Influence of Lefthandconversion

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ms17a

Posts: 3
Joined: Jul. 18 2006

Influence of Lefthandconversion

Hello everyone,

until now, I've been a "passive" forum member and quiet new to playing flamenco (about 3/4 year). I have also been playing bass for 17 years and due to my exploration of this Instrument (4 string => 5string => 6string fretless), I discovered Flamenco as one of the biggest musical challenges. So, that's where I started from and here's my little problem: I am lefthanded and thus limited in my choice of guitar models.

What effects will a lefthandconversion of a right handed classical/flamenco guitar have? Of course a bridge adjustment is necessary, but what effects will a symmetric/asymmetric bracing of the top have on such a converted guitar. I am not sure but all flamenco guitars I've seen so far have a symmetric bracing an thus a "convertable"...Am I wrong with this opinion?

Greetings,

Mark

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 3 2007 13:05:23

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

RE: Influence of Lefthandconversion (in reply to ms17a)

Hi Mark

The biggest problem is that maybe the saddle will have a slight angle.

This with asymetrical guitars... Well I´ve tried a right hand guitar that was builded left hand and it sounded absolutely ok. I think its a myth that asymetrical guitars play the trebles in one side and bass in the other.... I think they just sound a bit different

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Blog: http://news-from-the-workshop.blogspot.com/

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 3 2007 15:24:52

Per Hallgren

Posts: 241
Joined: Jul. 1 2006
From: Sweden

RE: Influence of Lefthandconversion (in reply to ms17a)

Even if it is more common on classical guitars than on flamencos you need to check the fingerboard for asymmetry so that the bass side isn't thinner towards the soundhole than the treble side. You also need to make a new nut and saddle to convert the guitar to a lefthand. All the rest is as good for left hand playing as for the normal righthand playing. The eventual asymmetries in the soundbox construction works equally for both . There is no treble or bass side loooking only on the acoustical function, in my opinion.

Check that the golpeador is ok for your playing too...

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 4 2007 14:58:59

TANúñez

Posts: 2559
Joined: Jul. 10 2003
From: TEXAS

RE: Influence of Lefthandconversion (in reply to ms17a)

quote:

Hello everyone,

until now, I've been a "passive" forum member and quiet new to playing flamenco (about 3/4 year). I have also been playing bass for 17 years and due to my exploration of this Instrument (4 string => 5string => 6string fretless), I discovered Flamenco as one of the biggest musical challenges. So, that's where I started from and here's my little problem: I am lefthanded and thus limited in my choice of guitar models.

What effects will a lefthandconversion of a right handed classical/flamenco guitar have? Of course a bridge adjustment is necessary, but what effects will a symmetric/asymmetric bracing of the top have on such a converted guitar. I am not sure but all flamenco guitars I've seen so far have a symmetric bracing an thus a "convertable"...Am I wrong with this opinion?

Greetings,

Mark

I'm a lefty. I've been converting right handed guitars for as long as I've been playing. As long as the fingerboard is straight or flat(no taper) you can convert it. Makes no difference if the bracing is symmetrical or not.

You will have to make a new nut and saddle. That's about it. It's especially easy if the saddle slot is straight across. If it's compesated(angled) you'll have to have a luthier fill in the slot with matching rosewood and cut out the slot again with a reversed angle.

Most golpeadores(tap plates) will be cut for a right hander. More coverage on the treble side. So, when you reverse the guitar, you'll have more coverage on your bass side. You can cut a little piece of golpeador to use as an extension on your treble side, or, you can just be extra careful not to golpe too far down hitting the unprotected wood.

_____________________________

Tom Núñez
www.instagram.com/tanunezguitars

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 4 2007 16:40:53

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

RE: Influence of Lefthandconversion (in reply to ms17a)

quote:

I'm a lefty. I've been converting right handed guitars for as long as I've been playing

The lovely life of leftys

Tom How many of the guitars you have build have been lefthanded? all?

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Blog: http://news-from-the-workshop.blogspot.com/

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 4 2007 16:45:17

TANúñez

Posts: 2559
Joined: Jul. 10 2003
From: TEXAS

RE: Influence of Lefthandconversion (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

quote:

The lovely life of leftys

Tom How many of the guitars you have build have been lefthanded? all?

It hasn't been so lovely Anders, lefties have no rights

They've all been left handed except for my last one. I made it rightly so my former teacher could play and "test" it. He bought it on the spot!. I was not intending to sell it as I felt it was my best one, but, money talks so......

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Tom Núñez
www.instagram.com/tanunezguitars

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 5 2007 13:25:33

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

RE: Influence of Lefthandconversion (in reply to ms17a)

Oh, you made a righty... Good. Thats ambitious.

I´m glad you sold it. Guitars are made to be played. And I´m sure you´ll make a better one soon.

Righty or lefty? (Sounds like american politics

)

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Blog: http://news-from-the-workshop.blogspot.com/

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 5 2007 18:18:35

PeterB

Posts: 8
Joined: Feb. 19 2004
From: Eugene, Oregon

RE: Influence of Lefthandconversion (in reply to ms17a)

I, too, am left-handed, and have not noticed any real difference from playing converted right-hand guitars. It makes sense that asymmetrical bracing would affect the sound, but it hasn't been noticeable to my ear. I don't really know about the long-term effect on the soundboard, however.

Peter

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 5 2007 18:57:34

TANúñez

Posts: 2559
Joined: Jul. 10 2003
From: TEXAS

RE: Influence of Lefthandconversion (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

quote:

Oh, you made a righty... Good. Thats ambitious. I´m glad you sold it. Guitars are made to be played. And I´m sure you´ll make a better one soon.

Thanks. I just don't want to become a collector of my own guitars. I hope this next one will be better, then I won't feel as sad for letting my last one go.

_____________________________

Tom Núñez
www.instagram.com/tanunezguitars

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 5 2007 19:59:52