AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Lefthanded Guitars Under $200 2026
The top pick is Harley Benton ST-20HSS LH SBK ($125). Harley Benton MS-60LH VW Vintage Series leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 19 models across 2 brands, 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 width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- BodyBasswood body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This lefty Harley Benton ST-20HSS is an incredible value. It's a solid starter guitar or a fun, affordable backup for more experienced players wanting a Strat-style feel with a little extra growl from the humbucker. The build quality is surprisingly decent for the price, making it a great choice for beginners or budget-conscious players.
Pros
- Basswood body provides a surprisingly balanced, resonant tone.
- Modern C neck profile is comfortable for fast playing and chording.
- HSS pickup configuration offers versatility from crunchy rock to clean tones.
Cons
- Basswood body can feel a bit 'soft' and prone to dings.
- Synchronized tremolo system is basic and may require tweaking for tuning stability.
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$125 now$125€111 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets21 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyBasswood body
This lefty Harley Benton is a real steal for players craving a classic Tele vibe. The Roswell pickups are a standout, providing a surprisingly vintage-voiced tone. It’s a fantastic starting point for beginners or a fun, budget-friendly option for experienced players wanting a quirky, reliable instrument.
Pros
- Roswell pickups deliver surprisingly articulate and warm vintage-voiced tones.
- Caramelized maple neck offers a smooth, fast feel with a subtle sweetness.
- Bolt-on construction provides a bright, snappy response and easy adjustability.
Cons
- Basswood body lacks the sustain and resonance of more premium tonewoods.
- Bolt-on neck can sound less 'integrated' compared to set-neck designs.
60AudioFu
Index↓ 6.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$179 · Aug 17$168 now$168€149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets21 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyBasswood body
This lefty Harley Benton is a seriously cool vintage-inspired machine. Those P90s deliver a raw, bluesy growl, and the bolt-on neck makes it comfortable to play for hours. It's a fantastic option for players wanting that classic P90 vibe without spending a fortune.
Pros
- Basswood body delivers a warm, resonant, and surprisingly balanced tone
- Roswell P90s provide that classic, gritty vintage tone with plenty of character
- Bolt-on neck with caramel maple offers a comfortable, familiar feel and easy playability
Cons
- Fixed bridge limits tremolo/vibrato capabilities and future upgrade options
- Basswood, while warm, lacks the sustain and punch of mahogany or ash
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$179 now$179€159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This lefty SC-400 is a seriously impressive value. It nails that classic, slightly scooped rock tone, and the build quality is surprisingly good for the price point. Ideal for players wanting a vintage vibe without the vintage price tag – especially good for classic rock, blues, and some heavier styles.
Pros
- Solid poplar body provides a surprisingly resonant and balanced tone
- Maple neck with a comfortable 'C' profile enhances playability
- Classic Open humbuckers deliver a warm, vintage-inspired rock sound
Cons
- Poplar body can be slightly prone to finish checking with age
- Roseacer fingerboard might feel a touch less refined than ebony or maple
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$156 now$156€139 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This left-handed Harley Benton ST-62CC is a seriously impressive value. The caramelized neck feels fantastic, and the Roswell pickups offer a surprisingly authentic vintage Strat tone – bright, snappy, and ready for classic rock or blues. It's an ideal instrument for beginner to intermediate players seeking a quality feel and vintage vibe on a budget.
Pros
- Caramelized maple neck and fretboard offer surprisingly smooth playability and feel.
- Roswell STA pickups deliver a surprisingly articulate and vintage-voiced single-coil tone.
- Bolt-on neck construction provides a bright, snappy response characteristic of vintage Strats.
Cons
- Basswood body, while lightweight, lacks the sustain and resonance of more premium woods.
- Synchronized tremolo system can feel a bit 'budget' and might require tweaking for stability.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$179 now$179€159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyPoplar body
This left-handed TE-20HH is a seriously impressive value. The modern C neck profile and humbucker pickups deliver a versatile range, from crunchy rhythm to searing leads. It's a fantastic starting point for lefty players or anyone seeking a budget-friendly, rock-ready instrument.
Pros
- Poplar body offers a surprisingly resonant and balanced tone.
- Bolt-on neck provides a snappy, responsive feel ideal for rock.
- DLX die-cast tuners ensure stable tuning, a welcome upgrade.
Cons
- Factory strings are basic; an immediate upgrade is highly recommended.
- Bolt-on construction lacks the sustain of a set-neck design.
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$125 now$125€111 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets24 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyBasswood body
This lefty DC-580 is a seriously impressive package for the price. The vintage vibe and humbucker tone make it a great choice for rock, blues, and classic hard rock players who want a solid, playable instrument without spending a fortune. It’s a real workhorse guitar for the budget-conscious player.
Pros
- Basswood body delivers surprisingly warm, resonant low-mids.
- Canadian maple neck provides stability and a comfortable, familiar C profile.
- Vintage-style humbuckers offer a thick, crunchy tone suitable for rock.
Cons
- Basswood can feel a bit 'soft' under a heavy pick, lacks premium sustain.
- Cherry high-gloss finish, while attractive, is prone to fingerprints and scratches.
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$156 now$156€139 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets21 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyAsh body
This lefty TE-52 NA is a seriously impressive value. The ash body and vintage-voiced Roswell pickups nail that classic Tele vibe, and the caramelized neck makes it a joy to play. It's perfect for beginners or experienced players looking for a reliable, affordable workhorse guitar.
