Tanglewood TWBBOLH Blackbird Left-Handed Orchestra/Folk Black Acoustic Guitar

Left-handed and black, with a plain mahogany voice

The Tanglewood TWBBOLH is a left handed acoustic guitar made for lefties from the start. It has an Orchestra/Folk body, a mahogany top and a Smokestack Black Satin finish. There are no electronics, so it is all about the natural sound and an easy feel.

Made for lefties

This is the left-handed twin of the TWBBO. Same wood and same finish, with the body and neck set up for left-handed playing. It costs £199 against £189 for the right-handed guitar.

Sound

The top, back and sides are mahogany, so the voice is warm and the midrange is clear. The Orchestra/Folk shape keeps the tone balanced, which suits singing along as well as picking. The fingerboard is engineered wood.

Look and feel

Smokestack Black Satin is a matte black that feels smooth under the arm and hand. It is understated and looks good next to lighter wood guitars.

Who it suits

This is a sensible first guitar for a left-handed learner, because it avoids the awkward workarounds that come with restringing a right-handed model. It also works as a second guitar for experienced lefties who want a cheap instrument to leave out in the lounge or take on holiday. With no pickup, there is nothing to go wrong, and the plain acoustic sound is ideal for singing along, learning chords and writing songs in your own time without any extra gear to buy.

• Left-handed Orchestra/Folk body
• Mahogany top, back and sides
• No electronics, pure acoustic
• Smokestack Black Satin finish

If you want to plug in, look at the left-handed TWBBSFCELH, which adds a cutaway and Premium Plus electronics. Otherwise the TWBBOLH is a simple, low cost way to get a left handed acoustic guitar. Delivery is free across the UK.