Best 12-String Acoustic Guitars Under $500 2025

Affordable 12-string acoustic guitars under $500 - great value without compromising quality

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

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Folk Rock For Jangle Pop For Celtic For Country For Acoustic Rock For Campfire Sessions

BRANDS: Harley Benton Taylor Guild DAngelico Takamine Martin Guitar Framus Ibanez Furch Fender

Baton Rouge X34S/D-12 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Baton Rouge X34S/D-12

by Baton Rouge

Campfire Sessions Folk Rock Acoustic Rock

Key Feature:

• Full, lush strumming sound

✓ PROS

• Rich, shimmering chorus effect
• Full, lush strumming sound

✗ CONS

• Higher string tension and effort
• More complex tuning and maintenance

Baton Rouge X34S/D-1212-String Acoustic GuitarStyle: DreadnoughtTop: solid spruceBack and sides: WalnutNeck:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 586729

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-10SCE-12 w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-10SCE-12 w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Campfire Sessions Jangle Pop Celtic

Key Feature:

• Natural octave doubling

✓ PROS

• Great for rhythm guitar work
• Distinctive 12-string character

✗ CONS

• More complex tuning and maintenance
• Limited single-note clarity

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-10SCE-12 w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Custom Line...

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 540447

$340

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Custom Line CLJ-412E LH w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Custom Line CLJ-412E LH w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Jangle Pop Celtic Acoustic Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for rhythm guitar work

✓ PROS

• Great for rhythm guitar work
• Distinctive 12-string character

✗ CONS

• More expensive string replacement
• More complex tuning and maintenance

Harley Benton Custom Line CLJ-412E LH w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Custom Line CLJ-412E LH...

⭐ 4.8/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 605289

$378

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-10SCE-12BKS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-10SCE-12BKS

by Harley Benton

Acoustic Rock Country Campfire Sessions

Key Feature:

• Distinctive 12-string character

✓ PROS

• Natural octave doubling
• Great for rhythm guitar work

✗ CONS

• More expensive string replacement
• More complex tuning and maintenance

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-10SCE-12BKS12-String Acoustic Guitar with PickupStyle: Dreadnought with cutawaySolid...

⭐ 4.6/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 314897

$318

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez PF1512ECE-NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Ibanez PF1512ECE-NT

by Ibanez

Jangle Pop Campfire Sessions Folk Rock

Key Feature:

• Natural octave doubling

✓ PROS

• Full, lush strumming sound
• Natural octave doubling

✗ CONS

• Limited single-note clarity
• Higher string tension and effort

Ibanez PF1512ECE-NTSteel String Guitar12 StringCutawayDreadnoughtTop: SpruceBody & Sdies: MahoganyNeck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 485698

$325

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Cust.Line CLJ-412E 3SB w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton Cust.Line CLJ-412E 3SB w/Case

by Harley Benton

Celtic Acoustic Rock Folk Rock

Key Feature:

• Natural octave doubling

✓ PROS

• Natural octave doubling
• Great for rhythm guitar work

✗ CONS

• Limited single-note clarity
• More complex tuning and maintenance

Harley Benton Cust.Line CLJ-412E 3SB w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Custom Line CLJ-412E SB*12-String...

⭐ 4.5/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 545318

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Custom Line CLJ-412E NT w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Custom Line CLJ-412E NT w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Jangle Pop Campfire Sessions Folk Rock

Key Feature:

• Natural octave doubling

✓ PROS

• Rich, shimmering chorus effect
• Great for rhythm guitar work

✗ CONS

• Higher string tension and effort
• More complex tuning and maintenance

Harley Benton Custom Line CLJ-412E NT w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Custom Line CLJ-412E NT*12-String...

⭐ 4.6/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 539731

$356

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Custom Line CLJ-412E NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton Custom Line CLJ-412E NT

by Harley Benton

Country Campfire Sessions Folk Rock

Key Feature:

• Distinctive 12-string character

✓ PROS

• Distinctive 12-string character
• Natural octave doubling

✗ CONS

• More complex tuning and maintenance
• More expensive string replacement

Harley Benton Custom Line CLJ-412E NT12-String Acoustic Guitar with PickupStyle: JumboTop: selected solid spruceBack...

⭐ 4.4/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 308208

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender CD-140SCE-12 WA Nat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Fender CD-140SCE-12 WA Nat

by Fender

Campfire Sessions Country Folk Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for rhythm guitar work

✓ PROS

• Natural octave doubling
• Rich, shimmering chorus effect

✗ CONS

• Heavier neck and higher action
• More complex tuning and maintenance

Fender CD-140SCE-12 WA Nat12-String Westernguitar with pick-upConstruction/shape: Classic Design Dreadnought with...

