AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Lefthanded Guitars Under $5,000 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 Les Paul Standard '50s leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 144 models across 22 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 ↗ -
Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s
Les Paul Standard 50s HCS LH · Gibson
441 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- BodyMahogany body
This lefty Les Paul Standard 50s HCS is a serious contender for vintage-inspired tones. The Burstbuckers provide a fantastic blend of warmth and bite, and the neck profile is a joy to play. It's a premium-priced instrument ideal for players seeking a comfortable, classic Les Paul experience, particularly those into blues, rock, and classic country.
Pros
- Burstbuckers deliver a warm, articulate vintage tone with surprising clarity.
- The '50s neck profile offers exceptional comfort and effortless playability.
- Cream binding on the body and fretboard elevates the aesthetic appeal significantly.
Cons
- The mahogany body contributes to a substantial weight, potentially tiring for some.
- The Burstbucker pickups, while excellent, might lack extreme high-gain versatility.
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,037 now$3,037€2,699 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 ↗ -
Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster
Am Ultra II Strat LH EB TXT · Fender
195 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.8 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This Am Ultra II Strat for lefties is a serious instrument. The ebony board and compound radius make it incredibly comfortable to play, and the Ultra II pickups deliver a versatile range of tones, from glassy cleans to snarling overdrive. It’s a fantastic choice for the discerning player seeking modern performance and vintage character.
Pros
- Ebony fingerboard provides snappy response and note clarity.
- Ultra II pickups offer vintage tone with exceptional noise rejection.
- Compound radius enhances playability across the fretboard's range.
Cons
- The alder body might feel a bit plain for some players' preferences.
- Ebony fingerboards can be prone to cracking with extreme humidity changes.
63AudioFu
Index↑ 5.3%since Aug 17$2,565 · Aug 17$2,700 now$2,700€2,399 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 ↗
All 144 lefthanded guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
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Harley Benton JA-60LH SB Vintage SeriesHarley Benton · 6 finishes58Stable$179€159$179€159Check ↗
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Harley Benton CST-24T LH Ocean FlameHarley Benton · 6 finishes58Stable$303€269$303€269Check ↗
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Harley Benton Fusion-IV HH LH RW QDGHarley Benton · 8 finishes58↓ 4.0%$539€479$539€479Check ↗
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Harley Benton SC-400LH SBK Classic SeriesHarley Benton · 5 finishes57Stable$156€139$156€139Check ↗
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Harley Benton ST-62CC MN LH Seafoam GreenHarley Benton · 4 finishes57Stable$179€159$179€159Check ↗
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Ibanez GRX70QA GioGRX70QAL-TBB GIO · Ibanez57Stable$268€238$268€238Check ↗
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Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus MN HSS LH SPHarley Benton · 7 finishes57Stable$393€349$393€349Check ↗
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Harley Benton R-458MN LH WH MS w/CaseHarley Benton · 3 finishes56Stable$325€289$325€289Check ↗
- 19
Epiphone SG Tribute PlusSG Tribute Plus VS LH · Epiphone · 3 finishes56↓ 9.0%$388€345$388€345Check ↗
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Epiphone Les Paul Tribute PlusLes Paul Tribute Plus EB LH · Epiphone · 3 finishes55Stable$426€379$426€379Check ↗
- 21
Harley Benton Fusion-T II HH LH RW SGDHarley Benton · 5 finishes55Stable$505€449$505€449Check ↗
- 22
Schecter C-6 DeluxeC-6 Deluxe LH SB · Schecter55Stable$562€499$562€499Check ↗
- 23
Yamaha Revstar II Standard RSS20Revstar RSS20 Lefthand Black · Yamaha54Stable$874€777$874€777Check ↗
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Harley Benton TE-20HH LH SBKHarley Benton · 4 finishes53Stable$125€111$125€111Check ↗
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Harley Benton DC-580LH CH Vintage SeriesHarley Benton · 4 finishes53Stable$156€139$156€139Check ↗
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Ibanez RGA42AHRGA42FML-BLF · Ibanez53↓ 8.4%$494€439$494€439Check ↗
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Gretsch G2622 Streamliner Center Block Double-Cut with V-StoptailG2622 Streamliner GM LH · Gretsch53Stable$652€579$652€579Check ↗
- 28
Epiphone SG CustomSG Custom EB LH · Epiphone53Stable$719€639$719€639Check ↗
- 29
Schecter Omen Extreme-6Omen Extreme 6 BCH LH · Schecter53Stable$730€649$730€649Check ↗
- 30
Gibson SG Standard '61 With Stop Bar TailpieceSG ´61 Standard VC LH · Gibson53Stable$2,137€1,899$2,137€1,899Check ↗
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Gibson SG ModernSG Modern BBF LH · Gibson · 2 finishes53Stable$2,249€1,999$2,249€1,999Check ↗
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Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s Plain TopLes Paul Standard 60s IT LH · Gibson · 2 finishes53Stable$3,093€2,749$3,093€2,749Check ↗
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Harley Benton Fusion-III LH HSH EB FBBHarley Benton52↓ 14.3%$336€299$336€299Check ↗
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Schecter Omen Elite-7Omen Elite-7 MS BL Cherry LH · Schecter52Stable$978€869$978€869Check ↗
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Fender MIJ Trad 60s Strat LH RW OWTFender · 4 finishes52↓ 1.3%$1,664€1,479$1,664€1,479Check ↗
- 36
Harley Benton TE-52 NA LH Vintage SeriesHarley Benton · 3 finishes51Stable$179€159$179€159Check ↗
