Are you looking for the best left handed guitar 12 string?
Left handed guitar 12 string are a popular choice for guitarists who want the rich, full sound of a 12-string guitar, but with the added comfort and ease of playing left-handed.
Editor’s Note:We’ve done the research and put together this guide to help you choose the best left handed guitar 12 string for your needs.
We’ve analyzed the market, dug through the reviews, and put together this guide to help you make the right decision.
Key Differences
| Feature | Left Handed Guitar 12 String | Right Handed Guitar 12 String |
|---|---|---|
| Body Shape | Mirrored from a right-handed guitar | Traditional body shape |
| String Order | Reversed from a right-handed guitar | Standard string order |
| Playing Position | Played with the left hand on the neck and the right hand on the strings | Played with the right hand on the neck and the left hand on the strings |
Main Article Topics
- Benefits of Left Handed Guitar 12 String
- How to Choose the Best Left Handed Guitar 12 String
- Reviews of the Best Left Handed Guitar 12 String
- FAQs About Left Handed Guitar 12 String
1. Body Shape
The body shape of a left handed guitar 12 string is mirrored from a right-handed guitar because it is designed to be played by a left-handed guitarist. This means that the curves and cutaways of the body are reversed so that the player can reach the frets and strings more easily.
The body shape of a guitar can affect the sound of the instrument. In general, guitars with larger bodies have a fuller, richer sound than guitars with smaller bodies. This is because the larger body provides more space for the sound waves to resonate.
The body shape of a guitar can also affect the comfort of the player. Guitars with smaller bodies are typically more comfortable to play for players with smaller hands. This is because the player can reach the frets and strings more easily.
When choosing a left handed guitar 12 string, it is important to consider the body shape of the instrument. The body shape should be comfortable to play and should produce the sound that you are looking for.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between the body shapes of left handed and right handed guitars:
| Feature | Left Handed Guitar 12 String | Right Handed Guitar 12 String |
|---|---|---|
| Body Shape | Mirrored from a right-handed guitar | Traditional body shape |
| String Order | Reversed from a right-handed guitar | Standard string order |
| Playing Position | Played with the left hand on the neck and the right hand on the strings | Played with the right hand on the neck and the left hand on the strings |
Key Insights:
- The body shape of a left handed guitar 12 string is mirrored from a right-handed guitar so that the player can reach the frets and strings more easily.
- The body shape of a guitar can affect the sound and comfort of the instrument.
- When choosing a left handed guitar 12 string, it is important to consider the body shape of the instrument.
2. String Order
The string order on a left handed guitar 12 string is reversed from a right-handed guitar because it is designed to be played by a left-handed guitarist. This means that the strings are arranged in the opposite order so that the player can reach the frets and strings more easily.
The string order on a guitar is important because it affects the way the guitar is played. The lowest string on a guitar is typically the thickest string, and it is used to play the bass notes. The highest string on a guitar is typically the thinnest string, and it is used to play the treble notes.
By reversing the string order on a left handed guitar 12 string, the player can reach the bass notes more easily with their left hand and the treble notes more easily with their right hand. This makes it easier for left-handed guitarists to play chords and melodies.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between the string order of left handed and right handed guitars:
| String Order | Left Handed Guitar 12 String | Right Handed Guitar 12 String |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest String | Bottom | Top |
| Highest String | Top | Bottom |
Key Insights:
- The string order on a left handed guitar 12 string is reversed from a right-handed guitar so that the player can reach the frets and strings more easily.
- The string order on a guitar is important because it affects the way the guitar is played.
- Reversing the string order on a left handed guitar 12 string makes it easier for left-handed guitarists to play chords and melodies.
3. Playing Position
The playing position of a left handed guitar 12 string is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a guitar. Left handed guitars are designed to be played by left-handed guitarists, who naturally play with their left hand on the neck and their right hand on the strings. This is opposite to the way a right-handed guitar is played, which is designed to be played with the right hand on the neck and the left hand on the strings.
