The Top 9 Left-Handed Bass Guitars
Best Left Handed Bass Guitars
Lefty guitarists are a rare breed. They make up just 10% of all guitarists. What they all have in common is their creativity. Even Jimi Hendrix, one of the greatest heavy metal guitar players of all time, was left-handed. So were Albert Einstein, Elliot King, and Dick Dale – some of the most famous rock guitar players ever.
Only some left-handed bass guitars are on the market, so you should not settle for a right-handed classical guitar. You should also not flip over an asymmetrically designed 4-string guitar, even if you are an expert musician.
Quick Picks: Top 9 Left-Handed Bass Guitars
Product Name | Product image | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
Ibanez SR300E Left Handed 4 String Bass Guitar | ||
Left-Handed Jazz Bass Squier Classic Vibe ’70s | ||
Ibanez GSR200BL Left-Handed 4-String Electric Bass | ||
Pau Ferro Fingerboard Fender Player Jazz Bass |
1. Ibanez SR300E Left Handed 4 String Bass Guitar
Ibanez’s SR series basses have long been known for their high quality without the high price.
There is no better example of the best left-handed bass guitar than the SR300E.
The SR300E’s body is made of nyatoh (also known as ‘nato,’ a less expensive substitute for mahogany with a similar tone profile).
Looks are usually icing on the cake when it comes to good bass. However, the finish options are pretty cool, especially the Black Planet Matte.
- Ease of Use – 5/5
- Audio Quality – 5/5
- Features – 4.5/5
The neck is made of 5-piece maple and walnut, making it extremely strong, and the jatoba fretboard is an excellent substitute for rosewood.
It may sound a little brighter, but in my opinion, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
The electronics include two Ibanez PowerSpan dual coil pickups and an active 3-band EQ for tone shaping. The PowerTap selector allows you to choose between a single or double coil tone. (also called humbucker tone), or a combination (the clarity of a single coil while giving you the fuller low end of a humbucker).
An Accu-cast B120 bridge that features fully adjustable string saddles and smooth tuning machines rounds out the offering as the final component of the package.
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2. Left-Handed Jazz Bass Squier Classic Vibe ’70s
The Jazz Bass model produced by Fender is widely considered among the most iconic bass designs ever created. The Squier Classic Vibe ’70s model is an excellent and capable bass that welcomes left-handed players while providing a nice feature set for the price.
The body is a classic design replica, with only a mirror imaged for left-handed bassists. It’s made of poplar, a softer tonewood with a pleasant sound.
- Utilization Ease – 5/5
- Audio Quality- 4.5/5
- Features- 4/5
The maple neck has a comfortable ‘C’ shape.
The fingerboard is also maple, with block inlays rather than dots for fret markers.
The electronics on the Classic Vibe ’70s Jazz are decidedly low-frills, but that doesn’t mean they’re of poor quality.
The pickups are Fender-designed Alnico single coils with individual volume controls (ideal for blending the two signals) and a master tone control. There’s no fancy-schmancy active stuff here, but you might not need it.
The hardware section features a vintage-inspired design, which can be seen on the saddle-style bridge and the open-geared tuning machines.
The Classic Vibe ’70s Jazz is an impressive left-handed bass that is more than worthy of a place in your collection.
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3. Ibanez GSR200BL Left-Handed 4-String Electric Bass
Now I’ll shine a light on another Ibanez left-handed bass from the SR line, the GSR200BL.
Another model on my list aims to provide the best features for practicing and gigging bassists while emphasizing value.
Like the SR300E we looked at earlier, the GSR200BL has a nyatoh body with an attractive design and a rich walnut finish. While the walnut seems nice, it would be even better if there were more color options. However, it is not a deal breaker, in my opinion.
- Utilization Ease – 4.5/5
- Audio Quality – 4/5
- Features – 4/5
The Ibanez GS4 maple neck is strong and stable, which you need when dealing with high-tension bass strings. The jatoba fretboard with simple dot inlays sounds like rosewood and looks simple.
The electronics on the GSR200BL aren’t particularly groundbreaking. I’m sure you’ll be able to get the tone you want out of it, though.
