AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Lefthanded Guitars Under $300 2026
The top pick is Harley Benton ST-20HSS LH SBK ($124). Ibanez GRX70QA Gio leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 29 models across 4 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 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
You get a left-handed electric guitar with a basswood body, a bolt-on maple neck, and three pickups you can switch between with a five-way switch. The synchronised tremolo lets you bend notes and change pitch with the bar, so it suits players who want that option. It is a good pick if you are left-handed and want a guitar with a bridge humbucker and two single coils to choose from.
Pros
- Basswood body, a lightweight wood used for many guitar bodies
- Humbucker at the bridge plus two single coils for three pickup sounds
- Five-way switch lets you pick between the three pickups easily
Cons
- Only one volume and two tone controls for all three pickups
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$124 now$124€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 is a left-handed electric guitar with a basswood body, a maple neck, and two single coil pickups. It suits you if you are a lefty who wants a simple guitar with a classic setup for practice and learning. The controls are simple, so you can focus on playing.
Pros
- Basswood body with a caramelised maple neck and maple fingerboard
- Two Roswell TEA-B and TEA-F-CR AlNiCo 5 single coil pickups
- Left-handed model with a 3-way switch and volume and tone controls
Cons
- Only one volume and one tone control for shaping your sound
60AudioFu
Index↓ 6.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$178 · Aug 17$166 now$166€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$178 now$178€159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- BodyPoplar body
This Ibanez GIO is a fantastic entry point for left-handed players wanting that Ibanez vibe. The neck profile is genuinely good for fast playing, and the pickups handle a surprising range of styles, from crunchy rhythm to cleaner leads. It's a well-rounded instrument for beginners and gigging musicians on a budget.
Pros
- Quilted maple top adds visual flair and a touch of resonance
- GRX neck profile is surprisingly comfortable and fast playing
- Infinity pickups deliver a surprisingly powerful and versatile sound
Cons
- Poplar body can feel a little 'soft' and prone to dents
- T106 tremolo is basic, offering limited tuning stability
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$266 now$266€238 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$155 now$155€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$178 now$178€159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width54 mm (2.13")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- Strings8-string
- BodyPoplar body
This is a solid choice for lefties who want an 8-string guitar without breaking the bank. The poplar body and maple neck give it a classic feel, while the multi-scale design makes the longer strings easier to press down. It suits beginners and pros alike who need a reliable backup instrument or a unique sound for stage gigs.
Pros
- Left-handed design fits right-handed players who play backwards.
- Poplar body offers a warm, resonant tone for this price.
- Maple bolt-on neck provides strong connection and stability.
Cons
- Only one volume and one tone control limit mixing options.
- Missing a bridge specification makes string tension unknown.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$222 now$222€199 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$124 now$124€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$155 now$155€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$178 now$178€159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 29 lefthanded guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Harley Benton MS-60LH VW Vintage SeriesHarley Benton · 4 finishes51Stable$189€169$189€169Check ↗
- 12
Harley Benton TE-90FLT LH VW Deluxe SeriesHarley Benton · 4 finishes51Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 13
Harley Benton HB-35Plus LH Cherry w/BagHarley Benton · 2 finishes51Stable$289€259$289€259Check ↗
- 14
Ibanez GRG121DX GioGRG121DXL-WNF · Ibanez50Stable$263€236$263€236Check ↗
- 15
Yamaha PAC112VM Pacifica HSSPacifica 112JL YNS · Yamaha · 2 finishes50↓ 1.1%$297€266$297€266Check ↗
- 16
Harley Benton ST-Modern HSS LH LPBHarley Benton · 3 finishes49Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 17
Harley Benton Extreme-76LH BKHarley Benton48Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 18
Harley Benton Extreme-76LH BK w/BagHarley Benton48Stable$178€159$178€159Check ↗
- 19
Harley Benton R-446LH Graphite MetallicHarley Benton · 2 finishes47Stable$178€159$178€159Check ↗
- 20
Harley Benton SC-1000LH SBK Progressive LineHarley Benton · 2 finishes47Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 21
Harley Benton ST-JAMster LH SCAHarley Benton46Stable$155€139$155€139Check ↗
- 22
Harley Benton JA-Baritone LH BKHarley Benton46Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 23
Cort G250 LH BKCort46↓ 41.4%$248€222$248€222Check ↗
- 24
Harley Benton RG-Junior BK LHHarley Benton44Stable$99€89$99€89Check ↗
- 25
Harley Benton SC-450PlusLH GT Vintage BundleHarley Benton30Stable$251€225$251€225Check ↗
- 26
Harley Benton ST-LH DIY-KITHarley Benton29Stable$99€89$99€89Check ↗
- 27
Harley Benton Extreme-76LH BK BundleHarley Benton29Stable$184€165$184€165Check ↗
- 28
Harley Benton TE-LH KITHarley Benton27Stable$99€89$99€89Check ↗
- 29
Harley Benton RG-Junior BK LH JamPack BundleHarley Benton26↑ 5.6%$211€189$211€189Check ↗
Lefthanded Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 74 models we track, not a sample.
