AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Ibanez Lefthanded Guitars 2026
The top pick is Ibanez RG550 Genesis Collection ($1,203). Ibanez GRX70QA Gio gives you the most for the money at $268. Ibanez RG5120M Prestige leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 13 models, 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 width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius430 mm (16.93")
- BodyBasswood body
This RG550L-DY is a serious contender for players wanting a modern, high-performance instrument with a Japanese build quality. The neck profile and pickup configuration make it ideal for rock, metal, and progressive styles—anyone looking for speed and versatility will appreciate this one.
Pros
- Basswood body delivers a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain
- Super Wizard neck profile is incredibly fast and comfortable for shredding
- Ibanez V7/V8 pickups offer high-output, versatile modern tones
Cons
- Basswood can lack the upper-midrange character of mahogany or ash
- Super Wizard neck isn't for everyone; might feel too thin for some players
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,203 now$1,203€1,069 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- BodyPoplar body
This Ibanez GIO is a fantastic entry point for left-handed players wanting that Ibanez vibe. The neck profile is genuinely good for fast playing, and the pickups handle a surprising range of styles, from crunchy rhythm to cleaner leads. It's a well-rounded instrument for beginners and gigging musicians on a budget.
Pros
- Quilted maple top adds visual flair and a touch of resonance
- GRX neck profile is surprisingly comfortable and fast playing
- Infinity pickups deliver a surprisingly powerful and versatile sound
Cons
- Poplar body can feel a little 'soft' and prone to dents
- T106 tremolo is basic, offering limited tuning stability
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$268 now$268€238 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- BodyMeranti body
- FingerboardJatoba fingerboard
This lefty guitar looks great with its flamed maple top and jatoba fretboard. The two quantum humbuckers give it a strong sound for rock and metal. It suits players who want power but don't need many knobs. The fixed bridge keeps it simple and solid.
Pros
- Flamed maple top adds classic visual appeal
- Jatoba fretboard offers a smooth feel
- Quantum humbuckers deliver powerful output
Cons
- Limited to just two control knobs
- Single volume and tone options
53AudioFu
Index↓ 8.4%since Aug 30 · lowest so far$539 · Aug 30$494 now$494€439 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- BodyOkoume body
This GRG121DXL-WNF is a solid option for left-handed players just starting out or looking for a reliable, affordable shred machine. The bolt-on neck and powerful pickups make it surprisingly versatile for rock and metal, while the purpleheart fretboard adds a touch of style. It’s a great grab-and-go guitar that’ll hold its own in a band setting.
Pros
- Okoume body provides a surprisingly resonant and balanced tonal foundation.
- Purpleheart fretboard offers a slick, fast playing experience with a unique look.
- IBZ6 humbuckers deliver a thick, high-output sound suitable for rock and metal.
Cons
- Hardware, while functional, feels a bit budget-oriented for more serious players.
- The shorter 648mm scale length might feel cramped for players with larger hands.
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$266 now$266€236 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- BodyAlder body
The AZ2402L-TFF is a seriously well-made instrument. The roasted maple neck and Hyperion pickups give it a modern, aggressive voice while retaining excellent clarity. This is a fantastic choice for players seeking a high-performance, versatile left-handed guitar for rock, metal, and beyond.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck provides exceptional stability and resonance.
- Seymour Duncan Hyperion pickups deliver aggressive high-output tones.
- Gotoh T1802 tremolo offers smooth, reliable performance.
Cons
- Alder body can be slightly resonant, potentially requiring EQ adjustments.
- The 'Age Switch' might be confusing for less experienced players.
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,362 now$2,362€2,099 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius430 mm (16.93")
- BodyMahogany body
This RG5120ML-FCN LH is a serious instrument for the left-handed shredder or player needing a versatile, modern sound. The Fishman pickups are a real highlight – they cover a surprising amount of ground from clean to high-gain. If you want a fast, well-built guitar with a unique aesthetic and powerful pickups, this is a fantastic option.
Pros
- African mahogany/ash combo delivers a resonant, focused tone.
- Super Wizard HP neck offers incredibly fast, comfortable playability.
- Fishman Fluence pickups provide versatile, high-output ceramic tones.
Cons
- The Super Wizard neck can feel too thin for players preferring a thicker profile.
- The Frozen Ocean finish, while striking, may be polarizing for some.
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,531 now$2,531€2,249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The AZ2204NWL-MGR is a seriously impressive instrument. It’s a fantastic choice for players seeking a modern, versatile feel with a touch of vintage vibe, especially those who appreciate a comfortable neck profile and high-quality hardware. The build quality is top-notch, making it a great investment for intermediate to advanced players.
Pros
- Roasted S-TECH neck offers exceptional stability and feel.
- Seymour Duncan Fortuna pickups deliver a versatile, modern tone.
- Compound radius fingerboard enhances playability across the fretboard.
Cons
- Mint Green finish might not appeal to all players’ aesthetic preferences.
- The Gotoh tremolo, while good, can require occasional maintenance for optimal tuning stability.
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,531 now$2,531€2,249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- Strings7-string
This lefty RG7421EXL is a serious shred machine for a surprisingly affordable price. The 7-string setup and Quantum pickups are perfect for modern metal and progressive rock, and that Wizard II neck makes it an absolute joy to play fast. It's a great entry point into the 7-string world without sacrificing too much in terms of quality or performance.
