10 Best 12 String Guitar 2025 in the United States

The Fesley 12 String Guitar is a full-size acoustic-electric guitar suitable for both beginners and more experienced players. Crafted with a solid AAA Spruce top, this guitar offers a rich and responsive acoustic sound. The Mahogany back and sides add depth, while the purpleheart fretboard enhances playability. Its cutaway design allows for easy access to higher frets, which is great for versatile playing styles. The neck features a comfortable C-shape, making it suitable for various hand sizes, and the smooth fret ends ensure a comfortable playing experience.

The built-in truss rod and adjustable neck help maintain string tension and adapt to temperature changes, ensuring the guitar remains sturdy and durable. The preamplifier with a 4-band equalizer brings an additional layer of flexibility, allowing you to shape your sound with controls for bass, mid-range, treble, and volume. This makes it a versatile choice for different musical genres and performance settings.

The Fesley 12 String Guitar bundle includes essential accessories like a gig bag, strings, capo, picks, strap, and more, making it a comprehensive starter pack for beginners. One noticeable drawback is the guitar’s weight, at 5.1 pounds, which might be slightly cumbersome for some users, especially beginners. Additionally, the reliance on a 9V battery for the electronics means you will need to keep spare batteries handy. Another potential concern is the plastic-steel nut, which, while efficient in transferring vibrations, may not be as durable as other materials over time. This guitar offers excellent value for both new and experienced players with its high-quality construction, versatile sound options, and comprehensive accessory bundle.

The Yamaha FG820 12-String Solid Top Acoustic Guitar is well-regarded for its quality construction and sound. Featuring a solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides, this guitar delivers a rich, warm tone with excellent resonance. The dreadnought body shape ensures a robust sound projection, making it suitable for various music genres, especially folk and rock.

The rosewood fingerboard and bridge add to its durability and aesthetic appeal, while the diecast tuners help keep the instrument in tune, which is particularly essential for a 12-string guitar where tuning stability can be a challenge. The adjustable truss rod is a handy feature, allowing players to tweak the neck relief for optimal playability, which can be beneficial given the extra tension from the additional strings.

The lack of built-in electronics may be a drawback for those looking to perform amplified, but this also means there are no electronic components to potentially fail over time. Weighing in at 6.82 pounds, it is relatively manageable in terms of weight. This guitar might be particularly appealing to intermediate to advanced players seeking a high-quality, reliable 12-string acoustic guitar without the need for built-in electronics.

The Takamine GD30CE-12 is a well-crafted 12-string acoustic-electric guitar that shines in its category, particularly for players looking for a rich, resonant sound and good electronics for amplification. Its spruce top contributes to a bright and clear tone, while the mahogany back and sides provide warmth and depth, making it appealing for various music styles, especially folk and pop. The ovangkol fingerboard not only looks great but also offers smooth playability, which can be enjoyable for both beginners and more experienced players.

The guitar's TP-4TD preamp system is a notable strength, allowing for easy amplification without sacrificing sound quality. This is great for performers who need to plug in for gigs, as it delivers a balanced tone through an amplifier. The split saddle bone bridge enhances intonation, making it easier to keep the guitar in tune across the fretboard.

The neck width and scale length might be a little challenging for those who are new to 12-string guitars, as they can be wider and may require some adjustment if you’re used to 6-string models. The action may also need some tweaking for optimal playability, as some players have reported it being a bit high out of the box. Furthermore, weighing in at 8 pounds, it can feel a bit hefty during long playing sessions. Ideal for intermediate players or gigging musicians seeking a quality 12-string guitar, the GD30CE-12 offers excellent value and performance in its price range.