Best 12 String Electric Guitars (2024 Update)
For guitarists looking to add a new dimension to their sound, 12 string electric guitars can be an exciting and inspiring option. With double the strings that produce a fuller, richer tone, 12 string electrics open up creative possibilities that standard 6 string models can’t quite match. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which 12 string electric is right for your music and budget? This comprehensive buyer’s guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when shopping for the best 12 string electric guitar.
First and foremost, pay close attention to the build quality and hardware components. A 12 string electric places greater tension on the neck, so you’ll want a guitar made with quality tonewoods and sturdy construction that can withstand the extra strings. Look for models with an adjustable truss rod to help counteract that tension. The nut width should be slightly wider to accommodate the extra strings. Hardware like the bridge and tuners should be durable.
Think about the pickups and electronics as well. Humbuckers and dual coil pickups are common for producing a thicker, more complex sound. Make sure the pickup configuration matches your tonal preferences. Other factors like controls, preamp EQ, and output jack options allow you to shape and fine tune your amplified tone.
You’ll also want to evaluate playability, especially neck profile and fingerboard radius. Though 12 strings require a bit more finger strength, the neck should be comfortable to play and allow for both chords and leads. Weight and body shape preferences are personal, but fatiguing guitars are never fun.
By prioritizing sound, playability, and build quality during your search, you’ll be able to find the perfect 12 string electric guitar for your music. Ready to dive deeper into the 12 string electric options on the market? Keep reading for detailed reviews and recommendations.
10 Best 12 String Electric Guitars
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This product is ideal for those who want a high-quality acoustic guitar with a rich, full sound and versatile playing options.
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This product is ideal for musicians who want a handcrafted 12-string dreadnought guitar with a fully adjustable truss rod and quality components.
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3
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The product is ideal for musicians who want a high-quality 12-string acoustic guitar with a natural finish and walnut fingerboard.
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4
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The product is ideal for musicians looking for a high-quality acoustic-electric guitar with 12 strings.
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5
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The product is ideal for achieving a bright and clear tone on a 12-string guitar.
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6
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This product is ideal for musicians seeking a high-quality 12-string electric guitar with a double-cut and stop tail design.
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7
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Ideal for guitarists who want clear and bright tones on their 12-string instruments.
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8
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The product is ideal for musicians who want a high-quality 12-string acoustic guitar with a solid top and jumbo archback.
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9
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Ideal for musicians who want a unique 12-string sound at an affordable price.
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10
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The product is ideal for playing music with a range of deeper notes and a fuller sound due to its 12 strings.
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1. Fender Cd-60sce 12-String Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, Natural
The dreadnought cutaway body style of this acoustic guitar is a classic design that offers a full and rich sound. The solid spruce top is reinforced with scalloped "X"-bracing, which enhances the resonance and sustain of the instrument. The mahogany back and sides provide warmth and depth to the overall tonal character.
Equipped with a Fishman low-profile pickup/preamp, this guitar can be easily amplified for live performances or recording sessions. The preamp features volume and tone controls, as well as a built-in tuner for convenient tuning on-the-go.
The neck of this guitar is designed to provide a comfortable and effortless playing experience. The fingerboard edges are rolled to reduce finger fatigue and allow for smooth chord transitions. The "Easy-to-Play" neck profile is perfect for beginners or players who prefer a slimmer neck.
2. Handcrafted 12-String Dreadnought Guitar With Rosewood Features
This guitar boasts a high gloss finish that gives it a sleek and professional look. The fully adjustable truss rod allows for easy customization of the neck, ensuring that the player can achieve the perfect feel and sound. The chrome die cast tuners are not only durable, but they also offer smooth and precise tuning. The select Spruce top, combined with the Mahogany sides and back, delivers a warm and balanced tone. This guitar is built to last a lifetime, making it a wise investment for any musician. With its top-notch features and quality craftsmanship, this guitar is sure to impress even the most discerning musicians.
3. Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12-String Concert Acoustic Guitar, Natural, Walnut Fingerboard
The Fishman preamp with built-in Tuner is a must-have for any musician looking to achieve the perfect sound. This high-quality preamp is designed to enhance the tone of your instrument and provide crystal-clear sound quality. With its built-in Tuner, you can easily tune your guitar on the go, ensuring that you always sound your best.
In addition to its impressive preamp, this guitar features scalloped bracing, which allows for greater resonance and projection. This means that your playing will be heard loud and clear, even in a crowded venue. The solid top of this guitar also contributes to its exceptional sound quality, providing a warm and rich tone that is sure to impress.
This guitar comes with a 1-year warranty, giving you peace of mind knowing that you are investing in a high-quality instrument that is built to last. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned musician, this guitar is sure to exceed your expectations and provide you with years of enjoyment.
4. Fender Cd-60sce Dreadnought 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar
The guitar boasts a Solid Spruce Top that produces rich, warm tones with excellent projection. The back and sides are made of Laminated Mahogany, which offers a beautiful and balanced sound with excellent sustain.
The 25.3" scale mahogany neck is sturdy and durable, and the 20 fret walnut fingerboard provides a smooth and comfortable playing experience. The neck is shaped in Fender's 'Easy-to-Play' design, which makes it easier for beginners and professionals alike to play complex chords and notes with ease. The rolled fretboard edges make for a comfortable grip, allowing for effortless playing for extended periods.
The crème plastic nut is perfectly placed to ensure that the strings are held securely in place, preventing any buzzing or slipping. Additionally, it enhances the overall tone of the guitar, making it sound fuller and more resonant.
It is important to note that the case is not included with the guitar, so users should consider purchasing a case separately to protect their investment and ensure that the guitar remains in top condition.
5. Ernie Ball 12-String Light Nickel Wound
This set of guitar strings is crafted with the finest materials and expertly made in California, USA. Using nickel plated steel wire wrapped around tin plated hex shaped steel core wire, these strings produce a well-balanced and high-quality sound that is sure to impress any musician.
One of the unique features of this set is the wound G string, which adds an extra layer of depth to the sound produced. Additionally, the Element Shield Packaging used in the manufacturing process helps to prolong the life of the strings and keep them as fresh as the day they were made.
6. 12-String Electric Guitar With Hardshell Case
The Arched Laminated Mahogany body of this guitar offers a sturdy and elegant foundation for the player's musical talents. The 3-Piece Mahogany/Maple/Mahogany neck material provides a smooth and comfortable playing experience, while the Indian Rosewood fingerboard material adds a touch of sophistication. With a scale length of 24 3/4″ (628 mm), this guitar is suitable for players of all levels.
Equipped with LB-1 pickups, this guitar delivers a dynamic and versatile sound that can be adjusted to suit any playing style. The hand orientation is right, making it easy for right-handed players to pick up and play without any adjustment.
It is important to note that natural wood has a unique spirit and varies greatly in color richness and wood grain. Therefore, the product shipped may appear lighter or darker in color than the product shown in the image. This adds to the charm and authenticity of the guitar, making each one a truly unique piece.
7. Ernie Ball 12-String Slinky Nickel Wound
This set of guitar strings has been precision manufactured to the highest standards and most exacting specifications, ensuring consistency, optimum performance, and long life. The strings are made from nickel-plated steel wire wrapped around a hex-shaped steel core wire, with plain strings made of specially tempered tin-plated high-carbon steel. This construction results in a bright and well-balanced tone, with the signature Slinky feel that guitarists know and love.
To ensure that these strings stay fresh and ready to play for as long as possible, they come in Element Shield Packaging. This packaging helps to prolong string life, keeping them as fresh as the day they were made.
These guitar strings are proudly made in California, USA, using only the finest and freshest materials. Guitarists can trust in the quality and craftsmanship of these strings, and enjoy the bright, well-balanced tone and smooth feel that they provide.
