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AudioFu Chart · November 2026

Best 12-String Acoustic Guitars for Intermediate 2026

The top pick is Takamine G Series GD30CE Dreadnought ($552). Ibanez AEG5012 12-String gives you the most for the money at $385. Taylor 150ce leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 85 models across 21 brands, prices checked every night.

Last updated: November 8, 2026

85models in this chart
21brands
$776median price
22price drops since Aug

Narrow the chart

All 12-String Acoustic Guitars Showing: For Intermediate · clear

Top 10

Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.

  1. Takamine G Series GD30CE Dreadnought

    GD30CE-12N · Takamine

    64 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann

    • Nut width48 mm (1.89")
    • Scale643 mm (25.31")
    • Frets20 frets
    • Strings12-string

    You get a 12-string dreadnought with a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a cutaway that lets you reach the higher frets. The built-in Takamine TP-4TD preamp and tuner make it easy to plug in and check your tuning. It suits you if you want a 12-string you can play acoustically or plug into an amp.

    Pros

    • Solid spruce top gives this guitar a solid tonewood foundation
    • Built-in Takamine TP-4TD preamp with tuner for easy plugged-in playing
    • Quartersawn x Bracing adds build detail to the top
    76AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand99
    • Lineup61
    • Price53
    • Specs57
    • Maker76
    ↓ 1.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far
    $557 · Aug 17$552 now
    $552€494 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  2. Taylor 150ce

    Taylor

    67 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • 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
    Index
    • Demand100
    • Lineup39
    • Price50
    • Specs71
    • Maker86
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$1,115 now
    $1,115€999 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  3. Ibanez AJ7012M1E Artwood

    AJ7012M1E-BK · Ibanez

    13 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Nut width48 mm (1.89")
    • Scale647.7 mm (25.5")
    • Frets20 frets
    • Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
    • Strings12-string

    This is a 12-string acoustic with a solid Sitka spruce top, a built-in pickup and preamp, and balanced XLR and 1/4" outputs. It suits you if you want a 12-string that can plug straight into a sound system or recording setup. The built-in tuner makes it easy to check your tuning as you play.

    Pros

    • Solid Sitka spruce top, with Okoume body and Nyatoh neck
    • Ibanez AEQ-TP2 preamp with integrated tuner and volume, bass, treble controls
    • Balanced XLR and 1/4" outputs for connecting to a PA or recording gear
    67AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand63
    • Lineup39
    • Price82
    • Specs100
    • Maker72
    ↓ 10.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far
    $468 · Aug 17$419 now
    $419€375 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  4. Ibanez AEG5012 12-String

    AEG5012-BKH · Ibanez

    48 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Nut width45 mm (1.77")
    • Scale634 mm (24.96")
    • Strings12-string

    This is a 12-string acoustic with a spruce top and a cutaway, so you can reach the upper frets. It has an Ibanez T-bar II pickup and a preamp with a built-in tuner, which helps when you plug in to play with a band. It suits you if you want a 12-string you can play amplified and tune without adding extra gear.

    Pros

    • Spruce top with Okoume back and sides
    • Ibanez T-bar II pickup paired with the AEQTTS preamp
    • Preamp system includes a built-in tuner

    Cons

    • No case or gig bag is included
    66AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand92
    • Lineup39
    • Price50
    • Specs43
    • Maker72
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$385 now
    $385€345 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  5. Takamine GD74CE-12U

    GD74CE-12U NAT · Takamine

    30 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Nut width47.5 mm (1.87")
    • Scale644 mm (25.35")
    • Strings12-string
    • FingerboardLaurel fingerboard

    This is a 12-string dreadnought with a cutaway, a solid spruce top, and maple back and sides. You get a built-in Takamine TP-3G preamp with volume, bass, mid and treble controls, so you can shape your tone without extra gear. It suits you if you want a 12-string that plugs in and comes with a gig bag.

    Pros

    • Solid spruce top is the main tonewood of this guitar
    • Double X bracing supports the solid spruce top
    • Built-in Takamine TP-3G preamp with volume, bass, mid and treble controls

    Cons

    • Twelve strings mean more work when tuning and changing strings than on a six-string
    64AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand81
    • Lineup39
    • Price50
    • Specs57
    • Maker76
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$1,104 now
    $1,104€989 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  6. Fender California Deluxe Villager E

    CA DLX Villager E BLK · Fender

    13 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann

    • Nut width47 mm (1.85")
    • Scale629 mm (24.76")
    • Frets20 frets
    • Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
    • Strings12-string

    This guitar uses a solid spruce top and mahogany body for a bright yet warm sound. The Fishman preamp helps it play well through an amp without sounding thin. It has a slim neck that feels easy to reach any fret. It suits players who want a clear tone on stage without spending a fortune.

