AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 12-String Acoustic Guitars for Professional 2026
The top pick is Taylor PS54ce HRW/Adi Spruce NG ($16,091). Taylor 150ce gives you the most for the money at $1,124. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 80 models across 22 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Strings12-string
This guitar plays loud thanks to the Adirondack spruce top. The Venetian cutaway lets you reach high notes easily. It comes with Taylor's Claria pickup for solid amplification. Great for players who want big sound and a classic shape.
Pros
- Solid Adirondack spruce top for huge volume
- Grand Auditorium shape with Venetian cutaway
- Taylor Claria System pickup included
Cons
- No fret count listed in description
- Heavy solid wood construction likely
42AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$16,091 now$16,091€14,299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale630 mm (24.8")
- Frets19 frets
- Strings12-string
This is a serious instrument for players who want a deep, resonant sound. The solid blackwood body and spruce top create a rich tone that stands out. However, the 12 strings make it hard to play solo. It suits stage musicians who need reliable pickup clarity.
Pros
- Solid Adirondack spruce top for bright, powerful tone
- Heavy blackwood back and sides add depth and sustain
- L.R. Baggs HiFi pickup system delivers clean signal
Cons
- 12-string setup is notoriously difficult to play
- No specific weight listed makes handling uncertain
40AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$8,101 now$8,101€7,199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.6 mm (1.88")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- Frets20 frets
- Strings12-string
This F512 ATB is a serious 12-string – a beautifully crafted instrument with a powerful voice. The solid rosewood and Sitka spruce combo really sings, and the LR Baggs Anthem pickup delivers a stage-ready amplified tone. It’s ideal for experienced players seeking a premium 12-string with a vintage vibe and exceptional build quality.
Pros
- Solid rosewood back/sides deliver rich, complex overtones and sustain
- AAA Sitka spruce top provides exceptional projection and clarity
- LR Baggs Anthem pickup system captures nuanced 12-string tone faithfully
Cons
- The jumbo body can be unwieldy for players with smaller frames
- High-end 12-string construction makes it a premium-priced instrument
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,625 now$5,625€4,999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
- Scale650.9 mm (25.63")
- Frets20 frets
- Strings12-string
This F-512E is a serious 12-string – the tone is rich and complex, perfect for folk, country, or adding shimmer to rock. The build quality is impeccable, typical of Guild’s USA instruments, and the LR Baggs pickup makes it stage-ready. It’s a premium-priced instrument ideal for experienced players seeking a high-end, resonant 12-string.
Pros
- Solid Sitka top delivers exceptional clarity and projection.
- Flamed maple back/sides provide warmth and focused overtones.
- LR Baggs pickup system offers clean, amplified sound quality.
Cons
- 12-string guitars inherently have higher string tension, requiring more effort to play.
- The blonde finish can be more susceptible to wear and tear compared to darker finishes.
44AudioFu
IndexStablesince Aug 17$5,508 · Aug 17$5,512 now$5,512€4,898 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width46 mm (1.81")
- Scale645 mm (25.39")
- Frets20 frets
- Strings12-string
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This HD1228 LH is a serious instrument for the experienced 12-string player. The all-solid wood construction gives it a rich, complex tone that really sings, and the left-handed configuration makes it accessible for a niche market. It's a beautiful, powerful guitar ideal for stage or studio work where tonal depth and projection are paramount.
Pros
- Solid rosewood back & sides deliver exceptional resonance and sustain.
- Spruce top provides a bright, responsive voice perfect for complex 12-string voicings.
- Ebony fingerboard offers smooth playability and crisp note definition.
Cons
- 12-string guitars inherently demand higher action and more finger strength.
- The dreadnought body can be unwieldy for smaller players or those seeking portability.
50AudioFu
IndexStablesince Aug 17$5,265 · Aug 17$5,265 now$5,265€4,679 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.
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,161 now$4,161€3,698 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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.
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Sep 15Sep 15$3,825 now$3,825€3,399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- Frets20 frets
- Strings12-string
This Furch Red Pure is a serious 12-string, built for players who demand the very best. The combination of the Master Grade spruce and rosewood delivers a powerful, balanced voice that's perfect for fingerstyle or strumming, and the Zirikote fingerboard feels incredible. It's a premium-priced instrument ideal for experienced players who appreciate exceptional craftsmanship and tonal complexity.
Pros
- Master Grade spruce top delivers exceptional clarity and projection.
- Solid rosewood back/sides offer rich, complex overtones and sustain.
