AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 12-String Acoustic Guitars Under $2,000 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 354ce Studio Special Edition leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 65 models across 19 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
-
- 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↓ 1.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$557 · Aug 17$552 now$552€494 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,115 now$1,115€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius382 mm (15.04")
- Strings12-string
- BodySapele body
You get a 12-string acoustic with a Sitka spruce top, sapele back and sides, and a Taylor ES2 pickup. It suits you if you like the sound of a 12-string and plan to play with an amp or PA. The hardshell case helps keep it safe when you travel to gigs.
Pros
- Sitka spruce top is paired with sapele back and sides
- Taylor ES2 pickup lets you plug straight into an amp or PA
- Ebony bridge and Crelicam ebony fingerboard use dark hardwood throughout
Cons
- Twelve strings mean more string changes and tuning than a six-string
73AudioFu
Index↓ 29.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$2,678 · Aug 17$1,887 now$1,887€1,690 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 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↓ 10.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$468 · Aug 17$419 now$419€375 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$385 now$385€345 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets20 frets
- Strings12-string
This is a 12-string acoustic with a solid torrefied spruce top and an ES2 pickup, so you can plug it in. The Grand Auditorium body has a cutaway, which makes the upper frets easier to reach. It suits you if you want a 12-string that you can play unplugged or amplify when you need to, and it comes with a gig bag.
Pros
- Solid torrefied spruce top gives the guitar a sturdy, well-built foundation.
- C-Class bracing is built into the top for structure.
- ES2 Expression System pickup lets you plug the guitar in and amplify it.
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,562 now$1,562€1,399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,104 now$1,104€989 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender California Deluxe Villager E
CA DLX Villager E HSB · 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 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
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$501 now$501€449 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$1,305 · Aug 17$1,115 now$1,115€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Strings12-string
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This 250ce-BLK Plus is a fantastic option for players wanting that shimmering 12-string sound without the premium price tag. The solid top and Expression System 2 make it stage-ready, and the cutaway gives easy access to the higher frets. It's ideal for singer-songwriters or anyone looking for a bright, versatile 12-string that’s easy to play and sounds great amplified.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a bright, articulate voice with excellent projection.
- C-Class bracing enhances resonance and provides a comfortable, responsive feel.
- Taylor Expression System 2 pickup offers natural amplified tone and feedback resistance.
Cons
- Laminated maple back and sides limit the overall tonal complexity compared to all-solid wood.
- The 12-string format can be demanding on the fingers and require more frequent string changes.
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,785 now$1,785€1,599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 65 12-String acoustic guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
DAngelico Premier Fulton LS NaturalDAngelico · 4 finishes59Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 12
Gretsch G5022CWFE-12 Rancher Falcon Jumbo 12-String Cutaway with…G5022CWFE-12 Falcon Rancher · Gretsch59↓ 8.0%$718€643$718€643Check ↗
- 13
