Best 12 String Guitars for Advanced 2025

Perfect 12 string guitars for advanced - easy to play and learn on

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

PRICE RANGES: Under $2,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Jangle Pop For Progressive Rock For Atmospheric Sounds For Rich Textures For Studio Recording

BRANDS: Danelectro

Rickenbacker 360/12C63 Fireglo 12-string - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Rickenbacker 360/12C63 Fireglo 12-string

by Rickenbacker

Atmospheric Sounds Folk Rock Rich Textures

Key Feature:

• Natural chorus effect

✓ PROS

• Great for rhythm guitar parts
• Natural chorus effect

✗ CONS

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

Rickenbacker 360/12C63 Fireglo 12-string12-String Electric GuitarBody: MapleGlued-in neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 582151

$5,499

Buy at Thomann View Details

Duesenberg Double Cat 12 Vintage Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Duesenberg Double Cat 12 Vintage Burst

by Duesenberg

Atmospheric Sounds Progressive Rock Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Perfect for certain musical styles

✓ PROS

• Distinctive tonal character
• Great for rhythm guitar parts

✗ CONS

• More complex setup and maintenance
• More expensive string replacement

Duesenberg Double Cat 12 Vintage Burst 12 String E-Guitar12-String Electric GuitarLaminated Maple TopSolid body:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 567964

$3,189

Buy at Thomann View Details

Danelectro Doubleneck 612 White - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Danelectro Doubleneck 612 White

by Danelectro

Folk Rock Atmospheric Sounds Rich Textures

Key Feature:

• Distinctive tonal character

✓ PROS

• Perfect for certain musical styles
• Natural chorus effect

✗ CONS

• More expensive string replacement
• Harder to play than 6-string

Danelectro Doubleneck 612 WhiteDoubleneck Electric Guitar6-String/12-stringShorthorn shapePoplar body frame and centre...

⭐ 4.9/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 591346

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

Danelectro Fifty Niner 12 String GD Top - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Danelectro Fifty Niner 12 String GD Top

by Danelectro

Jangle Pop Folk Rock Rich Textures

Key Feature:

• Distinctive tonal character

✓ PROS

• Perfect for certain musical styles
• Distinctive tonal character

✗ CONS

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

Danelectro Fifty Niner 12 String GD Top12-String Electric GuitarType: Semi-Hollow Body with Double CutawayPoplar body...

⭐ 4.4/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 600919

$846

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier Paranormal Jazzmaster XII OW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Squier Paranormal Jazzmaster XII OW

by Squier

Progressive Rock Atmospheric Sounds Rich Textures

Key Feature:

• Great for rhythm guitar parts

✓ PROS

• Great for rhythm guitar parts
• Rich, shimmering 12-string sound

✗ CONS

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

Squier Paranormal Jazzmaster XII OW12-String Electric GuitarParanormal SeriesBody: PoplarBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 568088

$469

Buy at Thomann View Details

Danelectro 66-12 Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Danelectro 66-12 Black

by Danelectro

Folk Rock Jangle Pop Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Natural chorus effect

✓ PROS

• Great for rhythm guitar parts
• Distinctive tonal character

✗ CONS

• Limited single-note clarity
• More expensive string replacement

Danelectro 66-12 Black12-String Electric GuitarChambered alder body in composite/solid wood constructionBolt-on maple...

⭐ 4.4/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 512171

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton RB-612BK Classic Series Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton RB-612BK Classic Series Bundle

by Harley Benton

Folk Rock Progressive Rock Atmospheric Sounds

Key Feature:

• Natural chorus effect

✓ PROS

• Rich, shimmering 12-string sound
• Natural chorus effect

✗ CONS

• More expensive string replacement
• Limited single-note clarity

Harley Benton RB-612BK Classic Series Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton RB-612BK Classic Series*12-String...

⭐ 4.9/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 446096

$323

Buy at Thomann View Details

Guild Starfire I-12 CR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Guild Starfire I-12 CR

by Guild

Studio Recording Progressive Rock Rich Textures

Key Feature:

• Distinctive tonal character

✓ PROS

• Perfect for certain musical styles
• Great for rhythm guitar parts

✗ CONS

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

Guild Starfire I-12 CR12-String Electric GuitarStyle: Semi-hollow body with centre blockBody: Mahogany laminatedCentre...

⭐ 4.6/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 547668

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Danelectro DB612-BBS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Danelectro DB612-BBS

by Danelectro

Folk Rock Progressive Rock Atmospheric Sounds

Key Feature:

• Distinctive tonal character

✓ PROS

• Natural chorus effect
• Great for rhythm guitar parts

✗ CONS

• Higher string tension and effort
• Harder to play than 6-string

Danelectro DB612-BBSDoubleneck Electric Guitar6 and 12 StringBody: Poplar frame and centre block with Masonite top and...

