AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Lefthanded Guitars Under $2,000 2026
The top pick is Fender Player II Telecaster ($899). Harley Benton ST-20HSS LH SBK gives you the most for the money at $125. Gibson SG Standard leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 123 models across 21 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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Fender Player II Telecaster
Player II Tele LH RW CGR · Fender
682 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- BodyAlder body
This guitar feels like a well-built workhorse for lefty players who want that classic Tele sound. The bright Alnico 5 pickups cut through any mix, and the strings-thru-body bridge keeps the notes ringing long. It is a straightforward, reliable choice for those who don't need fancy knobs or flashy colors.
Pros
- Left-handed design suits players who prefer playing from the left
- Alder body and maple neck provide a balanced, solid foundation
- Alnico 5 single coils deliver bright, cutting Telecaster tone
Cons
- No output jack makes cable connection difficult for some setups
- Lacks a dedicated master tone knob for nuanced sound shaping
81AudioFu
Index↓ 7.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$967 · Aug 17$899 now$899€799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender Player II Stratocaster
Player II Strat LH MN AQB · Fender
645 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- BodyAlder body
This Player II Strat LH is a solid choice for left-handed players seeking a versatile, modern Strat experience. The comfortable neck and punchy pickups make it a great all-around instrument, particularly well-suited for rock, blues, and pop. It’s a very well-built and affordable option that delivers a lot of value for the money.
Pros
- Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- Modern 'C' neck profile offers a comfortable and familiar feel for many players.
- Player Series Alnico 5 pickups deliver a clear, articulate Strat sound with plenty of bite.
Cons
- Maple fretboard can feel a little slick for some, consider a lemon oil treatment.
- Bolt-on neck construction lacks the warmth and complexity of a set-neck design.
78AudioFu
Index↓ 2.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$922 · Aug 17$899 now$899€799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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 width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
This lefty SG Standard HC is a serious contender for rock and blues players. The mahogany construction gives it that classic Gibson warmth and sustain, and the 490 pickups really deliver a powerful punch. It’s a premium-priced instrument, but the build quality and tone are well worth it for the serious player.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers a warm, resonant, and sustain-rich tone.
- Rounded neck profile offers comfortable playability for extended sessions.
- 490R/490T pickups provide a versatile range from thick rhythm to searing leads.
Cons
- The mahogany construction makes it noticeably heavier than some guitars.
- Rosewood fretboard might feel a little dry to some players, requiring occasional conditioning.
64AudioFu
Index↓ 10.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,856 · Aug 17$1,664 now$1,664€1,479 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets24 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This SE Custom 24 BG LH is a fantastic left-handed option for players wanting a PRS feel without the premium price tag. The mahogany body gives it a nice warmth, and the 85/15 pickups are surprisingly versatile. It's a great all-rounder for rock, blues, and even some cleaner styles, especially for players looking for a comfortable neck profile.
Pros
- Mahogany body provides warmth and sustain, a surprisingly rich tone.
- 85/15 pickups offer versatile tones, from chime to thick rock crunch.
- Wide thin neck profile is comfortable for various hand sizes and playing styles.
Cons
- Mahogany body can make it feel a bit heavier than some players prefer.
- Rosewood fingerboard might feel a little dry to some, requiring occasional conditioning.
61AudioFu
Index↓ 11.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,068 · Aug 17$950 now$950€844 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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 ↗ -
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 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 width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyMeranti body
This left-handed CST-24T is a seriously impressive offering. The roasted fingerboard and Roswell pickups are a winning combination for a wide range of styles, especially rock and blues. It’s a fantastic value for players seeking a versatile, well-built instrument with a tremolo system.
