The 25 Best 12-String Guitars In 2024

Many people focus on playing a six-string guitar, and it is what we see as a standard instrument. But there are other options as well. The most popular guitar with more than six strings has been around for quite some time. 

12-string guitars exist in acoustic and electric versions, they are excellent for different genres and styles, and you can have so much fun with them. But if you don’t own one, you might wonder which one to pick. And here, I will go through some of the best options you can find today. 

I will try to cover different budgets, designs, and styles so you can find a perfect guitar for you regardless of your taste. 

Harley Benton Custom Line CLJ-412E

• Size: Jumbo
• Body material: Solid spruce with mahogany back and sides
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fretboard: Ovangkol
• Scale length: 25.5” (648 mm)
• Frets: 20
• Pickups: Fishman Presys-II pickup system with built-in tuner
• Finish: 3-Tone Sunburst

Harley Benton is often the best possible solution if you want to find a great guitar for a low price. The company is a part of Thomann and has an incredible collection of instruments. When it comes to the design, the guitar is jumbo, which means it might be too big for younger players. 

The body is made of mahogany with a solid spruce top, and it has a Fishman pickup system. All things considered, you will have a hard time finding an instrument with a better price-quality ratio, and it’s great for beginners and those operating on a budget. 

Harley Benton D-200CE-12NT

• Size: Dreadnought
• Body material: Solid spruce with mahogany back and sides
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fretboard: Roseacer
• Scale length: 25.5” (648 mm)
• Frets: 20
• Pickups: Built-in pickup system with 4-band EQ
• Finish: Natural

Harley Benton HBD200-12 is probably the cheapest 12-string guitar you will be able to find. And what is impressive is that it is quite good. At least for this price range. It’s made of a combination of spruce and mahogany, with a roseacer fretboard. 

One thing you won’t often see on cheap guitars is the pickup system, and HBD200-12 has one. It is equipped with a 4-band EQ, and it is surprisingly good. The model is in dreadnought size, which means it might be too big for some players. 

Fender CD-140SCE-12 WA

• Size: Dreadnought
• Body material: Solid spruce with ovangkol back and sides
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fretboard: Walnut
• Scale length: 25.32” (643 mm)
• Frets: 20
• Pickups: Fishman CD-1 electronics with built-in tuner
• Finish: Natural

If you feel like going for a well-known brand, you can always pick a Fender guitar. One of the best things about Fender acoustic instruments is that they are often quite cheap. They are not in the same price range as electric guitars, and even beginners can afford some of these models. 

The guitar has a dreadnought shape with a single cutaway, it’s made of solid spruce with ovangkol back and sides, and it has a walnut fretboard. It also features Fishman electronics, and you can use the built-in tuner to make things a lot simpler. 

Fender Villager 12-String V3

• Size: Newporter
• Body material: Solid spruce with Sapele back and sides
• Neck: Sapele
• Fretboard: Walnut
• Scale length: 24.72” (628 mm)
• Frets: 20
• Pickups: Pickup Fender / Fishman CD preamp
• Finish: Black

Those that want to check out something a bit different should take a look at Fender Villager. Naturally, it is a 12-string guitar, and the size is Newporter. It has a single cutaway, and the body is slightly thinner compared to other guitars. 

It has a modern headstock and a pickup system designed by Fender/Fishman, and it looks amazing. The Villager is a nice change from your standard dreadnought guitar with twelve strings, and it is in the mid-price range, making it a great option for beginners and intermediate players. 

Taylor 254ce

• Size: Grand Auditorium
• Body material: Solid spruce with rosewood back and sides
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fretboard: Ebony
• Scale length: 25.5” (648 mm)
• Frets: 20
• Pickups: ES2 Expression system
• Finish: Natural

Those that can afford to spend more money on the guitar can always go for Taylor. The company makes incredible instruments, and they are suitable for all skill levels. This model here is Taylor 254ce, and it is a grand auditorium model. It has a single cutaway, and the design is gorgeous. 

