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Topic: Classical Guitarists?  (Read 1704 times)

Offline gradyee

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Classical Guitarists?
on: October 24, 2005, 03:18:07 AM
Just a quick question for anyone who plays classical guitar.

Can you re-string a right-handed to be played left-handed?

Offline randmc

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Re: Classical Guitarists?
Reply #1 on: October 24, 2005, 03:35:26 AM
no ;)

Offline leahcim

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Re: Classical Guitarists?
Reply #2 on: October 24, 2005, 04:21:15 AM
Just a quick question for anyone who plays classical guitar.

Can you re-string a right-handed to be played left-handed?

Sort of. Assuming the guitar is symmetrical in shape that should make no difference.

You might need to play with the saddle and nut to cater for the fact that the strings will be on the other way.
AFACT, looking at my classical guitar that would just be turning them around.

edit : https://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Musician/Guitar/Setup/LeftConv/leftconv.html

Offline steve jones

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Re: Classical Guitarists?
Reply #3 on: October 25, 2005, 12:08:58 AM

Not really. To my knowledge, the necks tension is bias to compensate for the the gauge of the strings. You could do it, but you'd probably end up with a dodgy intonation.

But Im not expert on guitar design, so it might be worth contacting the manufacturer (if its a mass produced model).

Offline gradyee

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Re: Classical Guitarists?
Reply #4 on: October 26, 2005, 03:34:58 AM
Well it looks like it is possible. I have a right-handed Martin, but I'd like to be to re-string it (since, if you hadn't guessed, I play left-handed.)

Thanks for the info guys. Especialliy for that link. I don't suppose any of you know of a message board for classical guitar? Like this one, with lots of good info. =)

Offline thalbergmad

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Re: Classical Guitarists?
Reply #5 on: October 26, 2005, 09:29:58 PM
I am no expert, but i did re-string my left handed classical guitar and it sounded ok. Even managed to do the same to my strat, a la Hendrix. However, my attempt at the left handed violin met with disaster.

Nowadays, there does seem to be more left handed instruments around than there was 10 years ago. I have a nice left handed "Lucille" and last year even acquired a left handed 5 string Banjo.

A little shop near me sells left handed goods, such as bread knives and scissors.

Leftism is dead.
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Concerto Preservation Society
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