Median $200 — half of all lefthanded guitars here cost less.
median of 72 models · 41 mm (1.61")–43 mm (1.69")
median of 72 models · 610 mm (24.02")–648 mm (25.51")
median of 66 models · 21–24
most common · 65 models
How to choose the best lefthanded guitars
Playability
The neck profile, action, and overall feel are paramount. A chunky, uncomfortable neck will kill your motivation, even if the pickups are decent. We're looking for something playable out of the box, or at least easily adjustable.
Pickup Voicing
Budget pickups often sound muddy or brittle. We're hunting for something with a usable range-a little warmth, a bit of bite-that doesn't completely disappear when you crank the gain.
Hardware Quality
Tuners, bridge, and pots-these are the things that break first. Cheap hardware means tuning instability and a frustrating playing experience. Solid, reliable hardware is worth its weight in gold.
Construction & Materials
You're not getting mahogany and maple, but we're looking for decent construction - straight neck, solid fretwork, and a body that resonates reasonably well. A well-built guitar will stay in tune and be a pleasure to play for years.
Versatility
Can it handle blues, rock, and maybe some clean tones? A guitar that only excels at one genre is limiting. We want something that can cover a few bases, even if it's not a shred machine.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're left-handed and on a budget? Finding a decent guitar that doesn't sound like a toy can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. Forget about dream guitars; this is about finding the most playable, best-sounding instrument for the money.
Let's be real: at this price point, you're making trade-offs. Expect thinner bodies, lower-grade hardware, and pickups that won't blow you away. Don't chase 'vintage' tones - you're getting a modern instrument, and that's okay.
The biggest bang for your buck is a guitar with a decent neck and playable action; those are the things you can't easily change yourself. Upgrading pickups later is always an option, but a bad neck is a dealbreaker.
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 74 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 really gig-worthy?
Some are, some aren't. Expect to do a little setup work (adjusting the action, intonation) to get them playing their best. Don't expect pristine breakup or incredible sustain, but they can hold their own in a band setting if you know how to dial in your tone.
What about the finish? Is it going to chip easily?
Likely, yes. Budget guitars often have thinner, less durable finishes. It's not a huge deal - it's a guitar, not a museum piece - but be mindful of bumps and scratches. A light coat of polish can help protect it.
Can I upgrade the pickups?
Absolutely. This is the most common and cost-effective upgrade. Swapping pickups can drastically improve the guitar's tone and versatility, but factor in the cost of the pickups and potentially professional installation.
What's the difference between these and a pawn shop guitar?
New guitars, even budget ones, generally have better fretwork and a more consistent build than what you'll often find in pawn shops. Pawn shop guitars are a gamble; you might get lucky, but you're more likely to spend time fixing issues than playing.
Is it worth spending a little more for a slightly better guitar?
Generally, yes. Even an extra $50 can get you better hardware, a more comfortable neck, or slightly better pickups. It's often better to spend a bit more upfront than regret your purchase later.