    Pros

    • Solid spruce top delivers strong projection for the price
    • Mahogany body adds warmth and mid-range clarity
    • Fishman CD-1 preamp gives clear, balanced amplified tone

    Cons

    • No specific body depth listed, may feel heavy
    • Ivory pickguard can scratch easily and look cheap
    62AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand63
    • Lineup61
    • Price50
    • Specs86
    • Maker48
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$501 now
    $501€449 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  7. Framus Vintage Hootenanny 12 TN

    Framus

    Not on Reverb yet5 finishes at Thomann

    • 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
    • Demand30
    • Lineup100
    • Price94
    • Specs57
    • Maker67
    ↓ 14.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far
    $1,305 · Aug 17$1,115 now
    $1,115€999 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  8. DAngelico Premier Fulton Aged Burst

    DAngelico

    3 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann

    • Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
    • Scale635 mm (25")
    • Frets20 frets
    • Neck profileC-shape neck
    • Strings12-string

    The Fulton Aged Burst is a surprisingly capable 12-string for the price. It's got that classic D’Angelico vibe with a pleasant, balanced tone, and the Fishman pickup makes it gig-ready. This is a solid choice for players wanting that rich 12-string sound without the premium price tag – especially good for folk and Americana styles.

    Pros

    • Spruce top delivers bright, shimmering 12-string chime.
    • Sapeli laminate back provides warmth and projection.
    • Fishman Sonitone pickup offers respectable amplified performance.

    Cons

    • Laminated back/sides limit the overall tonal complexity.
    • Nut width (47.6mm) may be wide for some players.
    59AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand33
    • Lineup90
    • Price50
    • Specs86
    • Maker76
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$445 now
    $445€399 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  9. Gretsch G5022CWFE-12 Rancher Falcon Jumbo 12-String Cutaway with…

    G5022CWFE-12 Falcon Rancher · Gretsch

    21 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
    • Scale635 mm (25")
    • Frets21 frets
    • Strings12-string

    The Falcon Rancher 12-string is a fun, visually striking instrument. It’s a great option for players wanting that iconic Gretsch vibe and a full 12-string sound without a premium price tag—perfect for singer-songwriters and rhythm players looking for a little extra sparkle.

    Pros

    • Solid spruce top delivers bright, shimmering 12-string tone
    • Fishman Isys+ provides a usable, amplified sound for stage
    • Mahogany neck offers comfortable playability and warmth

    Cons

    • Laminated maple back/sides limit overall resonance and sustain
    • 47.6mm nut width can feel cramped for players with larger hands
    59AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand73
    • Lineup39
    • Price74
    • Specs57
    • Maker24
    ↓ 8.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far
    $780 · Aug 17$718 now
    $718€643 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  10. Takamine GJ72CE-12 BSB G70 Series 12-String Jumbo Cutaway…

    GJ72CE-12BSB · Takamine

    17 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
    • Scale644 mm (25.35")
    • Frets20 frets
    • Strings12-string

    The GJ72CE-12BSB is a fantastic 12-string offering a lot of bang for your buck. It’s got a lovely, clear voice, a comfortable neck, and a reliable pickup system for stage work. This is a great choice for singer-songwriters or players wanting a shimmering, full sound without a premium-priced investment.

    Pros

    • Solid spruce top delivers a bright, resonant, and articulate tone.
    • Quartersawn X-bracing enhances projection and structural stability.
    • Takamine TK-40D preamp offers excellent feedback resistance and accurate amplification.

    Cons

    • 12-string guitars inherently have higher string tension, requiring more finger strength.
    • Jumbo body can be unwieldy for smaller players or those preferring a more compact instrument.
    59AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand69
    • Lineup39
    • Price50
    • Specs57
    • Maker76
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$725 now
    $725€649 at Thomann · in stock
    Check 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.

