10 Best 12 String Acoustic Guitars 2025 in the United States

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.

The Yamaha FG820 12-String Solid Top Acoustic Guitar is a robust option for musicians seeking a rich and resonant sound. The dreadnought body shape provides excellent volume and projection, ideal for both strumming and fingerpicking styles. Its solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides contribute to a warm and balanced tone, making it suitable for a variety of musical genres.

The rosewood fingerboard and bridge add to the guitar’s quality and playability. Diecast tuners ensure stable tuning, which is particularly important for a 12-string guitar that can be more challenging to keep in tune. An adjustable truss rod allows for fine-tuning the neck to achieve the desired action and playability, accommodating different playing styles and preferences.

However, the guitar does not come with built-in electronics, which might be a drawback for performers who need amplification. Additionally, while the nato wood neck is sturdy, some players might prefer a slimmer neck width for easier handling, especially for a 12-string guitar. Weighing 6.82 pounds and with dimensions of 42.5 x 20.7 x 6.1 inches, it is a manageable size for most players. The Yamaha FG820 is a solid choice for those who prioritize acoustic performance and build quality in a 12-string guitar, although performers seeking built-in electronics may need to look elsewhere.

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.