- Zirikote fingerboard provides a uniquely smooth and responsive playing feel.
Cons
- 12-string guitars inherently have higher string tension, demanding more playing strength.
- Rosewood is becoming increasingly regulated, impacting future resale value potentially.
42AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,825 now$3,825€3,399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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
44AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Sep 4Sep 4$3,600 now$3,600€3,199 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 ↗
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
Gibson J-45 StandardJ-45 Standard 12 String VSB · Gibson64Stable$3,341€2,969$3,341€2,969Check ↗
- 12
Framus Vintage Hootenanny 12 TNFramus · 5 finishes61↓ 14.5%$1,124€999$1,124€999Check ↗
- 13
Taylor 254ce PlusTaylor61Stable$1,574€1,399$1,574€1,399Check ↗
- 14
Taylor 354ce Studio Special Edition354ce · Taylor61Stable$2,700€2,399$2,700€2,399Check ↗
- 15
Takamine GD74CE-12UGD74CE-12U NAT · Takamine60Stable$1,113€989$1,113€989Check ↗
- 16
Taylor 354ce Studio Special Edition354ce Studio Special Edition H · Taylor58↓ 8.3%$2,475€2,199$2,475€2,199Check ↗
- 17
Taylor 250ce-BLK PlusTaylor56Stable$1,799€1,599$1,799€1,599Check ↗
- 18
Guild Westerly Collection F-1512F-1512 Nat Westerly · Guild53↓ 1.0%$1,169€1,039$1,169€1,039Check ↗
- 19
Takamine EF381DXTakamine · 2 finishes50Stable$2,700€2,399$2,700€2,399Check ↗
- 20
Framus Vintage Hootenanny 12 SB NitroFramus50↓ 17.9%$1,061€943$1,061€943Check ↗
- 21
Yamaha LL16-12 ARELL 16-12 A.R.E NT · Yamaha47Stable$1,349€1,199$1,349€1,199Check ↗
- 22
Yamaha APX700II-12 Thinline Acoustic/Electric Cutaway 12-String…APX700II-12 NT · Yamaha54Stable$955€849$955€849Check ↗
- 23
Takamine G Series GD30CE DreadnoughtGD30CE-12B · Takamine · 2 finishes69Stable$595€529$595€529Check ↗
- 24
Godin Mahogany Folk 12 Rustic B A/EGodin46Stable$1,124€999$1,124€999Check ↗
- 25
Breedlove Artista Pro Concert BA 12 CE WBreedlove50↓ 25.0%$1,012€899$1,012€899Check ↗
- 26
Godin A12 Ultra Dlx LightburstGodin45↓ 6.7%$3,149€2,798$3,149€2,798Check ↗
- 27
Furch Blue G-SW 12 aFurch44Stable$1,518€1,349$1,518€1,349Check ↗
- 28
Furch Green D-TR 12 a VTC w/GBFurch44Stable$2,362€2,099$2,362€2,099Check ↗
- 29
Guild Westerly Collection D-1212D-1212 Nat Westerly · Guild52Stable$899€799$899€799Check ↗
- 30
Martin Guitar D-X2E 12-String RosewoodMartin Guitar · 2 finishes48Stable$989€879$989€879Check ↗
- 31
Takamine P3DC-12 w/SoftcaseTakamine42↓ 2.1%$1,574€1,399$1,574€1,399Check ↗
- 32
Furch Blue Dc-CM-12 a SPE w/GBFurch42Stable$1,799€1,599$1,799€1,599Check ↗
- 33
Taylor 264ce-K DLXTaylor42Stable$2,249€1,999$2,249€1,999Check ↗
- 34
Ovation 2758-NEB-G 12 String Elite ProOvation41Stable$1,263€1,122$1,263€1,122Check ↗
- 35
Furch Blue Dc-SW 12 a EAS-VTC w/GBFurch40Stable$2,002€1,779$2,002€1,779Check ↗
- 36
Maton EMD12Maton40Stable$2,531€2,249$2,531€2,249Check ↗
- 37
Maton SRS70C-12 w/ CaseMaton40Stable$2,632€2,339$2,632€2,339Check ↗
- 38
Lakewood M-31-12 P NaturalLakewood40Stable$3,319€2,949$3,319€2,949Check ↗
- 39
Takamine GJ72CE-12 BSB G70 Series 12-String Jumbo Cutaway…GJ72CE-12BSB · Takamine56Stable$730€649$730€649Check ↗
- 40
Takamine GJ72CE-12 NAT G70 Series 12-String Jumbo Cutaway…GJ72CE-12-Nat · Takamine56Stable$730€649$730€649Check ↗
- 41
Ovation Pro Series 2751AX-5-G Std.BallOvation39Stable$1,124€999$1,124€999Check ↗
- 42
Gretsch G5022CWFE-12 Rancher Falcon Jumbo 12-String Cutaway with…G5022CWFE-12 Falcon Rancher · Gretsch52Stable$787€699$787€699Check ↗
- 43
Breedlove Pursuit EX S Concert SW 12Breedlove42Stable$1,012€899$1,012€899Check ↗
- 44
Ibanez AJ7012M1E ArtwoodAJ7012M1E-BK · Ibanez64↓ 10.5%$422€375$422€375Check ↗
- 45
Ovation Pro Series Elite 2058-TX-5-GOvation41Stable$955€849$955€849Check ↗
- 46
Fender California Deluxe Villager ECA DLX Villager E BLK · Fender · 2 finishes59Stable$505€449$505€449Check ↗
