Choosing the best left handed 12 string guitar for your budget, tastes, and ability is crucial to make sure that your practice sessions are both productive and enjoyable.
Although you most likely won’t find too many left-handed 12-string acoustic guitars in your local store, there are some great options for us out there.
In this article, we’ll look at my top 5 choices, from budget-friendly beginner kits to premium instruments for intermediate and advanced-level guitarists.
Where To Buy 12-String Left-Handed Guitars?
Finding a lefty 12-string guitar can be a bit of a treasure hunt, and your best shot is often online. Since availability varies from one retailer to another, it’s smart to browse multiple sites to compare both selection and pricing.
Lefty models tend to be produced in limited quantities, so they don’t usually stay in stock for long. If you come across one that catches your eye, it’s wise to act quickly. To help you get started, take a look at the list of trusted online stores below for the latest options currently available.
Or, keep reading to check out my current personal top 5 choices!
Disclosure: If you decide to purchase a guitar using the links in this article I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
What Is The Best Left Handed 12 String Guitar?
If you’re anything like me, you just won’t have the patience to wait potentially months for your local store to special order a southpaw guitar from the manufacturer – ain’t nobody got time for that!
Need a left-handed 12-string acoustic guitar right now? Here are my top 5 readily available choices that you can pick up today!
If you’re in a rush, you can use the following links to jump straight to the guitars you are interested in. But make sure to also take a read through the end of this post, where I will answer a ton of questions you may have about 12-string acoustic guitars.
The guitars below are arranged in order from the cheapest to the most expensive.
1. Vangoa VA20CE
Cheap Left Handed 12 String Guitar
On a tight budget, I’m going to send you over to the brand that really has us lefties covered when it comes to niche guitars – Vangoa. At the time of writing, the Vangoa VA20CE is just a shade over $200 – an incredible bargain.
Vangoa VA20CE Available Now At
Astonishingly, for such little money, the Vangoa is also bundled with a quality gig bag, plus a ton of other accessories such as a capo, headstock tuner, spare strings, and a strap. Check out the full list of included accessories below.
The guitar itself has a dreadnought body and features a Sitka spruce top with Sapele back and sides, and an Okoume neck with walnut fingerboard and bridge. A cutaway provides improved upper fret access, and it comes complete with built-in electronics to connect to an amp or recording device.
The black finish is complemented by a fully bound body to help protect the guitar’s edges from accidental damage. Plus, the white binding and accents give the instrument a really classy, tuxedo-like aesthetic – there’s a clear Gibson Les Paul Custom flavor happening here!
Notice how the guitar doesn’t have a scratchplate? Vangoa has included one in the package, so you can decide which look you’d like to go for – a nice touch!
Psst… Not sure what a scratchplate is? Check out my guide to the different parts of the guitar.
Key Features:
- Body: Sapele w/ Sitka Spruce Top
- Neck: Okoume w/ 20 Fret Walnut Fingerboard
- Electronics: 3-Band EQ Preamp
- Gig Bag: Included
- Accessories: Headstock tuner, capo, cable, strap, picks, cleaning cloth, spare bridge pins, pickguard, spare strings.
What I Like/Dislike About The Vangoa VA20CE
Like:
- Includes everything you’ll need to get started with the guitar.
- Low price without sacrificing quality and features.
- Classic Sapele and Sitka spruce dreadnought body will give a balanced tone suitable for many styles of music.
- Has the look of a guitar that is much more expensive than it is.
Dislike:
- Dreadnought body size may be a little large for smaller players.
- No built-in tuner.
- Brand snobs may not approve.
- No other color choices if black isn’t to your tastes.
Check out the video below for a great overview and demonstration of the Vangoa.
Overall, I recommend the Vangoa VA20CE as my pick for the best cheap left-handed 12-string guitar. You just aren’t going to find a more budget-friendly option than this excellent little package.
Vangoa VA20CE Available Now At
2. Oscar Schmidt OD312CE
Budget Left-Handed 12-String Acoustic
If you would prefer a more traditional-looking instrument, then for just a little more money we can look at the excellent Oscar Schmidt OD312CE. For the extra cash, we get a slightly more premium guitar than the Vangoa, plus a respected and trusted brand name on the headstock.