8. Blonde Jumbo 12-String Acoustic Guitar By Guild
The F-2512E Maple is an exceptional combination of Guild's most renowned specialties: jumbo and twelve-string guitars. Since 1954, Guild has been known for producing jumbo acoustic guitars with large, rounded bodies. This particular guitar takes that iconic shape and combines it with the ever-popular 12-string construction to create a full-toned, impressively voiced acoustic instrument.
The F-2512E Maple is built with a solid spruce top, maple sides, and arched maple back. This construction results in the bright, jangly tone that is characteristic of Guild's twelve-string guitars. The guitar also features Guild's signature arched back design, which allows for great volume and projection, long sustain, and a lush, full sound.
In terms of electronics, the F-2512E Maple is equipped with Guild's Fishman-designed AP-1 system. The guitar also features a pau ferro fingerboard and bridge, bone nut and saddle, pearl rosette, period-correct tortoiseshell pickguard, and a satin polyurethane finish. These features all work together to create a guitar that is both visually striking and sonically impressive.
It's important to note that natural wood has a unique spirit and varies greatly in color richness and wood grain. As a result, the product shipped may appear lighter or darker in color than the product shown here.
9. Danelectro 12sdc 12-String
This electric guitar boasts a '59 style double-cutaway body that's crafted from laminated wood for a sturdy and durable build. The sides of the body feature vintage textured tape binding that adds a touch of elegance to the overall design. The neck is bolted onto the body and is constructed from maple, offering a smooth and comfortable playing experience. The elongated "bottle" headstock gives the guitar a classic look, while the rosewood fretboard provides a warm and rich tonality. The fretboard also features dot inlays that help with easy navigation.
Equipped with lipstick tube pickups, this guitar is capable of producing a range of sounds that are suited for different music genres. The dual/concentric "stacked" master volume and tone controls allow for precise adjustments to the guitar's sound output. A 3-way toggle switch lets you switch between the pickups with ease. The guitar is finished in a sleek matte finish that gives it a modern touch.
With a nut width of 1-3/4" and a scale length of 25" (635mm), this guitar offers a comfortable playing experience for both beginner and experienced guitar players. The hardware is finished in satin, which enhances the guitar's overall look. The Gotoh tuners ensure that the guitar stays in tune for long periods, while the fully adjustable bridge allows for easy intonation adjustments.
The guitar comes strung with D'Addario XL EXL150 regular light nickel wound strings that provide a bright and balanced tone. Overall, this electric guitar is a reliable and versatile instrument that's perfect for musicians who are looking for a classic sound with modern features.
10. Yamaha Fg820 12-String Solid Top Acoustic Guitar
Introducing a stunning guitar that is perfect for both beginners and professionals alike – the Solid Sitka Spruce Top Guitar. Crafted with precision and expertise, this guitar features a top made from solid Sitka spruce, which produces a rich and vibrant tone that is sure to impress even the most discerning musicians.
The back and sides of this guitar are made from high-quality mahogany, which provides a warm and resonant sound that complements the top perfectly. The rosewood fingerboard and bridge add to the guitar's overall aesthetic, while also offering a smooth and comfortable playing experience.
In addition, this guitar comes equipped with diecast tuners, which allow for precise and easy tuning, ensuring that you always sound your best. And with an adjustable truss rod, you can easily adjust the guitar's neck to suit your playing style and preferences.
Whether you're looking to learn how to play the guitar or simply want to add to your collection, the Solid Sitka Spruce Top Guitar is a must-have for any musician. So why wait? Order yours today and experience the beauty and quality of this exceptional instrument for yourself!
Best 12 String Electric Guitars FAQs
Can a 12 string electric guitar be used for different genres of music?
Yes, a 12 string electric guitar can be used for different genres of music. The unique sound of a 12 string guitar comes from the fact that it has twice as many strings as a traditional electric guitar. This creates a richer, fuller sound that can be used in a wide variety of musical styles.