- Comfort: The playing position of a left handed guitar 12 string is more comfortable for left-handed guitarists because it allows them to play in a natural and relaxed position. This can help to prevent fatigue and pain, especially during long playing sessions.
- Dexterity: Left-handed guitarists typically have more dexterity in their left hand than their right hand. This is because they use their left hand for everyday tasks such as writing and eating. As a result, they are able to play more complex chord
s and melodies on a left handed guitar 12 string than they would be able to on a right-handed guitar. - Sound: The playing position of a left handed guitar 12 string can also affect the sound of the instrument. This is because the left hand is responsible for fretting the notes, which can affect the intonation and tone of the guitar. Left-handed guitarists typically have a more natural touch on the strings when they are playing with their left hand on the neck, which can result in a more nuanced and expressive sound.
- Availability: Left handed guitar 12 strings are not as widely available as right-handed guitars. This can make it more difficult to find a left handed guitar 12 string that is the right size, shape, and style for you. However, there are a number of online retailers that specialize in selling left handed guitars, so it is possible to find a left handed guitar 12 string that meets your needs.
If you are a left-handed guitarist, it is important to choose a left handed guitar 12 string that is comfortable to play and that allows you to express yourself musically. By considering the playing position of the guitar, you can find a guitar that will help you to reach your full potential as a musician.
4. Scale Length
The scale length of a guitar is an important factor to consider when choosing a guitar, especially for left-handed guitarists. A shorter scale length can make a guitar easier to play for players with smaller hands or for those who are just starting out. It can also make it easier to reach the frets and strings, which can be especially beneficial for left-handed guitarists who may have to reach across the guitar to play certain chords and notes.
- Comfort: A shorter scale length can make a guitar more comfortable to play for players with smaller hands or for those who are just starting out. This is because a shorter scale length means that the frets and strings are closer together, which makes it easier to reach and play them.
- Playability: A shorter scale length can also make a guitar easier to play for left-handed guitarists. This is because a shorter scale length means that the frets and strings are closer together, which makes it easier to reach and play them. Additionally, a shorter scale length can make it easier to play certain chords and notes, such as barre chords and notes on the higher frets.
- Sound: A shorter scale length can also affect the sound of a guitar. Guitars with a shorter scale length typically have a warmer, mellower sound than guitars with a longer scale length. This is because a shorter scale length means that the strings are less taut, which results in a lower tension and a warmer, mellower sound.
Ultimately, the best way to determine if a left handed guitar 12 string with a shorter scale length is right for you is to try one out for yourself. By playing a few different guitars with different scale lengths, you can get a feel for which one is the most comfortable and easiest to play.
5. Neck Width
The neck width of a guitar is an important factor to consider when choosing a guitar, especially for left-handed guitarists. A narrower neck width can make a guitar more comfortable to play for players with smaller hands or for those who are just starting out. It can also make it easier to reach the frets and strings, which can be especially beneficial for left-handed guitarists who may have to reach across the guitar to play certain chords and notes.
Left handed guitar 12 strings typically have a narrower neck width than right-handed guitars because they are designed to be played by left-handed guitarists. This means that the neck is shaped and sized to fit the left hand comfortably. A narrower neck width can make it easier for left-handed guitarists to reach the frets and strings, and it can also reduce fatigue and pain, especially during long playing sessions.
If you are a left-handed guitarist with smaller hands, a left handed guitar 12 string with a narrower neck width may be a good choice for you. A narrower neck width can make the guitar more comfortable to play and can help you to reach the frets and strings more easily. This can lead to improved playing technique and faster progress.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between the neck width of left handed and right handed guitars:
| Left Handed Guitar 12 String | Right Handed Guitar 12 String | |
|---|---|---|
| Neck Width | Narrower | Wider |
Ultimately, the best way to determine if a left handed guitar 12 string with a narrower neck width is right for you is to try one out for yourself. By playing a few different guitars with different neck widths, you can get a feel for which one is the most comfortable and easiest to play.