Oscar Schmidt OD312CE Available Now At
For those who don’t know, Oscar Schmidt is owned by Washburn guitars, so you can be assured that the quality of this instrument will not be sub-par. Indeed, the brand is so confident in the OD312CE that you will receive a lifetime warranty with the guitar, versus only a year on the Vangoa.
The guitar itself is the common dreadnought body size and features the tried and tested spruce top and mahogany back and sides tonewood combination. This pairing is well known for producing well-balanced tones.
A mahogany neck is partnered with a 20-fret Rosetek (simulated rosewood) fretboard. Like the Vangoa above it features a fully bound body and neck for a really elegant aesthetic.
Electronics are handled by the excellent 4-band Barcus Berry EQ4T preamp system hooked up to an under-saddle pickup. This is a nice upgrade over the Vangoa’s electronics as it features an LCD screen plus a handy built-in tuner.
The only real downside to the Oscar Schmidt is the lack of any bundled gig bag, but that is easily remedied.
Key Features:
- Body: Mahogany w/ Spruce Top
- Neck: Mahogany w/ 20 Fret Rosetek Fingerboard
- Electronics: 4-Band Barcus Berry EQ4T Preamp
- Gig Bag: Not included
- Accessories: None
What I Like/Dislike About The Oscar Schmidt OD312CE
Like:
- Traditional looks.
- Electronics with a handy built-in tuner.
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Classic mahogany and spruce dreadnought body will give a balanced tone suitable for any style of music.
Dislike:
- Dreadnought body size may be a little large for smaller players.
- No bundled gig bag or other accessories.
Overall, the Oscar Schmidt is another excellent choice for a budget left handed 12 string acoustic guitar. For just a little extra cash versus the Vangoa you are rewarded with a slightly higher quality instrument, backed up by a generous warranty from a well-known brand.
Check it out at the link below for current pricing information.
Oscar Schmidt OD312CE Available Now At
3. Sawtooth Maple Series Jumbo
Best Jumbo Left Handed 12 String Guitar
A decent step up from the Oscar Schmidt comes in the form of the Sawtooth Maple Series Cutaway. This is an excellent jumbo body-sized option that comes with many premium features not usually found at this still very affordable price point.
Sawtooth 12-String Available Now At
It is the first solid top 12 string acoustic to appear in this list, meaning it should have improved resonance and will also sound better as it ages. The top is solid Sitka spruce, while the gorgeous flamed maple back and sides will help to provide a clear and bright tone.
The larger jumbo body size results in excellent sound projection as well as a more balanced tone when compared to the more common dreadnought size.
The body is fully bound and incorporates abalone into the rosette and block inlays, creating a truly premium aesthetic.
The bright and articulate sound of this guitar is further enhanced by the maple neck, which is paired with a 20-fret ovangkol fingerboard.
The premium vibe of the Sawtooth is further enhanced by the inclusion of a quality 3-band Fishman Presys II preamp that also includes a handy built-in tuner.
As a bonus, Sawtooth puts every guitar through a 24-point inspection before it leaves the factory. So, your new 12-string should (hopefully!) play well right out of the box.
In the video below, shred maestro Michael Angelo Batio puts the Sawtooth through its paces.
The only real downside is the lack of any included gig bag or case. In addition, smaller players might find the jumbo body size a little large and uncomfortable.
Key Features:
- Body: Flamed Maple w/ Solid Spruce Top
- Neck: Maple w/ 20 Fret Ovangkol Fingerboard
- Electronics: Fishman Presys II Preamp/Tuner
- Gig Bag: Not included
- Accessories: None
What I Like/Dislike About The Sawtooth Maple Series
Like:
- Absolutely stunning looks.
- The solid wood top offers a more dynamic quality of sound than cheaper laminated guitars, plus the tone will improve further as it ages.
- Jumbo body size offers improved projection and well-balanced tones.
- High-quality Fishman electronics.
Dislike:
- No gig bag, accessories, or lessons are included.
- Brighter tones may not be to everyone’s tastes.
- Jumbo body may be too big for some.
If you can wield the sizeable jumbo acoustic body, the Sawtooth Maple series will make an excellent 12-string guitar for any level of player. A still very affordable price point, coupled with its premium looks and appointments, makes it a very attractive proposition indeed!
