[quote name='OutToPlayJazz' post='602539' date='Sep 18 2009, 08:58 PM']Traditionally, there's no such thing as a left handed instrument. They're a pretty recent development, coming from the popularisation of the guitar.
If you look at the classical world everyone plays the same way, regardless of whether they're right or left handed. Particularly in the string section - Imagine eighty string players hitting each other with bows in opposite hands![/quote]
I remember a guy in Halle orchestra playing a left handed violin. It's uncommon but ot unheard of. Early wind instruments could be played either way without alteration, most string instruments were basically symmetrical and could always be reversed without too much trouble, like the violin bass. It's probably the 'sinister' connotations that prevented wider usage.
[quote]It does nark me that the manufacturers nearly always charge more for the honour of being left handed, though![/quote]
It is annoying. It is a small market though, machines need re-setting, different moulds etc. If players were willing to use symmetrical designs, the price wouldn't be an issue.