AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 12-String Acoustic Guitars Under $1,000 2026
The top pick is Takamine G Series GD30CE Dreadnought ($562). Harley Benton Custom Line CLJ-412E SB gives you the most for the money at $280. Yamaha APX700II-12 Thinline Acoustic/Electric Cutaway 12-String… leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 44 models across 15 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 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 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 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 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 ↗ -
Fender California Deluxe Villager E
CA DLX Villager E HSB · Fender
11 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 plays bright thanks to its solid spruce top, but it stays warm with mahogany back and sides. The slim neck helps beginners and pros alike reach those high notes easily. While the Fishman pickup makes playing in loud rooms simple, the finish looks great but might need care over time.
Pros
- Solid spruce top for bright, responsive attack
- Mahogany back and sides deliver warm midrange
- Fishman CD-1 preamp handles volume and tone
Cons
- Honey Sunburst finish may show wear easily
- No specific weight listed for player comfort
59AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$505 now$505€449 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale649 mm (25.55")
- Frets20 frets
- Strings12-string
This Harley Benton CLJ-412E SB is a surprisingly capable 12-string acoustic, offering a full, warm tone with a built-in Fishman pickup for easy amplification. It’s a great option for players wanting that shimmering 12-string vibe without spending a fortune, perfect for folk, country, or adding texture to more contemporary styles.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a surprisingly rich and vibrant 12-string tone.
- Fishman Presys-II pickup system offers clean amplification and accurate tuner.
- Ovangkol fingerboard provides a smooth playing experience and good sustain.
Cons
- Jumbo body can be unwieldy for smaller players or those used to slimmer guitars.
- Mahogany back and sides may lack the nuanced projection of all-solid wood construction.
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$280 now$280€249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Takamine GJ72CE-12 NAT G70 Series 12-String Jumbo Cutaway…
GJ72CE-12-Nat · Takamine
19 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
- Scale644 mm (25.35")
- Frets20 frets
- Strings12-string
The GJ72CE-12 is a fantastic 12-string for players wanting a big, resonant sound without a premium price tag. The solid top really shines, and the built-in tuner is a lifesaver. It's a great choice for singer-songwriters and rhythm players needing a full, vibrant 12-string voice for stage or studio.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers bright, shimmering 12-string tone.
- Quartersawn X-bracing enhances projection and sustain.
- The TK-40D preamp offers excellent feedback rejection and accurate amplification.
Cons
- The jumbo body can be a bit unwieldy for smaller players.
- 12-string guitars inherently require more frequent string changes due to higher tension.
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$730 now$730€649 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Takamine GJ72CE-12 BSB G70 Series 12-String Jumbo Cutaway…
GJ72CE-12BSB · Takamine
19 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.
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$730 now$730€649 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale643 mm (25.31")
- Frets20 frets
- Strings12-string
This Breedlove Discovery S is a fantastic entry point into the world of 12-string guitars. The solid top really shines, offering a surprisingly full sound for a guitar in this price range, and the Fishman pickup is a solid choice for live gigs. It’s ideal for singer-songwriters or players wanting a shimmering, layered acoustic sound without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Solid European spruce top delivers a surprisingly rich and balanced tone.
- African mahogany back/sides offer warmth and projection for 12-string clarity.
- Fishman Presys I provides a usable, clean amplified signal for stage performance.
Cons
- 12-string guitars are inherently harder on the fingers, requiring more calluses.
- The laminated back and sides limit the potential for long-term sonic aging.
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Yamaha APX700II-12 Thinline Acoustic / Electric Cutaway 12-String…
APX700II-12 NT · Yamaha
22 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width46 mm (1.81")
- Scale634 mm (24.96")
- Frets22 frets
- Strings12-string
The APX700II-12 NT is a solid, reliable 12-string that’s surprisingly versatile. It’s a great option for gigging musicians needing a stage-ready instrument, or anyone wanting that lush, shimmering 12-string sound without the premium price tag. The electronics are genuinely good, making it easy to plug in and perform.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a bright, resonant, and surprisingly articulate voice.
