Left Handed Travel Guitars and Basses

Searching for the best left handed travel guitars? Within this guide, you’ll find a selection of top lefty backpacker guitars to suit all budgets!

Travel guitars are ideal for when you’re on the road, or even just for when you need something compact in the office for a quick lunchtime jam session. 

As you’d expect from a guitar likely to be thrown around a lot, none of these models are desperately expensive, and so should be accessible to most. 

Designs range from models that are simply reduced in size, to clever guitars that save space through removable guitar parts or other similarly innovative features.

Left-Handed Travel Guitars

Below you will find my current top choices for the best left-handed travel guitars. This includes electric guitars, acoustic models, as well as electro-acoustic options.

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!

Feel free to use the quick links below to jump to any specific guitar that you might be interested in.

1. Traveler Ultra-Light Electro-Acoustic
2. Traveler Ultra-Light Electric
3. Martin Backpacker Acoustic
4. Journey OF420L Acoustic
5. Squier Mini Stratocaster Electric
6. Taylor GS Mini Acoustic
7. Harley Benton GS Travel-E Electro-Acoustic
8. Stewart Stowaway Electric
9. Further Options

Some of these backpacking guitars are designed specifically for travel, featuring clever and innovative designs to help save space. However, I know that some people would prefer a slightly smaller ‘traditional’ instrument, so I have included a couple of good examples of these as well.

1. Traveler Ultra-Light Electro-Acoustic Guitar Left Handed

The Ultra-Light Acoustic is Traveler’s left handed electro-acoustic travel guitar option for southpaw players, and is the smallest and lightest full-scale length acoustic-electric guitar ever made!

This backpacker guitar features a hard maple body and a one-piece hard maple neck-through-body design. The fingerboard is made from black walnut and features 22 medium frets. The lap-rest is detachable to give an even smaller footprint. Overall length is 28 inches (71cm) and weight is just 2 lbs. 14 oz (1.3kg).

The Ultra-Light uses an innovative in-body tuning system. This clever design utilizes regular guitar tuners and lets you use any standard set of strings.

It also includes an acoustic piezo pickup and passive electronics for when you need a little extra volume. Plug into an amp or recording device and practice anywhere and at any time!

As with all Traveler guitars, it will easily fit into airline overhead bins. A custom gig bag is also provided to ensure that the guitar is kept safe when not being played.

You can see it in action in the demo video below!

• Overall Length : 28″ (711mm)
• Overall Width : 5.25″ (133mm) with lap stand detached
• Overall Depth : 2″ (51mm)
• Scale Length : 24.75″
• Weight : 2 lbs. 14 oz (1.3kg) (3 lbs. 12 oz with gig bag)
• Body : Eastern American Hard Maple
• Neck : Eastern American Hard Maple (Neck-Through-Body)
• Fretboard : Black Walnut – 22 Medium Frets
• Pickup : Traveler Piezo
• Truss Rod? : Yes
• Gigbag Included? : Yes

This is the one to go for if you need a left handed electro-acoustic travel guitar. Stock is usually very limited, so make sure to check out the links above to see which colors are currently available.

2. Traveler Ultra-Light Electric Guitar Left Handed

The left handed Ultra Light Electric from Traveler is the world’s smallest, most lightweight full-scale electric travel guitar. According to Traveler, it is 28% shorter and 68% lighter than a regular electric guitar.

It is essentially the electric travel guitar version of the electro-acoustic model above. So if you need to rock out a little harder, this is going to be the one to go for!

The guitar features an Eastern American hard maple body, paired with a one-piece hard maple neck. It uses a black walnut fretboard with 22 medium frets. You can detach the lightweight lap-rest to reduce the guitar’s overall size when in transit. The Ultra-Light’s full length is just 28 inches (71cm), and it’s lightweight at a mere 3 lbs. 2 oz (1.4kg).

Crucially, you can use any standard set of strings on this guitar, thanks to its clever in-body tuning system, which uses regular tuners.

It features a powerful dual-rail mini-humbucker, which should easily be able to handle most styles of music. Plug it into your amp or practice device, and play as loud or as quietly as you’d like.

