Best Larry Carlton Lefthanded Guitars 2026
Alright, so you're a lefty and you dig Larry Carlton's tone? Smart move. The Larry Carlton signature guitars, particularly those built by Yamaha, are criminally underrated, and often overlooked by players chasing flashier names. They're not about shred; they're about nuanced phrasing, buttery cleans, and that signature bell-like chime that's instantly recognizable. Finding a lefty model can be a hunt, but it's worth the effort if you're after a truly versatile and refined instrument.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
Larry Carlton L7 New Gen Amber Burst LH
- • Solid mahogany body offers rich, warm resonance for blues and rock.
- • Flamed maple top adds bright sparkle to cut through loud mixes.
- • Graph Tech Tusq XL nut ensures smooth, even string vibration.
- • Vintage-2 humbuckers deliver thick, classic midrange punch.
- • No weight is listed, so heavy left-handed models may be tough.
- • Lack of a cutaway makes reaching high frets slightly difficult.
- • Standard 24.76 scale might feel long to players used to shorter strings.
Larry Carlton L5 Amber Burst LH
- • Rich amber burst finish looks stunning in person
- • Solid mahogany body gives warm, thick tones
- • Flamed maple top adds visual sparkle and resonance
- • Two medium jumbo frets make bending easy
- • No weight listed means you might find it heavy
- • Only two pickups limit tone variety options
- • Sire hardware feels less premium than high-end brands
Larry Carlton L7 Dx Amber Burst LH
- • Mahogany body with flamed maple top for warmth
- • Graph Tech TUSQ XL nut protects strings
- • LC Custom-2 humbuckers deliver thick tone
- • Crown inlays offer clear visual reference
- • No weight listed makes balance hard to judge
- • Lefthanded build may cost more than righty
- • Single 3-way switch limits tone options
Larry Carlton H7F Tobacco Burst LH
- • Maple top delivers focused, articulate highs and shimmering overtones.
- • Mahogany neck provides warmth and sustain, complementing the maple body.
- • LC Vintage humbuckers offer a refined, vintage-voiced, bluesy tone.
- • Ebony fingerboard provides a smooth, fast playing experience and excellent note definition.
- • Hollowbody construction makes it somewhat heavier than a solid-body guitar.
- • Tobacco Burst finish might not appeal to players preferring more modern aesthetics.
- • 24.75” scale length isn't ideal for players who prefer longer scale lengths.
Larry Carlton T7 BK New Gen LH
- • Stainless steel frets stay bright longer than nickel.
- • Alder body offers balanced midrange punch for rock.
- • Left-handed design fits players who reverse strings.
- • Compound radius neck feels comfortable for chord shapes.
- • Bolt-on neck may feel less rigid than set-neck.
- • Single coil pickups can sound thin in loud venues.
- • Black finish shows scratches and wear very easily.
Larry Carlton L7 TS New Gen LH
- • Mahogany body provides warmth and sustain, a classic Carlton tone.
- • Ebony fingerboard offers exceptional clarity and speed for effortless playing.
- • LC Vintage-2 humbuckers deliver articulate, vintage-inspired output.
- • Well-constructed neck with comfortable C profile enhances playability.
- • Mahogany body contributes to a potentially heavier feel, especially for smaller players.
- • The 24.75 in scale length might feel cramped for players accustomed to longer scales.
- • Limited pickup versatility; primarily suited for warmer, vintage tones.
Larry Carlton Q7 Tobacco Sunburst LH
- • Mahogany body delivers warmth and sustain, a real vintage vibe.
- • Ebony fingerboard provides exceptional clarity and note definition.
- • LC Q humbuckers offer a powerful, articulate, and versatile tone.
- • Wilkinson tremolo provides smooth, reliable vibrato without tuning instability.
- • Mahogany body can make it feel a little weighty for extended playing sessions.
- • Tobacco Sunburst finish might not appeal to players preferring more modern aesthetics.
- • Limited pickup options restrict extreme genre exploration; leans toward classic rock.
