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Guitars that I would love to try out – I can’t because they don’t do them in a lefty!
Introduction
I have spoken about it a lot on the site, but for anyone that doesn’t know, I am left-handed! This is both cool and a massive pain! Mostly because most guitars that get released are not available in left-handed. This means there are a lot of cool guitars out there that I will never be able to try but would love to try out.
I was browsing my regular music sites and was going through these guitars and ended up writing a few of them down. I decided to do an article on guitars that I would love to try out but can’t because they don’t do them in left-handed (at the time of writing). Some of which I like because of the look, the history, or the spec. So let me dive straight into the first one, which comes from a brand that is doing a lot better at left-handed models but just not this one!
Gibson Victory
Since they brought back the Gibson Victory, it has piqued my interest! Something about it tickles me! I know most people don’t like it, but I do! It’s very 80s and isn’t like anything else! The current version features dual 80s Tribute humbuckers, which aim to replicate the sound of the high-output pickups from the 80s. 1 volume and 1 tone with a 3-way toggle switch. Each lknob is push/pull for coil split! That is some proper “shred-tactic” specs!
I have to say, if I were right-handed, then I would definitely be going for the Iguana Burt with the Floyd Rose bridge! What a shred machine! However, the Cobalt Burst and Cherry Burst are also high up the list! All 3 of those finished come with AA Maple Figured tops.
But alas, left-handed isn’t an option! I haven’t phoned Gibson up and asked about the custom shop and made-to-measure route, but I still highly doubt they would do a left-handed version. Which is a shame because I think it would do well. I guess the only other option is to get a custom-made guitar in a similar shape, which I have found a few from a few different builders.
Gibson “Greeny” Les Paul
As a huge Gary Moore fan and an average Kirk Hammett fan, this is an important guitar in my eyes. I have always known about it and love the history and story about it! So when I saw the three main versions get released (Epiphone, Gibson, and Gibson Custom), I was keen that I might be able to get one. However, none of the mentioned models were released in left-handed!
Now, I did phone up Gibson a few months ago and enquire about how much it would be to get a Made to Measure Gibson Greeny in left-handed. Now, I don’t know if they misunderstood, but they told me on the phone that “this wouldn’t be possible”. Which was a shame! I knew it would be expensive, but to be told they don’t do it is wild! It might have been a misunderstanding by both parties. Might phone them up and give it another go!
Now, all hope isn’t lost. I might give Daniel’s Guitars a shout (he makes amazing 59 LP style guitars) and see if he would be up for doing a Greeny style guitar! Let me know if that is something you would like to see! It would be interesting to see the final product and final price compared to the £15k Gibson Custom Shop Greeny.
Music Man Rabea Massaad Sabre
I am a big fan of Rabea. From his personal YouTube channel to the Andertons videos! He is a fantastic guitar player and an entertaining person. When I heard he was getting a signature with Ernie Ball Music Man, I was very excited but also a little gutted. I knew that it would be a monster guitar, but I would never be able to play it.
Looking at the specs of this guitar, I was impressed; then I looked at the price, and it made sense! It isn’t a cheap guitar! However, just take a look at the electronics and controls. A 5-way switch with a Push/Push (my favourite). This allows a coil splitting in a few different configurations with the two Rabea Massaad signature Bare Knuckle humbuckers. I am also a big fan of the wood choice (including the Roasted Maple Neck) and the matte finishes! A very well-spec’d and good-looking guitar!
Ernie Ball Music Man very rarely do left-handed versions of any of their guitars. So I knew the Music Man Sabre wasn’t going to be released in a lefty! Which is a shame because looking at the specs and the design, it looks like a proper killer guitar!
Chapman Ghost Fret
I have always thought the Chapman Ghost Fret was a cool-looking guitar and was a bit different from your standard Explorer style. They always have very nice colours and finishes. I think out of their whole line-up (throughout all the years), the Ghost Fret has been the one guitar which has held its own in terms of design and finish. Sadly, I never got to play one as they have never done a left-handed version. I didn’t even get to play a right-handed one!
However, I did use to own a Chapman. It was a Chapman ML-1 Pro a few years ago. Purchased from Andertons. I was fairly impressed with my ML-1 Pro. Didn’t play it a whole lot, but wasn’t playing guitar a whole lot then anyway. I then traded it in for an Epiphone Les Paul. However, the specs were killer and for the price, it came with a proper hard case. Very impressive. Alas, the one I always wanted was the Ghost Fret! To my knowledge, they never did a left-handed version of the Chapman Ghost Fret.
Sadly, Chapman has taken a turn and doesn’t do any left-handed models. It is a shame because they used to be very good with Lefties but not anymore! I know Rob has made the comment that “left-handed people make the most noise but buy the least guitars”. I guess there is some truth in that, but to not at least offer some models is a strange choice! Not even custom order?
Reverend Greg Koch Gristlemaster
Who doesn’t love a T-Style with modern adjustments? A lovely roasted lamp neck and board, and modern pickups, but keeping the bridge and saddle very traditional. It is the perfect match! Combine the shape and design with Greg’s signature Fishman pickups, and you have a guitar that can perform in any situation!
The body is made from Korina (White Limba), so you know it will be a good weight and easy to play live with. I think they weigh around 3kg to 3.5kg. Which is a good middle ground! Easy to carry and hold! It is obvious that Gregg Koch was using his massive gigging experience when designing this guitar! This was designed to be used! And used hard!
If I am honest, the only thing I am not thrilled about is the colour! It is a blue kind of colour, which (for me) is a bit “dull” or pastel! If it was a brighter or more retro blue, then it would be perfect! However, when I look at the price, I can get over that! They retail for $1799. Which for all these specs is a great deal! Having a look, it doesn’t look like you get a case with it. Which isn’t the end of the world.
Conclusion
So that is my list! Are there guitars that you were expecting to be in this list? I could have had so many guitars on this list! There are so many I would love to try out, maybe a part 2 is coming with some more examples! I am hoping that more guitar companies bring out their full range in left-handed! I would love to try out the
If you are left-handed, let me know if there are guitars that you would love to try but can’t! I would love to hear what guitars you want to try but can’t! Head over to my contact page and drop me an email or send me a DM on Instagram.
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