Takamine GJ72CE-12 NAT G70 Series 12-String Jumbo Cutaway…GJ72CE-12-Nat · Takamine59Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 14
Takamine GJ72CE-12 BSB G70 Series 12-String Jumbo Cutaway…GJ72CE-12BSB · Takamine59Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 15
Harley Benton Custom Line CLJ-412E SBHarley Benton · 5 finishes58Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 16
Yamaha APX700II-12 Thinline Acoustic/Electric Cutaway 12-String…APX700II-12 NT · Yamaha58Stable$948€849$948€849Check ↗
- 17
Fender Tim Armstrong Signature Hellcat-12Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12 · Fender57Stable$557€499$557€499Check ↗
- 18
Guild Westerly Collection D-1212D-1212 Nat Westerly · Guild56Stable$892€799$892€799Check ↗
- 19
Harley Benton Custom Line King-12 CE NTHarley Benton55↓ 10.0%$300€269$300€269Check ↗
- 20
Guild Westerly Collection F-1512F-1512 Nat Westerly · Guild55↓ 1.0%$1,160€1,039$1,160€1,039Check ↗
- 21
Breedlove Discovery S Conc 12-St CE BSBreedlove · 2 finishes54↓ 50.1%$445€399$445€399Check ↗
- 22
Baton Rouge X11LS/F-AB-12 FolkBaton Rouge · 3 finishes50Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 23
Breedlove Pursuit EX S Concert SW 12Breedlove50↓ 50.6%$496€444$496€444Check ↗
- 24
Breedlove Discovery S CN SAT. BLK DBL12Breedlove50↓ 44.4%$496€444$496€444Check ↗
- 25
Breedlove Artista Pro Concert BA 12 CE WBreedlove50↓ 41.7%$780€699$780€699Check ↗
- 26
Framus Vintage Hootenanny 12 SB NitroFramus50↓ 17.9%$1,053€943$1,053€943Check ↗
- 27
DAngelico Premier Bowery 12 LS TBCBDAngelico48Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 28
Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-10SCE-12BKSHarley Benton48Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 29
DAngelico Premier Bowery 12 LS VNaturalDAngelico48Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 30
Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-10SCE-12 w/BagHarley Benton48Stable$289€259$289€259Check ↗
- 31
Ibanez PF1512ECE PerformancePF1512ECE-NT · Ibanez · 2 finishes48↓ 4.1%$316€283$316€283Check ↗
- 32
Harley Benton CLG-70SR CE 12 SBKHarley Benton48Stable$334€299$334€299Check ↗
- 33
Ibanez AW8412CE ArtwoodAW8412CE-WK · Ibanez48Stable$367€329$367€329Check ↗
- 34
Harley Benton Cust.Line CLJ-412E 3SB w/CaseHarley Benton48Stable$378€339$378€339Check ↗
- 35
DAngelico Premier Fulton Caramel BurstDAngelico48Stable$445€399$445€399Check ↗
- 36
Martin Guitar D-X2E 12-String Rosewood LHMartin Guitar · 2 finishes48Stable$981€879$981€879Check ↗
- 37
Yamaha LL16-12 ARELL 16-12 A.R.E NT · Yamaha48Stable$1,339€1,199$1,339€1,199Check ↗
- 38
Takamine EF381SC w/SoftcaseTakamine · 2 finishes48Stable$1,674€1,499$1,674€1,499Check ↗
- 39
Harley Benton D-200CE-12NTHarley Benton46Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 40
Harley Benton D-200CE-12BKHarley Benton46Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 41
Harley Benton D-200CE-12BK w/BagHarley Benton46Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 42
Harley Benton D-200CE-12NT w/BagHarley Benton46Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 43
Harley Benton Cust. Line CLJ-412E 3SB w/BagHarley Benton46Stable$289€259$289€259Check ↗
- 44
Guild F-2512E Maple Westerly ArchbacGuild · 2 finishes46Stable$662€593$662€593Check ↗
- 45
ESP LTD TL-12LTD TL-12 BK · ESP46Stable$836€749$836€749Check ↗
- 46
Godin Mahogany Folk 12 Rustic B A/EGodin46Stable$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 47
Ibanez AEG1221-BOTIbanez45↓ 5.3%$437€391$437€391Check ↗
- 48
Furch Blue G-SW 12 a w/GBFurch44Stable$1,763€1,579$1,763€1,579Check ↗
- 49
Baton Rouge X34S/D-12Baton Rouge42Stable$479€429$479€429Check ↗
- 50
Baton Rouge AR61S/ACEC-12Baton Rouge42Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
12-String Acoustic Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 84 models we track, not a sample.
Median $501 — half of all 12-String acoustic guitars here cost less.
median of 83 models · 45 mm (1.77")–50 mm (1.97")
median of 80 models · 630 mm (24.8")–650 mm (25.59")
median of 56 models · 20–21
median of 82 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 84 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.
