10 Best 12 String Acoustic Guitars 2025 in the United States

The Guild F-2512E Maple is a solid choice for players looking for a 12-string acoustic guitar with a rich, bright sound. It features a jumbo body shape with an arched back, which helps produce strong volume and sustain—perfect for those who want a full, resonant tone. The mix of a solid spruce top and maple back and sides contributes to its bright, jangly character typical of Guild's 12-string guitars. Its 25.5-inch scale length is fairly standard, making string tension manageable for most players. The neck is made of mahogany with a pau ferro fingerboard, which is smooth and comfortable for chord playing.

The guitar comes equipped with Fishman AP-1 electronics, allowing easy amplification without losing the instrument's natural tone, which is great for live performances. Its satin blonde finish and classic styling, including pearl rosette and tortoiseshell pickguard, give it an attractive vintage look. Weighing around 5.2 pounds, it’s relatively lightweight for its size. Some players might find the brightness of maple tonewoods a bit sharp if they prefer warmer sounds, but it suits those who want clarity and projection.

This guitar is well suited for experienced players or serious enthusiasts who want a loud, clear, and visually striking 12-string acoustic that performs well unplugged and amplified.

The Takamine GD30CE-12 is a solid choice for musicians who appreciate the rich, fuller sound that a 12-string acoustic-electric guitar can provide. Its spruce top contributes to a bright, resonant tone, while the mahogany back and sides add warmth and depth. The Ovangkol fingerboard and neck feel comfortable for playing, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced guitarists alike. With a scale length that offers a balance between playability and sound projection, this guitar is ideal for those who want to explore the unique sound of a 12-string.

One of the highlights of this model is its built-in Takamine TP-4TD preamp system, which allows for easy amplification when performing live. This feature is especially beneficial for players who want to enhance their sound in a band setting. Additionally, the split saddle bone bridge helps in maintaining tuning stability, which is crucial for 12-string guitars that can often go out of tune due to their string tension.

In terms of aesthetics, the gloss natural finish is attractive and showcases the quality of the wood, making it visually appealing on stage or at home. Potential buyers should consider their comfort with its weight and action setup. The Takamine GD30CE-12 offers great features for players looking to dive into the world of 12-string guitars, balancing sound, playability, and amplification needs.

The Takamine GD-37CE PW 12-string Acoustic-electric Guitar is a beautiful instrument that combines both aesthetics and functionality. Its spruce top delivers a bright and resonant sound, making it suitable for players who appreciate clarity in their music. The maple back and sides contribute to a well-balanced tone, which is a plus for achieving rich sound quality. With its mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard, it offers smooth playability and a comfortable grip, which is essential for both beginners and seasoned guitarists. The scale length of 46.9 inches might feel slightly larger than standard guitars, but it provides that extra resonance typical of 12-string guitars, contributing to its fuller sound.

One of its standout features is the built-in electronics, which allow for easy amplification, making it perfect for live performances. Potential buyers should note that the action may require some adjustment to suit individual playing styles, as it can feel a bit high for those used to playing 6-string guitars.

In terms of build quality, the guitar is reasonably sturdy, but with a weight of 11.05 pounds, it might feel a bit heavy for some players, especially during long sessions. The pearl white finish is striking, appealing particularly to those looking for an eye-catching design. This guitar is a solid choice for those seeking a blend of quality sound and visual appeal, but it does come with considerations regarding weight and action that should be taken into account.