What to Look for When Buying a Left-Handed Guitar Stringed by a Right-Handed Player
Buying a left-handed guitar that has been strung by a right-handed player might seem like a daunting task, but with the right knowledge, you can make an informed decision. The key is to understand a few simple principles and possibly seek professional help if needed. Let's break it down step by step.
Understanding the String Order
The main issue when purchasing a left-handed guitar strung by a right-handed player is the string order. Typically, a right-handed guitar has the low E string on top and the high E string at the bottom. If the guitar is left-handed but strung right-handed, you may need to reverse the string order for it to play correctly. For example, the high E string should be at the top and the low E string should be at the bottom. To play a left-handed guitar right-handed, the strings need to be in the opposite order.
The Situations I Encountered
I've run into this situation personally a couple of times. The first instance was when a right-handed player bought a left-handed guitar and strung it right-handed. The second instance involved a guitarist who played like Jimi Hendrix with a guitar turned upside down. In both cases, the solution was simple: purchase the instrument and rearrange the strings to the correct order for left-handed use. Sometimes, flipping the nut over and readjusting the intonation are necessary as well to ensure perfect tuning.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you're not comfortable with these adjustments, it's perfectly fine to seek assistance from a professional. Guitar repair shops or guitar technicians can help you restring and adjust your left-handed guitar properly, ensuring it sounds and plays as well as it can. It's important to communicate your needs clearly with the technician, so they understand exactly what you're looking for.
Basic Adjustments and Setups for Friends
If you have a knack for basic adjustments and setups, you can also handle this yourself. While the concept is simple, minor adjustments can make a big difference. Learning to adjust the string order, flipping the nut, and resetting the intonation are all skills that come with practice and experience. For example, you can handle the basic string changes and even minor tuning adjustments yourself, resulting in a perfectly playable left-handed guitar.
Key Points to Remember
Be aware of the string order when buying a left-handed guitar strung by a right-handed player.
Reverse the string order for the guitar to play correctly.
Consider professional help if you're not comfortable with the adjustments.
Basic adjustments and setup can be handled by more experienced individuals.
By understanding these key points, you can ensure that you get a left-handed guitar that plays perfectly, regardless of how it was originally strung. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, a little knowledge can go a long way in making the perfect purchase.
Conclusion
Buying a left-handed guitar strung by a right-handed player is entirely feasible, provided you know the basics. The string order is critical, and sometimes you might need some minor adjustments to ensure the guitar plays well. If you're not confident in making these adjustments yourself, don't hesitate to seek professional help. With a little bit of know-how, you can enjoy your new left-handed guitar to the fullest.