Pros
- Meranti body offers a surprisingly resonant and balanced tonal foundation.
- Wizard II neck profile provides exceptionally fast and comfortable playability.
- Quantum 7 pickups deliver a modern, high-output sound with clarity.
Cons
- Meranti can be somewhat plain aesthetically, lacking the visual flair of mahogany.
- The extended scale length demands a bit more finger strength and reach.
46AudioFu
Index↓ 2.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$601 · Aug 17$584 now$584€519 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- BodyBasswood body
This left-handed AF55L-TF is a fantastic entry point into semi-hollow guitars. It's got a warm, vintage-inspired tone, a comfortable neck, and a build quality that punches well above its price bracket—perfect for gigging musicians or students looking for a versatile and reliable instrument.
Pros
- Basswood body offers a surprisingly balanced, resonant tone.
- Infinity R pickups deliver a thick, warm, and articulate sound.
- Nyatoh neck provides a comfortable, familiar feel under the hand.
Cons
- Basswood, while balanced, lacks the premium complexity of mahogany.
- Walnut fretboard can feel slightly 'slick' to some players’ preference.
45AudioFu
Index↓ 1.9%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$466 · Aug 17$457 now$457€406 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Frets24 frets
- BodyPoplar body
This lefty Ibanez GRG170DXL-BKN is a solid entry point for aspiring rock and metal players. The GRG neck profile makes it easy to play fast, and the pickups cover a lot of ground without sounding muddy. It's a great option for beginners or players needing a reliable, affordable gigging guitar.
Pros
- GRG1 neck profile offers a comfortable, fast playing experience for shredders.
- PSND pickups deliver a surprisingly versatile range, from crunchy rhythm to searing leads.
- New Zealand pinewood fretboard adds a unique tonal warmth and visual appeal.
Cons
- Poplar body, while decent, lacks the resonance of mahogany or alder.
- Tremolo bridge, while functional, is a basic design and may require occasional maintenance.
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$303 now$303€269 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 13 lefthanded guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
Lefthanded Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 249 models we track, not a sample.
Median $595 — half of all lefthanded guitars here cost less.
median of 231 models · 41.3 mm (1.63")–48 mm (1.89")
median of 231 models · 628 mm (24.72")–648 mm (25.51")
median of 141 models · 21–24
most common · 197 models
How to choose the best lefthanded guitars
Neck Profile
Ibanez's Wizard necks are a signature. They're generally thin and fast, which is fantastic for shredding, but some players might find them a bit too thin for comfortable chord work. It's a personal preference, but be aware - that thin profile is a key part of the Ibanez experience.
Tremolo System
Many Ibanez guitars feature their Edge or Edge Zero tremolo systems. These are floating tremolos that offer smooth, reliable performance and surprisingly good tuning stability, a significant upgrade over some of the cheap, flappy tremolos you find on other guitars.
Pickup Voicing
Ibanez's pickups vary wildly depending on the model, but generally lean towards a hotter output, ideal for rock and metal. You'll find everything from high-output humbuckers with a thick, saturated tone to more nuanced single-coils for cleaner sounds - but don't expect vintage, scooped mids; these are designed to cut through a mix.
Build Quality & Hardware
While Ibanez does have budget-friendly options, even their entry-level guitars generally feature solid hardware and construction. The tuners are usually reliable, and the overall build feels robust, something you appreciate when you're gigging regularly.
Articulate Sustain
The combination of mahogany or basswood bodies, fast necks, and often, high-output pickups, results in a guitar with excellent sustain. This allows notes to ring out longer, which is crucial for leads and soaring solos - a hallmark of the Ibanez sound.
Buying guide
Finding a decent left-handed guitar can be a real pain, and Ibanez consistently delivers some of the best options. They've carved out a specific niche - high-performance, often shred-focused instruments - and their lefty lineup isn't an afterthought. Whether you're chasing a searing high-gain tone or a tight, articulate clean sound, Ibanez has a lefty guitar that'll likely fit the bill, but let's dig into what makes them tick.
Don't get caught up in flashy finishes or exotic woods. The real value in an Ibanez lefty is the playability and hardware. Entry-level models will often use cheaper pickups - easily upgraded later - but the neck and tremolo are usually solid.
Spending a bit more gets you better pickups and potentially upgraded hardware, but the core Ibanez DNA remains.
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 13 lefthanded guitars from the Thomann catalogue (of 249 in the category). 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 Ibanez guitars good for beginners?
They can be, but that thin Wizard neck isn't for everyone starting out. Some beginners might find it feels a bit unwieldy. However, the playability and reliable hardware are a definite plus.
Can I get a vintage-style tone out of an Ibanez?
It's tough. They're not designed for that warm, round vintage vibe. You can swap the pickups, but you're fighting against the inherent design philosophy.
What's the difference between an Edge and an Edge Zero tremolo?
The Edge Zero is a more modern, recessed tremolo designed for even better tuning stability and a lower profile - it sits a bit closer to the body.
Are Ibanez left-handed guitars as readily available as right-handed?
No, unfortunately. Selection is often limited, and you might have to order online or wait for stock. Be prepared to do some searching.
I hear a lot about Ibanez's 'ergonomics.' What does that mean?
It's marketing speak for 'comfortable to play,' but it often refers to the body contours and neck profile designed to minimize fatigue during long playing sessions. It's a real thing - they're generally comfortable guitars.