In rock music, the 12 string guitar is often used to create a jangly, bright sound that cuts through the mix. Bands like The Byrds and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are known for using 12 string guitars in their music. In folk and acoustic music, the 12 string guitar is often used to create a rich, full-bodied sound that complements the vocals.
However, the 12 string guitar can also be used in genres like metal and jazz. In metal music, the 12 string guitar can be used to create a heavy, distorted sound that adds depth and texture to the music. In jazz, the 12 string guitar can be used to create complex, intricate chord progressions that add a unique flavor to the music.
Overall, the 12 string electric guitar is a versatile instrument that can be used in a wide variety of musical genres. Its unique sound and rich tone make it a popular choice for many musicians.
How difficult is it to play a 12 string electric guitar?
Playing a 12 string electric guitar can be challenging for some guitarists, especially those who are used to playing a 6 string guitar. The main difference between the two is the number of strings, which can take some time to get used to. The extra strings can make it harder to fret notes and chords, and can be more difficult to keep in tune. However, with practice, playing a 12 string electric guitar can become easier.
One advantage of playing a 12 string guitar is the unique sound it produces. The doubled strings give a fuller, richer sound that can add depth and texture to a performance. Additionally, many guitarists find that playing a 12 string guitar can improve their finger strength and dexterity, which can translate to better playing on other instruments as well.
Ultimately, the difficulty of playing a 12 string electric guitar depends on the individual guitarist and their level of experience. With practice and dedication, anyone can learn to play a 12 string guitar and enjoy the unique sound it brings to their music.
How does a 12 string electric guitar differ from a standard electric guitar?
A 12 string electric guitar differs from a standard electric guitar in several ways. First and foremost, a 12 string guitar has twice as many strings as a standard guitar, with pairs of strings tuned in unison. This creates a fuller and richer sound, with a chorus-like effect. Additionally, the neck of a 12 string guitar is wider than a standard guitar to accommodate the extra strings, making it more challenging to play for some guitarists. The tuning of a 12 string guitar is also different, with the pairs of strings tuned in octaves or fifths. This unique tuning creates a distinctive sound that is often associated with folk music and classic rock. Finally, the pickups and electronics of a 12 string guitar may be modified to capture the unique tonal qualities of the instrument. Overall, a 12 string electric guitar offers a unique and rich sound that is distinct from a standard electric guitar.
What are some popular songs that feature a 12 string electric guitar?
The 12-string electric guitar is a unique and distinctive instrument that has been used in many popular songs across multiple genres. Some of the most popular songs featuring a 12-string electric guitar include "Hotel California" by the Eagles, "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin, and "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd. Other notable songs include "Turn! Turn! Turn!" by The Byrds, "So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star" by The Byrds, "Hard to Handle" by The Black Crowes, and "The One I Love" by R.E.M. Additionally, Tom Petty's "The Waiting" and "Free Fallin'" are also great examples of the 12-string guitar's unique sound. The 12-string electric guitar adds a rich, full-bodied sound to any song and has become a staple in many popular music genres.
What are the advantages of owning a 12 string electric guitar?
Owning a 12 string electric guitar can offer several advantages to a guitarist. One of the most obvious advantages is the unique sound that a 12 string guitar produces. The doubled strings create a richer, fuller sound that can be used to create a variety of tones and textures. This can be particularly useful for guitarists who play in a band or perform live, as the added depth and complexity of the sound can help to fill out the mix.
Another advantage of owning a 12 string electric guitar is that it can offer a wider range of notes and chords than a standard 6-string guitar. This can be particularly useful for guitarists who play complex arrangements or who like to experiment with different tunings. Additionally, the wider range of notes and chords can make it easier to play certain songs that might be difficult on a standard guitar.
Finally, owning a 12 string electric guitar can be a great way to stand out from other guitarists and add a unique element to your playing. With its distinctive sound and wider range of notes and chords, a 12 string guitar can help to set you apart and make your playing more memorable.