Pros
- American ash body delivers a resonant, balanced tone with good sustain.
- Roswell TEA pickups offer surprisingly authentic vintage single-coil character.
- Kluson-style machine heads provide smooth, accurate tuning stability.
Cons
- Bolt-on neck construction limits high-end sustain compared to set-neck designs.
- Hardware, while functional, feels budget-oriented and may be a future upgrade point.
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$179 now$179€159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width41 mm (1.61")
- Scale610 mm (24.02")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyBasswood body
This lefty MS-60 is a seriously impressive value. The vintage-style single coils deliver a bright, chimey tone perfect for classic country, surf, or jangly indie. It's a great starting point for beginners or a fun, affordable workhorse for seasoned players looking for a vintage vibe.
Pros
- Roswell STA Alnico 5 pickups deliver a surprisingly authentic vintage tone
- Graphite nut minimizes friction and improves tuning stability
- Deluxe tremolo provides subtle vibrato and expressive playing
Cons
- Basswood body, while resonant, lacks the sustain of mahogany or ash
- Bolt-on neck construction can feel less integrated than set-neck designs
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$190 now$190€169 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyBasswood body
This lefty TE-40 LH TBK is a seriously impressive value. The ash top gives it a touch of class, while the Roswell pickups deliver a surprisingly warm and powerful tone perfect for rock, blues, and even some heavier styles. It’s a fantastic entry point for left-handed players or anyone on a tight budget wanting a quality instrument.
Pros
- Ash top adds visual flair and subtle resonance
- Roswell HAF pickups deliver surprisingly thick, warm tones
- Bolt-on neck provides snappy attack and easy playability
Cons
- Basswood body can feel a bit lifeless compared to mahogany
- Pau Ferro fretboard might require a bit of initial seasoning
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$168 now$168€149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 19 lefthanded guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Harley Benton Extreme-76LH BKHarley Benton48Stable$168€149$168€149Check ↗
- 12
Harley Benton Extreme-76LH BK w/BagHarley Benton48Stable$179€159$179€159Check ↗
- 13
Harley Benton R-446LH Graphite MetallicHarley Benton · 2 finishes47Stable$179€159$179€159Check ↗
- 14
Harley Benton ST-JAMster LH SCAHarley Benton46Stable$156€139$156€139Check ↗
- 15
Harley Benton RG-Junior BK LHHarley Benton44Stable$100€89$100€89Check ↗
- 16
Squier Sonic Strat MN LH BlackSquier34↑ 4.7%$199€177$199€177Check ↗
- 17
Harley Benton ST-LH DIY-KITHarley Benton29Stable$100€89$100€89Check ↗
- 18
Harley Benton Extreme-76LH BK BundleHarley Benton29Stable$186€165$186€165Check ↗
- 19
Harley Benton TE-LH KITHarley Benton27Stable$100€89$100€89Check ↗
Lefthanded Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 41 models we track, not a sample.
Median $179 — half of all lefthanded guitars here cost less.
median of 41 models · 42 mm (1.65")–43 mm (1.69")
median of 41 models · 628 mm (24.72")–648 mm (25.51")
median of 38 models · 21–24
most common · 36 models
How to choose the best lefthanded guitars
Playability
The neck profile and action are crucial. A thick, unwieldy neck or high action will make learning and playing a chore, regardless of the pickups.
Pickup Voicing
Expect budget pickups to be...budget. You're unlikely to get searing high-gain tones or nuanced single-coil sparkle. We're looking for pickups that at least offer a usable, if somewhat generic, range of sounds.
Hardware Quality
Tuners are a big tell. Cheap tuners will make staying in tune a constant battle, especially live. Bridges and other hardware will likely feel a bit plasticky, but we're assessing durability.
Construction & Finish
Don't expect flawless finishes or rock-solid construction. We're looking for guitars that feel reasonably well-assembled and don't fall apart after a few gigs. Expect some finish imperfections.
Overall Value
It's a balance. Can this guitar be upgraded later? Does it offer a decent foundation for learning and playing? Is it a better option than a pawn shop special?
Buying guide
Alright, so you're left-handed and on a tight budget? Finding a decent guitar under $200 is a challenge, no doubt, but not impossible. We're not talking about axes that'll inspire a clinic, but we can find something playable and gig-worthy that won't break the bank. This list is about maximizing your bang-for-buck, even if it means accepting a few compromises along the way.
At this price point, you're making trade-offs. Expect simpler hardware, potentially lower-quality wood, and a finish that might not win any beauty contests. Focus on playability - a comfortable neck and decent action are more important than fancy pickups you'll probably replace later.
Upgrading the tuners is almost always the first and most impactful upgrade you can make.
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 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 these guitars suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. They're affordable enough to not feel like a huge loss if you decide guitar isn't for you, and they'll force you to learn the fundamentals without relying on fancy features.
Can I record with these guitars?
You can, but don't expect pristine studio tones. The pickups will likely need EQing and potentially some amp modeling to sound decent. They're fine for demos or bedroom recording, but professional tracking might require an upgrade.
What about the warranty?
Most guitars in this price range will have a limited warranty, typically covering manufacturing defects. Don't expect miracles - it's more of a formality than a guarantee of long-term reliability.
Can I upgrade the pickups?
Yes, absolutely. The wiring and pickup cavities are usually standard, making pickup swaps relatively straightforward. That's often the best way to breathe some life into these guitars.
Are there any left-handed options beyond the ones listed?
Availability is always a challenge with left-handed guitars, especially at this price point.
