AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 12-String Acoustic Guitars for Advanced 2026
The top pick is Martin Guitar Grand J-16E 12 String ($3,795). Taylor 150ce gives you the most for the money at $1,115. Guild F-512E Natural USA leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 85 models across 21 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width46 mm (1.81")
- Scale645 mm (25.39")
- Frets20 frets
- Strings12-string
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This Martin Grand J-16E is a powerful 12-string with a solid spruce top and rosewood body. The L.R. Baggs pickup makes it ready to play in any setting. It suits players who want big, clear sound without extra knobs.
Pros
- Solid spruce top drives a strong, responsive sound.
- Solid rosewood back and sides add deep, resonant bass.
- L.R. Baggs Element pickup ensures reliable amplification.
Cons
- Heavy weight may cause fatigue during long sessions.
- No built-in volume control or EQ settings included.
73AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Sep 15Sep 15$3,795 now$3,795€3,399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width46 mm (1.81")
- Scale645 mm (25.39")
- Frets20 frets
- Strings12-string
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
You get a dreadnought 12-string with a solid spruce top and solid rosewood back and sides. It has an ebony fingerboard, a bone nut and a case, so it is ready to travel with you. It suits you if you want a full-size 12-string built from solid woods and made in the USA.
Pros
- Solid spruce top gives this 12-string a solid tonewood base
- Solid rosewood back and sides paired with a mahogany neck
- Abalone fingerboard inlays and antique white herringbone binding add detail
Cons
- Its 645 mm scale and dreadnought body make it a large guitar to handle
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,022 now$5,022€4,498 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius382 mm (15.04")
- Strings12-string
- BodySapele body
You get a 12-string acoustic with a Sitka spruce top, sapele back and sides, and a Taylor ES2 pickup. It suits you if you like the sound of a 12-string and plan to play with an amp or PA. The hardshell case helps keep it safe when you travel to gigs.
Pros
- Sitka spruce top is paired with sapele back and sides
- Taylor ES2 pickup lets you plug straight into an amp or PA
- Ebony bridge and Crelicam ebony fingerboard use dark hardwood throughout
Cons
- Twelve strings mean more string changes and tuning than a six-string
73AudioFu
Index↓ 29.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$2,678 · Aug 17$1,887 now$1,887€1,690 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Strings12-string
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This Legacy 855e is a serious 12-string – the solid rosewood back and spruce top combo delivers a lush, full sound that's perfect for fingerstyle players or anyone wanting a warm, resonant 12-string voice. The L.R.Baggs pickup system makes it stage-ready, and the build quality is undeniably Taylor. It's a premium-priced instrument, but the craftsmanship and tone justify the investment for the discerning player.
Pros
- Solid Sitka top delivers rich, complex overtones and impressive projection.
- Rosewood back and sides provide warmth and sustain, characteristic of a high-end instrument.
- L.R.Baggs Element VTC pickup system offers clean, amplified tone without feedback issues.
Cons
- The jumbo body can be a bit unwieldy for players with smaller frames or shorter arms.
- 12-string guitars inherently require more frequent setup and string changes.
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,129 now$4,129€3,698 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.6 mm (1.88")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- Frets20 frets
- Strings12-string
This F-512E is a serious 12-string – the build quality is impeccable, and the tone is just gorgeous, full of shimmer and sustain. It’s a powerhouse for players seeking a traditional, premium-voiced 12-string, perfect for fingerstyle or strumming with a full band. Be prepared for a bit of a workout, though – those 12 strings take some muscle!
Pros
- Solid rosewood back/sides deliver rich, complex overtones.
- AAA Sitka spruce top provides exceptional projection and clarity.
- LR Baggs Anthem system captures the guitar's natural voice faithfully.
Cons
- The jumbo body can be unwieldy for smaller players.
- 12-string guitars demand more frequent setup and string changes.
