Left-Handed Banjos: A Buyer’s Guide

Left-handed banjos are genuinely hard to find. Most banjo brands build few left-handed models, or none at all, so left-handed players often get told to just learn on a right-handed banjo. You do not have to. This guide explains what makes a true left-handed banjo, what to look for, and the best left-handed banjos for every style and budget. Every banjo here is in stock, professionally set up, and ready to play. Browse all left-handed banjos.

Why you cannot just flip a right-handed banjo

A banjo is not symmetrical, so reversing the strings on a right-handed banjo does not make it left-handed. The bridge is positioned and slotted for right-handed string spacing, the fifth-string tuner sits partway up the neck on the side that suits a right-handed player, and the nut, tailpiece, and armrest are all set for right-handed playing. A true left-handed banjo mirrors the neck, the nut slots, the bridge, and the fifth-string peg, then is set up for a left-handed player from the start. That is why it is worth buying a purpose-built left-handed banjo rather than trying to convert a right-handed one.

What to look for

The fundamentals are the same as any banjo. Choose an open-back banjo for old-time and clawhammer, or a resonator banjo for the louder, brighter bluegrass sound. Consider weight and scale length for comfort, and make sure the banjo arrives properly set up, since a good setup matters even more on a hard-to-find left-handed instrument. Two left-handed-specific checks: confirm it is a true left-handed model (mirrored, not a reversed right-handed banjo), and that the seller sets up left-handed banjos correctly before they ship.

The best left-handed banjos by style and budget

(all Gold Tone, the brand with the most complete left-handed lineup)

Best beginner left-handed banjo (5-string open-back): Gold Tone AC-1/L, $314.99. Lightweight composite, under four pounds, easy to play, and the most popular first left-handed banjo.

Best left-handed banjo for old-time and clawhammer: Gold Tone AC-1FL/Lefty, $314.99 (frailing scoop for comfortable clawhammer technique) to start, or step up to the Gold Tone BC-350/L Bob Carlin, $1,299.99, a purpose-built old-time open-back.

Best left-handed banjo for bluegrass (resonator): Gold Tone AC-5/L, $499.99 for an affordable resonator, up to the Gold Tone BG-150F/L, $999.99, a full bluegrass banjo with a flange and resonator.

Left-handed long-neck: Gold Tone AC-1LN/L, $359.99, for the deeper, folk long-neck sound.

Left-handed 6-string banjitar (for guitar players): Gold Tone AC-6+/L, $699.99, or the Gold Tone BT-1000, $899.99, both tuned and played like a guitar.

Left-handed banjo ukulele and banjo bass: the Gold Tone Banjolele, $599.99 and BU-1/L, $314.99 banjo ukuleles, and the Gold Tone BB-400+ banjo bass, $1,299.99, round out the left-handed range.

Questions about left-handed banjos

Are left-handed banjos more expensive?

No. Left-handed Gold Tone banjos are priced the same as the right-handed versions. They are simply harder to find.

Can a left-handed person learn on a right-handed banjo?

Some do, but a true left-handed banjo is far more comfortable and avoids the bridge and fifth-string problems of reversing a right-handed banjo.

Who makes left-handed banjos?

Gold Tone makes the most complete left-handed lineup, from beginner open-backs to bluegrass resonators, banjitars, and banjo ukuleles, which is what we stock.

Does Banjo Warehouse set up left-handed banjos?

Yes. Every banjo ships professionally set up, with free US shipping and a 7-day guarantee.

Ready to shop?

Browse all left-handed banjos. Questions about which left-handed banjo fits your style? Call us at (404) 218-8580.