[GavFav]

Hi
A friend has been offered a left handed acoustic guitar to learn on, but he is right handed.

Is there any issues with stringing a lefthanded acoustic guitar (no cutaway or pickup) for a right handed person.
Obviously the pickguard will be on the wrong side but this is just to learn on, just wondering if it might damage/break/warp the guitar or neck.

Thanks
Gav

[AudioAUnderdog]

I wouldn't worry about the neck, most guitars should be able to handle a string switch like that with a proper set up. But you'll need to get a new nut and cut it for playing right handed.

[gg7]

You'd have to get a new nut, like mentioned above. Also, the intonation isn't going to be correct. The saddle on an acoustic guitar is set at an angle for compensation. It'll be angled the wrong way if you flip the guitar to make it right handed. There is no way to correct that without replacing the entire bridge...That isn't something easily done and should only be left to a very good acoustic tech/repairman or a luthier...which means paying money..obviously. In which case, you'd probably come out better buying an inexpensive right handed guitar.
There is no need to worry about damage though. On a standard acoustic guitar with no cutaway, the only difference between right and left handed should be the bridge and saddle, and the nut. The tension on the neck, etc. won't be any different.

[Rainer.]

Do you happen to know the model?

[martinedwards]

the above are correct.

as usual frets.com have a picture essay on the conversion process (I want to adopt Frank Ford as a favourite uncle!!)

there ARE things called saddlboys that drop into the saddle slot to switch the angle...



but they're righty to lefty, not the other way round.....

I can play a lefty upside down a little (just to annoy lefties really.... sorry I'm that kind of person!!) but if I was in your friends position Id sell the lefty & buy a righty.