Left Handed Prs Guitars: A Complete Buyer's Guide

For left-handed guitarists seeking premium instruments, PRS offers compelling options that rival right-handed availability. Paul Reed Smith's commitment to manufacturing excellence extends to left-handed models across virtually the entire product line. Unlike some brands that treat left-handed production as an afterthought, PRS treats left-handed guitars as equally serious instruments. This guide walks you through buying a left-handed PRS guitar, showing you what matters when evaluating these premium instruments.

Understanding PRS and Left-Handed Availability

PRS is a premium guitar manufacturer known for meticulous craftsmanship, distinctive carved-top design, and exceptional playability. The brand caters to serious players and professionals willing to invest in quality. Most importantly, PRS manufactures left-handed versions of virtually all its models—not special orders, but integral parts of the product line. This commitment to left-handed players is rare and commendable among high-end manufacturers.

Core PRS Model Lines and Price Tiers

PRS SE series (£700–£1200): Korean-made instruments offering excellent value and quality. Hand-selected pickups, quality hardware, and PRS playability at mid-range pricing. Ideal for serious players and potential future upgrades.

PRS Standard series (£2000–£3500): USA-made from premium materials. Meticulous craftsmanship, hand-carved tops, quality hardware, and refined tone. Genuine professional-grade instruments.

PRS Custom series (£3000–£5000): Premium USA-made models with enhanced specifications and customisation options. Thicker tops, upgraded pickups, and exclusive finishes.

PRS 30th Anniversary and Signature series (£3500–£8000+): Limited editions and artist collaborations with exceptional materials and craftsmanship. For collectors and professionals with refined preferences and substantial budgets.

Body Styles and Design Considerations

PRS primarily uses two body shapes for left-handed models:

Single cutaway body: The classic PRS shape, curved and ergonomic. Excellent sitting comfort, great playability in upper frets. Standard across most PRS models. Universal favourite for left-handed players.

Semi-hollow body (Hollowbody series): Offers reduced weight, resonant tone, and visual elegance. Particularly appealing for blues and jazz players. Not available across the full left-handed range, but increasingly common.

Both designs are equally left-handed available in most series. Choose based on aesthetic preference and intended musical style.

Pickup Options and Tonal Characteristics

PRS offers several pickup configurations affecting tone dramatically:

PRS Original pickups: Standard across most models. Warm, balanced tone with excellent clarity. Responsive to playing dynamics and ideal for versatile playing across genres.

PRS Artist pickups: Found on higher-end models. Slightly higher output with enhanced mid-range presence. Suits rock and modern styles.

PRS 57/08 pickups: Vintage-influenced design with warm, organic tone. Popular among blues and classic rock players.

PRS Seymour Duncan pickups: Available on some collaborations and custom models. Higher output and aggressive tone ideal for heavier music.

All pickup configurations sound professional and inspiring. The differences are subtle but meaningful to discerning ears. If possible, test multiple pickup options to discover your preference.

Left-Handed Specific Considerations

Headstock orientation: PRS left-handed guitars have reversed headstocks with machine heads properly oriented. This is standard and correct. Avoid any left-handed guitar with a right-handed headstock reversed—it indicates inferior manufacturing.

Nut and bridge orientation: Properly manufactured left-handed guitars have nuts and bridges oriented correctly. The bridge should be symmetrical or mirror-positioned to match left-handed string order. Check this carefully when examining used instruments.

Tremolo systems: PRS tremolo systems function identically whether right- or left-handed. Test the tremolo for smooth operation and tuning stability. It should move freely and return to centre without hesitation.

New vs. Used Left-Handed PRS Guitars

Buy new if: You want factory warranty, perfect condition, and the peace of mind that comes with new instruments. PRS quality is consistent—any new model is an excellent choice.

Buy used if: You're comfortable assessing condition and want substantial savings. Used PRS guitars typically cost 20–40% below new prices, depending on age and condition. PRS instruments age beautifully and remain reliable investments.

Critical Inspection Points

Fret condition: Examine frets for wear, especially near the 1st–5th positions. Worn frets indicate heavy use or aggressive playing. Professional fret crowning costs £100–£300—factor this into pricing used models.

Neck straightness: Sight down the neck checking for bows or twists. Minor relief is normal; significant bows might indicate improper storage or neck damage.

Hardware finish: PRS hardware should be clean and responsive. Tuning machines should turn smoothly. Bridge saddle should be smooth without cracks or rough edges.

Finish condition: Check for cracks, crazing, or lifting finish indicating environmental damage or improper storage. Cosmetic scratches don't matter; structural finish damage is concerning.

Electronics: All knobs and switches should respond smoothly without crackling. Test pickup selector in each position—you should hear clear tone differences.

Common Mistakes When Buying Left-Handed PRS Guitars

Mistake 1: Accepting a right-handed guitar with reversed strings. This is the most damaging error. Proper left-handed PRS guitars have correctly-oriented headstocks, nuts, and bridges. Reversed setups sound poor and develop technical issues.

Mistake 2: Assuming all PRS guitars sound identical. They don't. Pickup choice, body wood, and construction vary between series. Test multiple models—the right one will inspire you.

Mistake 3: Overlooking higher-end models for budget constraints. PRS SE models offer exceptional value and playability. Don't feel pressured to upgrade to USA-made if SE guitars inspire you. They're genuine PRS quality.

Mistake 4: Neglecting setup after purchase. Even new PRS guitars benefit from professional setup (£30–£60) to optimise action and intonation. Used guitars require thorough setup—budget accordingly.

Mistake 5: Judging on appearance alone. PRS guitars are visually stunning, but playability matters more. Hold multiple models, play them extensively, and choose the one feeling best in your hands.

Left-Handed Availability Verification

Before committing to a specific model, confirm left-handed availability through official PRS dealers. Most current models are available left-handed, but vintage or discontinued models might not be. Authorised dealers can order left-handed instruments and answer detailed availability questions.

Your Left-Handed PRS Purchase Checklist

1. Confirm the specific PRS model is available left-handed
2. Set your budget and choose a series (SE, Standard, Custom, or Signature)
3. Test multiple models for playability and comfort
4. Verify proper left-handed construction (headstock, nut, bridge orientation)
5. Check fret condition, neck straightness, and hardware finish
6. Test all electronics and controls
7. If buying used, budget for professional setup

Explore Complete Knowledge

This guide focuses on the buying decision. For comprehensive information about PRS guitar specifications, customisation options, and advanced techniques, see the complete guide to left-handed PRS guitars.

Premium Quality, Rightfully Oriented

Choosing a left-handed PRS guitar means investing in a premium instrument that respects your natural orientation. PRS's commitment to manufacturing left-handed models as integral products—not afterthoughts—makes them an excellent choice for left-handed players seeking quality. Take time with your decision, test thoroughly, and you'll have a guitar that plays beautifully and inspires your playing for decades to come.