Sawtooth 12-String Available Now At
4. Taylor 254ce Plus Grand Auditorium
Best Dreadnought Left Handed 12-String Guitar
If you’d prefer to stick with one of the bigger, more well-known brands, then how about this beauty from acoustic legends Taylor Guitars? The Taylor 200 Series is a mid-level range that strikes a balance between performance, style, and value. It’s designed for players seeking Taylor’s signature sound and playability at a more accessible price point.
The left-handed Taylor 254ce Plus delivers a rich, resonant sound with vibrant octave tones, thanks to its solid Torrefied spruce top. A torrefied wood top is heat-treated to remove moisture and simulate the aging process, resulting in a warmer, more responsive tone with enhanced stability.
Taylor’s Grand Auditorium shape is a versatile, mid-sized body design that balances the clarity of a smaller guitar with the power and projection of a larger one, making it ideal for both strumming and fingerstyle playing.
It features a smooth Venetian cutaway and the signature slim Taylor Neck, making it comfortable to play for beginners and seasoned musicians alike.
With Taylor’s reliable ES2 electronics on board and a protective padded gig bag included, the 254ce is stage-ready and travel-friendly.
Key Features:
- Body: Indian Rosewood w/ Solid Torrefied Spruce Top
- Neck: Neo-Tropical Mahogany w/ 20 Fret West African Crelicam Ebony Fingerboard
- Electronics: Taylor ES-2
- Gig Bag: Premium Padded Gig Bag Included
- Accessories: None
What I Like/Dislike About The Taylor 254ce Plus
Like:
- Premium Taylor Quality
- The torrefied solid wood top offers an improved sound quality without needing to wait years for the wood to age naturally.
- Comfortable mid-sized body shape
- Slim neck profile
- Plastic saddle and bridge pins
It’s truly hard to find anything not to like! The Taylor 254ce Plus offers players that legendary Taylor quality and sound at a still accessible price-point. This model is a guitar for life, and would be my personal top choice for an all-around solid lefty 12-string.
If it ticks all of your boxes, why not check it out at the links below?
5. Taylor 362ce Grand Concert
Premium Left Handed 12 String Guitar
For a real premium option, southpaw players can check out the stunning Taylor 362ce. This USA-made model is from the brand’s 300 Series, which introduces all-solid wood construction for richer tones and improved resonance.
It is a compact, all-mahogany 12-string that delivers a rich, clear octave tone with a warm midrange punch. Its Grand Concert body and shorter 24-7/8″ scale length offer a smooth, comfortable playing feel, while Taylor’s V-Class bracing enhances sustain and overall clarity.
Finished in a dark edgeburst with a firestripe pickguard, it comes equipped with ES2 electronics and a hardshell case—ideal for players who want great tone in a road-ready package.
Key Features:
- Body: All-Solid Neo-Tropical Mahogany
- Neck: Neo-Tropical Mahogany w/ 20 Fret West African Crelicam Ebony Fingerboard
- Electronics: Taylor ES-2
- Gig Bag: Deluxe Hardshell Case Included
- Accessories: None
What I Like/Dislike About The Taylor 362ce
Like:
- All-Solid Wood Construction
- Smaller body size offers comfort and an articulate sound
- Slim neck profile
- Slightly less bass response due to smaller body size
- Shorter scale length may be slightly cramped for players with large hands
A guitar that I would literally kill for! If my pockets were deep enough, it is one that I would be ecstatic to have in my own collection.
Left Handed 12 String Guitar FAQ
What Is a 12-String Guitar Good For?
The main selling point of a 12-string guitar is the much fuller sound that it produces when compared to a 6-string. Having twice as many strings gives a natural chorus effect, which sounds similar to playing two guitars at the same time.
How To Tune a Left Handed 12 String Guitar
The main difference between 12 and 6-string guitar tuning is that on a 12, the strings are paired. Oh, and there’s double the strings – but you knew that, right?
It’s totally up to you how you decide to pair them, but generally, the 4 lowest-pitched strings are coupled with thinner strings tuned an octave higher. The highest two are simply paired with another identical string tuned to the same note. This gives you that fantastic, airy, and jangly sound that only a 12-string can produce.