The setup is straightforward, with two Ibanez Dynamix pickups (one for the bridge and one for the neck). The volume and tone are controlled by separate knobs and a master tone knob.
The Phat II EQ control, which provides an additional active bass boost, is one of the GSR200BL’s features.
Even though the hardware isn’t as good as some more expensive models, it’s more than enough.
The B10 bridge has individually adjustable saddles, as found on higher-end basses. Still, the bridge body is made of die-cast metal rather than a more rugged machined block design.
Overall, the GSR200BL achieves its goal of being a relatively solid performer aimed at the beginner/budget end of the market.
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4. Music Man S.U.B. Ray4’s Sterling
The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 4 is yet another classic bass.
Music Man took the design and made the Sterling S.U.B Ray4, a left-handed version of the original that costs less than the original.
The basswood body of the S.U.B Ray4 is available in gloss black…or gloss black. The fact that there are not nearly as many color options for left-handed models as for right-handed ones is unfortunate, but such is life.
Regardless, the relative shape is the same as the higher-end StingRay4.
- Utilization Ease – 5/5
- Audio Quality – 4.8/5
- Features – 4/5
The left-handed model features a bolt-on hard maple neck with 22 frets and simple black dot inlays.
In the bridge position, there is one humbucking pickup controlled by a master volume and a two-band active EQ. It’s a simple setup that doesn’t offer as many tonal options as a two-pickup setup, but it’s more than adequate.
What you’ll find in terms of hardware is typical for bass at this price point. The headstock has open gear tuners, and the bridge, with adjustable saddles, has a die-cast metal base rather than a machined chunk of steel.
None of it is ‘bad’ or substandard;’ on the contrary, the hardware choices are entirely functional.
The S.U.B Ray4 is an excellent way to adopt the StingRay mentality without spending additional money. Many players adore the way a StingRay feels.
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5. Pau Ferro Fingerboard Fender Player Jazz Bass
So, how is the Fender Player Jazz Bass different from the Squier Classic Vibe ’70s?
Since Squier is Fender’s “budget” line, the focus is on making products that are a good mix of quality and price. On the other hand, the Fender Player Jazz Bass is the real deal.
Simply put, it’s a left-handed version of the well-known Fender Jazz Bass.
It has a solid alder body with a glossy sunburst finish. A ‘C’ profiled maple neck and a Pau Ferro fretboard with 20 medium jumbo frets.
- Utilization Ease – 5/5
- Audio Quality – 5/5
- Features – 4/5
The Player Jazz is designed to emulate the sound of traditional jazz bass. It features two Alnico 5 single-coil pickups, each with its volume control.
Why are there two volumes? Because this allows you to tailor the signal from each pickup to your preferences. A single knob controls the overall tone, making quick, simple, and effective adjustments.
A bridge with individually adjustable saddles and open-gear tuning machines rounds out the period-correct hardware.
The Fender Player Jazz Bass is a fantastic left-handed thump machine with an air of coolness. Oh, and it also sounds and plays well.
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6. Ibanez TMB100L Electric Bass Guitar, Left-Handed
Ibanez introduces the TMB100L, a left-handed bass guitar that, while not the most advanced, has enough under the hood to warrant your consideration.
The body of the TMB100L is made of poplar and has a clear retro vibe. At first glance, I thought it looked like a Fender Jazzmaster. It’s not the same – after all, it’s an Ibanez – but it’s close enough to get the same vibe.
As with many other Ibanez models, the neck is maple with a jatoba fretboard and single Pearloid dot inlays to help you navigate the 20 medium frets.
- Utilization Ease – 5/5
- Audio Quality – 4/5
- Features – 4/5
The DXJ single coil pickup in the bridge position and the DXP split single coil pickup in the middle position make the TMB100L a special guitar.
What’s cool, and something you won’t find on bass in this price range, are the two concentric knobs that let you change the volume and tone.
One has a treble control on the outer ring and a bass boost and cut in the middle (giving a 2-band EQ). The other has a master volume control in the center and balance/mix adjustment on the concentric portion. It’s an excellent way to increase flexibility without taking up valuable real estate.
The Ibanez B10 bridge, for example, offers full adjustability in a cost-effective package. Another distinguishing design feature is the angled input jack, similar to what you’d find on a Strat.
