Best Left Handed 7 String Guitars and Upgrades for Extended Range Players
Answering the needs of left-handed players seeking extended-range tone, this guide highlights five practical options: full left-handed 7-string guitars, a replacement neck for customization, a high-output pickup set, and flat-out excellent 7-string strings. These picks are suitable for metal, djent, and progressive rock players who want better access to drop tunings and low-B strings while maintaining soul and clarity. The featured products are chosen for left-handed players who value build quality, playability, and upgrade potential. See the quick summary table below to compare core choices at a glance.
Quick Summary Table (Key Options)
| Product | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Schecter Damien-7 LH | 7-string electric guitar | Left-handed players wanting a ready-to-play extended-range instrument | Satin Black, 2 humbuckers, rosewood fretboard |
| Left Handed Seven String Neck | Replacement neck | DIY upgrade for existing left-handed 7-string bodies | Canadian maple, 24 frets, standard mounting |
| Schecter KM-7 MK-III Legacy LH | 7-string electric guitar | Left-handed players seeking a flexibly tonal instrument | Flamed maple top, two humbuckers |
| Seymour Duncan Blackouts 7 String Set | Pickup set | Upgrading extended-range tone and output | Active humbuckers with balanced preamp |
| Ernie Ball 7-String Super Slinky | Strings | Right tension and bright, balanced tone for 7-string | 9-52 gauge, nickel wound |
Schecter Damien-7 LH Left-handed Electric Guitar
The Schecter Damien-7 LH is a left-handed, 7-string solidbody electric guitar built to handle drop tunings with reliability. It features two humbuckers and a satin black finish with a rosewood fretboard, offering balanced output and clear chord voicings. This guitar is best for players who want a ready-to-play instrument with sufficient low-end response for metal and hard rock. Caution: the guitar’s electronics and setup can vary by production run, so a professional setup may improve intonation and playability on arrival.
Left Handed Seven String Neck
This left-handed seven-string neck is crafted from Canadian maple with 24 frets and a high-gloss finish for smooth playability. It fits standard left-handed 7-string bodies, making it ideal for builders or players who want to customize an existing guitar. Best for hobbyists and technicians performing routine maintenance or upgrades. Limitation: compatibility depends on mounting specifications and neck pocket dimensions of the chosen body.
Gstyle Left-handed 8 String Electric Guitar
The Gstyle ES-800 is an eight-string model with left-handed configuration. While it provides extended-range capability, it targets players who want an extra string beyond a traditional 7-string. Best for players exploring deeper tunings who don’t mind adjusting to a slightly longer scale and a broader nut width. Limitation: not a strict 7-string option, which may complicate a direct 7-string upgrade strategy.
Schecter KM-7 MK-III Legacy LH
The Schecter KM-7 MK-III Legacy LH is a left-handed 7-string with a transparent white satin finish and a flame maple top. It uses two humbuckers to deliver strong output with good note definition, making it a solid choice for metal and prog-rock players who want a premium feel and classicSchecter tone. Best for players seeking a high-quality, left-handed 7-string with reliable hardware. Caution: premium guitars may require setup to perfectly dial in neck relief and action for comfortable playability.
Seymour Duncan Blackouts 7 String Set
This Blackouts 7-string pickup set offers active high output with a tight high end and strong low end. The neck magnet is Alnico 5, delivering warmth and clarity across the fretboard. Choose this if you want a robust metal-focused voice and easier sustain across chugging rhythms. Caution: installation requires mounting hardware and quick-connector compatibility with your guitar’s electronics.
Ernie Ball 7-String Super Slinky Strings
Ernie Ball Slinkys for 7-string guitars deliver a bright, balanced tone with reliable intonation and long-lasting tone. They are widely used by players who favor a flexible feel for both riffs and leads and appreciate the packaging that helps maintain string life. Best for players seeking a ready-to-install string set with dependable tension across the low-B and mid-range strings. Limitation: tension is standard for most 7-string sets; ultra-tight setups may require gauge adjustments.
Buying Guide
What should left-handed players consider when choosing a 7-string guitar or upgrade? Start with playability. Scale length, neck profile, and nut width influence comfort for long practice sessions and fast runs on lower strings. If you are starting from scratch, a ready-to-play left-handed 7-string guitar like the Schecter Damien-7 LH or Schecter KM-7 MK-III Legacy LH offers fewer setup steps. For customization, a replacement neck provides flexibility to pair with a preferred body.
Hardware and pickups matter. Upgrading to high-output can increase sustain and note presence, especially in drop tunings. Pickups like Seymour Duncan Blackouts are designed for extended-range guitars and should be matched with appropriate controls and battery considerations. If you’re using a 7-string primarily for rhythm and groove, keep an eye on string tension and scale length to avoid finger fatigue.
Strings and maintenance. The Ernie Ball 7-String Slinkys deliver a reliable baseline feel for many players, while heavier gauges may offer stronger low-end response at the cost of ease of bending. Routine maintenance includes truss-rod adjustments, intonation checks, and nut-sitting alignment to ensure accuracy across the fretboard. For replacement necks and parts, ensure compatibility with your guitar’s body and mounting scheme.
How to compare options quickly? Use these questions: Is the instrument already left-handed and 7-string? Does it come with or require upgrades for pickups? Is the neck compatible with your existing body? For upgrades, can you install the components with standard tools? These checks help identify the best path—buying a ready-to-play guitar or assembling a bespoke setup.
FAQ
- Q: Are left-handed 7-string guitars harder to find? A: Availability has improved, with major brands offering left-handed 7-strings and more replacement parts for customization.
- Q: What’s the benefit of a replacement neck versus a new guitar? A: A replacement neck lets you tailor scale length, radius, and feel to your preference while using your current body.
- Q: Do active pickups require special wiring? A: Yes, active pickups typically use a dedicated battery and may need quick-connector cables; follow installation instructions closely.
- Q: Can I use standard 7-string gauges on an 8-string guitar? A: Not recommended; 8-string setups have different tensions and nut spacings that can affect intonation and playability.
- Q: Is drop tuning better with two humbuckers or single coils? A: Humbuckers generally provide more output and sustain for extended tunings, though personal tone preferences vary.
- Q: Should I upgrade to a seven-string set if I only play chords? A: If you want deeper low-end and extended voicings, a 7-string set is beneficial; otherwise a standard 6-string may suffice.