- 47
Breedlove Discovery S CN SAT. BLK DBL12Breedlove42Stable$899€799$899€799Check ↗
- 48
ESP LTD TL-12LTD TL-12 BK · ESP43Stable$843€749$843€749Check ↗
- 49
Breedlove Discovery S Conc 12-St CE BSBreedlove · 2 finishes54↓ 37.6%$562€499$562€499Check ↗
- 50
Fender CD-140SCE 12-StringCD-140SCE-12 WA Nat · Fender59Stable$438€389$438€389Check ↗
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
Playability
The increased string tension on a 12-string demands a comfortable neck profile and manageable action. A thick, unwieldy neck will kill your speed and make those intricate fingerstyle parts a nightmare. We're looking for something you can actually play for extended periods.
String Balance & Articulation
A cheap 12-string often sounds muddy, with the lower strings overpowering the highs. Good string balance means each note, even the doubled ones, is clear and defined - critical for recording and cutting through a band.
Bracing & Tone
The bracing pattern is everything on a 12-string. Weak bracing leads to a boxy, flappy tone and poor sustain. We want resonance, clarity, and a tonal complexity that doesn't sound like a chaotic jumble.
Headroom & Dynamics
A 12-string needs headroom - the ability to handle a good amount of pick attack without collapsing into a flubby mess. Responsive dynamics are key for expressive playing, whether you're laying down a gentle fingerpicked intro or driving a full-band arrangement.
Pickup Voicing (if applicable)
Many pros need to plug in. A poorly voiced pickup system will suck the life out of your tone, adding harshness or a sterile, processed feel. We're looking for pickups that capture the natural resonance of the guitar, or at least don't actively hurt it.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking for a 12-string acoustic that can handle the heat? Forget the campfire strummers - we're talking about instruments that can cut through a band mix, record clean, and still feel playable after an hour. A 12-string isn't just a novelty; it's a serious tool, and choosing the wrong one can be brutal on your hands and your ears. Let's find you something that'll actually inspire you to play.
Don't fall for the 'wow factor' alone. 12-strings are notoriously hard on strings and intonation. Expect to replace strings more often, and be prepared to have a good luthier set it up properly. Spending a little more on a well-built instrument with a comfortable neck and quality bracing will save you headaches (and hand pain) in the long run.
The cheap ones? They usually cut corners on bracing, resulting in a muddy, buzzy sound and a neck that's a wrestling match.
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 acoustics difficult to play?
Yes. The extra tension requires more finger strength and dexterity. Proper setup - low action, a comfortable neck - is absolutely crucial. Don't jump into a 12-string expecting instant mastery.
How often should I change strings on a 12-string?
More often than a 6-string! Expect every 2-4 weeks with regular playing, especially if you're gigging. The extra strings wear out faster and the increased tension puts more stress on them.
What gauge strings are best for a 12-string?
Generally, lighter gauges (9-46 or 10-47) are preferred for playability. However, experiment - different gauges will affect the tone and tension. Heavier gauges can give a fuller sound but can be brutal on the hands.
Can I use a capo on a 12-string?
You can, but be careful. The increased tension puts more stress on the neck, so use a lightweight capo and avoid using it too high up the neck. It's a recipe for potential neck warping.
Are 12-string acoustics good for recording?
They can be, but they're tricky. The doubled strings can create a lot of phase issues if not mic'd carefully. Experiment with different mic placements and consider using a DI signal for added clarity.
