Tripadvisor Reviews Southpaw Guitars
Jim M. January 2023:
If you are a lefty there is no better place to go for a left-handed guitar than Southpaw. Jim Duncan has created a paradise for lefty guitar players. Truly the best selection in the world and a great environment to try the wide selection of high-end guitars in their inventory. Be sure to check out their website.
Scott M. February 2022:
Worth the trip!!! Really. A left handed guitar players dream. They even have a righty or two 😏. Jim started a legendary place, a real tradition and Omar is keeping it going. I travelled to Houston for work and really glad I stopped in. Oh, yeah there on line too, check out website too.
KINGFLATHEAD October 2012:
I made the 'pilgrimage' from Michigan to Southpaw Guitars last year.
Upon entering the store, the first thing that hit me is the complete sensory overload from the dozens upon dozens, probably hundreds of left-handed guitars hanging on the walls or in stands on the floor in different colors, shapes, and manufacturers. (Us lefties rarely get to see more then 1 or 2 left-handed guitars in a store and those we do see are quite often the same ole' cheap black Squier Strat). Literally within 5 minutes of entering the store and being greeted by Jimmy and Larry (the owner and store manager, respectively) I was offered a bottle of water while I looked around. I had arrived late in the day so I only had 30 minutes or so that first day to look around so I told them I would return tomorrow for a more serious look.
I returned the next day as soon as the store opened. I was again greeted by Jimmy and Larry (and again offered a bottle of water) and was told without hesitation to stay as long as I want and play all the guitars I wanted. I was even told I could walk behind the counter and just grab any guitar that was hanging on the wall behind the counter if I chose to.
I had every intention of staying the whole day and playing and browsing until my hearts content. (it's a once in a lifetime opportunity for a lefty to be in a store with hundreds of left-handed guitars). I was there several hours when around lunchtime I was asked if I wanted anything for lunch!!!! I was shocked. Not many music stores, much less any place of business offers you lunch!
Never once did they try to push me to buy something or follow me around the store 'harassing' me trying to hard sell me on something. Yes, they would occasionally ask if I had any questions and if I did have a question they spent as much time with me as I needed. But I felt like a king that was basically given free reign to just browse anywhere and play any guitar to my hearts content.
Later I was playing a resonator guitar when out of nowhere Larry walked up with at least 15-20 different slides and put them next to me and said "Here, try out all our slides if you're interested ". Again, I was shocked. I hadn't even asked, but was graciously offered every slide under the sun. (Which I loved because I got to try on various sizes and lengths which helped me figure out which slide worked best for me. So I was very grateful for that)
Several times throughout that day, I was told by either Jimmy or Larry to stay as long as I want and to make sure that I played every guitar they had because that is what they are there for. Never once did I feel like I was overstaying my welcome.
They were more then gracious for every minute of the 8 hours I was a guest in their store. As far as they knew I was only there to browse, it was only until the final hour that I told them I would make a few purchases.
I got to stay 10-15 minutes after they closed the store because Larry wanted to recommend one of Houston best BBQ places where I should eat dinner!! (again, I hadn't asked, I was just going to go to Mcdonalds or something, he just did this out of the blue, out of kindness) He also recommended (and gave me the appropriate maps) of some clubs to visit if I wanted to catch some live music that night!! How cool is that.
I cannot say enough good things about the experience I had at Southpaw guitars and of the generosity shown me by Larry and Jimmy and the other staff members on site.
And as far as the left-handed guitars they have in stock. Literally hundreds, different colors, makes, models, shapes, sizes. Acoustic guitars, electric guitars, classical guitars, bass guitars. Everything. Truly awesome
The one 'downside' of Southpaw Guitars is that their website seems clustered, confusing and dated and in NO WAY does justice to the inventory they have. So don't try to draw any conclusions about the place by the appearance of their website. I admit, their website (and I'm sure they would probably admit) isn't the best
But I honest and truly had magnificent experience.
I would LOVE to visit again someday. A true joy being there. Any left-handers out there even remotely considering going to southpaw guitars, I cannot emphasize this enough---GO THERE!!!! YOU WILL LOVE IT!!!!