Larry Carlton L7 CAR New Gen LH
- • Mahogany body provides warm, resonant bass response
- • Maple top adds bright, cutting high-end clarity
- • Tusq XL nut reduces string breakage and fret buzz
- • Vintage-2 humbuckers deliver thick, classic tone
- • Lefthanded configuration limits player pool significantly
- • No bridge or tailpiece material is specified in text
- • Weight is not listed, likely heavy due to mahogany
Larry Carlton T7TV Natural LH
- • Chambered Ash body provides excellent resonance and comfortable weight.
- • Maple neck with a comfortable 'C' profile facilitates fast playing.
- • Ceramic single coils deliver a bright, articulate, and surprisingly punchy tone.
- • Vintage-style bridge enhances sustain and tuning stability.
- • Limited pickup versatility; not ideal for heavily distorted genres.
- • Maple fretboard might feel a little 'snappy' for some players' preferences.
- • Chambering, while reducing weight, can slightly compromise upper-midrange definition.
Larry Carlton H7V VS LH
- • Flamed maple top delivers striking visuals and tonal complexity.
- • LC Vintage P90s offer a unique, creamy, and articulate voice.
- • Mahogany neck provides warmth and comfortable, fast playability.
- • Ebony fingerboard ensures snappy response and sustain.
- • Semi-hollow body may be prone to feedback at higher volumes.
- • Scale length slightly longer than standard, may take adjustment.
- • Vintage Sunburst finish, while classic, might not appeal to all.
Larry Carlton S7 3TS New Gen LH
- • Left-handed configuration for natural playing feel
- • SIRE LC Super-ST single coils for clear tone
- • Graph Tech Tusq XL nut for smooth string action
- • Alder body paired with bolt-on maple neck
- • No specific weight listed in provided specs
- • Missing detailed pickup sound character description
- • Limited hardware color options beyond chrome
Larry Carlton T7 3TS New Gen LH
- • Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- • LC Super-T pickups deliver a warm, articulate vintage single-coil voice.
- • Compound radius fingerboard eases chording while enabling effortless lead work.
- • Brass T-bridge enhances sustain and provides a classic, vintage feel.
- • Bolt-on neck construction, while stable, lacks the warmth of a set neck.
- • Maple fingerboard may feel a bit slick for some players’ preferences.
- • Limited pickup options restrict versatility for extreme genres.
Larry Carlton S10 HSS Transparent Green LH
- • Solid poplar top adds bright resonance
- • Maple neck offers sturdy feel
- • 22 jumbo stainless steel frets
- • Transparent green finish looks unique
- • Weight not listed in description
- • Single coil pickups may hum
- • No specified body depth
Lefthanded Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 255 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
How to Choose the Best Lefthanded Guitars
Heritage
Yamaha's involvement is key. The early Yamaha-built Larry Carlton models (late 80s, early 90s) established a reputation for exceptional build quality and attention to detail that's hard to find elsewhere at the price point. It's a lineage of craftsmanship.
Pickup Voicing
The signature Seymour Duncan pickups are the heart of the Carlton sound. They're not high-output screamers; they're designed to deliver a balanced, articulate tone with a pronounced upper midrange - that 'bell-like' quality. It's a controlled clarity, not an ice-pick bite.
Neck Profile
The neck profile is generally a comfortable, medium-thin C shape. It's responsive to a light touch, allowing for effortless legato lines and subtle phrasing - crucial for Carlton's style. It's not a shredder's neck, but it's incredibly playable for a wide range of players.
Body Wood & Construction
Typically mahogany bodies with a maple top. This combination provides warmth and sustain with a touch of brightness. The construction is solid, often with glued-in necks - a sign of quality that translates to better resonance and stability over time. It's a solid, dependable platform.
Hardware & Tuning Stability
The original Yamahas often featured Gotoh hardware, which is known for its reliability and smooth operation. While later models might have different hardware, the focus remains on providing stable tuning and reliable performance - important for those long gigs.
Buying Guide
Finding a lefty Larry Carlton is the first hurdle - be patient and check Reverb and eBay regularly. Inspect the neck for any excessive wear, and pay close attention to the fretwork - a leveling and crown can make a world of difference. Don't expect pristine condition on older models; a few honest dings are okay, but structural issues are a red flag. The original Yamaha models command a premium for a reason; the build quality is exceptional for the price.
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 13 of 255 lefthanded guitars from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 13 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