The most common 12-string guitar tuning from lowest to highest is (E3-E2) (A3-A2) (D4-D3) (G4-G3) (B3-B3) (E4-E4). So basically, standard 6-string guitar tuning with some additional octave notes thrown in.
Check out the diagram below for a visual representation of standard tuning on a left-handed 12-string acoustic. Also, notice that the thicker strings are the lower of the paired strings.
If your current tuner does not have the ability to correctly tune up a 12-string, check out my huge guide to guitar tuners for some inexpensive (or free!) alternatives.
How To Play a 12-String Guitar?
Although we have twice as many strings as found on a regular guitar, the paired strings are spaced closely together to allow them to still be played with a single finger simultaneously.
It isn’t like a 7 or 8-string guitar where the fretboard is widened to accommodate extra strings, although the neck is very slightly wider. If you are comfortable with a 6-string acoustic, you’ll be fine on a 12 as well.
Although the paired strings are usually close enough together to be played with the callused tips of your fingers as normal, this may not be comfortable for many. Oftentimes, 12-string players will adopt a flatter fretting technique to allow a larger area of the finger to be used.
Because of the extra tension and doubling of strings, extra force is required to play a 12-string. For this reason, it is much trickier to perform string bends and solos, resulting in the instrument being mainly used for rhythm purposes.
There will also usually be a period of adjustment required to make sure that all strings are strummed or picked with control and accuracy.
A Note About Extra Tension
The added tension introduced by the extra strings is high, which necessitates improved reinforcement of the neck and body. 12-string guitars used to have a bad reputation for warping over time, but with modern design techniques, this is largely not a huge issue anymore.
Still, some players will tune down a half-step or two to help relieve stress on their instrument. You can still quickly revert to standard tuning by placing a capo at the 1st or 2nd fret. Learn more about how to do this in my guitar capo guide.
I only bring this point up to try and dissuade you from buying a super cheap 12-string, which may not be up to the task. Check out the suggestions above for some great, but still affordable, lefty models.
Due to the additional tension, you should also be careful not to remove too many strings from one side at a time. Similarly, taking all of the strings off at the same time could potentially lead to issues with the neck, thanks to the sudden large drop in tension!
So when restringing, it is a good idea to remove and replace one string at a time. If this isn’t possible, just try to keep the tension as balanced as possible.
12-String Guitar String Gauge
As I’ve mentioned above, due to the additional number of strings, there is a lot of extra tension placed on the neck of a 12-string.
So to overcome this, most players will use a lighter gauge of strings than what they would usually play on their 6-string acoustics.
Downsides of a 12-String Guitar
Cost. You have twice as many strings, so restringing will set you back twice the price of a 6-string acoustic. Read my guide on how to make your guitar strings last longer.
Time. You have twice as many strings, so restringing and re-tuning will take double the time.
Harder On Fingers. Fretting two strings at once is more difficult and will require more finger strength.
Wider Neck. The slightly larger neck and fretboard could be a struggle for people with smaller hands.
Set Up Issues. The additional string tension can lead to issues such as bowed necks and high action if not kept in check. Read my guitar setup guide for more information on how to prevent this.
Further Options
All of the brands listed below offer left handed 12-string acoustic guitars, which may or may not need to be specially ordered depending on where you live.
Note that this list is for acoustic guitars only – I do plan to add a guide for left-handed 12-string electric guitars at a later date.
- Breedlove
- Collings – All guitars available left handed
- Kiesel – All guitars available left handed
- Eastman
- Emerald
- Fender – Tim Armstrong Hellcat
- Freshman
- Furch/Stonebridge – All guitars available left handed
- Lakewood – All guitars available left handed
- Larrivée – All guitars available left handed
- Martin – All guitars available left handed
- Taylor – All guitars available left handed
- Tanglewood
Hopefully, that’ll give you plenty of left-handed 12-string guitars to choose from.
Top 5 12 String Acoustic Guitar Songs
To finish up, here’s a great video from Andertons that showcases some iconic 12-string guitar songs that you can learn when you get yours!
You’ll find a few more well-known 12-string guitar songs in my guide to easy guitar songs.
