About Us
Our company SouthPaw Guitars in Houston Texas is proud to be celebrating 40 years in business this year. We sure have come a long way...
In 1980, Jim Duncan and his friend, Bill Townsend opened a music store called "Traders Corner" then "Gold 'n Guitar Exchange". With $2000, their own individual guitars as stock and no experience, a new business was born.
After selling their own personal guitars, Jim and Bill went about replacing them. This simple need became the stepping stone for a new location. He reasoned that if he was having a tough time finding quality lefty instruments, others were experiencing the same woes. In a quest to fill these needs, SouthPaw Guitars came into being.
With the advent of the guitar show phenomenon, came the availability of quality pre owned left-hand products. Right-handed dealers had no use for these instruments and started seeking Jim out to buy them. Jim began attending guitar shows and advertising in various trade and music magazines to expand his customer base.
In the early 90's Bill, wanting to get out of the urban setting, moved to Austin and established Cedar park Music which had a long run.
SouthPaw now maintains a mailing list of lefty players numbering in the thousands. As the business grows, Jim continues to lobby the manufacturers to build quality instruments for the lefty market. Southpaw Guitars is proud to be an Authorized Fender Dealer work closely with Fender, Gibson, Martin and Taylor to bring a full line of lefty guitars to the market place.
Most companies have already seen the light, and have incorporated lefty models in their regular line of instruments - many with a former 10-15% lefty up charge PRS and Gibson. Others, like Martin and Taylor, have made SouthPaw a left-hand only dealer, selling lefty instruments only with no lefty up charge. Jim will continue searching for new sources.
The History of Southpaw Guitars: A Legacy of Left-Handed Excellence in Houston, Texas
Since its founding in 1980, Southpaw Guitars has grown from a small resale shop in Houston, Texas, to the world’s largest and oldest retailer dedicated exclusively to left-handed guitars and stringed instruments. Located at 5813 Bellaire Blvd in Houston’s vibrant Gulfton neighborhood, Southpaw Guitars has become a global destination for left-handed musicians seeking quality instruments, personalized service, and a community that celebrates their unique needs. In this “About Us” blog post, we’ll take you through the rich history of Southpaw Guitars, its mission to empower left-handed players, and how it continues to shape the music world.
The Origins: A Vision Born from Necessity
Southpaw Guitars was founded by Jim Duncan, a passionate left-handed guitarist who experienced firsthand the challenges of finding quality left-handed instruments in the late 1970s. At the time, left-handed guitars were scarce, often overpriced, and treated as an afterthought by manufacturers and retailers. Determined to change this, Jim opened Gold n Guitar Exchange in 1980, a small shop focused on buying, selling, and trading instruments with a special emphasis on left-handed guitars.
Jim’s vision was simple but revolutionary: create a space where left-handed musicians could find the same variety and quality of instruments as their right-handed counterparts, without the inflated “lefty tax” that was common at the time. His persistence paid off, and by 1985, the shop had outgrown its original location, prompting a move to its current 4,000-square-foot space on Bellaire Boulevard. Renamed Southpaw Guitars, the store became a beacon for left-handed players across Texas and beyond.
Building a Legacy: From Local Shop to Global Icon
Over the decades, Southpaw Guitars has grown into a cultural institution, earning a reputation as the go-to destination for left-handed musicians worldwide. By the 1990s, the store had expanded its inventory to include over 900 left-handed guitars, basses, accordions, and other stringed instruments, making it the largest of its kind. Southpaw’s commitment to quality and fairness also caught the attention of major manufacturers like Gibson, Fender, Martin, and Taylor, who began producing more left-handed models in response to Jim’s advocacy.
One of Southpaw’s proudest moments came in 2013 when Paul McCartney, one of the most iconic left-handed musicians of all time, sourced a left-handed Gibson J185 12-string guitar from the store for his world tour. This high-profile endorsement cemented Southpaw’s status as a trusted supplier for both legendary artists and everyday players. Other notable musicians, including Justin Bieber, have also turned to Southpaw for their left-handed instrument needs, further solidifying its global influence.
A Haven for Left-Handed Musicians
What sets Southpaw Guitars apart is its unwavering focus on the left-handed community. Unlike larger retailers that might carry only a handful of lefty models, Southpaw’s entire inventory is dedicated to left-handed instruments. From Custom Shop Gibson Les Pauls to Fender Stratocasters, Martin acoustics, and Hohner accordions, the store offers an unparalleled selection that caters to players of all skill levels and musical styles. Prices range from $200 for beginner-friendly models to $7,000 for high-end Custom Shop masterpieces, ensuring there’s something for every budget.
Southpaw’s 4,000-square-foot showroom is a visual delight, with rows of vibrant left-handed guitars lining the walls. The store also stocks a wide range of accessories, including strings, picks, guitar bags, cases, and maintenance gear, making it a one-stop shop for musicians. Beyond retail, Southpaw offers repair services and guitar lessons, fostering a supportive environment where players can grow and thrive.
The Southpaw Experience: Community and Expertise
At the heart of Southpaw Guitars is its commitment to personalized service. Jim Duncan, along with his dedicated team, including staff member Omar Ibarra, brings decades of expertise and a genuine passion for music to every customer interaction. Reviews from customers highlight the store’s welcoming, family-like atmosphere, with many praising the staff’s patience and deep knowledge of left-handed instruments. Whether you’re a beginner picking out your first guitar or a seasoned pro seeking a custom-built masterpiece, Southpaw’s team is there to guide you every step of the way.
Southpaw’s impact extends beyond Houston through its robust online presence. The store’s website, southpawguitars.com, allows customers worldwide to browse and purchase from its extensive inventory. Despite its global reach, Southpaw remains deeply rooted in the Houston community, contributing to the cultural fabric of the Gulfton neighborhood and supporting local musicians.
Advocating for Change in the Industry
One of Southpaw Guitars’ most significant contributions to the music world is its role in advocating for left-handed players. In the early days, left-handed guitars often came with a 10% markup compared to right-handed models, a practice Jim Duncan worked tirelessly to eliminate. By building relationships with manufacturers and demonstrating the demand for lefty instruments, Southpaw helped level the playing field, making high-quality guitars more accessible and affordable for left-handed musicians.
This advocacy continues today, as Southpaw collaborates with brands to expand their left-handed offerings. The store’s influence has helped normalize the production of left-handed models, ensuring that future generations of southpaw players have more options than ever before.
Looking to the Future
As Southpaw Guitars enters its fifth decade, it remains committed to its founding mission: empowering left-handed musicians with the tools they need to create and perform. With an ever-growing inventory, a passionate team, and a loyal customer base, Southpaw continues to be a trailblazer in the music industry. Whether you’re in Houston or halfway across the globe, Southpaw Guitars invites you to visit their store or website to experience the joy of playing a left-handed instrument designed just for you.
Visit Southpaw Guitars Today
If you’re a left-handed musician looking for your dream guitar, Southpaw Guitars at 5813 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, Texas, is the place to go. Open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM, the store offers a welcoming space to explore, play, and find the perfect instrument. Can’t make it to Houston? Visit southpawguitars.com to shop online or connect with the team for personalized assistance. Join the thousands of left-handed players who have made Southpaw Guitars their musical home and discover why it’s more than just a store—it’s a legacy.
