Eastwood Has More Lefties Than Anyone Else!
by Ellen Angelico
Through a combination of genetics, biology, and environment, most of us develop a hand preference by the time we’re two years old. One side becoming stronger and more nimble than the other, and most folks end up right-handed. Left-handedness is less common, with studies suggesting around 10% of people are left-handed.
It stands to reason, then, that about 10% of guitarists are also left-handed. But if you start paying attention to the guitarists you see out in the world, way fewer than 10% are playing left-handed guitars. Why aren’t there more left-handed guitars? How are left-handed guitars different? And why the heck does Eastwood make so many lefties? Buckle up, pal. We love lefties and we’re going to tell you all about it.
Does a left-handed person need a left-handed guitar?
Since 90% of people are right-handed, it makes sense that the world is structured a little more for righties than lefties. Right-handed folks may not realize that even everyday tools, like scissors and can openers, are made with them in mind.
The vast majority of guitars are also right-handed too. So over the years, many lefties have learned to play guitar right-handed. This confers numerous advantages on the guitar player. You’ve got a way wider variety of instruments to choose from. The majority of instructional materials and online guitar lessons are designed for right-handed guitarists. And if you ever want to borrow a guitar or play a friend’s guitar, you can bet it’s going to be right-handed. Guitar legends like Mark Knopfler and Duane Allman chose this route: they’re left-handed and they play right-handed guitars.
Lefty Duane Allman playing a right-handed guitar
But for some lefties, playing guitar right-handed simply feels wrong. It may sound silly, but one way to tell is by playing air guitar. Which hand do you naturally put on the neck? If it’s your right hand, you may benefit from a left-handed guitar. Many lefties, not wanting to be limited by left-handed options or not having access to them at all, take right-handed guitars and flip them upside-down. Iconic lefties who play this way include Jimi Hendrix and Elizabeth Cotten.
Folk legend Elizabeth Cotten playing a right-handed guitar upside down
What makes a left-handed guitar different?
Flipping a right-handed guitar has its downsides. The nut and saddles usually need to be adjusted or modified, and the controls—which are designed to sit below a right-handed player’s strumming hand—end up on top, which can be awkward. The pickguard and fretboard markers are in the “wrong” place too. So in the early 20th century, the first commercially made left-handed guitars started to become available.
Left-handed guitars are essentially mirror images of their right handed counterparts. The control layout, the pickguard, and the fretboard markers are all flipped for comfort, usability, and unimpeded strumming. There are also “reverse” potentiometers on many left-handed guitars, allowing lefties to access the full sweep of their volume and tone controls. Writing on the headstock may be flipped as well.
Why does Eastwood make so many lefties?
Eastwood Guitars has 11 employees. Statistically speaking, one is probably a lefty, and his name is Carl Cook, Head of Product Development.
The man, the myth, the left-handed legend: Eastwood's Carl Cook
In 2009, Carl started working at Eastwood. Eastwood already made a handful of lefty models, which Carl owned and liked. As he started helping Eastwood’s president Mike Robinson with new models, he would sneak a lefty into each purchase order, “normally without Mike realizing until it was too late,” he says with a smile. “I managed to stay under the radar for like five years and build up quite a good lefty collection within Eastwood, and for myself.”
Carl knew firsthand the way lefty guitarists feel underrepresented, how they go into a guitar store and the only option is a sunburst Strat. This is partly out of necessity: since lefties are a smaller market, it isn’t cost effective to offer as many finishes as with right-handed models. “You ask ten lefties in a room what color they want for this particular guitar, and you’ll get ten different answers,” says Carl. With that in mind, he endeavored to make Eastwood’s lefty options available with more interesting finish options, such as the Rivolta Mondata Baritone Deluxe LH in its striking Gold Metallic finish.
The Rivolta Mondata Baritone Deluxe LH
Eastwood is known for reviving vintage designs from brands such as Mosrite and Teisco, but very few of those vintage guitars were originally made left-handed. A lefty guitarist who wants access to some of that vintage mojo can seek out an Eastwood model such as the SD-40 Hound Dog LH. It’s got all the trappings of vintage MIJ style, it’s made with modern construction and quality, and best of all: it’s available left-handed.
Choices for left-handed guitarists are even more limited when it comes to extended range guitars. Another vintage model that was never available left-handed is the Teisco TB-64 Bass VI, but Eastwood’s TB64 6-String Bass LH nails the vibe. And lefties who want to explore the world of instruments tuned in fifths, such as tenor guitars and instruments in the mandolin family, will find a lot to love in Eastwood’s lineup. One favorite is the Warren Ellis Signature Tenor 2P LH, which was one of the first models to bring all the innovation and musicality of the Warren Ellis series to left-handed players.
The Warren Ellis Signature Tenor 2P LH
For beginning left-handed guitarists, it can be challenging to find a model that’s both cost-effective and high quality. That’s why Eastwood makes left-handed guitars at all price points, including the affordable Sidejack Standard HB1 LH. With simple controls, excellent playability, and rock-solid stop tailpiece design, this guitar is a perfect fit for the lefty who is just starting out.
The Sidejack Standard HB1 LH
Where should you buy left-handed guitars?
As Carl knows, it’s a challenge to find left-handed guitars in local shops. Most stores just don’t have the space or the demand to stock a wide variety. That’s why Eastwood Guitars, with a 45 Day Zero Risk Return Policy, is the best place to shop for left-handed guitars.
Check out our website, pick out the guitar of your choice, and we’ll ship it straight to your door. Play it through your own amps, pedals, and equipment for up to 45 days. If you decide not to keep it, we’ll take it back for a full refund. Our dedicated and quick-communicating customer service team is always available to help with questions about our left-handed offerings: get in touch! We’d love to learn more about what you’re looking for.
Whether you’re a seasoned southpaw or just starting your guitar journey, Eastwood is here to make sure lefties aren’t left behind. With more left-handed models than anyone—and way cooler ones at that—we’re proud to champion players who have too often been overlooked. So go ahead: find your dream lefty, try it risk-free, and join the growing community of left-handed guitarists who finally have the options they deserve.
Head of Product Development Carl Cook and Brand Experience Manager Ellen Angelico discuss why Eastwood has more lefties than anyone else!