Collection: Left-Handed Acoustic Guitars

At Chicago Music Exchange, we believe every guitarist deserves a perfect match—regardless of which hand they strum with. That’s why we stock one of the most diverse and thoughtfully curated selections of left-handed acoustic guitars available anywhere, whether you're a beginner, professional singer-songwriter, or lifelong collector. Our collection includes top-tier offerings from Martin, Gibson, Taylor, Guild, Santa Cruz, and more, each specifically designed for left-handed players.

Whether you're searching for a left-handed dreadnought, a parlor-sized left-handed acoustic, or a lefty acoustic-electric guitar, our inventory is tailored to meet the needs of southpaws seeking superior tone, comfort, and craftsmanship.

The Story Behind Left-Handed Acoustic Guitars

For decades, left-handed players were forced to adapt to right-handed guitars, often restringing or modifying instruments themselves. As the demand for purpose-built left-handed acoustic guitars grew—thanks to influential artists like Paul McCartney, Nick Drake, and Elizabeth Cotten—guitar builders responded with dedicated left-handed designs. These instruments mirror their right-handed counterparts in terms of tonal excellence, materials, and build quality—but are crafted from the ground up for natural left-handed performance and balance.

Styles, Shapes, and Sound: Lefty Acoustic Guitar Options

Today’s left-handed acoustic guitars are available in a wide variety of body shapes, tonewoods, and performance features. Whether you’re recording in the studio, busking on the street, or leading an intimate acoustic set, we offer instruments designed to match your playing style and sonic needs.

Popular Body Styles for Left-Handed Players:

• Dreadnought – Known for bold projection and flatpicking power
• Concert & Auditorium – Balanced and ideal for fingerstyle playing
• Grand Concert / Grand Symphony – Rich overtones and dynamic range
• Parlor & 00 Guitars – Compact, vintage-inspired tone machines
• Cutaway Acoustic-Electrics – For those who want stage-ready performance

Tonewood options include Sitka spruce, mahogany, rosewood, koa, and maple, offering players tonal combinations from warm and mellow to bright and articulate.

Top Brands We Carry:

• Martin – Featuring Standard Series, Road Series, and Custom Shop lefties
• Taylor – With left-handed options across Academy, 100, 200, and 300+ Series
• Gibson – Iconic models like the J-45, Hummingbird, and SJ-200 now available for left-handed players
• Santa Cruz Guitar Company – Boutique craftsmanship with made-to-order left-handed builds
• Guild & Epiphone – Excellent value left-handed acoustics for beginners and intermediate players

Whether you’re looking for a high-end left-handed acoustic guitar or a budget-friendly starter guitar, our expert team will help you find your perfect match.

Artists Who Play Left-Handed Acoustic Guitars

Some of the most emotional and influential acoustic recordings have come from left-handed players. Their unique sound and feel have shaped folk, rock, blues, and indie genres.

• Paul McCartney – Played left-handed acoustics with The Beatles and Wings
• Nick Drake – Fingerstyle left-handed brilliance with warm, expressive tone
• Kurt Cobain – Used left-handed acoustic guitars for iconic unplugged performances
• Elizabeth Cotten – Known for her "Cotten picking" technique, playing left-handed and upside down
• Cody Johnson – Modern country star playing a custom left-handed acoustic-electric on tour

These artists have paved the way for left-handed players everywhere—and inspired guitar makers to raise the bar on what a left-handed acoustic guitar can be.

Why Southpaws Choose Left-Handed Acoustic Guitars

Unlike retrofitted or restrung right-handed guitars, dedicated left-handed acoustics feature properly compensated nuts, bridges, saddle angles, and bracing layouts. This results in:

• Better intonation and tuning stabilityImproved playability and comfort
• Optimized tone and projection
• Balanced string tension and response

Whether you’re strumming chords, fingerpicking, or using alternate tunings, a true left-handed acoustic guitar provides the most natural and rewarding playing experience.

Pricing: Entry-Level to Boutique Left-Handed Acoustics

Our left-handed acoustic guitars span a full spectrum of price points:

• Entry-Level ($200–$500): Epiphone, Fender, Ibanez, Alvarez
• Mid-Range ($500–$1,500): Taylor 100/200/Academy Series, Martin Road Series, Guild
• Professional/Boutique ($2,500–$8,000+): Martin Custom Shop, Santa Cruz, Gibson Montana, Collings

Our used left-handed acoustic guitars and vintage models offer great value as well, often including rare tonewoods or discontinued designs not available in modern production runs.

Why Buy Your Left-Handed Acoustic Guitar from CME?

At Chicago Music Exchange, our expert team understands the nuances of left-handed instruments. We carefully source, inspect, and set up every guitar for peak playability—and we’re passionate about helping players of all styles find their perfect fit.

Chicago Music Exchange is the #1 destination for vintage, used, and custom left-handed acoustic guitars. Trusted by collectors, touring musicians, and enthusiasts worldwide.