AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 12-String Acoustic Guitars 2026
The top pick is Takamine G Series GD30CE Dreadnought ($562). Ibanez AEG5012 12-String gives you the most for the money at $388. Gibson J-45 Standard leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 80 models across 22 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
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All 12-String Acoustic GuitarsTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale643 mm (25.31")
- Frets20 frets
- Strings12-string
The GD30CE-12N is a fantastic entry point into the world of 12-string acoustics. It offers a surprisingly balanced sound with that characteristic shimmering chorus, and the built-in tuner is a real convenience. Ideal for singer-songwriters or players wanting a fuller sound without a premium price tag.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a bright, articulate 12-string tone
- Mahogany back and sides provide warmth and sustain
- TP-4TD preamp offers reliable amplification with a built-in tuner
Cons
- 12-string guitars are inherently harder on the fingers, requiring more strength
- Mahogany can sometimes lack the complex overtones of rosewood or maple
69AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$562 now$562€499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets20 frets
- Strings12-string
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
The 150ce 12-string is a solid choice for players wanting that iconic 12-string chime with Taylor's renowned playability. The torrefied top gives it a nicely aged character right out of the box, and the ES-2 system makes it stage-ready. It's a great option for singer-songwriters or anyone looking for a full, vibrant sound without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Solid torrefied spruce top delivers a warm, responsive, and aged tone.
- Taylor ES-2 electronics offer excellent amplified tone with useful EQ controls.
- Sapele laminated back and sides provide structural stability and a balanced sonic foundation.
Cons
- Laminated back and sides limit the ultimate resonance and complexity compared to all-solid wood.
- 12-string guitars can be physically demanding; this one might fatigue less experienced players.
69AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,124 now$1,124€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale647.7 mm (25.5")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- Strings12-string
This guitar uses a real spruce top for a punchy sound, which is great for live gigs. The plastic parts are cheap but hold up okay for the price. It fits players who want a jumbo shape with thick strings and built-in tuning.
Pros
- Solid Sitka spruce top delivers strong projection and attack
- T-bar undersaddle pickup ensures stable, consistent tone
- Large 45 mm nut width aids fretting on thick strings
Cons
- Okoume back and sides lack the resonance of solid wood
- Plastic nut and saddle can affect intonation over time
64AudioFu
Index↓ 10.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$472 · Aug 17$422 now$422€375 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Strings12-string
This J-45 12-string is a serious instrument - it's got that iconic Gibson vibe and a surprisingly versatile voice. The Slim Taper neck makes it more accessible than many 12-strings, and the LR Baggs pickup is a huge bonus for stage work. Ideal for singer-songwriters and players wanting a full, rich sound with a vintage flavor.
Pros
- Solid Sitka top delivers a responsive, articulate, and balanced 12-string tone.
- Mahogany back and sides provide warmth and a focused midrange character.
- LR Baggs VTC pickup offers a natural amplified sound with excellent feedback rejection.
Cons
- 12-string guitars are inherently more demanding to play, requiring stronger fingers.
- The shorter 24.75” scale can feel a little cramped for players with larger hands.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,341 now$3,341€2,969 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width50 mm (1.97")
- Scale643 mm (25.31")
- Strings12-string
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The Framus Hootenanny 12 TN is a seriously good-sounding 12-string. It’s got that classic round-shoulder dreadnought vibe with a warm, full tone that’s perfect for folk, country, or adding some shimmer to your strumming. A great option for players looking for vintage character and solid construction without an exorbitant price tag.
Pros
- Solid Sapele back/sides deliver warm, resonant bass response.
- Sitka spruce top provides excellent projection and clarity.
- Mahogany neck offers comfortable playability and sustain.
Cons
- 12-string guitars are inherently harder on the fingers, requires build-up.
- Sapele can sometimes lack the visual 'bling' of more exotic woods.
61AudioFu
Index↓ 14.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,315 · Aug 17$1,124 now$1,124€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets20 frets
- Strings12-string
The 254ce Plus is a really sweet 12-string—it’s got that signature Taylor chime, but with a richer, more mature voice thanks to the torrefied top. The C-Class bracing really makes it sing, and the ES2 pickup system is fantastic for live performance. It's a premium-priced instrument ideal for singer-songwriters or anyone wanting a versatile, powerful 12-string that’s a joy to play.