52AudioFu
Index↓ 2.0%since Aug 17$5,581 · Aug 17$5,470 now$5,470€4,899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Taylor 354ce Studio Special Edition
354ce Studio Special Edition H · Taylor
20 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Strings12-string
This is a 12-string guitar with a solid Sitka spruce top, sapele back and sides, and a Taylor ES-2 pickup. You can plug it into an amp when you want to be heard in a band or on stage. It suits you if you want the extra strings of a 12-string and a guitar that comes with a gig bag for travel.
Pros
- Solid Sitka spruce top gives a strong, well-known tonewood base for this 12-string
- Taylor ES-2 System pickup lets you plug in and play through an amp
- V-class bracing and a chamfered edge add to the solid build
Cons
- At 12 strings, it is a specialist instrument rather than an everyday 6-string
63AudioFu
Index↓ 8.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$2,678 · Aug 17$2,455 now$2,455€2,199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Taylor Next Generation 552ce 12-Fret
552ce 12-Fret Next Generation · Taylor
4 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
- Scale632 mm (24.88")
- Strings12-string
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This guitar feels like a solid, bright instrument with a great balance of volume and clarity. The cedar top and mahogany body give it a warm yet responsive sound that cuts through any mix. It suits players who want reliable tone without needing complex electronics.
Pros
- Solid red western cedar top for bright, punchy tone
- Scalloped V-Class bracing boosts string response and volume
- Taylor Claria pickup system ensures reliable playability
Cons
- Heavy weight may tire players during long sessions
- No onboard EQ controls for custom sound shaping
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Sep 4Sep 4$3,572 now$3,572€3,199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets20 frets
- Strings12-string
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This is a rare 12-string jumbo with a beautiful solid koa top. It comes with a great pickup but is very heavy and has no built-in controls. It suits players who want a unique, hand-signed instrument and plan to use an external amp.
Pros
- Solid Hawaiian koa top and back for rich tone
- Limited run of only 52 pieces worldwide
- Hand-signed by co-founders Bob and Kurt
Cons
- Very heavy due to full solid koa construction
- No built-in volume control or EQ knobs
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Oct 29Oct 29$7,256 now$7,256€6,499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets20 frets
- Strings12-string
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
You get a 12-string dreadnought with a cutaway, a solid heat-treated spruce top, and Taylor's ES-2 pickup with active volume, treble and bass controls. It suits you if you want a 12-string that you can also plug in. The included gig bag and factory strings mean you can start playing right away.
Pros
- Solid torrefied spruce top, a heat-treated wood, for the main body of the guitar
- Taylor Expression System 2 pickup with active volume, treble and bass controls
- NuBone nut and saddle, C-Class Bracing and an ebony fingerboard
75AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,115 now$1,115€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets20 frets
- Strings12-string
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This Taylor plays big and clear thanks to its solid spruce top and V-Class bracing. The Grand Auditorium body shape keeps the sound warm without being too thin. It comes with a built-in pickup so you can play in any room easily. It suits players who want a full, modern voice without extra gear.