- System 64 preamp offers excellent feedback rejection and natural amplified tone.
- Nato back and sides provide a warm foundation, balancing the bright top.
Cons
- Nato construction, while functional, lacks the premium resonance of mahogany or rosewood.
- 46mm nut width may feel a bit wide for players accustomed to narrower 12-strings.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$955 now$955€849 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 44 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 Tim Armstrong Signature Hellcat-12Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12 · Fender53Stable$562€499$562€499Check ↗
- 12
Gretsch G5022CWFE-12 Rancher Falcon Jumbo 12-String Cutaway with…G5022CWFE-12 Falcon Rancher · Gretsch52Stable$787€699$787€699Check ↗
- 13
Guild Westerly Collection D-1212D-1212 Nat Westerly · Guild52Stable$899€799$899€799Check ↗
- 14
Baton Rouge X11LS/F-AB-12 FolkBaton Rouge · 3 finishes50Stable$235€209$235€209Check ↗
- 15
DAngelico Premier Fulton LS Matte BlackDAngelico · 2 finishes50Stable$280€249$280€249Check ↗
- 16
Harley Benton Custom Line King-12 CE NTHarley Benton50Stable$336€299$336€299Check ↗
- 17
Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-10SCE-12BKSHarley Benton48Stable$280€249$280€249Check ↗
- 18
Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-10SCE-12 w/BagHarley Benton48Stable$291€259$291€259Check ↗
- 19
Harley Benton Cust.Line CLJ-412E 3SB w/CaseHarley Benton48Stable$381€339$381€339Check ↗
- 20
Martin Guitar D-X2E 12-String Rosewood LHMartin Guitar · 2 finishes48Stable$989€879$989€879Check ↗
- 21
Harley Benton D-200CE-12NTHarley Benton46Stable$123€109$123€109Check ↗
- 22
Harley Benton D-200CE-12BKHarley Benton46Stable$123€109$123€109Check ↗
- 23
Harley Benton D-200CE-12BK w/BagHarley Benton46Stable$134€119$134€119Check ↗
- 24
Harley Benton D-200CE-12NT w/BagHarley Benton46Stable$134€119$134€119Check ↗
- 25
DAngelico Premier Bowery 12 LS TBCBDAngelico46Stable$280€249$280€249Check ↗
- 26
DAngelico Premier Bowery 12 LS VNaturalDAngelico46Stable$280€249$280€249Check ↗
- 27
Harley Benton Cust. Line CLJ-412E 3SB w/BagHarley Benton46Stable$291€259$291€259Check ↗
- 28
DAngelico Premier Fulton Caramel BurstDAngelico46Stable$449€399$449€399Check ↗
- 29
Guild F-2512E Maple Westerly ArchbacGuild · 2 finishes46Stable$667€593$667€593Check ↗
- 30
Ibanez AEG1221-BOTIbanez45↓ 5.3%$440€391$440€391Check ↗
- 31
Ibanez PF1512ECE PerformancePF1512-NT · Ibanez · 2 finishes44Stable$252€224$252€224Check ↗
- 32
ESP LTD TL-12LTD TL-12 BK · ESP43Stable$843€749$843€749Check ↗
- 33
Baton Rouge X34S/D-12Baton Rouge42Stable$483€429$483€429Check ↗
- 34
Baton Rouge AR61S/ACEC-12Baton Rouge42Stable$730€649$730€649Check ↗
- 35
Guild D-2612CE Deluxe ATBGuild42Stable$782€695$782€695Check ↗
- 36
Breedlove Discovery S CN SAT. BLK DBL12Breedlove42Stable$899€799$899€799Check ↗
- 37
Ibanez AW5412CE-OPN ArtwoodIbanez41Stable$469€417$469€417Check ↗
- 38
Yamaha FG820-12 NTIIYamaha41Stable$517€459$517€459Check ↗
- 39
Ovation Celebrity Elite CE4412-5-GOvation41Stable$613€545$613€545Check ↗
- 40
Ovation Pro Series Elite 2058-TX-5-GOvation41Stable$955€849$955€849Check ↗
- 41
Recording King RDS-9-12-TS 12 StringRecording King40Stable$213€189$213€189Check ↗
- 42
Applause Traditional AB2412-5SApplause36Stable$375€333$375€333Check ↗
- 43
Harley Benton D-200CE-12BK BundleHarley Benton29Stable$213€189$213€189Check ↗
- 44
Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-10SCE-1 BundleHarley Benton29Stable$291€259$291€259Check ↗
12-String Acoustic Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 57 models we track, not a sample.