Pros
- Solid torrefied spruce top delivers mature, open tone and projection.
- C-Class bracing enhances sustain and clarity, a real Taylor innovation.
- Crelicam ebony fingerboard and TUSQ bridge offer exceptional feel and tone transfer.
Cons
- Rosewood plywood back/sides limit the overall tonal complexity compared to solid wood.
- The 12-string nature demands heavier strings, increasing neck strain for some players.
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,574 now$1,574€1,399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius382 mm (15.04")
- Strings12-string
- BodySapele body
This 354ce 12-string is a seriously refined instrument. Taylor's V-Class bracing really shines here, giving it a remarkably balanced and powerful voice that cuts through a mix. It’s a premium-priced option, perfect for experienced players seeking a high-quality 12-string with excellent amplified capabilities.
Pros
- Sapele back and sides deliver a warm, rich, and focused 12-string tone.
- Sitka spruce top provides excellent projection and dynamic range, responding well to various playing styles.
- Taylor ES2 pickup system offers a natural amplified sound, minimizing the 'quack' often associated with 12-strings.
Cons
- The 12-string construction results in a heavier instrument, potentially fatiguing for extended playing.
- The natural matte finish, while aesthetically pleasing, can be more susceptible to fingerprints and minor scratches.
61AudioFu
IndexStablesince Aug 17$2,700 · Aug 17$2,700 now$2,700€2,399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale634 mm (24.96")
- Strings12-string
This Ibanez is a solid 12-string option for players wanting a bright, amplified acoustic. It's surprisingly playable for a 12-string, thanks to the comfortable neck profile, and the onboard tuner is a real convenience. Ideal for singer-songwriters or anyone wanting a fuller, richer acoustic sound without a premium-priced tag.
Pros
- Spruce top delivers a bright, responsive acoustic tone.
- Okoume back and sides add warmth and projection.
- Ibanez Tbar II pickup provides a usable amplified sound.
Cons
- Okoume can sometimes lack the complexity of mahogany or rosewood.
- The high-gloss finish might feel a little thick for some players.
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$388 now$388€345 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.5 mm (1.87")
- Scale644 mm (25.35")
- Strings12-string
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This GD74CE-12U is a seriously impressive 12-string dreadnought – the solid spruce top really shines, and the maple back keeps things focused. It’s a great option for players wanting a bright, chimey 12-string voice with usable amplification, especially suited for folk, country, or layered textures in a band setting.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a bright, shimmering 12-string tone.
- Maple back and sides provide a balanced, articulate response.
- Takamine TP-3G preamp offers effective, easy-to-use onboard EQ.
Cons
- The 12-string construction makes it noticeably heavier than a standard dreadnought.
- Maple can sometimes lack the warmth of mahogany, requiring EQ adjustment.
