AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 12-String Acoustic Guitars Under $2,000 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. Taylor 254ce Plus leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 61 models across 19 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 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 ↗ -
- 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 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↓ 14.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,315 · Aug 17$1,124 now$1,124€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets20 frets
- Strings12-string
The 254ce Plus is a really sweet 12-string—it’s got that signature Taylor chime, but with a richer, more mature voice thanks to the torrefied top. The C-Class bracing really makes it sing, and the ES2 pickup system is fantastic for live performance. It's a premium-priced instrument ideal for singer-songwriters or anyone wanting a versatile, powerful 12-string that’s a joy to play.
Pros
- Solid torrefied spruce top delivers mature, open tone and projection.
- C-Class bracing enhances sustain and clarity, a real Taylor innovation.
- Crelicam ebony fingerboard and TUSQ bridge offer exceptional feel and tone transfer.
Cons
- Rosewood plywood back/sides limit the overall tonal complexity compared to solid wood.
- The 12-string nature demands heavier strings, increasing neck strain for some players.
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,574 now$1,574€1,399 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 width47.5 mm (1.87")
- Scale644 mm (25.35")
- Strings12-string
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This GD74CE-12U is a seriously impressive 12-string dreadnought – the solid spruce top really shines, and the maple back keeps things focused. It’s a great option for players wanting a bright, chimey 12-string voice with usable amplification, especially suited for folk, country, or layered textures in a band setting.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a bright, shimmering 12-string tone.
- Maple back and sides provide a balanced, articulate response.
- Takamine TP-3G preamp offers effective, easy-to-use onboard EQ.
Cons
- The 12-string construction makes it noticeably heavier than a standard dreadnought.
- Maple can sometimes lack the warmth of mahogany, requiring EQ adjustment.
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,113 now$1,113€989 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 ↗
All 61 12-String acoustic guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Takamine GJ72CE-12 NAT G70 Series 12-String Jumbo Cutaway…GJ72CE-12-Nat · Takamine56Stable$730€649$730€649Check ↗
- 12
Takamine GJ72CE-12 BSB G70 Series 12-String Jumbo Cutaway…GJ72CE-12BSB · Takamine56Stable$730€649$730€649Check ↗
- 13
Taylor 250ce-BLK PlusTaylor56Stable$1,799€1,599$1,799€1,599Check ↗
- 14
Breedlove Discovery S Conc 12-St CE BSBreedlove · 2 finishes54↓ 37.6%$562€499$562€499Check ↗
- 15
Yamaha APX700II-12 Thinline Acoustic/Electric Cutaway 12-String…APX700II-12 NT · Yamaha54Stable$955€849$955€849Check ↗
- 16
Fender Tim Armstrong Signature Hellcat-12Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12 · Fender53Stable$562€499$562€499Check ↗
- 17
Guild Westerly Collection F-1512F-1512 Nat Westerly · Guild53↓ 1.0%$1,169€1,039$1,169€1,039Check ↗
- 18
Gretsch G5022CWFE-12 Rancher Falcon Jumbo 12-String Cutaway with…G5022CWFE-12 Falcon Rancher · Gretsch52Stable$787€699$787€699Check ↗
- 19
Guild Westerly Collection D-1212D-1212 Nat Westerly · Guild52Stable$899€799$899€799Check ↗
- 20
Baton Rouge X11LS/F-AB-12 FolkBaton Rouge · 3 finishes50Stable$235€209$235€209Check ↗
- 21
DAngelico Premier Fulton LS Matte BlackDAngelico · 2 finishes50Stable$280€249$280€249Check ↗
- 22
Harley Benton Custom Line King-12 CE NTHarley Benton50Stable$336€299$336€299Check ↗
- 23
Breedlove Artista Pro Concert BA 12 CE WBreedlove50↓ 25.0%$1,012€899$1,012€899Check ↗
- 24
Framus Vintage Hootenanny 12 SB NitroFramus50↓ 17.9%$1,061€943$1,061€943Check ↗
- 25
Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-10SCE-12BKSHarley Benton48Stable$280€249$280€249Check ↗
- 26
Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-10SCE-12 w/BagHarley Benton48Stable$291€259$291€259Check ↗
- 27
Harley Benton Cust.Line CLJ-412E 3SB w/CaseHarley Benton48Stable$381€339$381€339Check ↗
- 28
Martin Guitar D-X2E 12-String Rosewood LHMartin Guitar · 2 finishes48Stable$989€879$989€879Check ↗
- 29
Takamine EF381SC w/SoftcaseTakamine · 2 finishes48Stable$1,687€1,499$1,687€1,499Check ↗
- 30
Yamaha LL16-12 ARELL 16-12 A.R.E NT · Yamaha47Stable$1,349€1,199$1,349€1,199Check ↗
- 31
Harley Benton D-200CE-12NTHarley Benton46Stable$123€109$123€109Check ↗
- 32
Harley Benton D-200CE-12BKHarley Benton46Stable$123€109$123€109Check ↗
- 33
Harley Benton D-200CE-12BK w/BagHarley Benton46Stable$134€119$134€119Check ↗
- 34
Harley Benton D-200CE-12NT w/BagHarley Benton46Stable$134€119$134€119Check ↗
- 35
