Imagine a sound that fills a room, rich and full, like a chorus of angels singing. That’s the magic of an acoustic 12-string guitar. Have you ever heard that incredible sound and wondered how it’s made? Or maybe you’ve dreamt of creating that beautiful, layered music yourself.
But let’s be honest, picking out a 12-string can be a bit confusing. There are so many brands and models, and it’s tough to know which one will feel just right in your hands and sound the best for your music. You might worry about spending money on the wrong guitar or not getting the full, lush sound you’re hoping for. It can feel like a big decision with a lot of choices to make.
That’s where we come in! This post is your friendly guide to the wonderful world of acoustic 12-string guitars. We’ll break down what makes them special and help you understand what to look for. By the end, you’ll feel much more confident about finding the perfect 12-string that will inspire you to play and create amazing music.
Our Top 5 Acoustic 12 String Guitar Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Acoustic 12 String Guitar Detailed Reviews
1. Fesley 12 String Guitar: 42″ Full Size Acoustic Electric Guitars for Beginners Adults
Rating: 8.7/10
The Fesley 12 String Guitar is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to start their musical journey or expand their collection. This full-size acoustic-electric guitar boasts a beautiful gloss black finish and a cutaway design for easy fret access. It’s built with quality materials to deliver a rich sound and a comfortable playing experience.
What We Like:
- The solid AAA Spruce top and Mahogany back/sides create a rich, resonant sound that’s great for any music.
- The comfortable C-shaped neck and smooth fret ends make playing easy and enjoyable, even for beginners.
- Precise tuning is a breeze with the 18:1 ratio tuners, and the sealed pegs keep dust and moisture out.
- The built-in truss rod keeps the neck straight and durable, adapting to different temperatures.
- The 4-band EQ and preamp allow you to control and amplify your sound, giving you versatility.
- This guitar comes as a complete bundle with all the accessories you need to start playing right away.
- Fesley offers a 1-year assurance and 24-hour customer support, providing great peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While a 12-string offers a fuller sound, it can be more challenging for absolute beginners to master compared to a 6-string.
- The “sanding block” accessory might be confusing for beginners; its purpose isn’t immediately obvious without explanation.
This Fesley 12 String Guitar bundle offers excellent value and a comprehensive package for aspiring musicians. You’ll be ready to play and explore your sound from the moment you unbox it.
2. Fender CD-60SCE 12-string Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
Rating: 9.2/10
The Fender CD-60SCE-12 is a 12-string dreadnought acoustic guitar that brings a big sound to your music. Its natural finish looks great, and it’s built for players who want a rich, full tone. This guitar is ready to help you create beautiful music.
What We Like:
- The dreadnought body shape gives it a loud and deep sound, perfect for styles like country and folk.
- It’s made with good materials. The solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides make its sound rich and satisfying.
- Playing is easy with the built-in Fishman pickup and tuner. You can easily adjust your sound.
- Fender offers a 2-year warranty. This shows they believe in the quality of their guitars.
What Could Be Improved:
- For beginners, a 12-string guitar can be a little harder to play than a 6-string guitar at first.
- While the sound is great, some very experienced players might want even more customization options.
The Fender CD-60SCE-12 offers a fantastic 12-string experience for many players. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to add a richer, fuller sound to their acoustic playing.
3. Vangoa 12 String Guitar Acoustic Electric
Rating: 8.7/10
The Vangoa 12 String Guitar Acoustic Electric is an impressive instrument designed for players of all levels. This upgraded bundle provides everything a beginner, intermediate player, adult, or teen needs to start their musical journey. Its beautiful black, matte finish and spruce top offer a stunning look and a rich sound.
What We Like:
- The AAA spruce top and sapele back & sides create a robust, warm, and well-balanced sound.
- Twelve strings deliver a wider sound range and louder, punchier effects.
- The dreadnought body makes the sound loud, full, and impressive, with a stunning echo.
- 18:1 ratio tuning pegs ensure precise tuning, and the sealed design protects the gears.
- A bone nut and saddle help transfer vibrations for better sound.
- The strings are spaced closely, making them easier to play without needing a lot of finger strength.
