Best 12 String Acoustic Guitars in 2026
Here you'll find the best 12 string acoustic guitars.
After comparing the 2000+ guitars in our database, these are the best scoring ones with these characteristics. You can use our filters to the left to narrow down these results, or click on "Compare" to get a deep comparison between them. Our automated scoring system takes into account the ratings from ours users who own the guitar, and dozens of parameters to determine the build quality, playability, pickups quality, value for money, and more.
There are affiliate links on this page that may earn us a commission if you purchase after clicking. We are members of the Amazon Associates Program, and many others. However, we compare each guitar against each other under the same parameters, so this doesn't influence our scoring.
After comparing the 2000+ guitars in our database, these are the best scoring ones with these characteristics. You can use our filters to the left to narrow down these results, or click on "Compare" to get a deep comparison between them. Our automated scoring system takes into account the ratings from ours users who own the guitar, and dozens of parameters to determine the build quality, playability, pickups quality, value for money, and more.
There are affiliate links on this page that may earn us a commission if you purchase after clicking. We are members of the Amazon Associates Program, and many others. However, we compare each guitar against each other under the same parameters, so this doesn't influence our scoring.
1. Gibson J-45 Standard 12-String
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What our users think
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (3 votes)
- Pickups power: Clean (3 votes)
Show All Specs
| Gibson J-45 Standard 12-String | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Gibson | |
| Year: | 2021 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 12 | |
| Made in: | United States | |
| Series: | Modern Acoustic | |
| Colors: | Sunburst | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Sitka Spruce | |
| Sides Material: | Mahogany | |
| Back Material: | Mahogany | |
| Bridge: | Reverse Belly, Rosewood | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Grover Mini Rotomatic | |
| Fretboard: | Indian Rosewood | |
| Neck Material: | Mahogany | |
| Decoration: | Mother of Pearl Dots | |
| Scale Size: | 24.75" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Slim Taper | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | Bone | |
| Nut Width: | 47.6mm (1.875'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | LR Baggs VTC (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Nickel | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Gibson J-45 Standard 12-String
Gibson J-45 Standard 12-String
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- Ivory Tusq Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
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2. Martin HD12-28
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What our users think
- Neck access to high frets: Easy (1 vote)
- Fret edges: Smooth (1 vote)
- Tuning stability: Holds tune well (1 vote)
- Weight: Lightweight (1 vote)
- Neck profile shape: C (7 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (6 votes)
- Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (2 votes)
- Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
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| Martin HD12-28 | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Martin | |
| Year: | 1931 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 12 | |
| Made in: | United States | |
| Series: | Standard | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Spruce | |
| Sides Material: | Rosewood | |
| Back Material: | Rosewood | |
| Bridge: | Ebony | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Chrome Enclosed Gear | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Select Hardwood | |
| Decoration: | Abalone Diamonds and Squares Long Pattern | |
| Scale Size: | 24.9" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Performing Artist | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 16" | |
| Nut: | Bone | |
| Nut Width: | 46mm (1.811'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | Fishman (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Martin HD12-28
Martin HD12-28
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- Compensated Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
3. Guild F-512E Natural
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Show All Specs
| Guild F-512E Natural | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Guild | |
| Year: | 2019 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 12 | |
| Made in: | United States | |
| Series: | Guild Usa | |
| Colors: | Natural, Burst | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Sitka Spruce | |
| Sides Material: | Rosewood | |
| Back Material: | Rosewood | |
| Bridge: | Indian Rosewood | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh SE701 Open Gear in Gold | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Mahogany with Walnut Center Strip | |
| Decoration: | V-Blocks - Mother-Of-Pearl and Abalone | |
| Scale Size: | 25.625" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic C Shape | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.787'' (20mm) - 12th Fret: 0.945'' (24mm) | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | Bone | |
| Nut Width: | 47.6mm (1.875'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | LR Baggs Anthem with Volume, Mix, and Phase Controls (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Gold | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Guild F-512E Natural
Guild F-512E Natural
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- Bone Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
4. Takamine EF400SC TT
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: Asymmetrical (5 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (6 votes)
Show All Specs
| Takamine EF400SC TT | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Takamine | |
| Year: | 2018 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 12 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | TT | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Thermal Spruce | |
| Sides Material: | Rosewood | |
| Back Material: | Rosewood | |
| Bridge: | Fixed | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Takamine | |
| Fretboard: | Rosewood | |
| Neck Material: | Mahogany | |
| Decoration: | Dots | |
| Scale Size: | 25.4" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Asymmetrical C | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | Bone | |
| Nut Width: | 46mm (1.811'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | CT4B II (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Takamine EF400SC TT
Takamine EF400SC TT
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- Bone Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- Laminated Side Wood
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
5. Fender Villager 12-String
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: C (1 vote)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (3 votes)
- Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (2 votes)
- Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
Show All Specs
| Fender Villager 12-String | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Fender | |
| Year: | 2013 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 12 | |
| Made in: | China | |
| Series: | California | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Spruce | |
| Sides Material: | Mahogany | |
| Back Material: | Mahogany | |
| Bridge: | Modern Viking | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Sealed Nickel | |
| Fretboard: | Walnut | |
| Neck Material: | Mahogany | |
| Decoration: | White Dot | |
| Scale Size: | 24.72" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Slim C | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | NuBone | |
