Best 12-String Acoustic Guitars Under $500 2026

• 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.

• Nut width47 mm (1.85")
• Scale647 mm (25.47")
• Frets20 frets
• Neck profileC-shape neck
• Strings12-string

The Fulton LS Natural is a surprisingly good 12-string for the money. It’s a solid choice for beginners or players wanting a full, warm 12-string sound without spending a fortune—perfect for strumming and light fingerpicking, though it won't be a shredder's dream.

• 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.

• Nut width48 mm (1.89")
• Scale652 mm (25.67")
• Frets20 frets
• Strings12-string
• BodyMaple body

This guitar has a solid spruce top that feels lively and responds well to your hands. The jumbo body with a cutaway shape makes playing chords and reaching high notes much easier. It comes with a built-in tuner and a pickup that works for both picking and fingerpicking. If you want a bright-sounding 12-string for practice or gigging on a budget, this is a solid choice.

• 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.

• Nut width48 mm (1.89")
• Scale630 mm (24.8")
• Frets21 frets
• Strings12-string

This Baton Rouge X11LS/F-AB-12 Folk is a surprisingly capable 12-string for the money. The spruce top provides that characteristic shimmering quality, while the mahogany back keeps things from getting too harsh. It's a great option for folk, country, or anyone wanting a full, layered sound without the premium price tag – perfect for beginners or intermediate players.

• Nut width48 mm (1.89")
• Scale643 mm (25.31")
• Frets20 frets
• Strings12-string

This guitar plays like a solid block of wood. The myrtlewood top hits low notes hard, while the mahogany body adds warmth. The Fishman pickup handles the extra strings without getting muddy. It is a great choice for players who like a punchy, mid-focused sound.

• Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
• Scale648 mm (25.51")
• Frets20 frets
• Strings12-string

This guitar uses a solid spruce top and mahogany body for a balanced tone. The double course strings give it a rich sound perfect for fingerstyle playing. It works well in small rooms or with a pickup on stage. A great choice for players who want clarity without the cost of a full-size model.

• Nut width47 mm (1.85")
• Scale647 mm (25.47")
• Frets20 frets
• Neck profileC-shape neck
• Strings12-string

The Bowery 12 LS TBCB is a surprisingly capable 12-string, especially considering the affordable price point. It's a good entry point into the 12-string world, offering a warm, full sound that’s well-suited for strumming and folk styles. Players seeking a manageable 12-string with basic amplification options will find a lot to like.