AudioFu

Best 12 String Guitars Under $2,000 2025

Affordable 12 string guitars under $2,000 - great value without compromising quality

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
Danelectro DB612-BBS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

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
Danelectro 66-12 Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

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
Reverend Airwave 12-String MA - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

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
Reverend Airwave 12-String MBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

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
Danelectro Doubleneck 612 White - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

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
Gretsch G5422G-12 Electromatic WS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

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
Gretsch G5422G-12 Electromatic SBB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

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

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 ST Style Guitars

TOP

Best Humbucker Pickups

POPULAR

Best Distortion Pedals

POPULAR

Best Single Cut Guitars

RELATED

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more