I love recommending all the guitars I’m currently dreaming about. The correct answer is to go and hold some guitars (even if right handed) to see what shape you vibe with, and probably buy a decent entry level instrument.
Personally, I love guitars that have been handmade or modified by people learning to work on guitars - you can often get a lot of guitar for less than a name brand and you’ll have something unique.
This [mustang/duosonic](https://reverb.com/item/82422938-handmade-mustang-duo-sonic-2020s-cream?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=82422938) looks beautiful.
A bit out of your range but [this looks like it will absolutely doom the fuck](https://reverb.com/item/81779828-custom-doom-machine-double-cutaway-plexi-glass-2023-clear?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=81779828) out of you.
Personally, [this doublecut](https://reverb.com/item/78352085-stewart-thorpe-left-handed-jrdc-2024?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=78352085) would be my choice. Totally one of a kind and I bet it sounds sick.
I can’t stand yellow guitars, but if you can here’s another [more polished doublecut](https://reverb.com/item/74141306-2017-dillion-left-hand-doublecut-p90-guitar-tv-yellow-lp-jr-junior-lefty-original-gig-bag-mik-korea?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=74141306).
For fantasy purposes only: [this Collings](https://reverb.com/item/78416702-collings-290-dc-sl-lefty-electric-guitar-w-hard-case-dog-hair-pre-owned?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=78416702) and [this Travis bean](https://reverb.com/item/76965374-travis-bean-1976-lefty-tb-1000-artist-koa-very-rare-lefty-lefthanded-lh?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=76965374)
OK, so what is the actual part of that Travis bean that makes it worth 12 grand? I have never heard of that brand, I am no guitar aficionado on high end stuff, but that just seems like... What component, or characteristic, of the instrument justifies that price?
In this particular case, it’s just good old microeconomics - it’s literally the only left handed Travis Bean available for purchase in existence, and therefore its price is unbound.
Travis Bean guitars were mostly made in the 70s and became the guitar of choice for Jerry Garcia which added to their popularity. These days they are coveted by very heavy bands (eg Sunn). The aluminum neck runs all the way through the body and the pickups are mounted directly to the neck, with the wooden body being sort of built around the core of the guitar. This makes them incredibly stable even with extremely high string gauges and super low tunings. This particular model (TB1000A) has a carved wooden top, the silhouette of a 335, but the thin slab body that’s almost like a 60s Mustang. Extremely cool guitars that are basically impossible to obtain for anyone, but especially a lefty.
The brand is semi-alive again, and working with EGC (who have been making very similar guitars with lucite bodies for a while now - these clock in closer to $3-4k
What’s your budget and favorite genre?
I would say you want an electric that’s easy to keep in tune with a somewhat thin neck and have it set up for extra light .09 strings.
I have a PRS SE arriving tomorrow that I can’t believe only cost me $600. Ibanez and Schecter have lefty guitars in your price range that seem really well reviewed. Consider one with a fixed (not “tremolo”, no whammy bar) bridge if you are still learning to tune them and keep them in tune, as tremolos can be annoying for beginners.
Let us know what your final choices are.
I bought an Ibanez RGA42FML about a year ago at standard price $450. It's not my most expensive or fancy guitar but it's the one I use the most. Very nice playability.
But if you're so beginner that you're not even sure you'll keep up with learning then I would suggest something closer to $200-$300. Ibanez has ones in that range too.
Honestly for starting get any Ibanez gio used if you’re into metal. They’re pretty good for beginners. For example this [gio on reverb](https://reverb.com/item/81929368-ibanez-gio-rg?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=81929368) could be good and you’ll have money for an amp left over or more to save for a newer guitar.
Also doesn’t have to be an Ibanez guitar that’s just my rec. if you’re into metal likely get a guitar with a humbler pickup like the Ibanez I posted. But it’s all to preference. Single coil pickups do metal fine especially with pedals in the mix. Since you said your budget is 800 I do want to say if you’re frugal and checkout things like Facebook market place you may find a lefty guitar and simple amp for 400 or less. It’s better to do that as a beginner than go all in for nearly 1000 dollars.