  1. 11
    Takamine GJ72CE-12 NAT G70 Series 12-String Jumbo Cutaway…GJ72CE-12-Nat · Takamine
    Index 59Stable
    59
    Stable$725€649
    $725€649Check ↗
  2. 12
    Yamaha APX700II-12 Thinline Acoustic/Electric Cutaway 12-String…APX700II-12 NT · Yamaha
    Index 58Stable
    58
    Stable$948€849
    $948€849Check ↗
  3. 13
    Fender Tim Armstrong Signature Hellcat-12Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12 · Fender
    Index 57Stable
    57
    Stable$557€499
    $557€499Check ↗
  4. 14
    Guild Westerly Collection D-1212D-1212 Nat Westerly · Guild
    Index 56Stable
    56
    Stable$892€799
    $892€799Check ↗
  5. 15
    Breedlove Discovery S Conc 12-St CE BSBreedlove · 2 finishes
    Index 54↓ 50.1%
    54
    ↓ 50.1%$445€399
    $445€399Check ↗
  6. 16
    Harley Benton Custom Line CLJ-412E LH w/BagHarley Benton · 5 finishes
    Index 58Stable
    58
    Stable$345€309
    $345€309Check ↗
  7. 17
    Breedlove Discovery S CN SAT. BLK DBL12Breedlove
    Index 50↓ 44.4%
    50
    ↓ 44.4%$496€444
    $496€444Check ↗
  8. 18
    Breedlove Pursuit EX S Concert SW 12Breedlove
    Index 50↓ 50.6%
    50
    ↓ 50.6%$496€444
    $496€444Check ↗
  9. 19
    Breedlove Artista Pro Concert BA 12 CE WBreedlove
    Index 50↓ 41.7%
    50
    ↓ 41.7%$780€699
    $780€699Check ↗
  10. 20
    Framus Vintage Hootenanny 12 SB NitroFramus
    Index 50↓ 17.9%
    50
    ↓ 17.9%$1,053€943
    $1,053€943Check ↗
  11. 21
    DAngelico Premier Fulton Caramel BurstDAngelico
    Index 48Stable
    48
    Stable$445€399
    $445€399Check ↗
  12. 22
    Martin Guitar D-X2E 12-String RosewoodMartin Guitar · 2 finishes
    Index 48Stable
    48
    Stable$981€879
    $981€879Check ↗
  13. 23
    Baton Rouge X11S/FC-12Baton Rouge · 3 finishes
    Index 50Stable
    50
    Stable$367€329
    $367€329Check ↗
  14. 24
    Harley Benton Cust.Line CLJ-412E 3SB w/CaseHarley Benton
    Index 48Stable
    48
    Stable$378€339
    $378€339Check ↗
  15. 25
    Guild F-2512E Maple Westerly ArchbacGuild · 2 finishes
    Index 46Stable
    46
    Stable$662€593
    $662€593Check ↗
  16. 26
    ESP LTD TL-12LTD TL-12 BK · ESP
    Index 46Stable
    46
    Stable$836€749
    $836€749Check ↗
  17. 27
    Godin Mahogany Folk 12 Rustic B A/EGodin
    Index 46Stable
    46
    Stable$1,115€999
    $1,115€999Check ↗
  18. 28
    Ibanez AEG1221-BOTIbanez
    Index 45↓ 5.3%
    45
    ↓ 5.3%$437€391
    $437€391Check ↗
  19. 29
    Ibanez AW8412CE ArtwoodAW8412CE-WK · Ibanez
    Index 48Stable
    48
    Stable$367€329
    $367€329Check ↗
  20. 30
    Baton Rouge X34S/D-12Baton Rouge
    Index 42Stable
    42
    Stable$479€429
    $479€429Check ↗
  21. 31
    Baton Rouge AR61S/ACEC-12Baton Rouge
    Index 42Stable
    42
    Stable$725€649
    $725€649Check ↗
  22. 32
    Guild D-2612CE Deluxe ATBGuild
    Index 42Stable
    42
    Stable$776€695
    $776€695Check ↗
  23. 33
    Ibanez AW5412CE-OPN ArtwoodIbanez
    Index 41Stable
    41
    Stable$466€417
    $466€417Check ↗
  24. 34
    Yamaha FG820-12 NTIIYamaha
    Index 41Stable
    41
    Stable$512€459
    $512€459Check ↗
  25. 35
    Ovation Celebrity Elite CE4412-5-GOvation
    Index 41Stable
    41
    Stable$608€545
    $608€545Check ↗
  26. 36
    Ovation Pro Series Elite 2058-TX-5-GOvation
    Index 41Stable
    41
    Stable$948€849
    $948€849Check ↗
  27. 37
    Harley Benton Custom Line King-12 CE NTHarley Benton
    Index 55↓ 10.0%
    55
    ↓ 10.0%$300€269
    $300€269Check ↗
  28. 38
    Harley Benton CLG-70SR CE 12 SBKHarley Benton
    Index 48Stable
    48
    Stable$334€299
    $334€299Check ↗
  29. 39
    Ovation Pro Series 2751AX-5-G Std.BallOvation
    Index 39Stable
    39
    Stable$1,115€999
    $1,115€999Check ↗
  30. 40
    Ibanez PF1512ECE PerformancePF1512ECE-NT · Ibanez · 2 finishes
    Index 48↓ 4.1%
    48
    ↓ 4.1%$316€283
    $316€283Check ↗
  31. 41
    Martin Guitar Grand J-16E 12-StringMartin Guitar · 3 finishes
    Index 80↓ 31.1%
    80
    ↓ 31.1%$2,231€1,998
    $2,231€1,998Check ↗
  32. 42
    Applause Traditional AB2412-5SApplause
    Index 36Stable
    36
    Stable$372€333
    $372€333Check ↗
  33. 43
    Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-10SCE-12 w/BagHarley Benton
    Index 48Stable
    48
    Stable$289€259
    $289€259Check ↗
  34. 44
    DAngelico Premier Bowery 12 LS VNaturalDAngelico
    Index 48Stable
    48
    Stable$278€249
    $278€249Check ↗
  35. 45
    Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-10SCE-12BKSHarley Benton
    Index 48Stable
    48
    Stable$278€249
    $278€249Check ↗
  36. 46
    DAngelico Premier Bowery 12 LS TBCBDAngelico
    Index 48Stable
    48
    Stable$278€249
    $278€249Check ↗
  37. 47
    Harley Benton Cust. Line CLJ-412E 3SB w/BagHarley Benton
    Index 46Stable
    46
    Stable$289€259
    $289€259Check ↗
  38. 48
    Taylor 354ce Studio Special Edition354ce · Taylor
    Index 73↓ 29.5%
    73
    ↓ 29.5%$1,887€1,690
    $1,887€1,690Check ↗
  39. 49
    DAngelico Premier Fulton LS Aged MahDAngelico
    Index 41Stable
    41
    Stable$278€249
    $278€249Check ↗
  40. 50
    Taylor 254ce PlusTaylor
    Index 66Stable
    66
    Stable$1,562€1,399
    $1,562€1,399Check ↗