All of this contributes to the TMB100L being a surprisingly capable entry-level left-handed model that may be able to compete with more expensive models.
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7. Bass Guitar Dean Edge 09 Left Handed
It’s safe to say that some left-handed bass guitar models, or any model, were made for a certain type of person.
The Dean Edge 09 is intended to be an entry-level offering, but that’s fine – everything should be fine as long as it does what it’s intended to do (and does it well), right?
The basswood body has a distinct shape, with a horn on the upper cutaway that appears slightly longer than usual. The proportion may appear odd, but it is comfortable and does not hinder movement.
- Utilization Ease – 5/5
- Audio Quality – 3.5/5
- Features – 3.5/5
The neck is made of maple, and the fretboard is made of real walnut. There are 22 frets, and the inlays are just simple dots.
You’ve probably heard me say ‘no frills,’ which certainly applies to the Edge 09. Basic volume and tone controls govern a single DMT pickup. There are no active electronics or coil-tapping here but let’s be honest, you wouldn’t expect those features in a beginner’s left-handed bass.
The hardware is completed by sealed die-cast tuners and a die-cast bridge (both in black). It wasn’t top-notch, but it wasn’t supposed to be.
Entry-level basses are frequently thought to be junk, but in my opinion, the Dean Edge 09 should not be one of them. Is it on par with a high-priced professional instrument? Of course not, but it fulfills all the requirements for what it was designed to be.
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8. Left-Handed Fender Player Precision, Bass
Fender Precision, or ‘P-Bass,’ models rank alongside the Telecaster and Strat as some of the most iconic designs ever created.
‘Iconic’ may sometimes be overused, but there aren’t many other words.
The Fender Player Precision is the same as the Fender Player Jazz in that it is a left-handed bass that is 100% Fender.
The body is made of alder with a stunning black gloss finish. And it’s a replica of the right-handed model, just reversed so left-handed players can enjoy the same experience.
- Utilization Ease – 4.5/5
- Audio Quality – 5/5
- Features – 4/5
A maple neck with a “C” shape and a maple fretboard makes it easy to play and smooth.
The Player Precision has a single split single coil pickup and a single volume and tone knob, which might be all you need to get the famous Fender sound.
In terms of hardware, the vintage-style bridge and open-geared tuners keep with the classic look of a good P-Bass.
Yes, more expensive Fender Precision models are available. However, once you’ve tried out the Player series, you might wonder why you’d pay more.
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9. Left-Handed Schecter Stiletto Extreme-4 Bass Guitar
Last, we’ll look at a great left-handed bass guitar from a brand that isn’t usually known for making good bass guitars.
The Schecter Stiletto Extreme is what it says it is: a bass with extreme looks and features that might make you think it should cost much more.
The quilted maple top and aggressive (but sleek) mahogany body are the first things you notice. The black cherry finish highlights the patterning of the wood and draws your attention to it.
The neck is made of maple and has a genuine rosewood fretboard.
- Utilization Ease – 4.5/5
- Audio Quality – 4.5/5
- Features – 4.5/5
Two Schecter Diamond pickups are mounted directly to the body. The master volume, blend control, and active 2-band EQ allow you to shape your sound over a wide range.
The Diamond bridge on the Stiletto Extreme 4 is fully adjustable, and the tuning machines are sufficiently smooth to allow for fine adjustments.
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10. ESP LTD B-106SM 6-String Bass Spalted Maple
You want a guitar that is easy to hear and sounds great when you play live. The ESP LTD B-106SM is perfect for precision bass players. It has a maple walnut neck and up to 6 strings so that you can be creative with your music. The spalted maple top and ash body give your music a clean sound that everyone in the audience will hear.
ESP LTD B-106SM has two pickups that send the sound directly to your amplifier. One pickup near the neck and one near the middle of the guitar. Close to the middle pickup is a bridge for proper string action and stable alignment. The strings come already set up, but you can change them if you want. Overall, this guitar is great for transitioning from 4-string guitars to 6-string guitars or from 5-string guitars to 6-string guitars. You can compare its sound quality to that of a Warwick or Fender guitar, which is more expensive than this guitar.