- The slender C-shape neck feels comfortable to hold.
- A cutaway design gives easy access to all the frets, letting you play any song.
- The matte finish is durable and easy to clean.
- A built-in truss rod keeps the neck straight and strong, even with string tension or temperature changes.
- The strings are set at a perfect height for comfortable playing.
- It’s an acoustic-electric guitar with a built-in EQ and preamp for more sound options and louder sound in big spaces.
- An audio cable is included, so you can play it acoustically or plug it in for a stage performance.
- The bundle includes a 5mm padded bag, backup strings, and everything else you need to start playing right away.
- Vangoa offers a 1-year warranty and fast customer service.
What Could Be Improved:
- For absolute beginners, the 12-string setup might present a slightly steeper learning curve than a 6-string.
- While the matte finish is durable, it may show fingerprints more readily than a gloss finish.
This Vangoa 12-string guitar bundle is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the rich, layered sound of a 12-string instrument. It offers great value with its included accessories and quality construction.
4. D’Angelico Electro 12 String Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to fill your sound with rich, shimmering tones with the D’Angelico Electro 12 String Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Right, Natural (DAPLSG212MAHCP). This beauty boasts a warm mahogany body and neck, giving it a full, resonant sound. The merbau fingerboard feels smooth under your fingers. You can play it unplugged or plug it in to amplify your music. Its natural finish looks classic and elegant.
What We Like:
- The 12-string setup creates a beautiful, full sound that’s great for strumming and fingerpicking.
- The mahogany body and neck contribute to a warm, rich tone.
- It’s an acoustic-electric, so you can play it anywhere and also plug it into an amp for bigger gigs.
- The natural finish looks very stylish.
- It’s comfortable to hold and play.
What Could Be Improved:
- Like most 12-string guitars, it can take a little practice to get used to the extra strings.
- For absolute beginners, the initial cost might be a bit higher than a basic 6-string.
This D’Angelico 12-string guitar offers a fantastic sound and a great playing experience. It’s a wonderful instrument for anyone looking to add a new dimension to their music.
5. ALLSET 12 String Guitar Acoustic Electric
Rating: 8.5/10
The ALLSET 12 String Guitar Acoustic Electric in sleek black is a full-size instrument built for players who want to shine on stage. It’s designed with quality materials and includes everything you need to start playing right away, making it a fantastic choice for both beginners and experienced musicians.
What We Like:
- It has a solid Adirondack Spruce top and Honduran mahogany back and sides that give it a beautiful, clear sound with lots of richness.
- The OX bone nut and bridge help the sound travel well, giving you great resonance and sustain for a full, vibrant tone.
- The cutaway design makes it easy to reach all the frets, so you can play comfortably for a long time.
- The built-in 4-band EQ lets you easily adjust your sound, whether you’re playing through an amp or direct into a sound system.
- It comes with a gig bag, strap, extra strings, and picks, so you’re ready to perform as soon as you get it.
- ALLSET offers a 1-year guarantee and 24/7 customer support, giving you peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s a great kit, some advanced players might want to upgrade certain components later.
This ALLSET 12-string guitar is a well-rounded package that delivers impressive sound and playability. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to expand their musical horizons with the lush sound of a 12-string.
The Roaring Sound of Twelve: Your Acoustic 12-String Guitar Buying Guide
Thinking about adding a 12-string acoustic guitar to your collection? You’re in for a treat! These guitars offer a richer, fuller sound that can make your music truly shine. This guide will help you find the perfect 12-string for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a 12-string, keep these important features in mind:
- Body Shape: Like regular acoustic guitars, 12-strings come in different body shapes. Dreadnoughts are big and loud, great for strumming. Concert or Orchestra Model (OM) shapes are a bit smaller and more comfortable for fingerpicking.
- Neck Profile: The neck is where your hand rests. A comfortable neck means longer playing sessions. Some necks are thicker, others are slimmer. Try a few to see what feels best.
- Nut Width: This is the width of the neck at the headstock. 12-string necks are usually wider than 6-string necks. This gives more space for those extra strings.
- Action: This refers to how high the strings are off the fretboard. Lower action is easier to play. High action can be tough on your fingers.
