Looking for left handed Yamaha guitars? You’ve landed in the right place!
The Yamaha Corporation was founded in Japan in 1887 by Torakusu Yamaha. Today Yamaha has grown to become the world’s largest manufacturer of musical instruments, as well as being a leading supplier of electrical and sporting goods.
But unfortunately, the world’s largest musical instrument brand also has one of the smallest ranges of left handed guitars.
On the plus side, Yamaha guitars are well known for their consistent high quality and sheer value for money, and these six are certainly no exception. You’ll struggle to go far wrong with any of these!
Does Yamaha Make Left Handed Guitars?
Yes! At the time of writing Yamaha offers 8 left handed guitars – 6 electric guitars (2 from the Pacifica series, and 4 from the Revstar range), 1 excellent FG series acoustic model, and an APX series electro-acoustic guitar.
I spoke with a Yamaha representative recently and they did inform me that they are hoping to expand upon their lefty range in the near future.
Left Handed Yamaha Guitars
All of the left handed Yamaha guitars listed below are available to buy at the time of writing. Where possible I have provided links to purchase each guitar.
Yamaha Revstar Standard RSS220L Left Handed
The Revstar Standard series is brand new for 2022, with the RSS220L being the only model available as a left handed version. This is the very first left handed Revstar that Yamaha has ever released, so hopefully this is a sign of more good things to come!
These new models feature chambered bodies for a lighter overall weight as well as improved resonance. The guitars also incorporate Yamaha’s innovative ‘Focus Switch’, which activates a passive boost to recreate the sound of an overwound pickup.
Adding to the versatility of these instruments is a 5-way switching circuit.
The RSS220L is available left handed in either Swift Blue, or Black finishes.
- Body : Chambered Mahogany w/ Maple Top
- Neck : 3-Piece Mahogany w/ Carbon Reinforcement
- Fretboard : Rosewood w/ 22 Jumbo Stainless Steel Frets
- Scale Length : 24.75″
- Pickups : Yamaha VH5b/VH5n Humbuckers
- Bridge : Tune-O-Matic w/ Stopbar
- Colors : Swift Blue or Black
Yamaha Revstar Element RSE20L Lefty
The two Element models are essentially stripped back, more affordable versions of the Standard series guitars above.
These two guitars lose the maple top, carbon neck reinforcement, and stainless steel frets of the more pricey RSS220Ls. In addition, they retain the Dry Switch from the previous Revstar generation. This switch is essentially a high-pass filter that will instantly brighten up your tone. A further subtle change is the more traditional dot inlays, plus the loss of body and fretboard binding.
The RSE20L is available left handed in the same colors as the RSS220L above, i.e. Swift Blue or Black.
- Body : Chambered Mahogany
- Neck : 3-Piece Mahogany
- Fretboard : Rosewood w/ 22 Jumbo Frets
- Scale Length : 24.75″
- Pickups : Yamaha VH5b/VH5n Humbuckers
- Bridge : Tune-O-Matic w/ Stopbar
- Colors : Swift Blue or Black
Yamaha Pacifica 112J Left Handed
Get It On Amazon
Click here for black or click here for natural
The Pacifica series is Yamaha’s best selling electric guitar range. It was originally aimed squarely at top flight session players, although this 112J has become well known as being one of the best beginner left handed electric guitars on the market.
It’s super affordable price tag, combined with a versatile HSS pickup configuration has resulted in it finding its way into many a southpaw’s collection. Including mine – I’ve had two of them!
- Body : Alder
- Neck : Maple w/ Rosewood Fingerboard
- Pickups : Humbucker and 2 Single Coil
- Bridge : Vintage Style Vibrato
- Colors : Yellow Natural Satin or Black
Yamaha FG820L Left Handed Acoustic Guitar
In 2016 Yamaha announced the new FG800 series, which is a direct replacement for the FG700 range.
The FG820L is essentially the same guitar as the FG720SL it replaces, but with upgraded scalloped bracing. This improved bracing pattern results in a stronger low to midrange sound over the 700 series.
Click here for a quick demonstration video.
- Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
- Back/Sides: Mahogany
- Neck: Nato
- Fretboard: Rosewood
Although Yamaha doesn’t have a large number of left handed guitars in their range, the FG820L is truly one of the best value lefty acoustics currently available from any brand.
The solid wood top, premium appointments, and affordable price point makes it a really excellent choice for players of any ability. Check it out at the link below.
Yamaha APX700IIL Left Handed Electro-Acoustic Guitar
The Yamaha APX series is well known for their comfortable, thin bodies and necks, innovative electronics, and superb playability.
The APX700IIL electro-acoustic features the ART pickup system, which faithfully recreates the natural tone and dynamics of the guitar.
- Top: Solid Spruce
- Back/Sides: Mahogany
- Neck: Nato
- Fretboard: Rosewood
Who Uses Yamaha Guitars?
Well known Yamaha artists include Chino Morino (Deftones), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi), Mike Stern, Joe Bonamassa, Chad Kroeger (Nickelback), Andy McKee, Michael Anthony (Van Halen) and Billy Sheehan (Mr Big).
Yamaha Website
The Yamaha website is a laborious place to be when searching for a left handed guitar.
There is no specific section for southpaw players, and trying to use the search bar just throws up a ton of older guitars which are now discontinued. This necessitates having to trawl through the entire website to track down the current lefty range.
Good thing I made this guide for you then!
For more information:
Yamaha Guitars Website
