help lefty classical help

[SalFromChatham]

Hey guys...

Someone very close to me is going through cancer treatment again. She plays classical guitar and is left-handed. She has a nice classical she plays with....

I want to get her as a gift a unique special lefty nylon string guitar, but i dont even know where to look. Google is not my friend here. I am not looking for a big box cordoba etc. What would be neat is an older Gibson nylon lefty for example.... but i am open.

Where do I even look?

[ericj]

I have a right handed Cordoba that has symmetrical fan bracing that was set up for left handed.
I had that done by https://allstringsnylon.com Chuck was extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

[Bax Burgess]

Does she currently play a righty guitar?

[SalFromChatham]

Thanks guys.

I am not sure if she plays a converted righty and I dont want to ask her... for fear if tipping my hand.

Do most lefty players just restring a righty guitar?

[Bax Burgess]

She's not a lefty who plays a righthanded setup? I'm one who does. Whatever the case, classicals with perpendicular, non-slanted saddles are easy to convert. Even ones with slanted saddles may be ok, without altering the bridge slot, but I haven't gone that far. Find a righty, flip the saddle, then do a quick nut mod. A nut replacement isn't necessary. Just widen the one or two that need it. And the strings sitting in over-wide slots shouldn't matter at all. All making the search easier.

[Red_Label]

Find the nicest classical that you can afford to buy for her, and convert it if need be. Most of the time, lefties are harder to find and more expensive. You'd be better served getting the best guitar and not worrying about whether it's right or left-handed.

[Villamarzia]

I’m lefty and playing nylon only nowadays. Never bought a lefty nylon guitar but always swapped saddle and nut with new lefty ones. You could buy a righty and have someone make a lefty version of nut and saddle. Then, however she is used to, she’ll be able to play that guitar.

[mattyc71]

Southpaw Guitars in Houston has a few:
https://www.southpawguitars.com/sear...submit_search=

Also check Taylor's website - they make quite a few nylon strung models and everything is available lefty.

One more place to check: Godin makes some nice nylon strung acoustic-electrics that don't need to be amplified. They also make lefties.

You should first try to find out 2 things: Is your friend's guitar strung lefty, and is her current guitar truly a classical (wide, flat fretboard vs. curved like a steel strung guitar)?

Sounds like you're a pretty good friend. Good luck with your quest!

[SalFromChatham]

thanks gents