The ESP LTD B-106SM is good for recording, playing music with others, playing rock concerts, and gigging. It is a little heavy, so it might be more challenging to play than you want. But it will help you prepare to play seven or 8-string guitars if this is your first time using one.
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11. MTD Z6 Kingston
The MTD Z series is made for serious players. If you liked the MTD USA series, you’d love the MTD Z series because of its great design. Each member of the MTD Z series has a superior fingerboard with a slush ebony coating and a mahogany body that makes it look and sound beautiful.
If you want a great guitar that is easy to play, then the MTD Z6 Kingston is a good option. It has a Buzz Feiten tuning system, meaning the notes will sound better than on other guitars in its price category. It also has a double-cutaway design so that it can be played easily by both right and left-handed people.
The MTD Z6 is a good choice for a bass guitar because it has a passive pickup and an SS configuration. This makes it perfect for the studio, live performances, and beginner’s solo practice. You can connect it to your favorite effect processors to get ahead with your vocals and mixing. Plus, the body design is high-quality and perfect for experts and beginners.
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12. Sterling By Music Man Ray34 Left Handed
If you are thinking of adding more strings to your guitar, the Sterling Ray34 is a good choice. It is easy to add more strings, and it also sounds excellent. It has a heavy-duty bridge that makes it perfect for metal music. And with up to 22 frets, you can explore all the tones your guitar can create.
The Sterling By Music Man Ray34 guitar has a maple neck like most high-end guitars in the 1500-dollar category. The stiff maple neck is rigid and can withstand stress, so your investment will last longer. The guitar also has low-noise humbucking pickups with 9v active preamps for a clean, amplified sound, mainly when used on stage. It comes with an open-gear tuning machine and fixed bridge as hardware.
The only downside of this electric bass instrument is the integrated single truss rod. This means that you can only groove with a dual truss. However, this instrument has many benefits for beginners. It is lightweight compared to other instruments in its series, and it is very affordable. Overall, this is a great value.
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13. Dean Exotica Quilted Ash Acoustic-Electric
Some acoustic-electric guitars have a feature that allows you to play without a microphone or amplifier. This is called “acoustic-electric.” However, most acoustic electrics have a “cutaway,” which removes some sound quality. The Dean Exotica Quilted Ash Acoustic-Electric has a full-size body that does not take away your tone or resonance.
You can use this without needing a mic. You don’t have to worry about feedback on stage. Plus, it is a reasonable price for your budget.
The Dean Exotic Quilted Ash Acoustic-Electric is a guitar with a dreadnought body design. This means that the guitar will resonate more and have better low-end delivery. The top and sides of the guitar are also made with quilted ash, which makes the sound quality even better. The Mahogany neck also makes the guitar more responsive and stable for playing live. Another great feature of this guitar is the feedback filter, which helps to prevent feedback from happening during performances. Finally, the preamp device is mounted on the guitar’s inside, resulting in cleaner preamplification.
This is a heavy-duty six-string guitar that is less than $500. It has 21 frets over the Rosewood fingerboard. This allows for smooth playability for long hours of performances.
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14. Dean Edge 2.5 Spalt Maple 5-String
This is a professional bass guitar for experts. The Dean Edge 2.5 has a neck of maple wood attached to a bolt-on joint. This makes it durable and easy to adjust. It also has a light body made of basswood that has been contoured and styled for comfort and speed when you play live. The custom heel joint and neck designed with an asymmetrical 4-bolt pattern allow easy finger access along the 24 frets. This lets you create different tones that will put your audience on edge.
The Dean Edge 2.5 has a wider toner range than the Ibanez EDA 905 and sounds better than the STAGG BC300LH. It is also lighter than the Ibanez GIO GRS 200, so it would be a good choice if you prioritize a lightweight instrument. This guitar comes with a carrying box and some tools, such as the truss-rod adjustment tool and the bridge adjustment tool, all arranged in a zipped bag.
The pack you receive also comes with a set of replacement strings. The factory-attached strings usually break, so it’s good to have a backup. The pickups and EQ control in the DMT design help you create a clean low-end vocal mix that is heavily processed.