⭐ 4.8/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 141056

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

Reverend Airwave 12-String MBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Reverend Airwave 12-String MBK

by Reverend

Rich Textures Studio Recording Atmospheric Sounds

Key Feature:

• Great for rhythm guitar parts

✓ PROS

• Rich, shimmering 12-string sound
• Great for rhythm guitar parts

✗ CONS

• More complex setup and maintenance
• More expensive string replacement

Reverend Airwave 12-String MBK12-String Electric GuitarType: Semi-HollowBody: KorinaTop: Solid spruceSet-in 5-piece...

⭐ 4.8/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 603402

$1,429

Buy at Thomann View Details

Reverend Airwave 12-String MA - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Reverend Airwave 12-String MA

by Reverend

Progressive Rock Rich Textures Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Perfect for certain musical styles

✓ PROS

• Natural chorus effect
• Great for rhythm guitar parts

✗ CONS

• Harder to play than 6-string
• Limited single-note clarity

Reverend Airwave 12-String MA12-String Electric GuitarType: Semi-hollowBody: KorinaTop: Solid spruceSet 5-piece neck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 617980

$1,429

Buy at Thomann View Details

Danelectro Fifty Niner 12 String BK Top - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.8/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Danelectro Fifty Niner 12 String BK Top

by Danelectro

Folk Rock Atmospheric Sounds Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Perfect for certain musical styles

✓ PROS

• Rich, shimmering 12-string sound
• Natural chorus effect

✗ CONS

• Harder to play than 6-string
• Higher string tension and effort

Danelectro Fifty Niner 12 String BK Top12-String Electric GuitarType: Semi-Hollow Body with Double CutawayPoplar body...

⭐ 4.8/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 600912

$846

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch G5422G-12 Electromatic SBB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.5/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Gretsch G5422G-12 Electromatic SBB

by Gretsch

Folk Rock Studio Recording Jangle Pop

Key Feature:

• Perfect for certain musical styles

✓ PROS

• Natural chorus effect
• Great for rhythm guitar parts

✗ CONS

• Limited single-note clarity
• More expensive string replacement

Gretsch G5422G-12 Electromatic SBB12-String Electric GuitarType: Hollowbody with double cutBody: Maple laminated with...

⭐ 4.5/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 535968

$1,031

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch G5422G-12 Electromatic WS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Gretsch G5422G-12 Electromatic WS

by Gretsch

Rich Textures Atmospheric Sounds Progressive Rock

Key Feature:

• Natural chorus effect

✓ PROS

• Great for rhythm guitar parts
• Natural chorus effect

✗ CONS

• Higher string tension and effort
• More expensive string replacement

Gretsch G5422G-12 Electromatic OW12-String Electric GuitarType: Hollowbody with double cutBody: Maple laminated with...

⭐ 4.9/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 535965

$1,098

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier Paranormal Jazzmaster XII LPB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Squier Paranormal Jazzmaster XII LPB

by Squier

Rich Textures Folk Rock Jangle Pop

Key Feature:

• Rich, shimmering 12-string sound

✓ PROS

• Distinctive tonal character
• Perfect for certain musical styles

✗ CONS

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

Squier Paranormal Jazzmaster XII LPB12-String Electric GuitarParanormal SeriesBody: PoplarBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 568073

$424

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 12 String 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 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.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best 12 String Guitars for Advanced 2025

Rickenbacker 360/12C63 Fireglo 12-string

Duesenberg Double Cat 12 Vintage Burst

Danelectro Doubleneck 612 White

Danelectro Fifty Niner 12 String GD Top

Squier Paranormal Jazzmaster XII OW

Danelectro 66-12 Black

Harley Benton RB-612BK Classic Series Bundle

Guild Starfire I-12 CR

Danelectro DB612-BBS

Reverend Airwave 12-String MBK

Reverend Airwave 12-String MA

Danelectro Fifty Niner 12 String BK Top

Gretsch G5422G-12 Electromatic SBB

Gretsch G5422G-12 Electromatic WS

Squier Paranormal Jazzmaster XII LPB

How to Choose the Best 12 String Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 12 string guitars?

How much should I spend on 12 string guitars?

Are expensive 12 string guitars worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 12 string guitars?

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

Related Best Lists

Best ST Style Guitars

Best Humbucker Pickups

Best Distortion Pedals

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies