Left out, not Left-Handed: Requesting Ibanez to Revive Lefty Guitar Production


Left out, not Left-Handed: Requesting Ibanez to Revive Lefty Guitar Production
The Issue
Ibanez is a well-known and respected brand in the guitar industry, particularly recognized for its diverse range of guitars, including electric, acoustic, and bass models. The brand is often appreciated for its innovative designs, quality craftsmanship, and affordability, making Ibanez guitars popular among musicians at various skill levels.
I acquired my first Ibanez as a teenager and fell in love with its design and playability. Since then, I have exclusively collected and played Ibanez guitars.
Since the 1980s, Ibanez has been a haven for left-handed guitarists, providing a varied selection of southpaw guitars when other brands shunned this segment of the market. However, in the last decade, the variety of left-handed models released by Ibanez has consistently decreased. This trend culminated this year with the disappointing news at NAMM 2024: Ibanez did not announce any new left-handed models.
Approximately 10% of guitarists worldwide are left-handed. This is not an insignificant number, especially considering the multi-billion-dollar value of the guitar market.
We strongly urge Ibanez to expand its range of left-handed guitars across all levels and budgets.
I would like to deliver this petition personally to Ibanez (Hoshino Gakki) when I go to Japan in September 2024.
Sources:
- https://ibanez.fandom.com/wiki/Portal:Left-handed_guitar_models
- https://www.ibanezrules.com/
- https://www.ibanez.com/eu/news/detail/20231124144232.html
- https://www.ibanez.com/usa/products/search/electric_guitars/list/?cf_search_hand=1
- https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/electric-guitars-market

461
The Issue
Ibanez is a well-known and respected brand in the guitar industry, particularly recognized for its diverse range of guitars, including electric, acoustic, and bass models. The brand is often appreciated for its innovative designs, quality craftsmanship, and affordability, making Ibanez guitars popular among musicians at various skill levels.
I acquired my first Ibanez as a teenager and fell in love with its design and playability. Since then, I have exclusively collected and played Ibanez guitars.
Since the 1980s, Ibanez has been a haven for left-handed guitarists, providing a varied selection of southpaw guitars when other brands shunned this segment of the market. However, in the last decade, the variety of left-handed models released by Ibanez has consistently decreased. This trend culminated this year with the disappointing news at NAMM 2024: Ibanez did not announce any new left-handed models.
Approximately 10% of guitarists worldwide are left-handed. This is not an insignificant number, especially considering the multi-billion-dollar value of the guitar market.
We strongly urge Ibanez to expand its range of left-handed guitars across all levels and budgets.
I would like to deliver this petition personally to Ibanez (Hoshino Gakki) when I go to Japan in September 2024.
Sources:
- https://ibanez.fandom.com/wiki/Portal:Left-handed_guitar_models
- https://www.ibanezrules.com/
- https://www.ibanez.com/eu/news/detail/20231124144232.html
- https://www.ibanez.com/usa/products/search/electric_guitars/list/?cf_search_hand=1
- https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/electric-guitars-market

461
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition created on 29 January 2024