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10 Best 12 String Acoustic Guitars 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Yamaha L-Series LL16 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Gig Bag - Natural

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,438
Tonewood
Electronics
Action

Most important from
90 reviews

Tonewood
Its solid Engelmann spruce top with solid rosewood back and sides delivers a rich, resonant sound that users describe as amazing, spectacular, and incredible.
Electronics
The guitar performs excellently when amplified, maintaining its natural tone through systems like the Bose L1 Compact.
Action
The guitar's action and intonation are perfect, allowing for easy barre chords and ensuring all notes are in tune, even at the 20th fret.

The Yamaha L-Series LL16 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a strong contender in the world of acoustic guitars, especially for musicians who appreciate rich, resonant sound in a 12-string setup. Its solid Engelmann Spruce top is treated with a.A.R.E., which enhances the wood's tonal quality and contributes to a warm, vibrant sound. The original jumbo body made with solid rosewood back and sides not only adds to the guitar’s aesthetic appeal but also helps produce deep, rich tones that 12-string players love.

One of the key strengths of this guitar is its playability. The 5-ply neck with a traditional profile allows for comfortable playing, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced guitarists. Additionally, the SRT Zero impact passive pickup system is a great feature for those looking to amplify their sound without compromising the natural tone of the guitar. This is particularly beneficial for performers who play in various settings.

This guitar is well-suited for players who need a reliable, quality instrument that excels in both acoustic and amplified settings. Its craftsmanship is evident, making it a solid choice for musicians seeking a balance of sound quality and playability, although those who prefer a lighter instrument or a more budget-friendly option might want to explore other alternatives.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,438
Tonewood
Electronics
Action

Most important from
90 reviews

Tonewood
Its solid Engelmann spruce top with solid rosewood back and sides delivers a rich, resonant sound that users describe as amazing, spectacular, and incredible.
Electronics
The guitar performs excellently when amplified, maintaining its natural tone through systems like the Bose L1 Compact.
Action
The guitar's action and intonation are perfect, allowing for easy barre chords and ensuring all notes are in tune, even at the 20th fret.
#2

Yamaha FG820 12-String Solid Top Acoustic Guitar

Rating
10.0
Tonewood
Neck Width
Electronics

Most important from
371 reviews

Tonewood
The solid spruce top contributes to a nice tone, with highs, mids, and lows that are pleasing to the ear.
Neck Width
The neck's comfortable size and matte finish provide good grip, contributing to the guitar's playability.
Electronics
The built-in tuner is very easy to use, enhancing the overall convenience for players.
Action
Right out of the box, the action is excellent with no string buzz, making it easy to play bar chords and achieving a nice light touch with the strings.

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.

Rating
10.0
Tonewood
Neck Width
Electronics

Most important from
371 reviews

Tonewood
The solid spruce top contributes to a nice tone, with highs, mids, and lows that are pleasing to the ear.
Neck Width
The neck's comfortable size and matte finish provide good grip, contributing to the guitar's playability.
Electronics
The built-in tuner is very easy to use, enhancing the overall convenience for players.
Action
Right out of the box, the action is excellent with no string buzz, making it easy to play bar chords and achieving a nice light touch with the strings.
#3

Taylor 254ce Plus 12-string Acoustic-electric Guitar

Rating
9.4
Electronics

Most important from
1 reviews

Electronics
The guitar delivers a beautifully full and rich 12-string sound that stands out in both unplugged and amplified settings.

The Taylor 254ce Plus is a 12-string acoustic-electric guitar crafted for players seeking a rich, full-bodied sound and reliable performance both unplugged and amplified. Its spruce top combined with Indian rosewood back and sides offers a bright, clear tone with warm overtones, making it ideal for complex chord work and shimmering 12-string textures. The mahogany neck paired with an ebony fingerboard provides smooth playability and durability.

Its fixed bridge and phosphor bronze strings are typical in 12-string guitars, delivering sustain and a classic bright tone. Being an acoustic-electric, it allows easy connection to amps or PA systems for versatile use during live performances. Weighing nearly 20 pounds, it is on the heavier side, which is common for 12-string guitars and may affect comfort during long sessions.

The natural finish highlights the quality woods, and the included 2-year warranty adds peace of mind. This guitar suits musicians looking for a high-quality 12-string with a balanced, articulate sound and solid craftsmanship, while players are encouraged to try it out to ensure the neck feel and action meet their personal needs.

Rating
9.4
Electronics

Most important from
1 reviews

Electronics
The guitar delivers a beautifully full and rich 12-string sound that stands out in both unplugged and amplified settings.

Buying Guide for the Best 12 String Acoustic Guitars

Choosing the right 12-string acoustic guitar can be a rewarding experience, as these instruments offer a rich, full sound that is distinct from their 6-string counterparts. When selecting a 12-string acoustic guitar, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you find the best fit for your playing style and musical needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and enjoy your guitar for years to come.
Body ShapeThe body shape of a 12-string acoustic guitar affects its sound and playability. Common shapes include dreadnought, jumbo, and concert. Dreadnoughts offer a balanced tone with strong bass, making them versatile for various music styles. Jumbos provide a louder, more resonant sound with enhanced bass, ideal for strumming and playing in larger settings. Concert shapes are smaller and more comfortable to hold, producing a bright, focused tone suitable for fingerpicking. Choose a body shape that matches your playing style and comfort preferences.
TonewoodTonewood refers to the type of wood used in the construction of the guitar, which significantly influences its sound. Common tonewoods include spruce, mahogany, and rosewood. Spruce tops are known for their bright, clear tone and are great for a wide range of music styles. Mahogany offers a warmer, more midrange-focused sound, suitable for blues and folk music. Rosewood provides a rich, complex tone with strong bass and treble, ideal for fingerstyle playing. Consider the type of music you play and the sound you prefer when selecting the tonewood.
Neck WidthThe neck width of a 12-string acoustic guitar affects playability, especially for players with different hand sizes. A wider neck provides more space between the strings, which can be beneficial for fingerpicking and players with larger hands. Conversely, a narrower neck may be more comfortable for players with smaller hands or those who prefer strumming. Try out different neck widths to find the one that feels most comfortable for your hand size and playing style.
Scale LengthScale length is the distance between the nut and the bridge of the guitar, affecting string tension and playability. A longer scale length results in higher string tension, which can produce a brighter tone and more volume but may be harder to play. A shorter scale length offers lower string tension, making the guitar easier to play and producing a warmer tone. Consider your playing comfort and the type of sound you want when choosing the scale length.
ElectronicsSome 12-string acoustic guitars come with built-in electronics, allowing you to amplify your sound for live performances or recording. These electronics typically include a pickup and preamp system. If you plan to perform or record with your guitar, having built-in electronics can be very convenient. Look for features like onboard tuners, EQ controls, and feedback reduction to enhance your playing experience. If you primarily play acoustically, you may not need these features.
ActionAction refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard, affecting playability and comfort. Lower action makes the guitar easier to play, especially for beginners or those who play for extended periods. However, very low action can cause fret buzz. Higher action can produce a cleaner sound but may be harder to play. Consider your playing style and comfort level when choosing the action. Many guitars can have their action adjusted by a professional to suit your preferences.

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