6. Electronics
Electronics can greatly enhance the versatility and usability of a left handed guitar 12 string. By allowing players to plug their guitar into an amplifier or PA system, electronics can enable them to achieve a wider range of sounds and volumes, making them suitable for a variety of musical genres and performance settings.
- Amplification: Electronics allow left handed guitar 12 string players to amplify their sound, making it louder and more powerful. This can be useful for playing in large venues or for cutting through a mix in a band setting.
- Tone shaping: Electronics can also be used to shape the tone of a left handed guitar 12 string. By adjusting the EQ settings on an amplifier or preamp, players can boost or cut certain frequencies, creating a wide range of sounds from warm and mellow to bright and twangy.
- Effects: Electronics can also be used to add effects to a left handed guitar 12 string. By connecting pedals or rackmount effects units, players can add effects such as reverb, delay, chorus, and distortion, further expanding the sonic possibilities of the guitar.
- Recording: Electronics can also be used to record a left handed guitar 12 string. By plugging the guitar into an audio interface, players can record their performances directly into a computer or DAW.
Overall, electronics can greatly enhance the versatility and usability of a left handed guitar 12 string. By allowing players to amplify their sound, shape their tone, add effects, and record their performances, electronics can help left-handed guitarists to achieve their full potential as musicians.
7. Price
The price of a left handed guitar 12 string is an important factor to consider when choosing a guitar. The price of a guitar can vary greatly depending on the quality of the materials used, the brand name, and the features included.
Quality of materials: The quality of the materials used in a guitar will have a significant impact on the price. Guitars made with higher quali
ty materials, such as solid wood, will typically be more expensive than guitars made with lower quality materials, such as laminate wood.
Brand name: The brand name of a guitar can also affect the price. Guitars from well-known brands, such as Fender and Gibson, will typically be more expensive than guitars from lesser-known brands.
Features: The features included on a guitar can also affect the price. Guitars with more features, such as electronics and cutaways, will typically be more expensive than guitars with fewer features.
It is important to remember that the price of a guitar is not always indicative of the quality of the guitar. There are many great guitars available at a variety of price points. It is important to do your research and find a guitar that fits your needs and budget.
Key Insights:
- The price of a left handed guitar 12 string can vary greatly depending on the quality of the materials used, the brand name, and the features included.
- Guitars made with higher quality materials, such as solid wood, will typically be more expensive than guitars made with lower quality materials, such as laminate wood.
- Guitars from well-known brands, such as Fender and Gibson, will typically be more expensive than guitars from lesser-known brands.
- Guitars with more features, such as electronics and cutaways, will typically be more expensive than guitars with fewer features.
- It is important to remember that the price of a guitar is not always indicative of the quality of the guitar.
Table: Price Ranges for Left Handed Guitar 12 Strings
| Price Range | Quality | Brand | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| $300-$500 | Beginner | Lesser-known brands | Laminate wood, no electronics |
| $500-$1000 | Intermediate | Well-known brands | Solid wood, basic electronics |
| $1000-$2000 | Professional | Well-known brands | High-quality materials, advanced electronics |
8. Availability
The availability of left handed guitars, including 12-string models, can be more limited compared to their right-handed counterparts. This is because the demand for left handed guitars is generally lower, resulting in fewer options and potentially higher prices.
- Limited Production: Manufacturers typically produce fewer left handed guitars due to the lower demand, leading to a smaller selection available in stores and online.
- Online Retailers: While left handed guitars may be harder to find in physical stores, online retailers that specialize in left handed instruments offer a wider range of options and can cater to the specific needs of left-handed guitarists.
- Higher Prices: Due to the lower production volume and higher demand, left handed guitars, including 12-string models, can sometimes be priced higher than their right-handed equivalents.
Despite the limited availability, left-handed guitarists have access to specialized retailers that offer a variety of options to meet their needs. These retailers understand the unique requirements of left-handed players and provide a valuable service by stocking a wider selection of left handed guitars, including 12-string models.
