Converting an Epiphone EJ-200 acoustic guitar to left-hand
Note: In this post I refer to “left-handed” and “lefty”. This refers to a guitar which is strung, looking at the guitar face on, with the 1st string on the left and the 6th string on the right.
A customer asked me to convert their brand new Epiphone acoustic to left handed. It seems that Epiphone don’t make a lefty model.
Epiphone EJ-200 to Left-hand conversion
In order to convert it there are a few things that need to be done.
- Nut
- Saddle slot
- Pickguard
- Trim
Preparation
I peeled off the pickguard in order to use it as a pattern for the new one. It came off pretty easily as it was mostly paper with a thin plastic veneer! It did leave a lot of adhesive befind which I cleaned off with lighter fuel.
Nut
I replaced the Epiphone plastic nut with a Tusq one, cut for left-handed stringing of course.
Saddle slot
Old right-hand saddle slot filled and levelled
I measured the distance of the old saddle slot from the front of the bridge at each end and also the depth of the slot and made a note of those measurements. I’d use the same treble and bass spacing and depth for the new saddle slot.
Then I filled the existing slot with a carefully cut piece of rosewood and levelled it with a chisel.
Next, using a 3mm router bit on my Dremel, with a Stewmac router base and a home-made jig, I routed the new slot, a millimeter depth at a time, to the measurements I’d made earlier. A final run through with the router cleaned the base of the slot nicely to accept the new saddle.
I made the new saddle from a piece of bone, using the old one as a pattern. I couldn’t use the old one as it was compensated for right-hand stringing. I profiled the saddle and polished it nice and glossy with micromesh.
New saddle slot and saddle test-fitted
Here’s a picture of the new saddle in its slot.
Pickguard
Copying the tortoiseshell pickguard
I used the old pickguard as a pattern for the reversed copy from self-adhesive faux tortoiseshell sheet. I cut the material with a craft knife before sanding and scraping the edges smooth.
I couldn’t easily reproduce the floral pattern of the old ‘guard but maybe that is a good thing?
Trim
The final tasks were to reposition the strap button on the heel to the other side and fit new side dots on the edge of the fretboard.
The holes for the side dots were drilled using a small jig I made for the purpose so that they are all the same distance from the fretboard edge. I glued in small lengths of 2mm plastic rod before cutting them flush and polishing smooth.
Plastic rod used for side dots
I filled the hole left by the strap button with a maple plug and put a dab of tinted lacquer over it to seal.
Strap button moved to correct side
Comments
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[...] another Epiphone left hand conversion I did recently, this time a natural finish guitar. I invested in a Stewart Macdonald saddle routing [...]
Hi Steve
I have been searching everywhere for a left handed EJ200, and finally found out they do not make them. Im am looking at purchasing one soon. I was wondering how much u charge and if possible to be sent away to you to convert left handed.
Regards
Ross Matthews
Thanks Ross – I have emailed a reply.
Hi Steve, I like Ross would also like to inquire on having my EJ-200 converted to Left Handed. Prices and how long it could take you?
Look forward to hearing from you
Cheers
Denny
Replied by email
how much to setup a lefty ej-200 epiphone acoustic ?? usa sent to okc,oklahoma 73159
Not nearly as much as the shipping each way!
You should really find someone in Oklahoma City.
Hi
amazing work on the guitar,i too would like you to email me how much you charge for this conversion.
many thanks.
Tom
Hi Tom, The cost of the conversion is about £150 including parts.
hi im looking to buy a epiphone ej200VS. but need it turning to a lefty.how long will it take and how much is it please. thankyou steve pennycad hull east yorkshire
Conversion costs around £150 including parts and takes a day or two. I recommend you buy a new one – the one I did this week was second-hand and removing the pickguard left tan lines where the wood had not darkened under the guard. I think that the colour will even out over time though…
So do I post it to you? Then do you post it back?
Yes, can do. But please pack it well, in a case and outer box.
Hi…I’m looking at buying an epiphone acoustic and needing it turning into a lefty. Are u able to do this on any epiphone model? As I am not 100 certain on which one I’m going for just yet. Cheers
Yes, pretty much. Of course I can’t change cutaways or move a preamp!