It also features the ES2 Expression system, which will allow you to easily plug it into the amp. Thanks to the price, the main audience is most likely to be intermediate and professional players, but anyone can buy it. 

Gretsch G5022CWFE-12 Falcon Rancher

• Size: Jumbo
• Body material: Solid spruce with maple back and sides
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fretboard: Rosewood
• Scale length: 25” (635 mm)
• Frets: 21
• Pickups: Fishman Isys+ pickup system
• Finish: White with Gold Sparkle appointments

Do you want a stylish guitar that looks unlike any other? Gretsch might be a perfect brand for you. The model here is G5022CWFE or Falcon Rancher. It resembles the White Falcon model, a semi-acoustic guitar designed by Gretsch. 

The model is a jumbo, it has a single cutaway, and it looks amazing. There is something unique about the white and gold combination used here. The guitar is in the medium price range, and it has a Fishman pickup system. 

Gibson J-45 Standard 12 String VSB

• Size: Dreadnought
• Body material: Solid spruce with mahogany back and sides
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fretboard: Rosewood
• Scale length: 24.72” (628 mm)
• Frets: 20
• Pickups: LR Baggs VTC pickup system
• Finish: Vintage Sunburst

Gibson is one of the most popular brands you can find today, and they offer amazing guitars. One of the models you can check out is the J-45. It is a twelve-string guitar with a dreadnought shape and a beautiful vintage sunburst finish. 

The guitar is also equipped with an LR Baggs VTC pickup system, and it sounds perfect. And of course, this is something you would expect from a professional instrument. The price of the guitar is quite high, and it is undoubtedly not for everyone. 

Takamine GJ72CE-12-Nat

• Size: Jumbo
• Body material: Solid spruce with maple back and sides
• Neck: Maple
• Fretboard: Ovangkol
• Scale length: 25.35” (644 mm)
• Frets: 20
• Pickups: Takamine TK-40D preamp with built-in tuner
• Finish: Natural

Takamine is a company from Japan and it was founded in 1959. Over the years, the popularity of the brand grew, and it is one of the most popular options for budget and mid-range guitars. The model here is a jumbo guitar with a cutaway, and it’s made of a combination of maple and solid spruce. 

It has a Takamine TK-40D preamp system, and it offers a tuner. The guitar looks quite good with its natural finish, and it is great for both beginners and intermediate players. 

Taylor Builders Edition 652ce WHB

• Size: Grand concert
• Body material: Solid spruce with maple back and sides
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fretboard: Ebony
• Scale length: 24.88” (632 mm)
• Frets: 18
• Pickups: Taylor Expression System 2
• Finish: Satin Wild Honey Burst

As with regular acoustic guitars, twelve-string models also come in all shapes and sizes. And you can find a grand concert version as well. This model by Taylor is one of the best guitars you can find, and it is a Builders Edition 652ce. 

It is made of a spruce and maple combination with a mahogany neck and ebony fretboard. It is also equipped with a Taylor pickup system, and it looks amazing. Of course, this guitar is far from affordable. It is a professional instrument, but it is exceptional. At least if you can afford it. 

Epiphone Hummingbird 12

• Size: Dreadnought
• Body material: Solid spruce with mahogany back and sides
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fretboard: Indian laurel
• Scale length: 24.72” (628 mm)
• Frets: 20
• Pickups: Fishman Sonicore with controls for volume and tone in the sound hole
• Finish: Aged Cherry Sunburst

The original Hummingbird was made in the sixties, and Gibson designed it. Over the years, it became one of the most popular versions of acoustic guitar. If you always wanted to have a Hummingbird model but don’t want to spend a ton of money, you can always go for the Epiphone version. 

It has the same design, with a beautiful Aged Cherry Sunburst finish. It also features a Fishman pickup system, and it looks great. 

Guild D-1212 Nat Westerly

• Size: Dreadnought
• Body material: Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fretboard: Rosewood
• Scale length: 24.72” (628 mm)
• Frets: 18
• Pickups: None
• Finish: Natural

If you are someone who is just looking for a great guitar to play at home and doesn’t care about electronics, Guild D-1212 might be a perfect choice. Guild Guitar Company was founded in 1952, and it’s based in the U.S. The guitars designed by this brand are quite popular, and they are worth the price. 

