Those who play left handed may want to get a stringed instrument that is the proper design for this. Most guitars have a body shape that works for either left or right hand playing. The ones that have a cut out for reaching the frets need to have that in the correct location for reaching the full range of the neck for a left handed player.
The mandolin and ukulele have very similar body design considerations as the guitar. The violin needs to have the chin rest pad on the proper side for a left handed person to play it comfortably.
String the instrument for left handed play
In many cases, the stringed instrument is very symmetric and can be strung in the reverse layout. Even just a pick guard in the design means you want to get the left handed version. It has to be in the right location for your strum direction while playing. This saves your instrument from the wear of the pick or bow with which you play.
Here is the other thing to consider… you can do the fret work with your dominant hand instead. You might actually be more comfortable doing the simpler strumming motion for your guitar with you non-dominant hand. Intuitively, to me, that makes a lot of sense. IT IS YOUR CHOICE.
Left handed design stringed instruments
These are all built with a body shape meant for left handed play….
Starter electric guitar
Guitar is great for beginner to intermediate guitarist with S S S pickup. Includes 20 Watt amplifier, clip on digital tuner, instruction book, shoulder strap, tremolo bar, strings (Allen wrench tools), and picks.
Starter acoustic-electric guitar
Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides and rolled fingerboard edges for the neck. Includes built-in tuner with great tone and easy to play. Comes with hard case, clip on tuner, strap and strings, instructional DVD, picks, and polishing cloth.
Ukulele
Cutaway design concert ukulele for left handed play good for any level player. Mahogany body with rosewood finger board and bridge that is quality construction. 18 brass frets with fret position marks at 5th, 7th, 9th and 12th frets on neck and top of fingerboard. Includes backpack style gig bag, digital clip on tuner, 4 extra Aquila nylon strings, 4 picks, and cleaning cloth.
Mandolin
Traditional A-style mandolin with a milder tone. Includes picks, straps, tuner, extra string set, padded bag, and pick-up. 1-year guarantee and 24-hour response lifelong customer service. 26.77″H x 10.62″W x 3.5″D
Violin
Solid spruce wood top, maple back, neck and sides with inlaid purfling in antique varnish. Includes Cecilio chromatic tuner, lesson book, lightweight hard case, 2 Brazilwood bows with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, quality rosin cake, adjustable shoulder rest, and an extra bridge. 1 yr manufacturer warrranty. 32″H x 12″W x 5″D