12-String Acoustic Guitars by the numbers

Measured across all 110 models we track, not a sample.

Price distribution

Median $776 — half of all 12-String acoustic guitars here cost less.

4
18
20
21
21
17
8
1
<$150$150–300$300–500$500–1k$1k–2k$2k–5k$5k–10k$10k+
Nut width47.6 mm (1.88")

median of 108 models · 45 mm (1.77")–50 mm (1.97")

Scale647 mm (25.47")

median of 104 models · 630 mm (24.8")–650 mm (25.59")

Frets20

median of 73 models · 20–21

Strings12-string

median of 108 models · 12-string–12-string

How to choose the best 12-String acoustic guitars

Playability

12-strings are inherently tougher on the fingers. Neck profile, string gauge, and action are absolutely critical for an intermediate player to avoid frustration and injury. A chunky neck or high action will make barre chords feel like a workout.

String Spacing

The wider string spacing on a 12-string can be a hurdle. It demands a bit more precision, especially when fingerpicking. Models with a slightly wider nut width (1 7/8" or even 2") can be a lifesaver.

Bracing & Tone

The added tension of 12 strings puts a lot of stress on the top. Good bracing is essential for preventing sinking and maintaining structural integrity. We're looking for a balanced tone - not overly boomy or brittle, with some sustain and a touch of that shimmering complexity without being muddy.

Headroom & Breakup

A 12-string's headroom is lower than a 6-string's; it'll start to breakup sooner when driven. This can be a good thing for a warm, vintage vibe, but it also means you need to be mindful of dynamics and how it sits in a band context. Too much breakup can quickly become a mess.

Pickup Voicing (if applicable)

Many intermediate players will want to plug in for rehearsals or smaller gigs. The pickup voicing needs to be natural and retain the 12-string's unique character, not turning it into a generic acoustic sound. Avoid overly bright or harsh pickups.

Buying guide

So, you're thinking about stepping up to a 12-string? It's a beautiful thing - that shimmering chorus, the extra harmonic complexity - but it's not just a regular acoustic with extra strings. For the intermediate player, the challenge isn't just learning to strum it, it's finding an instrument that's playable and won't leave your fingers shredded. Let's break down some solid options that won't break the bank or your wrist.

Don't chase the cheapest option; 12-strings take a beating. A solid top (Sitka or Engelmann) is a must, and don't be afraid to spend a little more on a comfortable neck profile. Playability trumps aesthetics every time.

Look out for overly thick finishes which can dampen the top's resonance; a satin finish is often preferable. Finally, consider the case - these guitars are more fragile than their 6-string counterparts.

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 harder to play than 6-strings?

Absolutely. The increased string tension and closer string spacing demand more finger strength and precision. It's a definite learning curve, so start slow and build calluses.

What string gauge should I use on a 12-string?

Stick with lighter gauge strings initially - typically around .010-.047. Heavier strings will make it even tougher to play and can put excessive stress on the neck.

Can I use a capo on a 12-string?

You can, but be cautious. The added tension can make the neck warp over time, especially on less expensive models. Use it sparingly and only in the lower frets.

How do I keep a 12-string in tune?

12-strings are notorious for tuning instability. Invest in quality locking tuners - they'll make a significant difference. Regular setup adjustments are also crucial.

Will a 12-string cut through a band mix?

It can, but it's not a given. The added strings provide more harmonic content, which can help it stand out. However, it's also prone to muddiness, so EQ and careful monitoring are essential.

Related charts

#1 · AudioFu Index 76Takamine G Series GD30CE Dreadnought · $552€494
Check price ↗
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