Pros
- Solid spruce top with V-Class bracing for strong response
- Grand Auditorium body shape offers balanced tone
- Expression System 2 pickup provides reliable output
Cons
- High price point limits budget-conscious buyers
- No weight listed makes handling feel uncertain
54AudioFu
Index↓ 27.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$3,683 · Aug 17$2,668 now$2,668€2,390 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 85 12-String acoustic guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Guild USA F-512E Maple BlondeGuild44Stable$5,469€4,898$5,469€4,898Check ↗
- 12
Godin A12 Ultra Dlx LightburstGodin49↓ 15.0%$2,846€2,549$2,846€2,549Check ↗
- 13
Taylor 254ce PlusTaylor66Stable$1,562€1,399$1,562€1,399Check ↗
- 14
Furch Red Pure Gc-SR 12 String aFurch42Stable$3,795€3,399$3,795€3,399Check ↗
- 15
Taylor PS54ce HRW/Adi Spruce NGTaylor42Stable$15,965€14,299$15,965€14,299Check ↗
- 16
Takamine EF381DXTakamine · 2 finishes50Stable$2,678€2,399$2,678€2,399Check ↗
- 17
Lakewood D-Blackwood-12 CustomLakewood40Stable$8,038€7,199$8,038€7,199Check ↗
- 18
Lakewood M-31-12 P NaturalLakewood40Stable$3,293€2,949$3,293€2,949Check ↗
- 19
Taylor 250ce-BLK PlusTaylor60Stable$1,785€1,599$1,785€1,599Check ↗
- 20
Maton SRS808 12-StringMaton39Stable$3,750€3,359$3,750€3,359Check ↗
- 21
Maton EM12 12 StringMaton44Stable$2,567€2,299$2,567€2,299Check ↗
- 22
Maton SRS70C-12 w/ CaseMaton41Stable$2,611€2,339$2,611€2,339Check ↗
- 23
Framus Vintage Hootenanny 12 TNFramus · 5 finishes61↓ 14.5%$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 24
Furch Green D-TR 12 a VTC w/GBFurch44Stable$2,344€2,099$2,344€2,099Check ↗
- 25
Maton EMD12Maton41Stable$2,511€2,249$2,511€2,249Check ↗
- 26
Taylor 264ce-K DLXTaylor42Stable$2,232€1,999$2,232€1,999Check ↗
- 27
Guild Westerly Collection F-1512F-1512 Nat Westerly · Guild55↓ 1.0%$1,160€1,039$1,160€1,039Check ↗
- 28
Furch Blue G-SW 12 a w/GBFurch44Stable$1,763€1,579$1,763€1,579Check ↗
- 29
Furch Blue Dc-SW 12 a EAS-VTC w/GBFurch40Stable$1,986€1,779$1,986€1,779Check ↗
- 30
Furch Blue Dc-CM-12 a SPE w/GBFurch42Stable$1,785€1,599$1,785€1,599Check ↗
- 31
Yamaha LL16-12 ARELL 16-12 A.R.E NT · Yamaha48Stable$1,339€1,199$1,339€1,199Check ↗
- 32
Takamine P3DC-12 w/SoftcaseTakamine42↓ 2.1%$1,562€1,399$1,562€1,399Check ↗
- 33
Godin Mahogany Folk 12 Rustic B A/EGodin46Stable$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 34
Ovation 2758-NEB-G 12 String Elite ProOvation41Stable$1,253€1,122$1,253€1,122Check ↗
- 35
Ovation Pro Series 2751AX-5-G Std.BallOvation39Stable$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 36
Takamine G Series GD30CE DreadnoughtGD30CE-12N · Takamine · 2 finishes76↓ 1.0%$552€494$552€494Check ↗
- 37
Ibanez AJ7012M1E ArtwoodAJ7012M1E-BK · Ibanez67↓ 10.5%$419€375$419€375Check ↗
- 38
Ibanez AEG5012 12-StringAEG5012-BKH · Ibanez66Stable$385€345$385€345Check ↗
- 39
Takamine GD74CE-12UGD74CE-12U NAT · Takamine64Stable$1,104€989$1,104€989Check ↗
- 40
Fender California Deluxe Villager ECA DLX Villager E BLK · Fender · 2 finishes62Stable$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 41
DAngelico Premier Fulton LS Matte BlackDAngelico · 4 finishes59Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 42
Gretsch G5022CWFE-12 Rancher Falcon Jumbo 12-String Cutaway with…G5022CWFE-12 Falcon Rancher · Gretsch59↓ 8.0%$718€643$718€643Check ↗
- 43
Takamine GJ72CE-12 BSB G70 Series 12-String Jumbo Cutaway…GJ72CE-12BSB · Takamine59Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 44
Takamine GJ72CE-12 NAT G70 Series 12-String Jumbo Cutaway…GJ72CE-12-Nat · Takamine59Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 45
Harley Benton Custom Line CLJ-412E NTHarley Benton · 5 finishes58Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 46
Yamaha APX700II-12 Thinline Acoustic/Electric Cutaway 12-String…APX700II-12 NT · Yamaha58Stable$948€849$948€849Check ↗
- 47
Fender Tim Armstrong Signature Hellcat-12Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12 · Fender57Stable$557€499$557€499Check ↗
- 48
Guild Westerly Collection D-1212D-1212 Nat Westerly · Guild56Stable$892€799$892€799Check ↗
- 49
Harley Benton Custom Line King-12 CE NTHarley Benton55↓ 10.0%$300€269$300€269Check ↗
- 50
Breedlove Discovery S Conc 12-St CE BSBreedlove · 2 finishes54↓ 50.1%$445€399$445€399Check ↗
12-String Acoustic Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 110 models we track, not a sample.
