Best 12-String Acoustic Guitars Under $200 2025

Affordable 12-string acoustic guitars under $200 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

Harley Benton D-200CE-12BK w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Harley Benton D-200CE-12BK w/Bag

Campfire Sessions Folk Rock Celtic
Key Feature:
• Natural octave doubling
✓ PROS
  • • Natural octave doubling
  • • Rich, shimmering chorus effect
✗ CONS
  • • Higher string tension and effort
  • • Heavier neck and higher action

Harley Benton D-200CE-12BK w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton D-200CE-12BK*12-String Steel-String Guitar...

4.9/5 (42 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Harley Benton D-200CE-12NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Harley Benton D-200CE-12NT

Jangle Pop Campfire Sessions Acoustic Rock
Key Feature:
• Rich, shimmering chorus effect
✓ PROS
  • • Natural octave doubling
  • • Distinctive 12-string character
✗ CONS
  • • Higher string tension and effort
  • • Limited single-note clarity

Harley Benton D-200CE-12NT12-String Acoustic Guitar with PickupStyle: Dreadnought with cutawayTop: SpruceBack and...

4.4/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Harley Benton D-200CE-12NT w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Harley Benton D-200CE-12NT w/Bag

Jangle Pop Celtic Acoustic Rock
Key Feature:
• Natural octave doubling
✓ PROS
  • • Great for rhythm guitar work
  • • Natural octave doubling
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive string replacement
  • • Limited single-note clarity

Harley Benton D-200CE-12NT w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton D-200CE-12NT*12-String Acoustic Guitar with...

4.6/5 (49 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Harley Benton D-200CE-12BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Harley Benton D-200CE-12BK

Country Celtic Campfire Sessions
Key Feature:
• Distinctive 12-string character
✓ PROS
  • • Distinctive 12-string character
  • • Full, lush strumming sound
✗ CONS
  • • Higher string tension and effort
  • • More expensive string replacement

Harley Benton D-200CE-12BK12-String Steel-String Guitar with PickupType: Dreadnought with cutawayTop: SpruceBack and...

4.9/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Baton Rouge L1LS/D-12 Dreadnought - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Baton Rouge L1LS/D-12 Dreadnought

Folk Rock Campfire Sessions Jangle Pop
Key Feature:
• Rich, shimmering chorus effect
✓ PROS
  • • Great for rhythm guitar work
  • • Distinctive 12-string character
✗ CONS
  • • Heavier neck and higher action
  • • Limited single-note clarity

Baton Rouge L1LS/D-12 Dreadnought12-String Western GuitarDesign: DreadnoughtTop: SpruceBottom and sides: MahoganyNeck:...

4.6/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10

How to Choose the Best 12-String Acoustic Guitars

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced 12-string acoustic guitars typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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