AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Lefthanded Guitars Under $500 2026
The top pick is Harley Benton ST-20HSS LH SBK ($125). Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus MN HSS LH SP leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 50 models across 7 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 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 ↗ -
- 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")
- 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
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$268 now$268€238 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Neck profileD-shape neck
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This lefty ST-Modern Plus is a seriously impressive value. The roasted maple neck and Tesla pickups give it a surprisingly refined and versatile tone, perfect for modern rock, blues, and even some funk. It's a great option for intermediate players or those wanting a quality instrument without a premium price tag.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck provides exceptional stability and a smooth feel.
- Tesla pickups deliver a surprisingly articulate and punchy HSS voice.
- Graphite nut minimizes friction and enhances tuning stability.
Cons
- Alder body might feel slightly plain for players seeking a premium aesthetic.
- Bridge hardware is functional, but a higher-end tremolo would elevate the experience.
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- Nut width54 mm (2.13")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- Strings8-string
- BodyPoplar body
This white lefty guitar uses poplar wood with a fast maple neck and extra-long scale strings. It comes with two humbuckers and a hard case, making it ready for gigging. Perfect for players who need a solid, multi-scale 8-string at a budget-friendly price.
Pros
- Multi-scale design aids playability for heavy strings
- Left-handed configuration for righty players
- Speed-D neck profile for fast playing
Cons
- No weight information provided in text
- Bridge type not specified in description
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$325 now$325€289 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This lefty SG Tribute is a solid choice for players who want that classic Les Paul feel without the weight. The mahogany body and flamed maple top give it a rich, warm sound that cuts through a mix. The 60s neck shape makes it easy to play, and the zebra coil pickups sound tight and punchy. It suits anyone looking for a budget-friendly option that looks and sounds like the originals.
Pros
- Solid mahogany body provides warm, thick tone foundation.
- Flamed maple top adds visual appeal and bright resonance.
- 60s Slim Taper neck profile offers comfortable playability.
Cons
- No weight listed means user must check actual heaviness.
- Left-handed configuration is less common and pricier.
56AudioFu
Index↓ 9.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$426 · Aug 17$388 now$388€345 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 50 lefthanded guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Epiphone Les Paul Tribute PlusLes Paul Tribute Plus EB LH · Epiphone · 3 finishes55Stable$426€379$426€379Check ↗
- 12
Harley Benton TE-20HH LH SBKHarley Benton · 4 finishes53Stable$125€111$125€111Check ↗
- 13
Harley Benton DC-580LH CH Vintage SeriesHarley Benton · 4 finishes53Stable$156€139$156€139Check ↗
- 14
Ibanez RGA42AHRGA42FML-BLF · Ibanez53↓ 8.4%$494€439$494€439Check ↗
- 15
Harley Benton Fusion-III LH HSH EB FBBHarley Benton52↓ 14.3%$336€299$336€299Check ↗
- 16
Harley Benton TE-52 NA LH Vintage SeriesHarley Benton · 3 finishes51Stable$179€159$179€159Check ↗
- 17
Harley Benton MS-60LH VW Vintage SeriesHarley Benton · 4 finishes51Stable$190€169$190€169Check ↗
- 18
Harley Benton TE-90FLT LH VW Deluxe SeriesHarley Benton · 4 finishes51Stable$224€199$224€199Check ↗
- 19
Harley Benton HB-35Plus LH Cherry w/BagHarley Benton · 2 finishes51Stable$291€259$291€259Check ↗
- 20
Jackson JS Series JS32Q DKA HT Dinky Archtop with Amaranth FretboardJS32L Dinky DKA AH BBL · Jackson · 2 finishes51Stable$393€349$393€349Check ↗
- 21
Ibanez GRG121DX GioGRG121DXL-WNF · Ibanez50Stable$266€236$266€236Check ↗
- 22
Harley Benton TE-40 LH TBK Deluxe SeriesHarley Benton · 3 finishes49Stable$168€149$168€149Check ↗
- 23
Harley Benton ST-Modern HSS LH LPBHarley Benton · 3 finishes49Stable$201€179$201€179Check ↗
- 24
Yamaha PAC112VM Pacifica HSSPacifica 112JL BL · Yamaha · 2 finishes49Stable$246€219$246€219Check ↗
- 25
Jackson JS Series Surfcaster JS22 HTJS22-L Dinky BLK · Jackson49Stable$303€269$303€269Check ↗
- 26
Harley Benton SC-550LH II PAFHarley Benton · 2 finishes49Stable$359€319$359€319Check ↗
- 27
Harley Benton Extreme-76LH BKHarley Benton48Stable$168€149$168€149Check ↗
- 28
Harley Benton Extreme-76LH BK w/BagHarley Benton48Stable$179€159$179€159Check ↗
- 29
Harley Benton R-446LH Graphite MetallicHarley Benton · 2 finishes47Stable$179€159$179€159Check ↗
- 30
Harley Benton SC-1000LH SBK Progressive LineHarley Benton · 2 finishes47Stable$224€199$224€199Check ↗
- 31
Harley Benton ST-JAMster LH SCAHarley Benton46Stable$156€139$156€139Check ↗
- 32
Harley Benton JA-Baritone LH BKHarley Benton46Stable$235€209$235€209Check ↗
- 33
Harley Benton SC-Custom III LH VBKHarley Benton46Stable$359€319$359€319Check ↗