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,113 now$1,113€989 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale643 mm (25.31")
- Frets20 frets
- Strings12-string
This Fender CD-140SCE-12 is a great entry point into the world of 12-string guitars. The spruce top gives it that classic shimmer, and the Fishman electronics make it surprisingly versatile for stage or recording. It's a solid choice for singer-songwriters or anyone wanting that lush, layered sound without a premium-priced investment.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers bright, shimmering 12-string tone
- Ovangkol back/sides add warmth and sustain
- Fishman electronics offer surprisingly good amplified sound
Cons
- 12-string guitars are inherently harder on the fingers
- Ovangkol can sometimes exhibit a slightly 'woody' tone initially
59AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$438 now$438€389 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 80 12-String acoustic guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Fender California Deluxe Villager ECA DLX Villager E BLK · Fender · 2 finishes59Stable$505€449$505€449Check ↗
- 12
Harley Benton Custom Line CLJ-412E NTHarley Benton · 5 finishes58Stable$280€249$280€249Check ↗
- 13
Taylor 354ce Studio Special Edition354ce Studio Special Edition H · Taylor58↓ 8.3%$2,475€2,199$2,475€2,199Check ↗
- 14
Takamine GJ72CE-12 BSB G70 Series 12-String Jumbo Cutaway…GJ72CE-12BSB · Takamine56Stable$730€649$730€649Check ↗
- 15
Takamine GJ72CE-12 NAT G70 Series 12-String Jumbo Cutaway…GJ72CE-12-Nat · Takamine56Stable$730€649$730€649Check ↗
- 16
Taylor 250ce-BLK PlusTaylor56Stable$1,799€1,599$1,799€1,599Check ↗
- 17
Breedlove Discovery S Conc 12-St CE BSBreedlove · 2 finishes54↓ 37.6%$562€499$562€499Check ↗
- 18
Yamaha APX700II-12 Thinline Acoustic/Electric Cutaway 12-String…APX700II-12 NT · Yamaha54Stable$955€849$955€849Check ↗
- 19
Fender Tim Armstrong Signature Hellcat-12Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12 · Fender53Stable$562€499$562€499Check ↗
- 20
Guild Westerly Collection F-1512F-1512 Nat Westerly · Guild53↓ 1.0%$1,169€1,039$1,169€1,039Check ↗
- 21
Martin Guitar Grand J-16E 12 stringMartin Guitar · 3 finishes53Stable$3,262€2,899$3,262€2,899Check ↗
- 22
Guild F-512E Natural USAGuild · 3 finishes53↓ 2.0%$5,513€4,899$5,513€4,899Check ↗
- 23
Gretsch G5022CWFE-12 Rancher Falcon Jumbo 12-String Cutaway with…G5022CWFE-12 Falcon Rancher · Gretsch52Stable$787€699$787€699Check ↗
- 24
Guild Westerly Collection D-1212D-1212 Nat Westerly · Guild52Stable$899€799$899€799Check ↗
- 25
Baton Rouge X11LS/F-AB-12 FolkBaton Rouge · 3 finishes50Stable$235€209$235€209Check ↗
- 26
DAngelico Premier Fulton LS Matte BlackDAngelico · 2 finishes50Stable$280€249$280€249Check ↗
- 27
Harley Benton Custom Line King-12 CE NTHarley Benton50Stable$336€299$336€299Check ↗
- 28
Breedlove Artista Pro Concert BA 12 CE WBreedlove50↓ 25.0%$1,012€899$1,012€899Check ↗
- 29
Framus Vintage Hootenanny 12 SB NitroFramus50↓ 17.9%$1,061€943$1,061€943Check ↗
- 30
Takamine EF381DXTakamine · 2 finishes50Stable$2,700€2,399$2,700€2,399Check ↗
- 31
Martin Guitar HD1228Martin Guitar · 2 finishes50Stable$5,062€4,498$5,062€4,498Check ↗
- 32
Taylor Legacy 855eLegacy Edition 855e · Taylor49Stable$4,161€3,698$4,161€3,698Check ↗
- 33
Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-10SCE-12BKSHarley Benton48Stable$280€249$280€249Check ↗
- 34
Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-10SCE-12 w/BagHarley Benton48Stable$291€259$291€259Check ↗
- 35
Harley Benton Cust.Line CLJ-412E 3SB w/CaseHarley Benton48Stable$381€339$381€339Check ↗
- 36
Martin Guitar D-X2E 12-String RosewoodMartin Guitar · 2 finishes48Stable$989€879$989€879Check ↗
- 37
Yamaha LL16-12 ARELL 16-12 A.R.E NT · Yamaha47Stable$1,349€1,199$1,349€1,199Check ↗
- 38
Harley Benton D-200CE-12BKHarley Benton46Stable$123€109$123€109Check ↗
- 39
Harley Benton D-200CE-12NTHarley Benton46Stable$123€109$123€109Check ↗
- 40
Harley Benton D-200CE-12NT w/BagHarley Benton46Stable$134€119$134€119Check ↗
- 41
Harley Benton D-200CE-12BK w/BagHarley Benton46Stable$134€119$134€119Check ↗
- 42
DAngelico Premier Bowery 12 LS VNaturalDAngelico46Stable$280€249$280€249Check ↗
- 43
DAngelico Premier Bowery 12 LS TBCBDAngelico46Stable$280€249$280€249Check ↗
- 44
Harley Benton Cust. Line CLJ-412E 3SB w/BagHarley Benton46Stable$291€259$291€259Check ↗
- 45
DAngelico Premier Fulton Caramel BurstDAngelico46Stable$449€399$449€399Check ↗
- 46
Guild F-2512E Maple Westerly ArchbacGuild · 2 finishes46Stable$667€593$667€593Check ↗
- 47
Godin Mahogany Folk 12 Rustic B A/EGodin46Stable$1,124€999$1,124€999Check ↗
- 48
Ibanez AEG1221-BOTIbanez45↓ 5.3%$440€391$440€391Check ↗
- 49
Godin A12 Ultra Dlx LightburstGodin45↓ 6.7%$3,149€2,798$3,149€2,798Check ↗
- 50
Ibanez PF1512ECE PerformancePF1512-NT · Ibanez · 2 finishes44Stable$252€224$252€224Check ↗
12-String Acoustic Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 103 models we track, not a sample.
