Left handed hollow body guitars aren’t exactly a dime a dozen, but there are plenty of excellent instruments out there if you know where to look!
From the lush, resonant tones sought after by jazz aficionados to the vibrant bite ideal for blues and rock, this list explores the best left-handed hollowbody guitars available on the market today.
Whether you’re making your first foray into the world of hollow body guitars or are looking to add a new gem to your collection, you’ll find the ideal guitar for you below!
Note that this guide is purely for hollow body instruments. I have a separate guide for lefty semi hollow guitars if that is what you’re after.
Stick around for the end of the article where I’ll also answer a few key questions that you may have about this style of instrument.
Left Handed Hollowbody Guitars
Here are my 7 top picks for the best left handed hollowbody guitars for beginner, intermediate, and advanced players this year. The guitars are arranged from the most affordable to the most pricey, and I feel confident that there is a solid option in this list for all budgets and musical tastes.
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!
You can use the following links to jump directly to the guitar reviews. Make sure to also check out the end of this article where you’ll find a ton of useful hollowbody information.
- Ibanez AF55L
- Epiphone Casino
- Gretsch G5422GLH
- Gretsch G5420LH
- Epiphone Broadway
- Epiphone Casino USA
- Gretsch G6136TG White Falcon
1. Ibanez AF55L
Budget Left Handed Hollowbody Guitar
Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Guitar Center (USA)
Thomann (Europe)
In terms of sticking to well-known brands, the Ibanez AF55L is currently one of the most affordable lefty hollow body guitars on the market. This natural beauty from the brand’s Artcore range comes in at a shade under $400.
The AF55L features an all-linden body (another name for basswood), a lightweight tonewood that is known for its defined and warm sounds. The well-defined tone is further enhanced by a pair of uncovered Ibanez Infinity humbuckers.
A Gibraltar bridge and trapeze-style tailpiece combo ensure that tuning is rock solid on the Ibanez. I can only come up with one slight negative, and that is that it doesn’t ship with a gig bag.
The guitar’s flat finish and minimal hardware and appointments give it a raw, no-nonsense look that is ideal for rocking out on stage night after night. A great, versatile choice for players on a tight budget.
Key Features:
- Body: Linden
- Neck: Nyatoh w/ 20 Fret Walnut Fingerboard
- Bridge: Gibraltar Performer w/ VT06 Trapeze-Style Tailpiece
- Pickups: Ibanez Infinity Humbuckers
- Gig Bag: Not Included
- Finish: Tobacco Flat
Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Guitar Center (USA)
Thomann (Europe)
2. Epiphone Casino
The Legend Rides Again!
Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Guitar Center (USA)
Thomann (Europe)
Next up on our list is the iconic left-handed Epiphone Casino which is available in a choice of two classy finishes. Originally made famous by the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, this model has ES-335-like semi-hollow looks but is actually a fully-fledged hollow body instrument.
The main features include a layered mahogany body for a bright and articulate sound, a fast and slim mahogany neck, and a classy parallelogram inlay adorned laurel fretboard. Like the Ibanez above, these left handed hollow body guitars feature a trapeze-style tailpiece for rock-solid tuning stability.
On pickup duty is a pair of Epiphone PRO P90s that are carefully wound to offer both chiming highs and powerful, warm lows. P90s are one of the more versatile pickup styles, helping the Casino to become a bit of a jack of all trades.
An additional plus is that this recently refreshed model also ships with a branded gig bag. As Epiphone’s best-selling archtop, the Casino is a great choice for players with a modest budget who need a guitar to cover a wide variety of different genres.
Key Features:
- Body: Maple
- Neck: Mahogany w/ 22 Fret Laurel Fingerboard
- Bridge: Tune-O-Matic w/ Diamond Trapeze Tailpiece
- Pickups: Epiphone PRO P90
- Gig Bag: Included
- Finish: Natural or Vintage Sunburst
Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Guitar Center (USA)
Thomann (Europe)
3. Gretsch G5422GLH Electromatic
Double Cut Left Handed Hollow Body Guitar
Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Guitar Center (USA)
Thomann (Europe)
Gretsch is one of the best-known brands when it comes to hollow and semi-hollow body guitars, with a rich heritage in building these styles of guitar.