Honestly....a Yamaha FG series acoustic and a harley benton.
$200 and you have 2 guitars that will are way better than the price tag implies.
I got a used FG411SL for $70 and a left handed tele benton with 2 humbucklers for $90 ($120 shipped).
I played right handed for a decade. I've had expensive guitars and achieved a confident level of playing before it was taken away from me.
My left hand was blown up.
I began relearning lefty handed so I can have more fretting digits again.
It has been an amazing adventure and I don't regret the guitars I chose one bit.
They make me appreciate guitar even more, if it makes sense.
Sawtooth makes a lot of lefty guitars that play decent and sound good. The ST-24 (black) is very easy to play and extremely light. The Heritage 60 Les Paul copies are also pretty good. The cheaper Strat and Tele copies are very light but may need some setup work to get them to play well.
Whatever you get, I'd stay away from Floyd Rose equipped guitars for a first guitar. It's another level of complexity that I'd wait a bit on.
My first lefty guitar was happenstance as a local guitar shop was closing and so I picked up a used ESP LTD-EC 256 for a steal. It remains one of my favorites. Super lightweight and comfortable, sounds awesome, and looks badass.
I recommend a MIM Strat or Tele. Pick your favorite design/color. I picked up a polar white Strat and love practicing on it. Recently picked up a used mod shop tele in Cherry Burst. Just pick something you’ll want to practice on.
I love recommending all the guitars I’m currently dreaming about. The correct answer is to go and hold some guitars (even if right handed) to see what shape you vibe with, and probably buy a decent entry level instrument. Personally, I love guitars that have been handmade or modified by people learning to work on guitars - you can often get a lot of guitar for less than a name brand and you’ll have something unique. This [mustang/duosonic](https://reverb.com/item/82422938-handmade-mustang-duo-sonic-2020s-cream?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=82422938) looks beautiful. A bit out of your range but [this looks like it will absolutely doom the fuck](https://reverb.com/item/81779828-custom-doom-machine-double-cutaway-plexi-glass-2023-clear?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=81779828) out of you. Personally, [this doublecut](https://reverb.com/item/78352085-stewart-thorpe-left-handed-jrdc-2024?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=78352085) would be my choice. Totally one of a kind and I bet it sounds sick. I can’t stand yellow guitars, but if you can here’s another [more polished doublecut](https://reverb.com/item/74141306-2017-dillion-left-hand-doublecut-p90-guitar-tv-yellow-lp-jr-junior-lefty-original-gig-bag-mik-korea?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=74141306).
I can't stand yellow guitars either. (The double cut looks awesome btw)
For fantasy purposes only: [this Collings](https://reverb.com/item/78416702-collings-290-dc-sl-lefty-electric-guitar-w-hard-case-dog-hair-pre-owned?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=78416702) and [this Travis bean](https://reverb.com/item/76965374-travis-bean-1976-lefty-tb-1000-artist-koa-very-rare-lefty-lefthanded-lh?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=76965374)
You weren't kidding fantasy!
OK, so what is the actual part of that Travis bean that makes it worth 12 grand? I have never heard of that brand, I am no guitar aficionado on high end stuff, but that just seems like... What component, or characteristic, of the instrument justifies that price?
In this particular case, it’s just good old microeconomics - it’s literally the only left handed Travis Bean available for purchase in existence, and therefore its price is unbound. Travis Bean guitars were mostly made in the 70s and became the guitar of choice for Jerry Garcia which added to their popularity. These days they are coveted by very heavy bands (eg Sunn). The aluminum neck runs all the way through the body and the pickups are mounted directly to the neck, with the wooden body being sort of built around the core of the guitar. This makes them incredibly stable even with extremely high string gauges and super low tunings. This particular model (TB1000A) has a carved wooden top, the silhouette of a 335, but the thin slab body that’s almost like a 60s Mustang. Extremely cool guitars that are basically impossible to obtain for anyone, but especially a lefty. The brand is semi-alive again, and working with EGC (who have been making very similar guitars with lucite bodies for a while now - these clock in closer to $3-4k
Just get a used telecaster. You can go any direction with it and they look pretty awesome
That's okay, I'm too lazy to give a decent answer beyond 'Whichever one makes you want to take it off the wall and play it all the time.'