All Traveler guitars are specially designed to comfortably fit into the overhead bins on planes, and this guitar is no exception. It is also bundled with a custom gig bag to make sure that your guitar comes to no harm in transit.

See this left handed travel guitar in action in the demonstration video below!

• Overall Length : 28″ (711mm)
• Overall Width : 5.25″ (133mm) with lap stand detached
• Overall Depth : 2″ (51mm)
• Scale Length : 24.75″
• Weight : 3 lbs. 2 oz (1.4kg) (3 lbs. 15 oz with gig bag)
• Body : Eastern American Hard Maple
• Neck : Eastern American Hard Maple (Neck-Through-Body)
• Fretboard : Black Walnut – 22 Medium Frets
• Pickup : Dual-Rail Humbucker
• Truss Rod? : Yes
• Gigbag Included? : Yes

Sold? Check it out at the links above to grab yours.

3. Martin Backpacker Left Handed Acoustic Guitar

Unlike the more unique designs found on the two Travelers above, the 24″ scale-length Martin Backpacker more closely resembles a traditional acoustic guitar.

This backpacking guitar is specifically designed to withstand the rough and tumble of outdoor life. Plus, as it’s a Martin you can be assured of getting a high-quality instrument. There’s also an additional nylon string version if you’d prefer.

It is made with all-solid, sustainable tonewoods, including a tried and tested solid Sitka spruce top for superior tone. A mahogany neck is paired with a Richlite fingerboard. A slight downside is that it only features 15 frets, which might put some players off. There is also no truss rod on this model for neck adjustments.

It features a slightly shorter 24″ scale length, which means that the fretboard will be a little more cramped when compared to the two Travelers above.

The left handed Martin Backpacker acoustic comes complete with a quality, padded gigbag and Martin-branded woven strap. Its overall length is 33 inches (84cm), and it is the lightest guitar here, at just 2.5 lbs (1.13kg).

See the Martin Backpacker in action in the excellent demo video below.

• Overall Length : 33″ (838mm)
• Overall Width : 8.5″ (216mm)
• Overall Depth : 2″ (51mm)
• Scale Length : 24″
• Weight : 2.5 lbs (1.13kg)
• Body : Mahogany Back & Sides w/ Spruce Top
• Neck : Mahogany
• Fretboard : Richlite – 15 Frets
• Pickup : None
• Truss Rod? : No
• Gigbag Included? : Yes

This could be the perfect backpacking guitar! Check it out at the links above for current pricing information.

4. Journey OF422L Overhead Acoustic

The OF422L backpack guitar from Journey stands out from many of the guitars on this list thanks to its innovative and premium design. It will pack away to an even smaller size (length-wise at least!) than the guitars above, thanks to its collapsible neck! This video will show you how easy it is to assemble and disassemble the guitar in seconds.

The main selling point here is that once unpacked, the OF422L is almost a full-sized, regular acoustic guitar. So it should offer a similar playing experience to that of your regular acoustics.

The main features of this collapsible guitar include a solid Sitka spruce top, sapele back and sides, quality Grover tuners, 24.5″ scale length, and an under-bridge pickup system for amplified play.

This backpack guitar also comes with a specially designed, high-quality carry bag to enable it to easily fit in any aircraft overhead storage locker. The premium bag even has a pocket for your laptop.

The only real downside to the innovative design and premium appointments of the OF422L is that it comes with a price tag to match. It’s one of the more pricey options on this list, but it’s also one of the best choices if budget allows!

Check out the video demo of this folding travel guitar below from our friend Shane over at InTheBlues.