| Nut Width: | 45mm (1.77'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | Fishman-designed preamp system (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Nickel | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Fender Villager 12-String
Fender Villager 12-String
- Expensive Wood
- NuBone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- NuBone Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- Made in China
- Laminated Side Wood
- Laminated Back Wood
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
6. Alvarez DY70CE12SHB
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: V (2 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (2 votes)
- Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (1 vote)
- Pickups power: Hot (1 vote)
Show All Specs
| Alvarez DY70CE12SHB | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Alvarez | |
| Year: | 2022 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 12 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | Yairi | |
| Colors: | Shadowburst | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid AA Sitka Spruce | |
| Sides Material: | Rosewood | |
| Back Material: | Rosewood | |
| Bridge: | Rosewood Direct Coupled | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh Chrome | |
| Fretboard: | Rosewood/12th Fret Inlay | |
| Neck Material: | One piece mahogany, 50/50 Semi gloss finish, Extended neck joint | |
| Decoration: | Abalone Design at 12th fret | |
| Scale Size: | 25.512" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Alvarez | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15.75" | |
| Nut: | Bone | |
| Nut Width: | 48mm (1.89'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | LR Baggs StagePro EQ and Element Pick Up (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Alvarez DY70CE12SHB
Alvarez DY70CE12SHB
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- Bone Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- Laminated Side Wood
- Laminated Back Wood
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
7. Taylor Builder's Edition 652ce WHB
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: D (12 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (11 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (10 votes)
- Pickups power: Clean (9 votes)
Show All Specs
| Taylor Builder's Edition 652ce WHB | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Taylor | |
| Year: | 2020 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 12 | |
| Made in: | United States | |
| Series: | 600 | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Sitka Spruce | |
| Sides Material: | Maple | |
| Back Material: | Maple | |
| Bridge: | West African Crelicam Ebony | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh | |
| Fretboard: | West African Crelicam Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Hard Rock Maple | |
| Decoration: | Scepter, Mother of Pearl | |
| Scale Size: | 24.9" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Taylor Standard | |
| Frets: | 18 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15" | |
| Nut: | Ivory Tusq | |
| Nut Width: | 47.6mm (1.875'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | Expression System 2 Electronics (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Gold | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Taylor Builder's Edition 652ce WHB
Taylor Builder's Edition 652ce WHB
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Ivory Tusq Nut
- Electronics
- Synthetic Bone Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Top Brand Pickups
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
8. Yamaha LL16-12 ARE
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What our users think
- Neck access to high frets: Normal (1 vote)
- Fret edges: Smooth (1 vote)
- Tuning stability: Holds tune well (1 vote)
- Weight: Lightweight (1 vote)
- Neck profile shape: C (24 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (19 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (4 votes)
- Pickups power: Clean (4 votes)
Show All Specs
| Yamaha LL16-12 ARE | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Yamaha | |
| Year: | 2014 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 12 | |
| Made in: | China | |
| Series: | L | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Engelmann Spruce with A.R.E. | |
| Sides Material: | Rosewood | |
| Back Material: | Rosewood | |
| Bridge: | Ebony | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Die-Cast Gold (TM29G) | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Mahogany + Rosewood (5-Ply) | |
| Decoration: | Dots | |
| Scale Size: | 25" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic C | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15.75" | |
| Nut: | Plastic | |
| Nut Width: | 46mm (1.811'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | Passive System + SRT Piezo Pickup (Preamp / Passive) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Gold | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Yamaha LL16-12 ARE
Yamaha LL16-12 ARE
- Expensive Wood
- Electronics
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- Made in China
- No High-Quality Nut
- No Top Brand Pickups
- Low-Quality Material Saddle
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
9. Washburn D10SCE-12 String
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Show All Specs
| Washburn D10SCE-12 String | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Washburn | |
| Year: | 2017 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 12 | |
| Made in: | China | |
| Series: | Heritage | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Sitka Spruce | |
| Sides Material: | Mahogany | |
| Back Material: | Mahogany | |
| Bridge: | Ovangkol | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Chrome Diecast | |
| Fretboard: | Ovangkol | |
| Neck Material: | Satin Mahogany with 2 way Truss Rod | |
| Decoration: | Dots | |
| Scale Size: | 25.3" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Washburn Heritage | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | NuBone | |
| Nut Width: | 47mm (1.85'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | Fishman Presys II 301T w/tuner (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Washburn D10SCE-12 String
Washburn D10SCE-12 String
- Expensive Wood
- NuBone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- NuBone Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- Made in China
- Laminated Side Wood
- Laminated Back Wood
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
10. Ibanez AE2912
Show All Specs
| Ibanez AE2912 | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Ibanez | |
| Year: | 2020 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 12 | |
| Made in: | China | |
| Series: | AE | |
| Colors: | ||
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Okoume | |
| Sides Material: | Okoume | |
| Back Material: | Okoume | |
| Bridge: | Pau Ferro scalloped | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Ibanez | |
| Fretboard: | Pau Ferro | |
| Neck Material: | Nyatoh | |
| Decoration: | Specially designed Wooden Vine inlay | |
| Scale Size: | 25.6" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Comfort Grip | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.787'' (20mm) - 12th Fret: 0.827'' (21mm) | |
| Frets: | 20 Jumbo | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15.748" | |
| Nut: | Bone | |
| Nut Width: | 48mm (1.89'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | Ibanez AP11 Magnetic (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Black & Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Ibanez AE2912
Ibanez AE2912
- Bone Nut
- Electronics
- Bone Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- Made in China
- No Expensive Woods
- No Top Brand Pickups
- Laminated Side Wood
- Laminated Back Wood
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