9. Brands
When choosing a left handed guitar 12 string, the brand is an important factor to consider. Different brands have different reputations for quality, craftsmanship, and sound. Some of the most popular brands of left handed guitar 12 strings include:
- Fender: Fender is one of the most iconic guitar brands in the world. They are known for their electric guitars, but they also make a variety of acoustic guitars, including left handed guitar 12 strings.
- Gibson: Gibson is another legendary guitar brand. They are best known for their electric guitars, but they also make a variety of acoustic guitars, including left handed guitar 12 strings.
- Taylor: Taylor is a leading manufacturer of acoustic guitars. They are known for their high-quality guitars with a rich, warm sound. Taylor offers a variety of left handed guitar 12 strings to choose from.
- Martin: Martin is another leading manufacturer of acoustic guitars. They are known for their high-quality guitars with a bright, clear sound. Martin offers a variety of left handed guitar 12 strings to choose from.
Ultimately, the best way to choose a left handed guitar 12 string is to try out a few different brands and models to see what you like best. Consider the sound, feel, and playability of each guitar to find the one that is right for you.
10. Reviews
Before making a purchase decision, reading reviews of various left handed guitar 12 strings is highly recommended. These reviews serve as valuable sources of information that can shed light on the guitar’s construction, performance, and suitability for your specific needs.
- Insights into Quality: Reviews often provide detailed feedback on the guitar’s build quality, materials used, and overall craftsmanship. Reading these reviews can give you a better understanding of the guitar’s durability and longevity, ensuring that you make an informed choice.
- Performance Evaluation: Reviews offer valuable insights into the guitar’s playability, tone, and sound quality. You can learn about the guitar’s action, neck profile, and pickup configuration, helping you assess whether it aligns with your playing style and musical preferences.
- Feature Analysis: Reviews often highlight the guitar’s unique features and specifications, such as the presence of electronics, cutaways, or specific hardware. By understanding these features, you can determine if the guitar meets your specific requirements and expectations.
- Customer Experiences: Reviews provide real-world experiences from other guitarists who have purchased and used the same model. Their feedback can offer valuable insights into the guitar’s overall performance, reliability, and any potential issues or drawbacks.
In conclusion, reading reviews of different left handed guitar 12 strings before making a purchase is a prudent step that can empower you with knowledge. These reviews provide a comprehensive view of the guitar’s quality, performance, features, and user experiences, ultimately assisting you in making a well-informed decision and selecting the guitar that best suits your musical aspirations.
11. Try Before You Buy
Trying out a left handed guitar 12 string before purchasing is crucial. It allows you to evaluate several key aspects that directly impact the playing experience and suitability of the guitar for your needs.
- Comfort and Fi
t: Holding and playing the guitar will reveal whether its size and shape align with your body and playing style. A comfortable guitar will enhance your playing experience and reduce fatigue during extended sessions. - Playability: The guitar’s neck profile, string action, and overall playability can be assessed firsthand. This is especially important for left-handed guitarists, as they require guitars designed specifically for their playing needs.
- Sound and Tone: Listening to the guitar’s natural acoustics or amplified sound can help you determine if it meets your sonic preferences. The tone and resonance of the guitar should inspire and complement your musical style.
- Suitability for Playing Style: Different guitarists have unique playing styles and techniques. Trying out the guitar allows you to assess whether its features, such as cutaways, electronics, or specific pickup configurations, align with your playing approach.
Ultimately, trying out a left handed guitar 12 string before buying provides valuable insights into its suitability, playability, and overall fit for your musical journey. It empowers you to make an informed decision and choose a guitar that resonates with your playing style and aspirations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Left Handed Guitar 12 Strings
This section addresses common questions and misconceptions surrounding left handed guitar 12 strings, providing informative answers to guide your understanding.
Question 1: What are the key differences between left and right handed 12 string guitars?
Answer: The primary difference lies in the body shape, which is mirrored for left-handed players. Additionally, the string order is reversed, and the playing position is opposite, with the left hand on the neck and the right hand on the strings.
Question 2: Why are left handed 12 string guitars less common than right handed models?
Answer: Due to the lower demand, manufacturers typically produce fewer left handed guitars, resulting in a more limited selection and potentially higher prices.