• Overall Length : 35.5″ (900mm)
• Overall Width : 12.5″ (318mm)
• Overall Depth : 4.64″ (118mm)
• Packed Size : 22x14x9″ (559x355x229mm)
• Scale Length : 24.5″
• Weight : 4.4 lbs (2kg) or 7.4 lbs (3.3kg) with case
• Body : Premium Layered Pau Ferro w/ Hand-Selected Premium Solid Sitka Spruce Top
• Neck : Solid African Mahogany (Carbon Fiber Reinforced)
• Fretboard : Ovangkol – 20 Frets
• Pickup : JourneyTek Under-Bridge 3-Piezo Transducer
• Truss Rod? : Yes
• Gigbag Included? : Yes

This is the option to go for if you want a premium, full-sized left handed travel guitar. It is also the shortest overall package here when packed away, so it’s also worth considering if the length is an important factor to you. In addition, it might be a great choice if secrecy is important, as the average Joe will have no idea that you have an expensive guitar in your bag!

Sounds good? Find this backpacking guitar at the link above! A nylon string classical version is also available at the same URL.

5. Squier Mini Stratocaster

All of the instruments above are excellent guitars, designed specifically for travel. But what if all you really need is just a slightly reduced-size regular guitar?

Well, if you’re looking for a small electric guitar, then the new Squier Mini Stratocaster will probably tick your boxes. With the exception of a tremolo bar and a single tone knob, this little guy will give you the full Strat experience on a smaller scale.

It features a thin and lightweight poplar body, a maple neck, and a 20-fret Indian laurel fingerboard. Three single-coil pickups and a 5-way selector switch ensure that you can eke out a wide variety of different tones. The hardtail bridge will also help to maintain rock-solid tuning stability.

It uses a 22.75″ scale length, so the fretboard will be a little more compact than your regular guitars, but not massively so.

• Overall Length : 34.5″ (876mm)
• Overall Width : 12″ (305mm)
• Overall Depth : 1.5″ (38mm)
• Scale Length : 22.75″
• Weight : 5.8 lbs (2.6kg)
• Body : Poplar
• Neck : Maple
• Fretboard : Indian Laurel – 20 Narrow Tall Frets
• Pickups : 3 Single-Coil Strat Pickups
• Truss Rod? : Yes
• Gigbag Included? : No

The mini Squier is also super affordable, so you’re not going to be completely gutted when it inevitably picks up a few dings and scratches on the road. It would also make an ideal beginner electric guitar for a child!

6. Taylor GS Mini

And finally, if you’re after a compact acoustic without compromising on sound, the award-winning Taylor GS Mini is my top pick.

This travel-friendly guitar punches well above its weight, offering a rich, full-bodied tone in a scaled-down size. The GS Mini lineup includes several wood combinations, but my favorite is the mahogany model, known for its smooth, warm, and mellow tone.

The back and sides are crafted from layered sapele for durability and resilience – ideal for life on the road – while the solid mahogany top adds a tonal warmth and depth that stands out in this size category. The mahogany neck, paired with a West African Crelicam ebony fingerboard, gives the guitar a natural feel and complements the overall sound beautifully.

Its 23.5″ scale length makes the neck slightly shorter and more comfortable to play, especially for smaller hands or those looking for a more relaxed playing experience – all without feeling drastically different from a full-size acoustic.

While the GS Mini doesn’t come with built-in electronics, it’s pickup-ready. You can easily install Taylor’s optional ES-Go pickup system if you plan to amplify your sound. And to top it off, it comes with a high-quality Taylor gig bag, offering excellent protection on the go.

• Overall Length : 35-5/8″ (904mm)
• Overall Width : 14-3/8″ (365mm)
• Overall Depth : 4-7/16″ (112mm)
• Scale Length : 23.5″
• Weight : 3lbs 10oz (1.6kg)
• Body : Sapele Back/Sides w/ Solid Mahogany Top
• Neck : Mahogany
• Fretboard : West African Crelicam Ebony – 20 Frets
• Pickups : None
• Truss Rod? : Yes
• Gigbag Included? : Premium Taylor Gigbag

If it sounds like the Taylor GS Mini ticks all of your boxes, check it out at the links above for current pricing information.

7. Harley Benton GS Travel-E Mahogany

If you love the look and feel of the Taylor GS Mini Mahogany but need something more wallet-friendly, the Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Mahogany is a fantastic alternative. Clearly inspired by the GS Mini, this compact acoustic delivers impressive value for the price.

