AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Lefthanded Guitars Under $100 2026
The top pick is Harley Benton ST-20LH BK Standard Series ($99). Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 5 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
Top 5
Full detail for the 5 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyPoplar body
This lefty Harley Benton ST-20LH is a seriously impressive offering for the price. It’s a solid starting point for beginners or a fun, affordable workhorse for seasoned players needing a reliable Strat-style guitar. The bolt-on neck and bright pickups lend themselves well to classic rock, blues, and even some pop styles.
Pros
- Poplar body provides a surprisingly resonant and balanced tonal foundation.
- Modern C neck profile is comfortable for a wide range of playing styles.
- Die-cast tuners offer stable tuning and reliable performance.
Cons
- Synchronized tremolo system may require setup and careful use to avoid tuning instability.
- Roseacer fretboard may exhibit minor fret sprout or buzzing initially.
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- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyPoplar body
This is a solid left-handed guitar for players who need a reliable workhorse without breaking the bank. The poplar body and maple neck give it a classic feel, while the dual action truss rod makes maintenance simple. It suits beginners and pros alike who want a straightforward instrument with standard single-coil tones.
Pros
- Left-handed design for righty players playing backwards
- Affordable price point for budget-conscious musicians
- Modern C neck profile offers comfortable playability
Cons
- Single coil pickups prone to magnetic interference
- No bridge or weight specifications provided in text
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- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale565 mm (22.24")
- Frets24 frets
- BodyPoplar body
This lefty RG-Junior is a seriously impressive value. It's perfect for younger players, beginners, or anyone wanting a hard-hitting rock tone on a budget. The shorter scale makes it comfortable, and those humbuckers pack a surprising punch for the price.
Pros
- Poplar body provides a surprisingly resonant and balanced tonal foundation.
- Maple neck offers a snappy feel and good sustain, typical of bolt-on construction.
- Dual humbuckers deliver a thick, aggressive sound suitable for rock and metal.
Cons
- Roseacer fretboard can feel a bit 'slick' for some players, requiring a break-in or alternative finish.
- 3/4 scale length limits low-end response and may feel cramped for larger hands.
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- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This Harley Benton DIY kit is a fantastic entry point for left-handed players eager to learn guitar construction. The build quality of the components is surprisingly good for the price, and the resulting ST-style guitar delivers a bright, jangly tone perfect for classic rock and indie styles. It's ideal for hobbyists, students, or anyone wanting a unique, personalized instrument.
Pros
- Rengas body offers a unique, resonant tone with a natural warmth.
- Bolt-on maple neck provides a snappy feel and easy playability.
- Amaranth fingerboard is durable and offers a smooth playing surface.
Cons
- Requires woodworking skills and finishing knowledge for proper assembly.
- Ceramic pickups offer a bright, slightly harsh tone; limited tonal versatility.
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- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This Harley Benton kit is a fantastic entry point for left-handed players wanting a T-style guitar and a project. The build quality is surprisingly decent for the price, and it's a great way to learn about guitar construction. It's perfect for budding guitarists or tinkerers who want a fun, affordable, and customizable instrument.
Pros
- Rengas body offers a unique, resonant tone with a pleasing natural aesthetic.
- Bolt-on maple neck provides a snappy, responsive feel ideal for energetic playing.
- Amaranth fingerboard is durable and smooth, offering comfortable fretwork.
Cons
- Assembly requires skill; not suitable for absolute beginners to guitar building.
- Single coil pickups deliver a bright tone, limiting versatility for heavier genres.
Lefthanded Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 6 models we track, not a sample.
median of 6 models · 42 mm (1.65")–42 mm (1.65")
median of 6 models · 565 mm (22.24")–648 mm (25.51")
median of 6 models · 22–22
How to choose the best lefthanded guitars
Playability
The neck profile and action (string height) are crucial. A chunky neck or high action will make learning frustrating, and a poorly set up neck can kill sustain. We're looking for something reasonably comfortable to play, even if it needs a little tweaking.
Pickup Voicing
Don't expect boutique-level clarity or nuanced dynamics. These pickups will likely be generic, but we're assessing their tonal character - are they muddy, thin, or somewhere in the middle? A little bit of that raw, gritty breakup can be a plus.
Hardware Quality
Tuners, bridge, and pots are all potential weak points. Cheap tuners will have tuning stability issues, a flimsy bridge will affect sustain, and scratchy pots are just annoying. We're evaluating how well these components hold up to regular use.
Construction & Materials
We're not expecting mahogany and figured maple. These guitars will mostly be made from basswood or similar tonewoods. We're looking for solid construction and decent finishing - no obvious cracks or sharp fret edges.
Overall Versatility
Can it cover a few different genres? While a $100 guitar won't be a tone chameleon, we're looking for something that isn't completely useless for rock, blues, or even some clean rhythm work.
Buying guide
Alright, lefty players on a serious budget, let's be real. Finding a decent left-handed guitar under $100 is a challenge, but not impossible. You're not going to get a vintage Les Paul vibe, but you can snag something playable for practice, learning, or just having around. We're focusing on bang-for-your-buck here - instruments that won't fall apart after a gig and offer a little bit of character.
At this price point, compromises are inevitable. Expect to spend some time adjusting the action and intonation. The pickups are likely the first thing you'll want to upgrade if you're serious about tone, and the stock tuners will probably need replacing if you want to stay in tune during a gig.
Don't expect incredible sustain or a perfectly balanced frequency response - it's about getting a playable instrument for the money.
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 6 lefthanded 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
Will this guitar stay in tune?
Probably not perfectly, especially with the stock tuners. Expect to make frequent adjustments, especially if you bend strings a lot. Upgrading the tuners is a common first step.
Can I record with this guitar?
Absolutely, but manage your expectations. It won't sound like a $2000 studio guitar. A little EQ and some amp simulation can help mask some of the limitations. It's great for practicing and laying down basic tracks.
What if the action is too high?
Lowering the action is usually possible, but it might require a trip to a local guitar tech - factor that into your budget. Be careful not to make it too low, or you'll get fret buzz.
Are these guitars any good for beginners?
They're fine for learning, but a slightly better quality guitar (even if it's used) will make the experience more enjoyable and less frustrating. A comfortable neck is key for beginners.
What's the difference between these and a slightly more expensive guitar?
Generally, you'll get better materials, better hardware, more consistent build quality, and a more refined tone. The bigger difference is often playability - a higher-end guitar is usually easier and more comfortable to play.