DAngelico Premier Bowery 12 LS TBCBDAngelico46Stable$280€249$280€249Check ↗
- 36
DAngelico Premier Bowery 12 LS VNaturalDAngelico46Stable$280€249$280€249Check ↗
- 37
Harley Benton Cust. Line CLJ-412E 3SB w/BagHarley Benton46Stable$291€259$291€259Check ↗
- 38
DAngelico Premier Fulton Caramel BurstDAngelico46Stable$449€399$449€399Check ↗
- 39
Guild F-2512E Maple Westerly ArchbacGuild · 2 finishes46Stable$667€593$667€593Check ↗
- 40
Godin Mahogany Folk 12 Rustic B A/EGodin46Stable$1,124€999$1,124€999Check ↗
- 41
Ibanez AEG1221-BOTIbanez45↓ 5.3%$440€391$440€391Check ↗
- 42
Ibanez PF1512ECE PerformancePF1512-NT · Ibanez · 2 finishes44Stable$252€224$252€224Check ↗
- 43
Furch Blue G-SW 12 aFurch44Stable$1,518€1,349$1,518€1,349Check ↗
- 44
ESP LTD TL-12LTD TL-12 BK · ESP43Stable$843€749$843€749Check ↗
- 45
Baton Rouge X34S/D-12Baton Rouge42Stable$483€429$483€429Check ↗
- 46
Baton Rouge AR61S/ACEC-12Baton Rouge42Stable$730€649$730€649Check ↗
- 47
Guild D-2612CE Deluxe ATBGuild42Stable$782€695$782€695Check ↗
- 48
Breedlove Discovery S CN SAT. BLK DBL12Breedlove42Stable$899€799$899€799Check ↗
- 49
Breedlove Pursuit EX S Concert SW 12Breedlove42Stable$1,012€899$1,012€899Check ↗
- 50
Takamine P3DC-12 w/SoftcaseTakamine42↓ 2.1%$1,574€1,399$1,574€1,399Check ↗
12-String Acoustic Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 78 models we track, not a sample.
Median $562 — half of all 12-String acoustic guitars here cost less.
median of 77 models · 45 mm (1.77")–50 mm (1.97")
median of 74 models · 630 mm (24.8")–650 mm (25.59")
median of 55 models · 20–21
median of 76 models · 12-string–12-string
How to choose the best 12-String acoustic guitars
Tone
12-strings are all about that layered richness. We're looking for a balanced response - not just a sparkly top end, but also a respectable low-end thump to cut through a mix. That 'fat midrange honk' is what separates a good 12-string from a thin, brittle one.
Playability
The wider neck and doubled strings can be a handful. Action (string height) is crucial - too high and it's a workout, too low and you'll get fret buzz. Neck profile also matters; a comfortable shape will make those complex chords easier to manage.
Build Quality
At this price point, you're making trade-offs. Solid tops are ideal, but laminate tops are common. Construction quality (bracing, neck joint) impacts sustain and overall resonance. Cheap hardware will feel clunky and might not hold up to gigging.
Intonation
A 12-string's intonation is even more critical than on a 6-string because of the doubled strings. Poor intonation will make chords sound muddy and out of tune, and it's a pain to correct.
Pickup Voicing (if applicable)
Many 12-strings now come with pickups. Headroom is key; you want the pickup to handle a little grit without immediately going into muddy breakup.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're chasing that shimmering, chorus-like sound of a 12-string but don't want to remortgage the house? It's a totally valid goal. Finding a 12-string that sounds good, plays decently, and won't completely fall apart on stage under $2000 requires a little digging, but there are some serious contenders out there. Let's break down what you can realistically expect and which guitars deliver the best bang for your buck.
Don't expect a $2000 12-string to compete with a $5000 Martin. Corners will be cut - typically in the woods used and the hardware. Solid tops are worth seeking out, but even a well-built laminate top can sound decent.
Prioritize playability; a comfortable neck and manageable action are more important than fancy tonewoods. Intonation is non-negotiable - if it's off, walk away.
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 78 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 solid top 12-strings common under $2000?
You'll find some, but they're less common than laminate tops. Solid tops generally offer better resonance and sustain, but the difference isn't always huge. Look for spruce or mahogany tops.
What about fret buzz? Is that normal on 12-strings?
A little fret buzz is common, especially with lower action. Excessive buzz is a sign of poor construction or a neck that needs adjustment. Have a tech check it out.
How important is the bracing pattern?
Bracing significantly impacts the guitar's tone and structural integrity. X-bracing is generally preferred for its balanced response, but scalloped bracing can add warmth and sustain. It's tough to discern the difference without experience.
Can I realistically gig with a 12-string under $2000?
Absolutely. Just be realistic about its limitations. It won't have the same headroom or projection as a higher-end model, so be mindful of your stage volume. Regular setup checks are a must.
What's the deal with string gauges on 12-strings?
Lighter gauges are easier to play, but can sound thin. Heavier gauges offer more fullness and sustain, but require more finger strength. Experiment to find what works best for you and your playing style.