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 463175

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Cust. Line CLJ-412E 3SB w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Cust. Line CLJ-412E 3SB w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Folk Rock Celtic Jangle Pop

Key Feature:

• Distinctive 12-string character

✓ PROS

• Distinctive 12-string character
• Natural octave doubling

✗ CONS

• Heavier neck and higher action
• Higher string tension and effort

Harley Benton Cust. Line CLJ-412E 3SB w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Custom Line CLJ-412E SB*12-String...

⭐ 4.7/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 545317

$356

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender CD-60SCE-12 Nat WN w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Fender CD-60SCE-12 Nat WN w/Bag

by Fender

Country Campfire Sessions Jangle Pop

Key Feature:

• Natural octave doubling

✓ PROS

• Full, lush strumming sound
• Natural octave doubling

✗ CONS

• More complex tuning and maintenance
• Limited single-note clarity

Fender CD-60SCE-12 Nat WN w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Fender CD-60SCE-12 Nat WN*A 12-string Acoustic Guitar*Body...

⭐ 4.6/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 538675

$347

Buy at Thomann View Details

DAngelico Premier Fulton Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

DAngelico Premier Fulton Natural

by DAngelico

Country Celtic Acoustic Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for rhythm guitar work

✓ PROS

• Distinctive 12-string character
• Natural octave doubling

✗ CONS

• Higher string tension and effort
• Heavier neck and higher action

DAngelico Premier Fulton Natural12-String Acoustic Guitar with PickupConstruction: Grand Auditorium with single...

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 610591

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez AW5412CE-OPN Artwood - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Ibanez AW5412CE-OPN Artwood

by Ibanez

Folk Rock Jangle Pop Acoustic Rock

Key Feature:

• Full, lush strumming sound

✓ PROS

• Full, lush strumming sound
• Distinctive 12-string character

✗ CONS

• More expensive string replacement
• Higher string tension and effort

Ibanez AW5412CE-OPN Artwood12-String Acoustic Guitar with PickupDesign: Dreadnought with cutawayTop: Solid okoumeBack...

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 428958

$459

Buy at Thomann View Details

DAngelico Premier Fulton Caramel Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 5.0/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

DAngelico Premier Fulton Caramel Burst

by DAngelico

Folk Rock Jangle Pop Acoustic Rock

Key Feature:

• Natural octave doubling

✓ PROS

• Full, lush strumming sound
• Distinctive 12-string character

✗ CONS

• More complex tuning and maintenance
• Higher string tension and effort

DAngelico Premier Fulton Caramel Burst12-String Acoustic Guitar with PickupConstruction: Grand Auditorium with single...

⭐ 5.0/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 610597

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender CD-60SCE-12 Nat WN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.4/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Fender CD-60SCE-12 Nat WN

by Fender

Acoustic Rock Country Celtic

Key Feature:

• Rich, shimmering chorus effect

✓ PROS

• Full, lush strumming sound
• Natural octave doubling

✗ CONS

• More complex tuning and maintenance
• Limited single-note clarity

Fender CD-60SCE-12 Nat WNA 12-string Acoustic GuitarBody shape: Classic design dreadnought with cutawayTop: Solid...

⭐ 4.4/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 452172

$325

Buy at Thomann View Details

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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Best 12-String Acoustic Guitars Under $500 2025

Baton Rouge X34S/D-12

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-10SCE-12 w/Bag

Harley Benton Custom Line CLJ-412E LH w/Bag

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-10SCE-12BKS

Ibanez PF1512ECE-NT

Harley Benton Cust.Line CLJ-412E 3SB w/Case

Harley Benton Custom Line CLJ-412E NT w/Bag

Harley Benton Custom Line CLJ-412E NT

Fender CD-140SCE-12 WA Nat

Harley Benton Cust. Line CLJ-412E 3SB w/Bag

Fender CD-60SCE-12 Nat WN w/Bag

DAngelico Premier Fulton Natural

Ibanez AW5412CE-OPN Artwood

DAngelico Premier Fulton Caramel Burst

Fender CD-60SCE-12 Nat WN

How to Choose the Best 12-String Acoustic Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 12-string acoustic guitars?

How much should I spend on 12-string acoustic guitars?

Are expensive 12-string acoustic guitars worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 12-string acoustic guitars?

Should I buy 12-string acoustic guitars online or in-store?

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