What are the features to look for when selecting a 12 string electric guitar?
When selecting a 12 string electric guitar, there are several features that you should consider to ensure that you get the best possible instrument. Firstly, you should look at the quality of the build and the materials used. A solid wood body and a high-quality neck will ensure that the guitar produces a rich, full sound and is durable enough to last for many years.
You should also consider the pickups and electronics that are used in the guitar. High-quality pickups will ensure that the guitar produces a clear and consistent tone, while good electronics will allow you to adjust the sound to your liking.
Another important factor to consider is the size and shape of the guitar. A 12 string guitar can be quite large and heavy, so it's important to choose a shape that is comfortable for you to play. Some guitarists prefer a jumbo or dreadnought shape, while others prefer a smaller body style.
Finally, you should consider the price of the guitar and your budget. While there are many high-end 12 string electric guitars on the market, there are also many affordable options that offer excellent quality and value for money. By considering these factors, you can choose a 12 string electric guitar that meets your needs and helps you to achieve your musical goals.
What are the top-rated 12 string electric guitars available on the market?
There are several top-rated 12 string electric guitars available on the market, each with its unique features and benefits. One of the most popular options is the Rickenbacker 360/12. It has a solid body, a classic design, and a bright, jangly tone. Another great option is the Taylor 356ce 12-String. It has a Grand Symphony body shape, a Venetian cutaway, and an onboard preamp for amplified performance. The Guild F-512 is also a top-rated 12 string electric guitar, with a jumbo body, solid Sitka spruce top, and Indian rosewood back and sides. Other notable options include the Gretsch G2622T Streamliner, the Ibanez AEG1812II, and the Yamaha FG820-12. Ultimately, the best 12 string electric guitar for you will depend on your personal preferences, playing style, and budget. It's important to try out different models and brands before making a decision.
What is the price range for a quality 12 string electric guitar?
The price range for a quality 12 string electric guitar can vary widely depending on the brand, model, and features. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $3000 for a good quality 12 string electric guitar. Lower-priced models will likely have fewer features and lower quality materials, while higher-priced models may have more advanced features and higher quality materials. It's important to consider your budget and what features are most important to you when choosing a 12 string electric guitar. Additionally, it's recommended to try out different models and brands in person to find the one that feels and sounds best to you.
What is the sound quality of a 12 string electric guitar compared to a standard electric guitar?
The sound quality of a 12-string electric guitar can be quite different from that of a standard electric guitar. The main difference is in the number of strings, which can create a fuller, richer sound with more harmonic overtones. The doubled strings on a 12-string guitar can create a chorus-like effect that is not present on a standard guitar. This can make the 12-string guitar particularly well-suited for certain styles of music, such as folk or acoustic rock.
However, the sound quality of a 12-string electric guitar can also depend on the specific model and the type of pickups used. Some 12-string guitars may have more sustain and a brighter tone, while others may have a more mellow sound. It's important to note that playing a 12-string guitar can also require more finger strength and dexterity, as well as adjustments to playing technique.
Overall, whether a 12-string electric guitar has better sound quality than a standard electric guitar is subjective and depends on personal preferences and the specific musical context.
Which brands make the best 12 string electric guitars?
There are several brands that make great 12 string electric guitars, each with their own unique features and qualities. One of the most popular brands is Rickenbacker, known for their iconic 360/12 model famously played by artists like George Harrison and Tom Petty. These guitars have a bright, jangly sound that is perfect for rock and pop music. Another great brand is Taylor, which produces high-quality instruments with a more modern sound. Their 12 string models have a clear, balanced tone and are highly versatile. Gibson is also a well-respected brand, with their ES-335 and ES-345 models being particularly popular among 12 string enthusiasts. These guitars have a warm, rich sound that is great for blues and jazz. Other notable brands include Fender, PRS, and Ibanez. Ultimately, the best 12 string electric guitar for you will depend on your personal preferences and playing style.