The double-cutaway left-handed Gretsch G5422GLH from the brand’s Electromatic range is a classy-looking instrument indeed with its snow crest white finish and all gold hardware.
The main features include a snappy-sounding maple body with trestle block bracing to help reduce feedback whilst simultaneously increasing sustain. A c-profile maple neck is paired with a laurel fingerboard featuring pearloid hump block inlays.
Finally, a pair of vintage-voiced Filter’Tron FT-5E humbuckers give untapped access to that legendary Gretsch tone.
Sadly, Gretsch does not include a gig bag or hard case with the G5422GLH, so you will need to source your own for this classy axe. A minor negative!
Key Features:
- Body: Maple
- Neck: Maple w/ 22 Fret Laurel Fingerboard
- Bridge: Adjustomatic w/ Gretsch G-Cutout Tailpiece
- Pickups: Filter’Tron FT-5E Humbuckers
- Gig Bag: None
- Finish: Snow Crest White
Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Guitar Center (USA)
Thomann (Europe)
4. Gretsch G5420LH Electromatic
Single Cut Left Handed Hollowbody Guitar
Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Guitar Center (USA)
Thomann (Europe)
The left handed Gretsch G5420LH Electromatic is a very similar instrument to the G5422GLH that we just looked at. It features the same tonewoods and hardware, but is instead wrapped up in a single-cut package. Both guitars sit at the same price point, so which one do you pick?
Compared to the G5422GLH above, this model sports a slightly deeper body – 2.75″ vs 2.25″. This results in the G5420LH having a slightly improved bass response when compared to the model above. The sounds produced are a little rounder and warmer here.
If a snappier, brighter tone is important then the G5422GLH will be the better choice. The slimmer body may also be a little more comfortable for smaller players.
Of course, the decision could just come down to aesthetics! But then again, they both look superb – what a dilemma to have! Again, I was disappointed to see that this model does not ship with a gig bag.
Check out the demo video below from the incredible Chris George. Unfortunately, the left handed model is no longer available in black.
Key Features:
- Body: Maple
- Neck: Maple w/ 22 Fret Laurel Fingerboard
- Bridge: Adjustomatic w/ Gretsch G-Cutout Tailpiece
- Pickups: Filter’Tron FT-5E Humbuckers
- Gig Bag: None
- Finish: Orange Stain
Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Guitar Center (USA)
Thomann (Europe)
5. Epiphone Broadway
Quality Left Handed Jazz Guitar
Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Guitar Center (USA)
Thomann (Europe)
Players looking for a quality left handed jazz guitar will definitely want to check out the newly released Epiphone Broadway. Available in a traditional vintage sunburst finish as well as a gorgeous wine red color.
The main features include a select spruce top with maple back and sides for a punchy and bright sound. A comfortable slim taper maple neck is paired to a smooth laurel fingerboard with classy pearloid and abalone block inlays.
The Broadway also uses a pair of Epiphone’s vintage-voiced Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers that provide plenty of fat and warm tones on tap.
The Epiphone ‘Frequensator‘ tailpiece has an interesting split design that uses a shorter fork and a longer fork. This helps to provide a deeper sound on the bass side, and a brighter tone on the treble for a well-balanced frequency response.
With its big band roots, large body, and killer looks, the Broadway is the ideal left handed jazz box.
Key Features:
- Body: Maple w/ Select Spruce Top
- Neck: Maple w/ 20 Fret Laurel Fingerboard
- Bridge: Floating Pau Ferro Bridge w/ Frequensator Tailpiece
- Pickups: Filter’Tron FT-5E Humbuckers
- Gig Bag: Premium Gig Bag Included
- Finish: Wine Red or Vintage Sunburst
Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Guitar Center (USA)
Thomann (Europe)
6. Epiphone USA Casino
Gibson-Quality Handcrafted Casinos
Get The Best Price
Guitar Center (USA)
Thomann (Europe)
Hold up a minute…didn’t I already talk about these guitars? Well, not quite, as this pair of premium Casinos are actually from Epiphone’s ultra high-end USA range!
