Left handed mandolin builders

[lefty mandoman]

Anyone know who builds a high-end, left handed F model other than Collings?

[Wilbur James]

Bob Altman built a left handed mandolin for Jason wood, you can see a video of it on u-tube. look up altman mandolins and it should leed you to the video. I have a great Altman F5 and He is a very freindly person to deal with.

[Ed Goist]

Cafe member Byron Spain, The Lefty Luthier.

NFI, by the way - and Dave makes a great point below that just about any small shop builder can make any of their models left handed.

Here is a thread started by Gail Hester a year ago wherein she displays gorgeous F5s (one right-handed & one left-handed) that she had built side-by-side.

[Dave Cohen]

I am left-handed, but I don't want to be seen as either promoting myself or plugging any particular luthier(s) or companies. Rather, I would point out that most individual luthiers and probably most boutique shops (i.e., smaller manufacturers) will build "left-handed" instruments for a customer.

http://www.Cohenmando.com

[George R. Lane]

The good folks at Sound to Earth - Weber Mandolins.

[sunburst]

Other than most custom builders, don't overlook the fact that that nearly any mandolin with no points or scrolls ("A") is left handed as soon as the bridge and nut are cut accordingly.

[Ed Goist]

Great point, John.
Can already cut nuts and saddles just be rotated 180?
What about the angled 'loop catchers' on a standard Gibson-style two piece tailpiece? Will the reverse stringing work okay on these?

[sunburst]

Reversing the bridge and nut is not enough, they need to be replaced, but only the top of an adjustable bridge really needs to be replaced. (Some bridge tops can be reversed with some degree of success.) The tailpiece is no problem, the double/angle hooked strings can be hooked straight without the angle.

[bobsault]

I own a left-handed Hester which is in the high-end range of builders. Do a Lefty Hester search on the cafe to see details

Bob

[Bill Foss]

I think Audey Ratliff is left handed and I hear he builds a fine mandolin. He's also a great picker.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux2It...1&feature=plcp

[Dfyngravity]

I can't imagine any small builder turning your request for a lefty down....though I guess some may not want to.

[doc holiday]

Gibson once turned down my request for a lefty Master Model.....in the end my gain
Michael Heiden #82 (the only lefty F to date)
Tom Ellis ....A Special (not an F.....but an outstanding instrument)
PM me if you'd like some details...

[foggyvalley]

Doc Holiday,
Did you sell your Webber Yellowstone to buy the Heiden? IF so, I have it! Been over 10yrs now, I think Any chance you selling your Heiden? If not now, keep me in mind.
Merry Christmas,
Rob

[choctaw61]

I would really like to own one of those Audey Ratliffe mandolins love the sound of them. Maybe once i get over this motorcycle wreck. Couple more surgeries.I will get back to work and buy me one of those lefty's.