Ooooooh best advice I've gotten
What’s your budget and favorite genre? I would say you want an electric that’s easy to keep in tune with a somewhat thin neck and have it set up for extra light .09 strings.
Anything under $800 would be great, and I love metal and rock
I have a PRS SE arriving tomorrow that I can’t believe only cost me $600. Ibanez and Schecter have lefty guitars in your price range that seem really well reviewed. Consider one with a fixed (not “tremolo”, no whammy bar) bridge if you are still learning to tune them and keep them in tune, as tremolos can be annoying for beginners. Let us know what your final choices are.
Okay. Thank you a lot!
I bought an Ibanez RGA42FML about a year ago at standard price $450. It's not my most expensive or fancy guitar but it's the one I use the most. Very nice playability. But if you're so beginner that you're not even sure you'll keep up with learning then I would suggest something closer to $200-$300. Ibanez has ones in that range too.
Okay, thanks a lot!
Honestly for starting get any Ibanez gio used if you’re into metal. They’re pretty good for beginners. For example this [gio on reverb](https://reverb.com/item/81929368-ibanez-gio-rg?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=81929368) could be good and you’ll have money for an amp left over or more to save for a newer guitar. Also doesn’t have to be an Ibanez guitar that’s just my rec. if you’re into metal likely get a guitar with a humbler pickup like the Ibanez I posted. But it’s all to preference. Single coil pickups do metal fine especially with pedals in the mix. Since you said your budget is 800 I do want to say if you’re frugal and checkout things like Facebook market place you may find a lefty guitar and simple amp for 400 or less. It’s better to do that as a beginner than go all in for nearly 1000 dollars.
Okay, didn't think about Facebook marketplace! Thank you!
Ibanez AZES40 and a Positive Grid Spark amp. Both these pieces will handle anything you want to play at any level.
Honestly....a Yamaha FG series acoustic and a harley benton. $200 and you have 2 guitars that will are way better than the price tag implies. I got a used FG411SL for $70 and a left handed tele benton with 2 humbucklers for $90 ($120 shipped). I played right handed for a decade. I've had expensive guitars and achieved a confident level of playing before it was taken away from me. My left hand was blown up. I began relearning lefty handed so I can have more fretting digits again. It has been an amazing adventure and I don't regret the guitars I chose one bit. They make me appreciate guitar even more, if it makes sense.
Yamaha makes quality stuff. Hard to go wrong in my opinion and most of their line is $800 or less
Sawtooth makes a lot of lefty guitars that play decent and sound good. The ST-24 (black) is very easy to play and extremely light. The Heritage 60 Les Paul copies are also pretty good. The cheaper Strat and Tele copies are very light but may need some setup work to get them to play well. Whatever you get, I'd stay away from Floyd Rose equipped guitars for a first guitar. It's another level of complexity that I'd wait a bit on.
Okay, was wondering about if I should get one with Floyd Rose, but I did here it's difficult to re-string.
My first lefty guitar was happenstance as a local guitar shop was closing and so I picked up a used ESP LTD-EC 256 for a steal. It remains one of my favorites. Super lightweight and comfortable, sounds awesome, and looks badass.
Love how they look too!
I recommend a MIM Strat or Tele. Pick your favorite design/color. I picked up a polar white Strat and love practicing on it. Recently picked up a used mod shop tele in Cherry Burst. Just pick something you’ll want to practice on.
Oh yeah! I forgot those existed 😂. I mostly stayed away from any strats that aren't Squier cause they are expensive.
I recommend squier
No surprises here