Median $438 — half of all 12-String acoustic guitars here cost less.
median of 57 models · 45 mm (1.77")–50 mm (1.97")
median of 54 models · 630 mm (24.8")–650 mm (25.59")
median of 47 models · 20–21
median of 55 models · 12-string–12-string
How to choose the best 12-String acoustic guitars
Playability (Action & Neck Profile)
A 12-string's doubled strings make it unforgiving. High action is a nightmare, and a thick, unwieldy neck will make chords a struggle. We prioritized guitars with reasonable action and comfortable neck profiles-something you can actually play for more than 10 minutes.
Tone (Clarity & Sustain)
That lush 12-string chorus is great, but muddy low-end and a lack of articulation kill it. We looked for guitars that retain clarity, have decent sustain, and don't sound like a wall of sonic goo. You want to hear individual notes, not just a shimmering blur.
Construction Quality (Bracing & Hardware)
Cheap bracing means buzzing, intonation problems, and a guitar that won't hold up to gigging. We checked for solid bracing patterns and decent hardware - tuners that hold pitch are surprisingly important on a 12-string.
Overall Value (Price vs. Performance)
Let's be real, $1000 isn't a lot for a guitar. We balanced price with the overall package: tone, playability, and build quality. There's always going to be trade-offs, but we wanted the best bang for your hard-earned cash.
Pickup Voicing (If Equipped)
Some 12-strings come with pickups. We assessed how those pickups color the tone - do they add warmth, clarity, or just introduce unnecessary harshness? A bad pickup can ruin an otherwise decent guitar, especially if you plan on plugging in.
Buying guide
Alright, let's talk 12-strings. They're magical, aren't they? That shimmering, layered sound is a vibe, but finding a good one under $1000 can be tricky. You're not looking for a vintage Martin, and you shouldn't expect one, but you can get a 12-string that sounds decent, plays well, and won't fall apart on stage - we'll focus on getting the most bang for your buck here.
At this price point, expect some compromises. The woods will likely be laminate, which means less complexity in the tone, but better durability. Action is often higher out of the box, so a setup is almost mandatory.
Don't chase the 'brightest' or 'loudest' tone - look for something balanced and articulate. A good setup from a local tech can often make a huge difference, so factor that into your budget.
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 57 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 all 12-string guitars hard to play?
Yes, generally. The doubled strings create more tension and require more finger strength. However, a well-made 12-string with a comfortable neck profile and a proper setup can be manageable.
What's the deal with 'laminate' construction?
Laminate means layers of wood glued together. It's cheaper than solid wood and more resistant to humidity changes, but it generally doesn't resonate as much. Expect a slightly less complex and 'open' tone.
Do I need to get a setup?
Absolutely. Almost every new guitar benefits from a setup. A good setup will lower the action, optimize the intonation, and generally make the guitar much more playable.
Can I use the same strings as my 6-string?
Not really. 12-strings require heavier gauge strings to handle the doubled courses. Using lighter strings will result in floppy action and poor tone.
Are 12-strings good for recording?
They can be amazing, but they also require careful mic placement and EQ. That shimmering sound can quickly overwhelm a mix if not handled properly. They excel at adding texture and depth to folk, Americana, and indie rock recordings.
