The Complete Guide to Left Handed Prs Guitars

Finding a quality left-handed guitar is difficult enough; finding a left-handed PRS guitar that fits your budget and playing style can feel like a heroic quest. But PRS Guitars manufactures left-handed models across their entire range, from entry-level to signature artist editions, proving that left-handed players deserve instruments built with equal care and attention to detail. Understanding what PRS offers for left-handed players, where to find them and how they compare to right-handed counterparts helps you make an informed decision on one of the most personal purchases a guitarist makes.

PRS and the Left-Handed Player

PRS Guitars has built a reputation for meticulous craftsmanship and consistent quality across their range. Crucially for left-handed players, they've committed to producing genuine left-handed models rather than stringing right-handed guitars backwards (a cost-cutting approach that compromises playability and tone). A properly built left-handed PRS guitar features a left-handed body shape, left-handed neck orientation, and appropriate bridge positioning—everything is mirror-reversed from a right-handed guitar to ensure authentic playability and balanced tone.

Most PRS models are available as left-handed options, though availability varies by model and geographic region. You can order most left-handed PRS guitars as custom builds, though standard production left-handed models exist in their Core, SE and signature lines.

Left-Handed PRS Models Across the Range

PRS offers left-handed guitars at every price point:

• PRS SE Series (left-handed): Entry to intermediate players get affordable access to PRS's playability and tone. SE guitars are made in Indonesia and cost £500–1000. They're excellent value for money and many professionals use them as stage backups. Left-handed SE models include the SE Custom, SE Standard and others.
• PRS Core Series (left-handed): Made in the USA with premium woods and hardware, Core guitars represent the middle ground between affordability and boutique pricing. Core left-handed guitars range from £2000–4500 and include models like the Custom, Standard and McCarty. These are genuine professional instruments.
• PRS Artist and Limited Editions (left-handed): Special runs and artist signature models are occasionally available left-handed. These command premium prices (£3000–6000+) but deliver unique finishes, wood combinations and playing characteristics you won't find on standard models.
• Custom Shop (left-handed): PRS's bespoke service builds completely custom left-handed guitars to your specifications. You choose body wood, finish, pickups, hardware and neck profile. Custom Shop instruments start around £5000 and represent the pinnacle of what PRS can achieve.

Why Left-Handed PRS Guitars Matter

A properly mirrored left-handed guitar isn't a compromise—it's essential for playability and comfort. A right-handed guitar strung backwards feels awkward no matter how you try, because the body contours are still designed for right-handed playing, the strap button positioning is wrong, and the neck orientation is incorrect. You end up fighting the instrument instead of playing it.

PRS's commitment to proper left-handed guitars means no compromises. You get the same build quality, playability and tone as a right-handed PRS, just mirrored for your playing orientation. This matters more than people realise—it's the difference between an instrument that feels natural and one that constantly fights against you.

Tone and Performance of Left-Handed PRS

A left-handed PRS guitar sounds identical to its right-handed counterpart because the mirroring is purely physical—the electronics, woods, hardware and construction are identical. You get the same warm, articulate PRS tone that's made the brand famous: clear highs, balanced mids, and controlled lows. Whether you're playing the warm, vintage-leaning SE Custom or the versatile Core Standard, the sonic character remains distinctly PRS regardless of orientation.

Playability-wise, left-handed PRS guitars feel as refined and precise as their reputation suggests. The necks are comfortable and fast, frets are dressed beautifully, and the action is set from the factory to exacting standards. If you've never played a high-quality left-handed guitar before, a PRS will show you what proper left-handed guitar construction should feel like.

Finding Left-Handed PRS Guitars: The Challenge

The main challenge with left-handed PRS guitars isn't that they're unavailable—it's that they're not as readily stocked as right-handed models. Most music shops stock only right-handed options and require special orders for left-handed. This means you may need to commit to a purchase before trying the specific instrument, or order from online retailers that specialise in left-handed guitars.

Authorised PRS dealers can order any left-handed model, though lead times vary. Core and Custom Shop left-handed guitars can take 4–12 weeks to arrive. SE Series left-handed models have more predictable availability but may still require special order. Building a relationship with your local PRS dealer (or finding one that specialises in left-handed gear) pays dividends.

Budget Considerations for Left-Handed Players

Left-handed PRS guitars cost the same as right-handed models at the same tier. An SE left-handed Custom costs the same as the right-handed version. This is fair and reflects the reality that proper left-handed production isn't significantly more expensive than right-handed—PRS simply builds fewer of them. Budget roughly £500–1000 for SE models, £2000–4500 for Core instruments, and £5000+ for Custom Shop builds.

The lack of used left-handed PRS guitars in the secondhand market can make them hold value differently than right-handed models. Fewer are made, fewer come up for resale, and serious left-handed players snap them up quickly. If you eventually resell, expect a left-handed PRS to hold value well simply due to scarcity.

Comparing Left-Handed PRS to Left-Handed Competitors

Other brands offer left-handed guitars, of course. Fender and Gibson offer left-handed options, though often with less variety and availability than right-handed. Ibanez has a solid left-handed line. But for meticulous construction, playability and consistent tone, PRS stands out even in left-handed. You're paying premium prices, but you're getting premium instruments built to exacting standards, not afterthoughts.

Conclusion

A left-handed PRS guitar is a professional instrument built for professional playing, with no corners cut for orientation. Whether you're starting out with an affordable SE or investing in a Core instrument, you're getting access to one of the finest guitar brands in the world, properly built for left-handed playing. The challenge is availability and lead times, not quality or value. Find an authorised dealer, place your order and enjoy watching a genuine left-handed PRS guitar arrive ready to play. It's worth the wait.