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15. Rogue LX200BL Series III Electric Bass Guitar
The Rogue LX200BL Bass is a 4-string guitar for beginners that is easy to play. It has a smooth feel and full sound on the fingerboard. You can use it right out of the box without setting it up. But, if you have short fingers, you might need help controlling tone and pitch using the frets closer to the U-neck. The playability and sound of this heavy metal guitar are suitable for the price of $1200. Right? Otherwise, it’s in the same league as basic Fender series guitars.
You have two different volumes to choose from. Volume 1 is for solo practices, and volume 2 is for group rehearsals. You can also adjust the tone of the sound with two control knobs. The Rogue LX200BL also has traditional split and single-coil pickups, which means you can rely on the instrument’s natural sound without mounting a mic.
Even if you are a beginner in the Bass, want to join a school band, or are looking for a 4-string bass for recording and practice, this is a great choice. The simple design helps you learn quickly and get a feel for playing four strings.
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16. Ibanez GSRM20L Mikro Left-Handed 4-String Bass
The Ibanez GSRM20L Mikro guitar is a shorter-scale heavy metal guitar that is great for stage performances. It is also simple to learn how to play for students and beginners. This guitar was designed specifically with left-handed people in mind.
If you have shorter fingers and arms, it’s reasonable to say that the longer-scale instrument will be more challenging for you to play. Right? That is where short-scale basses like the Ibanez GSRM20L come in. They are easier to play because they are shorter, but they also have a tight output jack that may not fit most standard ¼” effects processors.
The Ibanez GSRM20L Mikro left-handed 4-string bass is an excellent choice for people who want a good-sounding and playable bass guitar. It has single split-coil pickups, which makes it sound good on both mid and low notes. The basswood body gives the guitar a fuller sound, which makes up for the lack of a double cutaway.
You can use a Fender amp to amplify the sound of your guitar. This will help you make the most of your sound. You can also use a 15″ speaker, which is a good size for this purpose.
This Bass is perfect for left-handed people with short arms and fingers. It’s also a great choice for athletes who like to jump around on stage. It’s lightweight and easy to play with, so you can move around quickly and easily.
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Is There a Distinction Between Right and Left-Handed Bass Guitars?
The tone, playability, and craftsmanship of a violin are the most significant aspects. When it comes to instruments, children and adults have different needs.
When purchasing a violin for a child, there are numerous things to consider. Nonetheless, some may be of less significance to others.
Which Bass Strings Are Best For A Left Handed Bass?
The options are the same whether you are right or left-handed. Everything boils down to what you want and how you play.
We’ve compiled a comprehensive article on bass strings that covers all the technical details to help determine which strings comprise the various tonal landscapes. Several bass strings are worth experimenting with; some are designed to make the bass an easier instrument to play, while others significantly impact sound quality.
As with anything else in music, you might have to try a few things before you find what works best for you.
How Do I Select the Best Left-Handed Bass Guitar?
Simply put, don’t be swayed by the allure of a low price. Some low-cost models can now compete head-to-head with models that cost several times as much.
It is primarily due to the implementation of many manufacturers’ build processes into their workflows. Much of the heavy lifting is performed by computer-based machinery, resulting in tighter tolerances and improved quality.
Don’t get the cheapest thing available to save a few dollars. At the same time, don’t rule out lower-priced models completely. It sounds contradictory, but some of my favorite instruments over the years haven’t always been ‘top-of-the-line models.
However, price is only one consideration (albeit a pretty doggone important). Assume you’re comparing two models that are roughly the same price. I always suggest playing them before making a decision. In the modern world of online shopping, this may become increasingly challenging.
Conclusion
Left-handed basses are mirror images of their right-handed counterparts. The feature sets are usually the same – it’s just a matter of designing for a lefty vs. a righty.
Consequently, I believe it’s safe to say that I selected the Ibanez SR300E 4 String as the best left-handed bass. On my list, I am using the same reasoning I usually employ. It’s an excellent combination of features, good looks, playability, tone, and, most importantly, price.
It is also safe to say that left-handed bass players are in the minority.
That means that your feedback is just as valuable. In contrast, the audience for this roundup may be smaller than others on NuMusician.