The model here is in the mid-range when it comes to price, and it is perfect for intermediate players. As I mentioned earlier, it doesn’t have a pickup system, and you won’t be able to plug it into the amp. 

Godin A12 Natur

• Size: 
• Body material: Solid cedar
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fretboard: Richlite
• Scale length: 25.5” (648 mm)
• Frets: 22
• Pickups: Godin Custom with preamp
• Finish: Natural

Godin is another exceptional brand, and it’s based in Canada. The company was founded in 1972, and it quickly became a go-to brand for many players across the globe. This guitar has many unique features, and it is perfect for those who want something a bit different. 

The body of the guitar is quite thin, it doesn’t have the traditional sound hole, and it’s not as huge as some dreadnought models. All of these features make the guitar a worthy addition to your collection. At least if you can afford it. 

Harley Benton RB-612BK Classic Series

• Body type: Semi-hollow
• Body material: Sapele
• Neck: Maple
• Fretboard: Roseacer
• Scale length: 24.72” (628 mm)
• Frets: 22
• Pickups: 2 Artec Classic Mini humbuckers
• Bridge: Tune-O-Matic bridge
• Finish: Black

Of course, if you want a twelve-string guitar, it doesn’t mean that you need to go for an acoustic one. There are numerous different electric guitars with twelve strings, and they can be quite good. For those that are interested in budget options, Harley Benton is often the way to go. 

This model is obviously inspired by Rickenbacker, and it has the traditional shape we all know and love. The guitar has two mini-humbucker pickups, a fixed bridge, and a semi-hollow body. All things considered, RB-612BK is a great budget guitar. 

Schecter Wayne Hussey Corsair 12 IVY

• Body type: Semi-hollow
• Body material: Maple
• Neck: Maple
• Fretboard: Ebony
• Scale length: 24.75” (629 mm)
• Frets: 22
• Pickups: 2 Schecter Diamond Tubebuckers
• Bridge: Diamond Adjustable-12 bridge
• Finish: Ivory

Schecter has been known for making super-Strat guitars and modded versions of Fender. In the past couple of years, the company focused on creating original models, and they are incredible. But the majority of guitars designed by Schecter are made for heavier genres. And it’s always surprising to see something a bit different. 

Here, we have a semi-hollow twelve-string guitar, and it is exceptional. It has some elements we can see on Gibson and Gretsch guitars, but with a new spin on it. The guitar is a bit pricey, and it is great for intermediate and professional players. It is also worth mentioning that it is a Wayne Hussey signature model. 

Harley Benton DC-Custom 612 Cherry

• Body type: Solid
• Body material: Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fretboard: Roasted jatoba
• Scale length: 24.72” (628 mm)
• Frets: 22
• Pickups: 2 Roswell LAF AlNiCo-5 vintage style humbucker with cover, 2 Roswell HAF AlNiCo-5 vintage style humbuckers
• Bridge: Tune-O-Matic bridges
• Finish: Cherry

Gibson launched the EDS-1275 in the sixties, and the guitar became popular almost instantaneously. What makes it different is that it has two necks instead of one. The first one is with six strings, while the other one has twelve. And that makes it one of the most versatile instruments you can find. 

Of course, these models are quite pricey, and if you are looking for something cheaper with the same design, Harley Benton DC-Custom 612 might be a perfect choice for you. It comes with two necks, and two sets of pickups, and everything comes in pairs. 

Guild Starfire IV ST-12 CR

• Body type: Semi-hollow
• Body material: Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany/maple/mahogany
• Fretboard: Ebony
• Scale length: 24.72” (628 mm)
• Frets: 22
• Pickups: 2 Guild LB-1 humbuckers
• Bridge: StopTailpiece
• Finish: Cherry Red

Guild Guitars makes both acoustic and electric guitars, and this model is inspired by Gibson ES-335. It has a gorgeous Cherry finish, 22 frets, and a fairly standard design. The neck isn’t too large, even though there are twelve strings, and it has a duo of LB-1 pickups. 