It features a mahogany top, back, and sides, giving it a warm, earthy tone that’s surprisingly rich for its size and cost. Plus, it comes equipped with built-in electronics – something the GS Mini doesn’t include out of the box, making it gig-ready straight away.

• Overall Length: 37.4″ (950mm)
• Overall Width: 14.2″ (360mm)
• Overall Depth: 3.94″ (100mm)
• Scale Length: 23.5″
• Weight: Approx. 3.3 lbs (1.5kg)
• Body: Laminated Mahogany Top, Back & Sides
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fretboard: Amaranth – 20 Frets
• Pickups: Yes – Integrated Pickup System with Preamp
• Truss Rod?: Yes
• Gigbag Included?: Yes

While it may not match the refined craftsmanship or tonal complexity of the Taylor, the GS-Travel-E L is a strong performer in its own right. At around a quarter of the price of the Taylor, it’s a great option for those after a budget option.

8. Stewart Stowaway Electric

The Stewart Stowaway is the latest addition to this list. The company offers their innovative travel electric guitar as a left handed version in tobacco sunburst.

Key selling points here are the shorter length once packed away, and the ability to specify various pickup combinations when ordering. In addition, it is the only guitar here that features a standard 25.5″ scale length.

Like the Journey left handed travel acoustic guitar above, the Stewart Stow-away is a premium product and runs more or less the same price. However, you can spend a little more depending on the pickup configuration that you choose when ordering (dual humbuckers is an additional $200, for example).

It features a similar design to the Journey Overhead above, but in an electric travel guitar package. Main features include an alder body, maple neck with amaranthus fretboard, full 25.5″ scale length, and a custom carry backpack.

A recessed slot in the back of the body allows the neck to be stored when not in use, kind of like a samurai sword – very cool!

The images above are for illustration only; this collapsible guitar model is available left handed only in tobacco sunburst.

The tuners are located on the rear of the body to allow for a space-saving headless design.

• Overall Length : 31″ (787mm)
• Overall Width : 12″ (305mm)
• Overall Depth : 2″ (51mm)
• Packed Size : 20.5x14x4″ (521x356x102mm)
• Scale Length : 25.5″
• Weight : 6.8 lbs (3.1kg)
• Body : Alder
• Neck : Maple
• Fretboard : Amaranthus – 22 Medium Frets
• Pickup : Various single-coil and humbucker configurations available
• Truss Rod? : Yes
• Gigbag Included? : Yes

Other Travel Guitar Options

Headless Guitars

If you find that your current guitar is just that little bit too tall to take on the road, then a guitar with a headless design may just be what you need. For example, Steinberger guitars are famed for their headless neck and smaller body size.

Whilst not technically ‘travel guitars’, they could just save that extra couple of inches that your main guitar would take up. Something like this Strandberg Boden could be just the ticket!

Other brands that offer left handed headless guitars include Steinberger, Kiesel, Mayones, Skervesen, and Ormsby.

Short Scale Left Handed Guitars

Shorter scale guitars are not just for kids – they can make a perfect left handed travel guitar for anyone! Many guitars will come in all shapes and sizes, all the way down to a 1/4 size. Obviously, smaller-sized guitars come with their trade-offs, but these issues can probably be overlooked in place of their portability.

Take a look at my previous articles on short-scale left-handed guitars for ideas…

• 1/2 Sized Left Handed Guitars
• 3/4 Sized Left Handed Guitars

Or for the ultimate compact guitar – why not try a ukulele? I have a guide for that, too!

Important Travel Guitar Features

Here are a few key points to consider before shopping for a travel guitar.

• It should feature as close to a full-scale length as possible so that you are not forced to compromise your playing style.
• It must be able to hold tuning and achieve good intonation.
• As it may be subjected to differing climates, it must have a truss rod to allow for neck adjustments to be made.
• It should accept regular ball-end guitar strings.
• It should preferably come supplied with a custom carry case solution for safe transport.

All of the guitars featured above will satisfy most, if not all of these criteria.