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Harley Benton MS-60LH VW Vintage SeriesHarley Benton · 4 finishes51Stable$190€169$190€169Check ↗
- 38
Harley Benton TE-90FLT LH VW Deluxe SeriesHarley Benton · 4 finishes51Stable$224€199$224€199Check ↗
- 39
Harley Benton HB-35Plus LH Cherry w/BagHarley Benton · 2 finishes51Stable$291€259$291€259Check ↗
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Jackson JS Series JS32Q DKA HT Dinky Archtop with Amaranth FretboardJS32L Dinky DKA AH BBL · Jackson · 2 finishes51Stable$393€349$393€349Check ↗
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Larry Carlton Q7 Tobacco Sunburst LHLarry Carlton51↓ 11.8%$674€599$674€599Check ↗
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Larry Carlton T7 BK New Gen LHLarry Carlton · 3 finishes51Stable$775€689$775€689Check ↗
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EVH Striped SeriesStriped LH RBWS · Evh51Stable$1,124€999$1,124€999Check ↗
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Gibson Slash Collection Les Paul StandardLes Paul Slash Standard GT LH · Gibson51Stable$3,262€2,899$3,262€2,899Check ↗
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Ibanez GRG121DX GioGRG121DXL-WNF · Ibanez50Stable$266€236$266€236Check ↗
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Schecter Omen Extreme-7Omen Extreme-7 LH BKCH · Schecter50Stable$787€699$787€699Check ↗
- 47
ESP LTD Snakebyte James Hetfield SignatureLTD Snakebyte LH BKLS · ESP50Stable$1,856€1,649$1,856€1,649Check ↗
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Fender Kurt Cobain JaguarKurt Cobain Jaguar LH · Fender50Stable$1,968€1,749$1,968€1,749Check ↗
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Ibanez AZ2402 PrestigeAZ2402L-TFF Prestige · Ibanez50Stable$2,362€2,099$2,362€2,099Check ↗
- 50
Ibanez RG5120M PrestigeRG5120ML-FCN LH · Ibanez50Stable$2,531€2,249$2,531€2,249Check ↗
Lefthanded Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 244 models we track, not a sample.
Median $539 — half of all lefthanded guitars here cost less.
median of 230 models · 41.3 mm (1.63")–48 mm (1.89")
median of 227 models · 628 mm (24.72")–648 mm (25.51")
median of 137 models · 21–24
most common · 196 models
How to choose the best lefthanded guitars
Neck Profile
This is your handshake with the guitar. A comfortable neck is everything for long gigs or tracking sessions. Thick C profiles are classic, but a slimmer D or even an asymmetrical neck can be a game changer depending on your playing style. Don't compromise here.
Pickup Voicing
Cheap pickups often sound brittle and lack sustain. You're not going to get boutique-level clarity under $5000, but you can find pickups with a usable, balanced tone - something that doesn't sound anemic or ice-picky. Think about what genres you play and match the pickups accordingly.
Hardware Quality
Tuners, bridges, and nut material all affect tuning stability and sustain. Cheap hardware will let you down on stage, constantly needing retuning. Look for locking tuners and a solid bridge - even basic versions make a big difference.
Body Wood & Construction
Mahogany offers warmth and sustain, alder is balanced, and ash can have a nice bite. Bolt-on necks are common at this price point, which isn't inherently bad, but expect a little less resonance than a set neck. Construction quality - tight fretwork, clean finish - is key.
Fretwork & Setup
This is often overlooked. Even a great guitar can be unplayable with poorly installed frets. Check for sharp edges, unevenness, and buzzing. A professional setup is almost always worth the investment, regardless of the guitar's price.
Buying guide
Finding a good lefty guitar that won't make your bank account weep is a real challenge. You want something that feels good, sounds decent through a gigging amp, and won't fall apart after a few months on the road. Forget those impulse buys - let's talk about getting the most bang for your buck in the sub-$5000 lefty range, because yeah, good gear exists down here, you just gotta know where to look.
At this budget, you're trading off somewhere. Expect some compromises on hardware or finish compared to guitars costing twice as much. Don't chase aesthetics - prioritize playability and tone.
A good fret job and a proper setup from a qualified tech can elevate a decent guitar to something truly enjoyable. Don't be afraid to buy used - you can often snag a higher-end model for a great 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 244 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-mahogany guitars always warm and muddy?
Not necessarily. Mahogany's warmth can be balanced with brighter pickups and a lighter gauge string set. It's about the overall voicing, not just the wood itself. A poorly voiced humbucker in a mahogany body will sound muddy, though.
What's the deal with roasted necks?
Roasted (torrefied) necks are kiln-dried at high temperatures, which supposedly stabilizes them and improves resonance. The effect is subtle, but many players find them more comfortable and stable, especially in changing climates. It's a nice-to-have, not a necessity.
Is a bolt-on neck 'inferior' to a set neck?
Not always. Bolt-on necks are generally easier and cheaper to manufacture. A well-made bolt-on neck can still feel and sound great, though you might lose a bit of sustain and resonance compared to a set neck. It's more about the overall build quality.
I'm a beginner, should I just get the cheapest lefty guitar I can find?
Absolutely not. A cheap, uncomfortable guitar will discourage you from practicing. Invest in something that feels good and inspires you to play. It doesn't need to be fancy, but it should be playable.
What's the best way to tell if a used guitar is worth buying?
Check the neck for excessive bowing or twisting. Examine the frets for wear. Plug it in and listen for any crackling or hum. And most importantly, play it! Does it feel good in your hands and inspire you?