The neck on the model is a 3-piece, and it’s made of a mahogany-maple-mahogany combination. Guild Starfire is incredible, and the instrument is quite versatile. Of course, as with the majority of Guild guitars, it is a bit expensive. 

Danelectro 66-12 3 Tone Sunburst

• Body type: Chambered
• Body material: Alder
• Neck: Maple
• Fretboard: Pau Ferro
• Scale length: 24.5” (622 mm)
• Frets: 22
• Pickups: Vintage-Style Larget Housing Single Coil (neck) and Dual Humbucking Lipstick (bridge)
• Bridge: 12 adjustable tailpieces
• Finish: Transparent 3-Tone Sunburst

Danelectro was founded in 1947, and the company has been known for its unique designs. And Danelectro 66-12 is no different. The guitar has a unique shape, and the body is made of alder. Instead of being a solid-body guitar, the body is chambered, making the instrument lighter. 

There are two pickups on the guitar. The one in the neck position is single-coil, while the bridge pickup is a humbucker. If you are interested in buying something a bit different, this model can be a perfect option for you. 

Gretsch G5422G-12 Electromatic SBB

• Body type: Hollow-body
• Body material: Maple
• Neck: Maple
• Fretboard: Laurel
• Scale length: 24.72” (628 mm)
• Frets: 22
• Pickups: 2x FT-5E FilterTron humbuckers
• Bridge: Adjusto-Matic bridge with secured Laurel base
• Finish: Single Barrel Burst

Those that enjoy the more traditional design will love Gretsch. The company is known for making incredible guitars, and they have a unique vibe. The model here is G5422G, it has a standard shape for hollow-body guitars, and it looks gorgeous. 

There are two FilterTron humbuckers, traditional f-shaped holes, and a fixed bridge. It also features a beautiful Single Barrel Burst finish, making the entire guitar even better. When it comes to the price, it is a bit higher, but considering the quality, it is worth every cent. 

Rickenbacker 330/12 FG

• Body type: Semi-acoustic
• Body material: Maple
• Neck: Maple
• Fretboard: Rosewood
• Scale length: 24.75” (629 mm)
• Frets: 24
• Pickups: Hi-gain single coils
• Bridge: Fixed
• Finish: Fireglo

Rickenbacker has been around since the thirties, and instruments designed by this company are quite popular. Almost every famous guitar player has used a Rickenbaker guitar at some point, including Tom Petty, Roger Waters, Pete Townshend, George Harrison, Lemmy Kilmister, and countless others. 

And if you are looking for a great twelve-string guitar, this might be it. The guitar has the design that’s now a standard for Rickenbacker, a beautiful Fireglo finish, and hi-gain single-coil pickups. Of course, the price can be too high for some players, but it is a professional instrument after all. 

Duesenberg Double Cat 12 Catalina Blue

• Body type: Semi-hollow
• Body material: Maple
• Neck: Maple
• Fretboard: Rosewood
• Scale length: 25.47” (647 mm)
• Frets: 22
• Pickups: Duesenberg DP90 Domino single-coil and Grand Vintage humbucker
• Bridge: Stop Tailpiece and Duesenberg Steel-Saddle Tunamatic bridge
• Finish: Catalina Blue

Duesenberg is a company from Germany and it was founded in 1986. The brand specializes in unique designs and guitars unlike any other. Of course, you shouldn’t confuse the brand of guitars with a famous car company from the U.S. 

The Double Cat model looks quite futuristic with a beautiful Catalina Blue finish and a non-standard soundhole on the body. It is a semi-hollow instrument, and it has two pickups. The one on the neck is a single-coil pickup, while the bridge position offers a humbucker. 

Reverend Airwave

• Body type: Semi-hollow
• Body material: Korina
• Neck: Korina/walnut
• Fretboard: Rosewood
• Scale length: 24.75” (628.65 mm)
• Frets: 22
• Pickups: Reverend 9A5 Single-coils
• Bridge: Gotoh 12-String Bridge
• Finish: Metallic Alpine

Reverend Guitar is a company from the U.S., and it is a lot younger compared to others on the list. It was founded in 1997, and it’s based in Ohio. The Airway series offers something a bit different. It has a unique shape and modern design. 