- 34
Harley Benton Fusion-T HH LH Roasted FNTHarley Benton46Stable$393€349$393€349Check ↗
- 35
Harley Benton ST-80FR MN LH Radiant RedHarley Benton · 2 finishes45Stable$393€349$393€349Check ↗
- 36
Ibanez AF55 ArtcoreAF55L-TF · Ibanez45↓ 1.9%$457€406$457€406Check ↗
- 37
Harley Benton RG-Junior BK LHHarley Benton44Stable$100€89$100€89Check ↗
- 38
Harley Benton EX-84 LH Modern WHHarley Benton42Stable$359€319$359€319Check ↗
- 39
Ibanez GRG170DX GioGRG170DXL-BKN Lefthand · Ibanez41Stable$303€269$303€269Check ↗
- 40
Squier Sonic Strat MN LH BlackSquier34↑ 4.7%$199€177$199€177Check ↗
- 41
Cort G250 LH BKCort34Stable$426€379$426€379Check ↗
- 42
Squier CV 50s Tele LH MN BBSquier34Stable$472€419$472€419Check ↗
- 43
Harley Benton SC-450PlusLH GT Vintage BundleHarley Benton30Stable$253€225$253€225Check ↗
- 44
Harley Benton ST-LH DIY-KITHarley Benton29Stable$100€89$100€89Check ↗
- 45
Harley Benton Extreme-76LH BK BundleHarley Benton29Stable$186€165$186€165Check ↗
- 46
Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus MN HSS L BundleHarley Benton · 2 finishes29Stable$438€389$438€389Check ↗
- 47
Harley Benton TE-LH KITHarley Benton27Stable$100€89$100€89Check ↗
- 48
Harley Benton Fusion-T HH LH Roasted BundleHarley Benton27Stable$404€359$404€359Check ↗
- 49
Harley Benton RG-Junior BK LH JamPack BundleHarley Benton26↑ 5.6%$213€189$213€189Check ↗
- 50
Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS LH L BundleHarley Benton26Stable$404€359$404€359Check ↗
Lefthanded Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 119 models we track, not a sample.
Median $224 — half of all lefthanded guitars here cost less.
median of 115 models · 42 mm (1.65")–43 mm (1.69")
median of 114 models · 610 mm (24.02")–648 mm (25.51")
median of 82 models · 21–24
most common · 107 models
How to choose the best lefthanded guitars
Playability
Neck profile and action are critical. A thick, unwieldy neck or action so high you're fighting the strings will make playing a chore, and that's a dealbreaker regardless of price. We're looking for something comfortable for a variety of playing styles.
Pickup Voicing
Don't expect boutique-level clarity or nuance. At this price, pickups will be a compromise, but we're judging whether they offer a usable range of tones - from clean, usable crunch to something approaching a decent lead tone. Avoid anything overly ice-picky or muddy.
Hardware Quality
Tuners, bridges, and pots are often the first things to fail on budget guitars. We're assessing how well they're built and how reliably they function - do the tuners hold a tune? Does the bridge stay intonated? Do the pots crackle?
Construction & Materials
Solid wood bodies are rare at this price, so expect laminate construction. However, the quality of the laminate and the overall build quality (tight joints, straight neck) significantly impact the guitar's resonance and longevity.
Sustain & Articulation
Even a budget guitar can have decent sustain and articulation if the construction is solid. We're listening for how well the notes ring out and how clearly individual notes are defined, especially when playing chords.
Buying guide
Finding a decent left-handed guitar under $500 can feel like searching for a unicorn, especially if you're tired of guitars that sound like a strangled cat. We've been there. This isn't about finding the best guitars ever, it's about finding the ones that give you the most bang for your buck when you're on a budget - something that'll hold up to gigging or at least survive a few band rehearsals without falling apart. Let's break down what's actually achievable at this price point for a lefty.
Realistically, a $500 lefty guitar isn't going to blow your mind. Expect compromises - often in the pickups and hardware. The neck is the most critical area - a comfortable profile and decent action are non-negotiable.
Don't be afraid to tweak the setup yourself (or have a tech do it) - a simple truss rod adjustment and fresh string set can make a huge difference. Used is your friend here; you can often snag a significantly better guitar for the same 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 119 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 all these guitars 'bad'?
No, they're budget-friendly. They're not going to compete with a $2000 Fender, but they can be perfectly serviceable for practice, gigging, and learning. The key is understanding their limitations.
What about Squier left-handed models?
Squier is often a good starting point, but quality control can be inconsistent. Some Squiers are fantastic, others are... not. Check reviews and, ideally, play before you buy.
Can I upgrade the pickups later?
Absolutely! Pickups are the easiest and most impactful upgrade you can make. A $50-$100 aftermarket pickup can transform a decent guitar into something much more usable.
What's the deal with laminate bodies?
Laminate construction is common to keep costs down. It's not inherently 'bad,' but it doesn't resonate as well as solid wood. Look for tight laminations and a well-built neck to mitigate the downsides.
Are there any left-handed guitars under $300?
Yes, but be prepared for significant compromises. The playability and hardware quality will likely be noticeably lower. Consider saving a little longer for a better experience.