Median $899 — half of all 12-String acoustic guitars here cost less.
median of 101 models · 45 mm (1.77")–50 mm (1.97")
median of 97 models · 630 mm (24.8")–650 mm (25.59")
median of 70 models · 20–21
median of 101 models · 12-string–12-string
How to choose the best 12-String acoustic guitars
Bracing Pattern
The single biggest factor. 12-strings need robust bracing. Look for scalloped bracing or X-bracing specifically designed for the increased tension. Weak bracing leads to a muddy, lifeless sound and potential structural issues down the road.
Neck Profile & Width
A wider neck is almost mandatory for comfortable 12-string playing. That's a lot of strings crammed in there! Also, the neck profile needs to feel good in your hand - a chunky C shape might be manageable, but a thin D shape could become a wrist workout quickly.
String Gauge & Setup
Factory setups on 12-strings are often atrocious. High action is common to compensate for the increased tension, but it'll be brutal on your fretting hand. Be prepared to have it professionally set up, and consider lighter gauge strings to ease the strain.
Tonewoods
While any tonewood can work, mahogany tends to offer a warmer, more balanced tone that cuts through the inherent shimmer. Spruce tops are standard, but a Sitka top will generally be brighter and more responsive than a Engelmann top.
Headroom & Breakup
12-strings are inherently prone to breakup. You need a guitar with enough headroom to handle the increased output without sounding brittle or fizzy. A darker voicing often helps tame the high-end chaos and provides a more usable sound.
Buying guide
So, you're thinking about a 12-string? They're gorgeous, no doubt, but they're not just a regular six strung up with extra strings. That shimmering, chorus-like sound is addictive, but it demands a different level of respect - and a different kind of guitar. We'll break down what you need to know before dropping serious cash on one, because a bad 12-string is really bad.
Don't chase the looks alone. A cheap 12-string will likely be a frustrating experience - high action, muddy tone, and a neck that feels like a wrestling match. Spend your money on a well-built instrument with a solid bracing pattern and a comfortable neck.
A good setup is non-negotiable; factor that into your budget. And be realistic - a 12-string isn't a drop-in replacement for a six-string; it's a different beast entirely.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 103 12-String acoustic guitars from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are 12-string guitars hard to play?
Yes, they absolutely can be. The increased tension and wider neck require more finger strength and dexterity. It's not a beginner's instrument.
Can I use the same strings on a 12-string as a six-string?
No. 12-strings need heavier gauge strings to withstand the doubled tension. Using lighter strings will result in a floppy, out-of-tune mess.
Why do 12-string guitars need so much setup?
The increased string tension puts a lot of stress on the neck and bridge. A proper setup ensures the action is manageable and the intonation is accurate.
Are 12-strings good for recording?
They can be amazing! That chorus-like shimmer adds a lot of depth and richness to recordings. But be careful - they can also easily overwhelm a mix if not handled properly.
What's the difference between an 'octave' and a 'course' 12-string?
Most 12-strings use 'courses' - pairs of strings tuned in unison. Octave 12-strings have strings tuned an octave apart, which is a much rarer and more complex design.