There are two Reverend 9A5 single-coil pickups, a fixed bridge, and a Metallic Alpine finish. This can be a great choice for players that want to take a step away from traditional-looking guitars and explore something new. 

Ibanez Artcore AS7312 

• Body type: Semi-hollow
• Body material: Linden
• Neck: Linden
• Fretboard: Nyatoh
• Scale length: 24.7” (627.38 mm)
• Frets: 22
• Pickups: Ibanez Classic Elite Humbuckers
• Bridge: ART-12 Bridge/Tailpiece
• Finish: Transparent Cherry Red

People usually associate Ibanez guitars with heavier genres and models like the iconic EVO. But there is so much more Ibanez has to offer. The company makes acoustic and even semi-hollow guitars. This model here is the company’s take on ES-335, and it has the traditional Cherry Red finish. 

Pickups are Ibanez Classic Elite humbuckers, which make the guitar quite versatile. Of course, it has well-known f-shaped holes, and the guitar is perfect for blues. 

Gibson Custom EDS-1275

• Body type: Solid
• Body material: Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fretboard: Rosewood
• Scale length: 24.75” (628.65 mm)
• Frets: 20
• Pickups: Custombucker Alnico III Humbuckers
• Bridge: ABR-1 Adjustable Bridge with Nickel Stopbar Tailpiece
• Finish: Cherry Red

If you are looking for a guitar with two necks, why not go for the model that started it all? Gibson Custom EDS-1275 is a guitar that’s based on the model from the sixties, and it is incredible. In fact, it is a replica of the original instrument. Since it is nearly impossible to find the original EDS-1275, this can be a worthy alternative. 

Needless to say, this guitar is anything but cheap. In fact, many players won’t be able to afford it. But considering that this is one of the most iconic guitars ever made, the price seems somewhat reasonable. 

Danelectro 59 Vintage 12 String Dark Aqua

• Body type: Semi-hollow
• Body material: Masonite 
• Neck: Maple
• Fretboard: Pau Ferro
• Scale length: 25” (635 mm)
• Frets: 21
• Pickups: 56 Vintage Lipstick Single Coils
• Bridge: Fixed adjustable
• Finish: Dark Aqua

Another model from Danelectro looks like a guitar that arrived from the future. It has a stunning Dark Aqua finish, two vintage Lipstick single-coil pickups, and an adjustable fixed bridge. As always, Danelectro strays far away from the traditional design to create something new. 

And if you want to have a non-traditional twelve-string guitar, this is a great option. Unlike some of the models on the list, the guitar is affordable, and in the mid-range, making it a great option for beginners and intermediate players. 

Rickenbacker 360/12 JG

• Body type: Semi-acoustic
• Body material: Maple
• Neck: Maple
• Fretboard: Rosewood
• Scale length: 24.76” (629 mm)
• Frets: 24
• Pickups: 2 Hi-gain pickups
• Bridge: Fixed 
• Finish: Jetglo

Those that love Rickenbacker and what this company has to offer might want to check out the 360/12 series. The guitar shares a lot of similarities with the 330/12 model. However, there are enough differences to make it its own instrument. 

The edges on the 360/12 model are rounder, it has triangular fretboard inlays, but the quality is the same. It is still an excellent instrument for those fortunate enough to afford it. 

Conclusion

If you are looking for a twelve-string guitar, the first thing you should decide is whether to go for an acoustic or electric version. The cheapest acoustic models come without any pickup or electronics, and there are great models you can find. 

Of course, if you are willing to invest a bit more, you can go for a guitar with a pickup system that will allow you to easily play it through the amplifier. The second option is to go for an electric guitar, and the options are endless.

The main question is how much money you are willing to spend and which design is the perfect one for you. Fortunately, you can find guitars in all price ranges, so the only thing left for you is to pick the one you like.

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