Question 3: What are some reputable brands that offer left handed 12 string guitars?
Answer: Well-known brands such as Fender, Gibson, Taylor, and Martin have earned a reputation for producing high-quality left handed guitars, including 12 string models.
Question 4: Is it essential to try out a left handed 12 string guitar before buying one?
Answer: Trying out the guitar is highly recommended. It allows for an assessment of its size, shape, playability, sound, and suitability for your playing style.
Question 5: Where can left-handed guitarists find a wider selection of 12 string guitars?
Answer: Online retailers specializing in left handed guitars offer a broader range of options and cater to the specific needs of left-handed players.
Question 6: Are there any notable advantages to playing a left handed 12 string guitar?
Answer: Left handed 12 string guitars are designed to optimize comfort and playability for left-handed guitarists. They provide a natural and relaxed playing position, allowing for better dexterity and ease of use.
In summary, left handed 12 string guitars offer a unique playing experience tailored to the needs of left-handed guitarists. By understanding the key differences, exploring the available brands, and trying out different models, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect guitar to elevate your musical journey.
Transition to the Next Article Section:
For further insights and guidance on choosing the right left handed guitar 12 string, explore the additional sections of this comprehensive guide.
Tips for Choosing the Right Left Handed Guitar 12 String
Selecting the ideal left handed guitar 12 string requires careful consideration to ensure it aligns with your playing style and preferences. Here are valuable tips to guide you through the process:
Tip 1: Determine Your Playing Style and Needs:
Identify the genres of music you play and the techniques you employ. Consider factors such as fingerpicking, strumming, or lead playing, as these will influence the guitar’s body shape, neck profile, and pickup configuration.
Tip 2: Experiment with Different Body Shapes:
Explore various body shapes to find one that resonates with your playing style. Dreadnought guitars offer a powerful sound, while concert and parlor guitars provide a more balanced and comfortable playing experience.
Tip 3: Pay Attention to Neck Profile:
The neck profile refers to the thickness and shape of the guitar’s neck. Experiment with different profiles to determine which one fits your hand size and playing style. A thicker neck provides stability, while a thinner neck offers faster playability.
Tip 4: Consider Electronics and Features:
If you plan to amplify your sound, consider guitars equipped with electronics such as pickups and preamps. Additional features like cutaways and different pickup configurations can also enhance the guitar’s versatility and playing comfort.
Tip 5: Set a Budget and Explore Brands:
Establish a budget and research reputable brands known for producing high-quality left handed guitars. Explore their offerings and compare their specifications to find the best guitar within your price range.
Tip 6: Read Reviews and Seek Recommendations:
Consult online reviews and seek recommendations from experienced guitarists to gather insights into different guitar models. This can provide valuable information about their playability, sound quality, and overall performance.
Tip 7: Try Before You Buy:
If possible, visit a guitar store and try out different left handed 12 string guitars. This will allow you to experience their playability, feel, and sound firsthand to make an informed decision.
Tip 8: Consider Your Future Musical Goals:
Think about your musical aspirations and how the guitar will support them. If you anticipate playing in bands or performing live, consider guitars with electronics and features that suit those scenarios.
In conclusion, choosing the right left handed guitar 12 string is a journey of exploration and discovery. By following these tips, you can navigate the selection process with confidence and find the perfect guitar to accompany you on your musical endeavors.
Conclusion
The exploration of left handed guitar 12 strings unveils a world of unique playing experiences tailored to the needs of left-handed guitarists. These instruments offer a blend of comfort, playability, and tonal versatility, empowering musicians to express their creativity without compromise.
Understanding the key differences between left and right handed 12 string guitars, exploring reputable brands, and trying out different models are crucial steps in finding the perfect guitar. By considering your playing style, budget, and future musical goals, you can make an informed decision that will enhance your musical journey.
The left handed guitar 12 string stands as a testament to the diverse needs of musicians. It represents a commitment to providing left-handed guitarists with instruments that unlock their full potential and allow them to share their unique musical voices with the world.
