AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Larry Carlton Lefthanded Guitars 2026
The top pick is Sire Larry Carlton L7 ($787). Larry Carlton S10 HSS Transparent Green LH leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 7 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Top 7
Full detail for the 7 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Sire Larry Carlton L7
L7 New Gen Amber Burst LH · Larry Carlton
16 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This lefty guitar feels solid thanks to the mahogany body and maple top. The vintage humbuckers give a thick sound perfect for blues or rock. It is a great choice if you want a classic feel without the heavy price tag.
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- No weight is listed, so heavy left-handed models may be tough.
- Lack of a cutaway makes reaching high frets slightly difficult.
60AudioFu
Index↓ 4.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$820 · Aug 17$787 now$787€699 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius254 mm (10")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This Larry Carlton Q7 is a serious contender for left-handed players seeking a comfortable, well-built guitar with a classic tone. The mahogany construction and LC pickups deliver a warm, punchy sound perfect for blues, rock, and jazz. It's a fantastic value for a guitar with this level of craftsmanship and feel.
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- 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.
51AudioFu
Index↓ 11.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$764 · Aug 17$674 now$674€599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This lefty guitar feels great with its smooth rosewood neck and bright steel frets. The alder body gives a solid tone that cuts through rock mixes. It's a straightforward choice for players who want a reliable instrument without extra features.
Pros
- Stainless steel frets stay bright longer than nickel.
- Alder body offers balanced midrange punch for rock.
- Left-handed design fits players who reverse strings.
Cons
- Bolt-on neck may feel less rigid than set-neck.
- Single coil pickups can sound thin in loud venues.
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$775 now$775€689 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale627 mm (24.69")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyMaple body
This Larry Carlton H7V is a seriously cool left-handed option. Those P90s give you that classic, slightly gritty tone perfect for blues, jazz, and rock. It's a well-built instrument with a comfortable neck, offering a lot of character for the price.
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- Semi-hollow body may be prone to feedback at higher volumes.
- Scale length slightly longer than standard, may take adjustment.
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- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This lefty guitar feels solid in hand with its mahogany body and flamed maple top. The amber burst finish is beautiful and the jumbo frets help you play fast. It's a great budget-friendly option for players who like warm humbucker tones.
Pros
- Rich amber burst finish looks stunning in person
- Solid mahogany body gives warm, thick tones
- Flamed maple top adds visual sparkle and resonance
Cons
- No weight listed means you might find it heavy
- Only two pickups limit tone variety options
47AudioFu
Index↓ 4.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$652 · Aug 17$625 now$625€555 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This lefty guitar feels natural because it is built for playing with your left hand. The SIRE pickups cut through any mix while the Tusq nut keeps strings moving smoothly. It suits players who want a bright, single-coil sound without extra setup hassle.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- No specific weight listed in provided specs
- Missing detailed pickup sound character description
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$843 now$843€749 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyAlder body
This lefty guitar has a bright poplar top and a solid maple neck. The 22 jumbo frets feel great under your fingers. It suits players who like a clear tone and a fresh look.
Pros
- Solid poplar top adds bright resonance
- Maple neck offers sturdy feel
- 22 jumbo stainless steel frets
Cons
- Weight not listed in description
- Single coil pickups may hum
39AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,574 now$1,574€1,399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Lefthanded Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 249 models we track, not a sample.
Median $787 — 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
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
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.
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 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 Larry Carlton guitars difficult to find as left-handed?
Absolutely. Yamaha didn't make a ton of lefty models, and they're even less common now. Persistence is key - set up eBay alerts and be ready to pounce when one pops up.
What's the difference between the early Yamaha-built and the later models?
The early Yamahas are generally considered to be of higher build quality, with more consistent specs and better hardware. The later models, built by other manufacturers, can still be good guitars, but they often cut a few corners to reduce costs.
What kind of amp would best complement a Larry Carlton guitar?
Carlton's signature tone is often associated with clean Fender amps like the Twin Reverb or Deluxe Reverb. However, they also respond beautifully to a slightly darker amp like a Vox AC30 or a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+. It's all about finding that sweet spot where the pickups' clarity shines.
Are these guitars suitable for genres other than smooth jazz?
Definitely. While Carlton's style is the reference point, these guitars are incredibly versatile. The balanced pickups and comfortable neck make them suitable for blues, rock, and even country - anything that benefits from articulate, nuanced tones.
What's the typical action on a Larry Carlton guitar?
Generally, they're set up with a relatively low action, which contributes to their playability. However, the neck is stable enough to handle a slightly higher action if that's your preference. It's something easily adjustable by a qualified tech.
