Converting a righty guitar to an electric left-handed guitar might seem like a good way to save money and help you find a cheap left handed guitar, but this process is not without problems problems. Let’s look at the things you’ll need to consider if you decide to purchase a right handed guitar and convert it to a left-handed guitar.
Where is the input jack?
On many electric guitars, when you convert them, the input jack could be a problem. On some models, like the Gibson SG and other clones, the input jack comes out at a 90-degree angle from the body. When you plug the guitar in, the input cable is going to be right behind your left forearm. Do you really want to be hitting your guitar cable every time you strum?
If you must convert, look for a guitar with an input coming from the side of the body, as on the Fender Telecaster, or even something angled like on the Fender Stratocaster. To make sure you’re not jiggling the input cable around, you should also look for a cable with a right-angle end.
What about the volume and tone knobs?
Just like the input jack, the volume and tone knobs and the selector switch can get in your way. Imagine you’re playing, running your pick over the strings, and suddenly the tone goes muddy. Even worse, the volume drops down to nothing. Besides accidentally adjusting the volume, some knobs, because of the way they’re designed, could rough up your arm.
Where is the strap button?
On most electric guitars with a strat body style or a double cutaway, the strap button is, when looking at the guitar from the front, will be on the left. When you flip the guitar and hold it as a left-handed person would, the strap button is going to be on the bottom.
Besides being awkward and looking a bit strange, the angles here could make you more likely to drop your guitar. So when you convert a righty to a left-handed guitar, you’re going to have to drill a new hole for the strap. This isn’t a big deal if you’ve got what you hope to be a cheap left-handed guitar, but if you have a high-quality guitar, you’re going to reduce its value.
Hopefully you can use this information to select a quality guitar that is a suitable candidate for converting from a right-handed to a left-handed electric guitar.
Your best bet is usually to buy a left-handed guitar. They’re easier and more comfortable to play.
Next time, we’ll look at how to convert a standard guitar to a left-handed guitar.
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