We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best 12 String Acoustic Guitars 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,108
Tonewood
Electronics
Action

Most important from
89 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 by1,108
Tonewood
Electronics
Action

Most important from
89 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

Takamine EF400SC TT 12-string Acoustic-electric Guitar - Natural

The Takamine EF400SC TT is a well-crafted 12-string acoustic-electric guitar that suits players looking for rich, full sound and reliable amplification. It features a spruce top, known for bright and clear tones, paired with rosewood back and sides which add warmth and depth to the sound. The neck is made of mahogany, offering a comfortable playing experience with good stability. The rosewood fingerboard is smooth and durable, which helps with playability, especially when working with the slightly wider neck typical of 12-string guitars.

The guitar is equipped with a piezo pickup system, allowing easy connection to amps or recording gear, making it ideal for live performances or studio use. The fixed bridge design helps maintain tuning stability, which is crucial for 12-string guitars that have more tension from extra strings. The guitar’s relatively heavy weight (24 pounds) might be tiring during long playing sessions or gigs.

This Takamine model represents a solid choice for those seeking a natural sound with quality build and electronics, especially suitable for intermediate players who want to explore the lush textures a 12-string guitar offers.

#3

Takamine GD-37CE PW 12-string Acoustic-electric Guitar - Pearl White

Rating
7.9
Action

Most important from
14 reviews

Action
It delivers a beautiful sound and is easy to play, especially for a 12-string guitar.

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.

Rating
7.9
Action

Most important from
14 reviews

Action
It delivers a beautiful sound and is easy to play, especially for a 12-string guitar.

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.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now