Pros
- Roasted jatoba fingerboard offers excellent feel and stability
- Roswell HAF pickups deliver surprisingly articulate and warm tones
- Wilkinson tremolo provides reliable performance and tuning stability
Cons
- Meranti body can feel a bit plain sonically compared to mahogany
- Graphite nut, while consistent, lacks the warmth of bone or tusq
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$303 now$303€269 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 123 lefthanded guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Harley Benton Fusion-IV HH LH RW QDGHarley Benton · 8 finishes58↓ 4.0%$539€479$539€479Check ↗
- 12
Harley Benton SC-400LH SBK Classic SeriesHarley Benton · 5 finishes57Stable$156€139$156€139Check ↗
- 13
Harley Benton ST-62CC MN LH Seafoam GreenHarley Benton · 4 finishes57Stable$179€159$179€159Check ↗
- 14
Ibanez GRX70QA GioGRX70QAL-TBB GIO · Ibanez57Stable$268€238$268€238Check ↗
- 15
Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus MN HSS LH SPHarley Benton · 7 finishes57Stable$393€349$393€349Check ↗
- 16
Harley Benton R-458MN LH WH MS w/CaseHarley Benton · 3 finishes56Stable$325€289$325€289Check ↗
- 17
Epiphone SG Tribute PlusSG Tribute Plus VS LH · Epiphone · 3 finishes56↓ 9.0%$388€345$388€345Check ↗
- 18
Epiphone Les Paul Tribute PlusLes Paul Tribute Plus EB LH · Epiphone · 3 finishes55Stable$426€379$426€379Check ↗
- 19
Harley Benton Fusion-T II HH LH RW SGDHarley Benton · 5 finishes55Stable$505€449$505€449Check ↗
- 20
Schecter C-6 DeluxeC-6 Deluxe LH SB · Schecter55Stable$562€499$562€499Check ↗
- 21
Yamaha Revstar II Standard RSS20Revstar RSS20 Lefthand Black · Yamaha54Stable$874€777$874€777Check ↗
- 22
Harley Benton TE-20HH LH SBKHarley Benton · 4 finishes53Stable$125€111$125€111Check ↗
- 23
Harley Benton DC-580LH CH Vintage SeriesHarley Benton · 4 finishes53Stable$156€139$156€139Check ↗
- 24
Ibanez RGA42AHRGA42FML-BLF · Ibanez53↓ 8.4%$494€439$494€439Check ↗
- 25
Gretsch G2622 Streamliner Center Block Double-Cut with V-StoptailG2622 Streamliner GM LH · Gretsch53Stable$652€579$652€579Check ↗
- 26
Epiphone SG CustomSG Custom EB LH · Epiphone53Stable$719€639$719€639Check ↗
- 27
Schecter Omen Extreme-6Omen Extreme 6 BCH LH · Schecter53Stable$730€649$730€649Check ↗
- 28
Harley Benton Fusion-III LH HSH EB FBBHarley Benton52↓ 14.3%$336€299$336€299Check ↗
- 29
Schecter Omen Elite-7Omen Elite-7 MS BL Cherry LH · Schecter52Stable$978€869$978€869Check ↗
- 30
Fender MIJ Trad 60s Strat LH RW OWTFender · 4 finishes52↓ 1.3%$1,664€1,479$1,664€1,479Check ↗
- 31
Harley Benton TE-52 NA LH Vintage SeriesHarley Benton · 3 finishes51Stable$179€159$179€159Check ↗
- 32
Harley Benton MS-60LH VW Vintage SeriesHarley Benton · 4 finishes51Stable$190€169$190€169Check ↗
- 33
Harley Benton TE-90FLT LH VW Deluxe SeriesHarley Benton · 4 finishes51Stable$224€199$224€199Check ↗
- 34
Harley Benton HB-35Plus LH Cherry w/BagHarley Benton · 2 finishes51Stable$291€259$291€259Check ↗
- 35
Jackson JS Series JS32Q DKA HT Dinky Archtop with Amaranth FretboardJS32L Dinky DKA AH BBL · Jackson · 2 finishes51Stable$393€349$393€349Check ↗
- 36
Larry Carlton Q7 Tobacco Sunburst LHLarry Carlton51↓ 11.8%$674€599$674€599Check ↗
- 37
Larry Carlton T7 BK New Gen LHLarry Carlton · 3 finishes51Stable$775€689$775€689Check ↗
- 38
EVH Striped SeriesStriped LH RBWS · Evh51Stable$1,124€999$1,124€999Check ↗
- 39
Ibanez GRG121DX GioGRG121DXL-WNF · Ibanez50Stable$266€236$266€236Check ↗
- 40
Schecter Omen Extreme-7Omen Extreme-7 LH BKCH · Schecter50Stable$787€699$787€699Check ↗
- 41
ESP LTD Snakebyte James Hetfield SignatureLTD Snakebyte LH BKLS · ESP50Stable$1,856€1,649$1,856€1,649Check ↗
- 42
Fender Kurt Cobain JaguarKurt Cobain Jaguar LH · Fender50Stable$1,968€1,749$1,968€1,749Check ↗
- 43
Harley Benton TE-40 LH TBK Deluxe SeriesHarley Benton · 3 finishes49Stable$168€149$168€149Check ↗
- 44
Harley Benton ST-Modern HSS LH LPBHarley Benton · 3 finishes49Stable$201€179$201€179Check ↗
- 45
Yamaha PAC112VM Pacifica HSSPacifica 112JL BL · Yamaha · 2 finishes49Stable$246€219$246€219Check ↗
- 46
Jackson JS Series Surfcaster JS22 HTJS22-L Dinky BLK · Jackson49Stable$303€269$303€269Check ↗
- 47
Harley Benton SC-550LH II PAFHarley Benton · 2 finishes49Stable$359€319$359€319Check ↗
- 48
Larry Carlton H7V VS LHLarry Carlton · 2 finishes49↓ 9.3%$673€598$673€598Check ↗
- 49
Gretsch G5422TG Electromatic ClassicG5422LH Electromatic SW · Gretsch49Stable$1,123€998$1,123€998Check ↗
- 50
Schecter Reaper 6Reaper-6 LH SCB · Schecter49Stable$1,237€1,099$1,237€1,099Check ↗
Lefthanded Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 217 models we track, not a sample.
