Left Handed 12 String article
The Complete Guide to Left Handed 12 String
Left-handed 12-string guitars combine brilliant ergonomics with the shimmering richness of twelve-string tone. Learn what makes them special, how to set them up properly and which models work best.
A left-handed 12-string guitar combines two of electric and acoustic guitar’s most distinctive characteristics: the naturally southpaw-friendly ergonomics and the shimmering, chorus-like richness of twelve-string tuning. For left-handed players, finding a quality left-handed 12-string has historically meant either accepting compromised ergonomics or paying premium prices for custom builds. Modern manufacturers have changed that equation, now offering left-handed 12-string guitars at every price point and style.
The Challenge of Left-Handed 12-String Availability
The 12-string guitar has always been a niche market compared to six-string instruments. When you compound that with left-handed preference, inventory scarcity becomes a genuine problem. For decades, left-handed players who wanted a 12-string had only a handful of options: wait months for a custom build, buy a right-handed instrument and restring it (a compromise that rarely works well), or settle for a used instrument in uncertain condition.
The situation has improved substantially. Today, major manufacturers including Fender, Taylor, Yamaha, Martin and Ibanez all produce left-handed 12-string models as part of their standard catalogue. This means left-handed players can now walk into a music shop or browse online and find several legitimate left-handed 12-string guitars in stock.
What Makes a 12-String Guitar Special
A 12-string guitar differs from its six-string cousin in one fundamental way: each of the six string courses is paired with a companion string, doubling the total to twelve. The thicker four strings (E, A, D, and G) are paired with lighter gauge strings tuned an octave higher, whilst the two thinner strings (B and high E) are typically paired with unison strings at the same pitch.
The result is a lush, shimmering tone with a natural chorus-like quality. The twelve strings interfere constructively, creating a sound that is fuller, brighter and more orchestral than a six-string acoustic. This resonance and harmonic richness made the 12-string a favourite of folk and pop songwriters from The Beatles through to modern indie and alternative acts.
The trade-off is tension and playability. Twelve strings exert roughly double the neck tension of a six-string, requiring a beefier, stiffer neck. The wider string spacing and higher action make a 12-string considerably more demanding to play, particularly for fingerstyle techniques. Left-handed players new to 12-string should expect a steeper learning curve than switching to a conventional six-string.
Left-Handed 12-String Ergonomics
A properly set up left-handed 12-string follows the same ergonomic principles as any left-handed guitar: the body shape accommodates a left-handed player’s torso comfortably, the neck is oriented so the headstock points right, and the tuning machines are positioned for easy left-handed access. Machine head placement is crucial; a left-handed 12-string must have tuning machines designed for left-handed players, not simply right-handed machines in a mirrored configuration.
The wider neck and increased string tension of a 12-string make ergonomic fit even more important than on a six-string. If the action is too high, fret buzz too pronounced or neck relief incorrect, a left-handed 12-string becomes exhausting to play. Conversely, a properly set up left-handed 12-string is one of the most rewarding instruments a left-handed player can own.
Types of Left-Handed 12-String Guitars
Left-handed 12-strings are available across the full spectrum of guitar categories:
- Acoustic 12-Strings — The most common type. Large wooden bodies project the twelve-string resonance naturally, making them perfect for fingerstyle folk, singer-songwriter work and studio recording.
- Electric 12-Strings — Solid-body electric guitars with twelve string configurations. Popular in rock, alternative and indie genres. Lighter, more manageable weight and easier finger travel than acoustics.
- Electro-Acoustic 12-Strings — Acoustic-bodied instruments with built-in pickups and amplification. Versatile for both unplugged and plugged-in performance.
- Bass 12-Strings — Twelve-string bass guitars designed for left-handed players. Rare but available, offering a thick, washy low-end ideal for progressive rock and experimental music.
Finding and Choosing a Left-Handed 12-String
| Consideration | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Budget | Left-handed 12-strings range from £300 entry-level models to £3,000+ high-end boutiques. Decide your budget first; inventory is often limited at each price point. |
| Body Size and Weight | Larger acoustic bodies (dreadnought, jumbo) project more volume and bass; smaller bodies (concert, parlour) are lighter and less tiring to hold for long sessions. |
| Setup and Action | The factory setup on a 12-string is more critical than on a six-string. If action is too high or neck relief wrong, the guitar becomes unplayable. Inspect before purchasing or budget for professional setup. |
| Neck Width and Profile | 12-string necks are wider and beefier than six-string necks. If you have small hands, test the instrument in person if possible before committing. |
| Tuning Machine Quality | Quality tuning machines maintain pitch stability and ease tuning. A 12-string has twice the tuning heads to manage; smooth, reliable machines are essential. |
| Brand Reputation | Established brands like Taylor, Martin and Fender have solid warranty support and resale value. Smaller brands may offer character but less after-sales infrastructure. |
Setup and Maintenance for Left-Handed 12-Strings
A left-handed 12-string requires meticulous setup and maintenance. String tension is high, creating significant neck stress. Your luthier should check neck relief, bridge alignment and truss rod tension regularly. String replacement is more labour-intensive than a six-string; allow extra time and patience for restringing.
Maintain consistent humidity levels in your home or studio; the increased wood stress from twelve-string tension makes these instruments more sensitive to humidity fluctuations and more prone to finish cracks or fret sprout than six-strings.
Conclusion
A left-handed 12-string guitar is no longer a distant dream for left-handed players. Modern manufacturers produce quality left-handed 12-strings at every price point, offering genuine choice for the first time. The learning curve is steep, the physical demands considerable, but the rewards — that lush, shimmering tone and the joy of commanding an instrument engineered precisely for your handedness — are profound. Whether you are a fingerstyle folk player, an electric rock guitarist or an experimental musician, a well-chosen, properly set up left-handed 12-string will expand your sonic palette and unlock a new world of musical possibility.
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