Median $776 — half of all 12-String acoustic guitars here cost less.
median of 108 models · 45 mm (1.77")–50 mm (1.97")
median of 104 models · 630 mm (24.8")–650 mm (25.59")
median of 73 models · 20–21
median of 108 models · 12-string–12-string
How to choose the best 12-String acoustic guitars
Neck Profile & Width
Advanced players need a neck that feels comfortable and allows for complex chord voicings and intricate fingerpicking. A thin, flimsy neck will fight you, while a super-wide neck can be a wrestling match. We looked for profiles with enough substance without being unwieldy - think vintage D or comfortable C shapes.
String Spacing & Action
12-strings are already a challenge to play. Narrow string spacing makes muting strings a nightmare, while overly high action is just plain uncomfortable. We prioritized guitars with a reasonable string spacing and a setup that allows for comfortable action without excessive fret buzz.
Bracing Pattern & Tone
The bracing is absolutely critical. A poorly braced 12-string will sound boxy, muddy, and lack sustain. We looked for models with responsive bracing patterns that provide clarity, focus, and a balanced tonal spectrum - avoiding that common 'thumpy' low-midrange mess.
Headroom & Dynamics
A 12-string's headroom is its ability to handle a dynamic performance without immediately breaking up. Cheap 12-strings can sound brittle and lifeless when pushed. We favored models that offered a pleasing amount of headroom, allowing for expressive playing without sacrificing clarity.
Pickup Voicing (if applicable)
Many modern 12-strings come with pickups. The voicing matters - a poorly voiced pickup can make a great guitar sound harsh and lifeless. We looked for pickups that complemented the guitar's natural tone, offering a usable amplified signal without coloring the sound too much.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking at a 12-string. Cool. They're beautiful, iconic, and a total pain if you don't know what you're getting into. Forget those beginner models with the flimsy necks and muddy low-end - we're talking serious instruments here, guitars that can deliver that shimmering, complex voicing you hear on classic recordings, and actually hold up to a gig. Let's cut through the noise and find you something that'll inspire you, not frustrate you.
Don't cheap out. Seriously. A 12-string isn't something you want to regret buying.
The compromises on cheaper models - often involving flimsy construction, poor bracing, and a generally unplayable feel - are amplified tenfold with twelve strings. Pay attention to the neck profile; it's going to be your primary interface with the instrument. And get a proper setup - a professional setup is essential for any 12-string, especially one aimed at an advanced player.
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 110 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 acoustics hard to play?
Yes. They're significantly harder than a 6-string, requiring more finger strength and precise technique. The wider neck and closer string spacing demand accuracy.
How often do I need to change strings on a 12-string?
More often than a 6-string! The extra strings mean more friction and more wear. Expect to change them every 20-30 hours of playing, especially if you're gigging.
Can I use any gauge strings on a 12-string?
No. Using strings that are too heavy will put excessive strain on the neck and bridge. Stick to the recommended gauge, typically around .010-.047 or .011-.052.
Why do some 12-strings sound muddy?
Poor bracing is the usual culprit. The bracing pattern determines how the top vibrates, and a bad pattern can lead to a lack of clarity and a boomy low-end.
Are 12-string acoustics suitable for recording?
Absolutely, but with caution. They can add a unique shimmer and complexity to recordings, but they can also easily overwhelm a mix if not handled carefully. Careful EQing and mic placement are essential.