Median $426 — half of all lefthanded guitars here cost less.
median of 204 models · 41 mm (1.61")–48 mm (1.89")
median of 201 models · 628 mm (24.72")–648 mm (25.51")
median of 127 models · 21–24
most common · 182 models
How to choose the best lefthanded guitars
Neck Profile
This is huge. A neck that's either too thick or too thin will kill your playing comfort. We're looking for something in the modern C or D shape range, something that allows for both chording and fast lead work without fatigue.
Pickup Voicing
Cheap pickups often sound brittle and lack sustain. We're prioritizing guitars with pickups that offer a usable range of tones - something that can handle a clean, glassy Strat vibe or a gritty, overdriven rock tone without sounding like a transistor radio.
Hardware Quality
Tuners that hold a tune are non-negotiable. Similarly, a bridge that stays intonated under gigging conditions is essential. We're looking for locking tuners and bridges that offer decent stability without breaking the bank.
Construction & Finish
Solid wood bodies (even if it's mahogany or basswood) generally resonate better than laminate. A decent satin or matte finish also feels better under your hand and often indicates a bit more attention to detail.
Overall Articulation
Can you hear the individual notes in a chord? Does the guitar respond dynamically to your picking attack? A muddy, indistinct sound is a deal-breaker, even if the guitar looks pretty.
Buying guide
Finding a decent lefty guitar that doesn't make you cringe when you plug it in and hit a power chord can be a real pain. Let's be honest, the lefty market gets short shrift. But you don't need to drop five grand to get something that'll gig reliably and record decently. Here's a rundown of some solid left-handed guitars under $2000, prioritizing bang-for-your-buck - because your money matters more than marketing hype.
At this price point, you're making trade-offs. Don't expect boutique-level craftsmanship. Expect to maybe replace the pickups down the line if you're a tone snob.
Pay attention to the neck profile - it's the most personal aspect of a guitar. And seriously, check the action and intonation before you buy; a cheap setup can ruin an otherwise good instrument.
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 217 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 there any truly 'warm' sounding guitars under $2000 for a lefty?
'Warm' is subjective, but guitars with mahogany bodies and Alnico II pickups tend to have a smoother, rounder tone. Look for models marketed as 'vintage voiced' - they often lean in that direction, though it's not always a guarantee.
I'm a beginner. Should I just buy the cheapest guitar I can find?
No. A poorly made guitar can be discouraging and make learning harder. Spending a bit more on something playable and reasonably well-built will pay off in the long run.
Can I realistically expect a maple top on a guitar in this price range?
Yes, but be wary. Often, it's a thin cap, and the underlying wood (usually mahogany or basswood) will still heavily influence the tone. It's more about aesthetics than a massive tonal upgrade.
What about S-style guitars versus H-style guitars for a lefty?
S-styles offer more versatility - think clean tones and classic Strat sounds. H-styles are better for heavier rock and metal, delivering more output and that thick, crunchy distortion. It depends on your genre.
Is it worth getting a guitar with locking tuners?
Absolutely, especially if you change strings often or like to experiment with different tunings. They make string changes faster and more reliable, and contribute to tuning stability on stage - a real lifesaver.