- Electronics (Optional): Some 12-strings have built-in pickups. This lets you plug them into an amplifier or sound system.
Important Materials
The wood a guitar is made from affects its sound and look.
- Top Wood: The top is the front of the guitar. Spruce is very common. It gives a bright and clear sound. Cedar tops offer a warmer, softer tone.
- Back and Sides Wood: Mahogany gives a balanced sound with good mid-range. Rosewood provides a rich, deep sound with lots of sustain.
- Fretboard Wood: Rosewood and ebony are popular choices. They are both durable and feel smooth under your fingers.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a 12-string guitar sound amazing or just okay.
- Construction: A well-built guitar plays better. Look for smooth fret edges and no buzzing sounds.
- Bracing: This is the internal support structure of the guitar. Good bracing helps the top vibrate freely, creating a better sound.
- Hardware: The tuning machines (tuners) are important. Good tuners keep your guitar in tune.
- Finish: A thin, well-applied finish lets the wood sound its best. Thick finishes can sometimes dampen the sound.
User Experience and Use Cases
Playing a 12-string is a unique experience. The extra strings add a shimmering, chorus-like effect to your chords. This makes them perfect for:
- Strumming Chords: They fill out the sound of a band beautifully.
- Singer-Songwriters: A 12-string can provide a rich accompaniment for vocals.
- Folk and Rock Music: Many iconic songs use the distinctive sound of a 12-string.
- Practice: Learning to play a 12-string can improve your finger strength and dexterity.
However, 12-strings can be a bit harder to play than 6-strings. The strings are closer together, and the tension is higher. This means you might need a bit more finger strength.
Your 12-String Questions Answered
Here are some common questions people ask about acoustic 12-string guitars.
Q: What is the main difference between a 6-string and a 12-string guitar?
A: A 12-string guitar has six pairs of strings. Each pair is tuned in octaves or unison. This gives it a much fuller, richer sound than a standard 6-string guitar.
Q: Are 12-string guitars harder to play?
A: Yes, they can be a little harder. The strings are closer together, and there is more tension. This might require more finger strength, especially when you are starting out.
Q: What kind of music is best suited for a 12-string guitar?
A: 12-string guitars are great for folk, rock, and country music. They add a beautiful, shimmering sound to chords and are excellent for strumming.
Q: Do I need special strings for a 12-string guitar?
A: Yes, you need specific 12-string sets. These sets have the correct gauges (thickness) for all twelve strings.
Q: How do I tune a 12-string guitar?
A: The standard tuning is the same as a 6-string (E-A-D-G-B-E), but each string has a doubled string next to it. The lower four pairs (E, A, D, G) are tuned in octaves, and the upper two pairs (B, E) are tuned in unison.
Q: Can I play barre chords on a 12-string guitar?
A: Yes, you can. However, barre chords might feel a bit more challenging due to the wider neck and increased string tension. Many players find that it becomes easier with practice.
Q: What are the advantages of playing a 12-string guitar?
A: The main advantage is the sound. It creates a chorus-like effect that sounds very full and resonant. It can also make a single guitarist sound like a whole band.
Q: Are there different types of 12-string guitars?
A: Yes, just like 6-string guitars, they come in different body sizes (dreadnought, OM, etc.) and are made from various woods, which all affect the tone.
Q: How often should I change the strings on a 12-string guitar?
A: You should change them about as often as you would a 6-string, or perhaps a little more if you play frequently. Old strings can sound dull and make the guitar harder to tune.
Q: Is a 12-string guitar a good choice for beginners?
A: It can be. If you are determined and patient, it can be rewarding. However, some beginners might find it easier to start on a 6-string to build finger strength and technique first.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Robert Contreras, a passionate archery instructor based in the USA. With years of experience under my belt, I’ve dedicated my life to mastering the art of archery and sharing its intricacies with enthusiasts of all levels. Through my website, 10Bows.com, I invite you to explore a treasure trove of tips, techniques, and personal insights that reflect my journey in the world of archery. Whether you’re picking up a bow for the first time or refining your skills, I’m here to help guide you toward precision, focus, and a deeper appreciation for this timeless sport.