Guitar Modification - Right hand to left hand conversion

[Sbwgirl]

Where can I get my guitar converted to left cause I need it fixed soon

[Scotttyist]

I've been told that you shouldn't change a right handed acoustic to being a lefty because the bracing is stronger on the bass string side and if you swap it around you'll warp the neck. Is that right?

[ChrisWooleyAC]

Darren. how much should this job cost?

[DarrenForbes]

@ChrisWooleyAC It is about three hours of work plus materials I guess it depends on the labor rate the luthier is charging and cost of the new saddle and wood insert. Some folks charge a supplies cost too for "glue" and stuff too (which I think should just be part of the labor cost).

[talesis1]

I have a PRS SE 22 that I just love and I would hate to trade it in for a lefty and I wanted to know if it was possible to have it modified from a right hand to a lefty. I had a accident at work and i lost my 2 middle finger tips so now i decided to switch over.

[SimonEdward123]

Hi Darren. I've got an old lefty guitar that I have changed to a righty. When tuned though, the 12th fret is almost a half step sharp. As well near the 12th the action is quite high. Is there anything you've come across that can help help me to make this switch successful as the guitar was my old man's and I'd like to play it.

[DarrenForbes]

@SimonEdward123 Well if you have not changed the angle of the saddle that is why the wound strings will play sharp at the 12th and the action will be high. The saddle angle is compensated for a reason to deal with the tension created when fretting. The saddle is also sloped to compensate for the different string gauges. If you look in my comments above, there is apparently a kit you can buy online that allows for switches. Otherwise you will have to do something like I demonstrate above.

[brendanbbaker]

Where do you get a piece of rosewood?

[sanemind143]

for future changes, make sure to go from the out in when planing wood. this avoids chipout

[noelsfoot]

can you PLEASE do this with an electric guitar?

[djscratchycutz]

hey man live in uk couldy you do this with a bass trying find a decent acoustic bass left handed 

[joshuenosmith]

thanks for letting me know. I live in Japan and lefty guitars are nearly non-existant. The conformist society would make lefties change to right. But, I can't do to a funny birth-related defect that won't allow my left arm to lay flat. In fact my brother is the same but with the right arm. Anyway, I am forced to go left and even played the cellow with my left. I had my cello swiched and only cost 12USD. I hope my new guitar will be the same...but doubt it. Thanks again.

[DarrenForbes]

@joshuenosmith 12 USD is a super deal. Not sure what is involved in switching a Cello but I assume it is easier since it has a floating bridge and all it takes is reversing the angle and adjusting the clearances. If you check out one of the comments on this video, a viewer refers to kits that allow you to do it yourself. You have to order them from Britain but it might be a cheaper alternative that could work for you! Good luck.

[joshuenosmith]

Darren, thanks for the video. In your opinion, how long would it take a professional to switch a guitar from right hand to left hand?

[DarrenForbes]

@joshuenosmith well it takes me about three hours with drying. Similar steps are used when I retrofit an acoustic guitar with Buzz Feiten. Switching to left is doable but the guitar is braced on the inside to maximize the strings in the arrangement to was built for. You potentially risk changing the response and tone of the guitar. On cheaper guitars any difference may be unheard but on more quality built instruments it will be.

[DarrenForbes]

@joshuenosmith in my opinion, unless the guitar has some special sentimental value, I would sell the guitar and buy a lefty. But, if the customer insists...I'll do it.

[Danzigmad]

check out the acoustic lefthand convertion kit down your local guitar shop. There about £18

[DarrenForbes]

@Danzigmad They don't have the item you speak of here in North America. I did some research and I guess it is manufactured in Great Britain. Looks interesting as an alternative. I might try and order one to Canada just to see how it works. It is a novel concept but I would like to see how easy it is to maintain intonation and proper action. Regardless of the saddle method used a new nut has to be slotted for the strings. Thanks for commenting. I love learning about new stuff.