Left-Handed Mandolins
Left-handed mandolins are hard to find on a store wall, so we keep looking for them, and every one on this page was built left-handed at the factory. Most of the left-handed mandolins we sell are Eastman, the A-style MD305L and the hand-carved F-style MD315L, MD515L and MD615L-GB, and we've also sold a left-handed KLOS carbon fiber A-style.
Left-handed mandolins are the fastest-moving lefty instruments we sell, so if the one you want is gone, ask us when the next one is due, or we can try to order one for you.
Filters
3 products
A-style or F-style for a lefty
Eastman's MD305L and MD315L are the easiest way to see the difference. Both are hand-carved, and the MD305L is the simpler A-style body at $739, while the MD315L adds the F-style scroll and points at $1,099, which also puts it over the line for our Dread-Not Guarantee: a 30-day in-home trial and a one-year trade-in credit of up to 90%. The MD315L costs the same as the right-handed MD315, and the MD305L is within $10 of the MD305.
Above those two, the left-handed MD515L and MD615L-GB move further up Eastman's F-style line, and the MD615 adds a K&K pickup for players who perform. They come in less often than the MD305L and MD315L, so they're usually a special order. Ask us and we'll check what Eastman has on the way before you commit to anything.
Why not just restring a right-handed mandolin?
A mandolin's bridge is compensated, with each pair of strings set at a slightly different length, and the nut slots are cut for the strings in right-handed order. Flip a right-handed mandolin over and both are backward, and on an F-style the scroll and points end up upside down. A mandolin built left-handed has its bridge, nut and body made for the way you actually hold it.
Who builds left-handed mandolins
Eastman builds left-handed versions of its MD304 and MD305 A-styles and its MD315, MD515 and MD615 F-styles, usually in a single finish, which is why the left-handed MD615 comes in Goldburst. KLOS lists its carbon fiber A-style as available left-handed, and Gold Tone offers a left-handed option on some of its models. For other makers, including Weber and Gibson, we ask case by case. That's what each maker publishes on its own website, so we'll confirm the price and lead time before you order.
A deposit on the next one
Left-handed mandolins are the fastest-moving lefty instruments we sell, and a good one can be gone the week it arrives. When we're out of the MD305L or MD315L, a deposit listing for the next one shows up on this page, so you're first in line instead of watching for a restock. The deposit holds the next one we receive rather than a specific mandolin, and every one still gets inspected before it ships to you.
Every mandolin we sell gets our 23-Point Professional Inspection before it ships. You can also browse all our mandolins, see our left-handed guitars, or ask us about a model you don't see here.
Why buy from The Acoustic Shoppe
- A twelve-time NAMM Top 100 Dealer (2015–2026)
- The #1 worldwide Eastman acoustic guitar dealer
- Every instrument ships after our 23-Point Professional Inspection
Left-Handed Mandolin Questions
Who makes left-handed mandolins?
Can I restring a right-handed mandolin to play left-handed?
Should a left-handed player get an A-style or F-style mandolin?
Does a left-handed mandolin cost more?
Can I put a deposit on the next left-handed mandolin you get?