These left handed hollow body guitars are handcrafted in Bozeman, Montana by Gibson’s finest luthiers, and as such, they command a price tag that you would normally associate with a Gibson model.
These USA Casinos feature premium appointments such as solid tonewoods, a nitro finish, quality Gibson pickups, hand-wired electronics, and a deluxe hardshell case.
This is as close as you are likely to get to the magic of those original 1960s Casinos if your pockets are deep enough! You might find it a strange thought to be spending this sort of cash on Gibson’s ‘affordable‘ brand. However, these guitars really are in a completely different league to the Epiphones we are used to.
Key Features:
- Body: 3-Play Maple/Poplar
- Neck: Solid Mahogany w/ 20 Fret Indian Rosewood Fingerboard
- Bridge: ABR-1 Adjustable Bridge w/ Thinline Trapeze Tailpiece
- Pickups: Gibson USA Dogear P-90s
- Gig Bag: Premium Hardshell Case Included
- Finish: Royal Tan or Vintage Sunburst
Get The Best Price
Guitar Center (USA)
Thomann (Europe)
7. Gretsch G6136TG Falcon
Most Desirable Left Handed Hollow Body Guitar
Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Thomann (Europe)
Often described as the world’s greatest hollow body guitar, the legendary Gretsch White Falcon is one of those instruments that every guitarist aspires to own. Having that falcon etched on your pickguard is an absolute badge of honor for many musicians.
Luckily, Gretsch hasn’t forgotten us southpaws and offers the G6136TG Players Edition Falcon from their flagship Professional Collection as a left-handed model. This ultra-classy axe aims to give all of the vintage vibe whilst also incorporating the latest modern innovations for improved play.
Standout features include a string-through Bigsby vibrato, dual FT-67 Filter’Tron pickups, Grover locking tuners, Luminlay side dots, no-load tone pots that won’t color your sound, and a premium Gretsch hard case.
It also features a slimmer 2.5″ deep body compared to the originals which helps to cut down on unwanted feedback and improve comfort and ergonomics.
For those with a healthy wallet, this could very well be the ultimate left handed hollow body guitar!
Key Features:
- Body: Laminated Maple
- Neck: Maple w/ 22 Fret Ebony Fingerboard
- Bridge: Adjusto-Matic w/ Bigsby B6GP String-Thru
- Pickups: FT-67 Filter’Tron
- Gig Bag: Premium Hardshell Case Included
- Finish: White
Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Thomann (Europe)
Hollow Body FAQ
What Is A Hollowbody Guitar?
Similar to an acoustic guitar, a hollowbody instrument has a body that consists of a top, back, and sides. Unlike a solid body guitar, these instruments are completely empty inside.
The guitars are generally larger-bodied, archtop designs and feature f-holes to allow the air to move in and out freely. They are also usually equipped with lower output pickups and a slightly higher action when compared to their solid body cousins.
What Is a Hollow Body Guitar Best For?
Known for their clean and smooth tones, hollowbody guitars are generally favored by jazz and blues players – they are oftentimes referred to as jazz guitars in fact. Indeed, they were originally created as a means for guitarists to achieve increased volume when playing in large jazz bands.
However, that is not to say that these versatile axes are only to be used for these two genres of music. For example, AC/DC’s Malcolm Young was known to rock a Gretsch White Falcon on stage often!
What Are The Disadvantages Of A Hollow Body Guitar?
The most obvious disadvantage of a hollowbody guitar is its tendency to produce unwanted feedback when playing with high volume or gain settings. This is due to the hollow design of the guitars amplifying the sound of the strings acoustically.
Not a massive issue for players who favor a low-gain, clean style. However, you probably won’t find many high-gain shred guitarists tearing it up on one of these instruments!
