price – a great choice for students or hobbyists.
Pros
- Solid cedar top delivers a warm, responsive, and nuanced tone.
- Toona Kalantas neck with carbon rods enhances stability and reduces warping.
- Ovangkol fingerboard offers a smooth playing experience and excellent durability.
Cons
- Matte finish, while aesthetically pleasing, can show fingerprints more readily.
- Mahogany back and sides might lack the projection of rosewood for advanced players.
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$278 now$278€249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width51 mm (2.01")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- Frets19 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This lefty guitar uses a solid cedar top for a punchy sound that cuts through a mix. The red Eucalyptus back and sides add warmth, while the mahogany neck feels sturdy under your fingers. It comes with a gig bag, making it ready to take anywhere. This is a solid choice for anyone playing classical guitar who needs a reliable left-handed instrument without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Solid cedar top provides bright attack and quick response
- Red Eucalyptus back and sides offer warm midrange tones
- Left-handed design serves right-hand players with ease
Cons
- No weight listed makes the instrument feel light or floaty
- Knoblloh strings are a specific brand choice, not universal
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$746 now$746€669 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 width47 mm (1.85")
- Scale630 mm (24.8")
The La Mancha Rubinito LSM/63-N-L is a fantastic entry-level left-handed classical guitar. It’s a great option for students or anyone looking for a smaller-bodied instrument with decent projection and a pleasant, warm tone – a solid starting point for exploring classical guitar without a huge investment.
Pros
- 7/8 size offers comfortable playability, especially for smaller players or those preferring a more compact instrument.
- Spruce top delivers a surprisingly resonant and clear tone for its price bracket.
- Ovangkol fingerboard provides a smooth playing experience and adds warmth to the overall sound.
Cons
- Mahogany back and sides limit the top-end sparkle, sounding a bit 'woody'.
- Narrow neck (NATO) might feel cramped for players accustomed to wider classical guitar necks.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$166 now$166€149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 31 lefthanded classical guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Ortega R18S-LOrtega47Stable$619€555$619€555Check ↗
- 12
Ibanez Sign. Tim Henson TOD10NL LHIbanez47↓ 4.1%$679€609$679€609Check ↗
- 13
Höfner HF13-L ClassicalHöfner · 2 finishes46Stable$400€359$400€359Check ↗
- 14
Ortega RCE138SN-LOrtega45Stable$556€499$556€499Check ↗
- 15
La Mancha Rubinito LSM/47-L 1/4La Mancha44Stable$177€159$177€159Check ↗
- 16
La Mancha Rubinito LSM/59-L 3/4La Mancha44Stable$188€169$188€169Check ↗
- 17
La Mancha Rubinito LSM/53-L 1/2La Mancha44Stable$188€169$188€169Check ↗
- 18
Larry Carlton G5N Natural LHLarry Carlton44Stable$701€629$701€629Check ↗
- 19
La Mancha Granito 32-AB-LLa Mancha42Stable$177€159$177€159Check ↗
- 20
Ortega R122-1/2-LOrtega42Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 21
Ortega R122L-3/4Ortega42Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 22
La Mancha Granito 32-CEN-AB-LLa Mancha42Stable$266€239$266€239Check ↗
- 23
Höfner HF17-LHöfner42↓ 3.5%$590€529$590€529Check ↗
- 24
Thomann Classic 4/4 Guitar LefthandThomann40Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 25
Alhambra 1C HT LH incl. GigbagAlhambra40Stable$512€459$512€459Check ↗
- 26
Thomann Classic Guitar 1/2 LefthandThomann38Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 27
Thomann Classic Guitar 3/4 LefthandThomann38Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 28
Manuel Rodriguez Estudio Spruce 3/4 LH HGManuel Rodriguez37Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 29
Thomann Classic 4/4 Guitar Left BundleThomann25Stable$155€139$155€139Check ↗
- 30
Thomann Classic Guitar 3/4 Left BundleThomann24Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 31
Thomann Classic Guitar 1/2 Left BundleThomann24Stable$155€139$155€139Check ↗
Lefthanded Classical Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 41 models we track, not a sample.
Median $311 — half of all lefthanded classical guitars here cost less.
median of 41 models · 45 mm (1.77")–52 mm (2.05")
median of 35 models · 530 mm (20.87")–650 mm (25.59")
median of 13 models · 17–22
most common · 10 models
How to choose the best lefthanded classical guitars
Tone
In this price range, don't expect a concert-grade sound. We're looking for a balanced response - a clear fundamental, some warmth in the lower mids, and enough sparkle up top without being brittle. A muddy low-end is a dealbreaker.
Playability (Action & Neck Profile)
Action that's too high will kill your motivation. A comfortable neck profile, neither too thick nor too thin, is crucial for extended practice sessions and those tricky passages. It's about ease of movement.
Construction & Materials
Solid tops are generally better than laminate, even on a budget. The back and sides don't need to be solid, but look for quality bracing - that's what really affects projection and sustain. Cheap bracing = weak sound.
Projection & Volume
Classical guitars are often played in ensembles or amplified. You need an instrument that can cut through the mix without sounding harsh. Listen for sustain and how the guitar responds to dynamic playing.
Hardware & Stability
Decent tuners are essential for staying in tune onstage. A well-fitted neck joint and a stable bridge are signs of a guitar built to last - even if it's not fancy.
Buying guide
Finding a decent left-handed classical guitar that won't bankrupt you is a real challenge. Most affordable lefties are either dogs or seriously lacking in projection. I've spent years sifting through guitars for students and bands, and this list is what I've found to be the sweet spot - instruments that offer genuine playability and tone without needing a second mortgage. Let's get you playing, not broke.
At this price point, you're making compromises. Expect the finish to be a little thin, the binding to be plastic, and the hardware to be basic. Don't chase a 'bright, sparkly' tone - that usually means harsh.
Focus on a guitar with a comfortable neck, decent projection, and a fundamental tone you can work with. A setup from a luthier is almost always worth the investment to dial in the action and intonation.
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 41 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 solid top guitars always better?
Not always. A well-made laminate top can sometimes outperform a poorly constructed solid top. It's about the overall build quality and bracing, not just the wood type.
What's the deal with 'concert' grade vs. 'student' grade?
It's mostly marketing. 'Concert' grade generally means slightly better wood selection and a more refined finish, but the difference in tone is often subtle, especially at this price point.
Should I buy online or try it in a store?
Ideally, try before you buy. But if that's not possible, buy from a retailer with a good return policy. Online photos can be deceiving, and what sounds 'bright' to one person might sound 'harsh' to another.
What about amplification? Can I plug these guitars in?
Some models have built-in pickups, but the voicing is often... questionable. For serious amplification, you're better off with a quality acoustic preamp and a decent microphone.
What's the best way to care for a new classical guitar?
Keep it in its case when not in use, avoid extreme temperature and humidity changes, and wipe it down after playing. A good humidifier is your friend, especially in dry climates.





