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10 Best 12 String Guitar 2026 in the United States

Taylor T5z-12 Classic 12-String - Tropical Mahogany

Tonewood: Mahogany top, sapele body, ebony board
Scale Length: 25.5 Inches
Electronics: Built-in electronics

Takamine JEF381DX 12-string Dreadnought Acoustic-electric Guitar - Black

Body Shape: dreadnought
Tonewood: spruce top, maple back, mahogany neck
Electronics: built-in electronics
Action: adjustable guitar bridge system

Taylor 150ce Dreadnought 12-string Acoustic-electric Guitar - Natural

Body Shape: Dreadnought
Tonewood: Spruce top, Sapele back and sides
Scale Length: 25.5 inch
Electronics: Piezoelectric pickup
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Yamaha L-Series LL16 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Gig Bag - Natural

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,355
Body Shape
Tonewood
Action

Most important from
9 reviews

Body Shape
This Yamaha is the best guitar I've owned in 30 years of playing, with a jumbo body shape that offers the best of both worlds in terms of tone and comfort.
Tonewood
This guitar proves perfection is possible, with its solid Engelmann spruce top and rosewood back and sides delivering a warm, resonant sound.
Action
The LL16's action and intonation are perfect, making barre chords a breeze and ensuring all notes are in tune even at the 20th fret.

The Yamaha L-Series LL16 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a solid choice for both aspiring and experienced musicians looking for a rich, full sound. One of its standout features is the solid Engelmann Spruce top, which enhances tonal quality and projection, making it ideal for strumming and fingerpicking alike. The guitar's original jumbo body shape and solid rosewood back and sides contribute to its warm and resonant sound, perfect for those who appreciate depth in their music. With a 5-ply neck designed for comfort, it allows for easier playability, which is beneficial for long practice sessions or performances.

The LL16 is particularly appealing to those who enjoy playing folk, rock, or similar genres. While it has some minor limitations, its build quality and sound make it a strong contender in the 12-string category.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,355
Body Shape
Tonewood
Action

Most important from
9 reviews

Body Shape
This Yamaha is the best guitar I've owned in 30 years of playing, with a jumbo body shape that offers the best of both worlds in terms of tone and comfort.
Tonewood
This guitar proves perfection is possible, with its solid Engelmann spruce top and rosewood back and sides delivering a warm, resonant sound.
Action
The LL16's action and intonation are perfect, making barre chords a breeze and ensuring all notes are in tune even at the 20th fret.
#2

Gretsch G5422G-12 Electromatic Classic Hollow Body Double-Cut 12-String Guitar with Gold Hardware and Laurel Fingerboard (Right-Handed, Walnut Stain)

Rating
9.4
Body Shape
Action

Most important from
11 reviews

Body Shape
The flawless wood and stylish vintage finish make it as visually stunning as it sounds.
Action
Combines classic vintage vibes with excellent action and a punchy, full-bodied tone.

The Gretsch G5422G-12 Electromatic is a hollow body 12-string guitar designed for players who want a rich, punchy sound with classic vintage vibes. Its maple body and neck, combined with a laurel fingerboard, give it a bright tone and smooth playability. The unique trestle block bracing reduces feedback—a common issue with hollow guitars—while enhancing sustain and note clarity.

With a 24.6-inch scale length and a comfortable C-shaped maple neck, it strikes a good balance between string tension and ease of playing, which is important for 12-string guitars that naturally have higher tension. The FT-5E Filter’Tron pickups deliver a clear, full-bodied sound with a classic chime, making it great for styles that benefit from jangly, resonant tones like folk, rock, or country. The walnut stain finish with gold hardware adds a stylish, vintage look.

The guitar weighs 11.5 pounds, which might feel heavy during long playing sessions. It suits players looking for a solid, vintage-style 12-string with good sound projection and distinct tonal character.

Rating
9.4
Body Shape
Action

Most important from
11 reviews

Body Shape
The flawless wood and stylish vintage finish make it as visually stunning as it sounds.
Action
Combines classic vintage vibes with excellent action and a punchy, full-bodied tone.
#3

Takamine GD-37CE PW 12-string Acoustic-electric Guitar - Pearl White

The Takamine GD-37CE PW 12-string Acoustic-electric Guitar offers a solid mix of features for enthusiasts of rich, resonant sound. With a spruce top and maple back and sides, this guitar is designed to produce a bright and clear tone, ideal for genres where these qualities shine. The mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard provide a comfortable playing experience, especially important for the extra strings in a 12-string setup, which typically require more finger strength.

The guitar's stunning pearl white finish not only makes it visually appealing but also adds to its unique presence on stage. The inclusion of alloy steel strings promises durability and a crisp sound that can sustain the guitar’s tone. The built-in electronics make it versatile for both acoustic and amplified performances.

However, at 11.05 pounds, the guitar is relatively heavy, which may be a consideration for players who prefer lighter instruments. While the guitar bridge system is described as a 'tremolo,' which is unusual for acoustic guitars, this may simply refer to the design rather than functionality, as a traditional tremolo system isn't typical for acoustic-electrics.

Buying Guide for the Best 12 String Guitar

Choosing the right 12-string guitar can be a rewarding experience, as these instruments offer a rich, full sound that is unique and captivating. When selecting a 12-string guitar, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you find the best fit for your playing style and musical needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and enjoy your guitar for years to come.
Body ShapeThe body shape of a 12-string guitar affects its sound and playability. Common shapes include dreadnought, jumbo, and concert. Dreadnoughts offer a balanced tone with strong bass, making them versatile for various music styles. Jumbos provide a louder, more resonant sound with enhanced bass, ideal for strumming and playing in larger settings. Concert shapes are smaller and more comfortable to hold, producing a bright, focused tone suitable for fingerpicking. Choose a body shape that matches your playing style and comfort preferences.
TonewoodTonewood refers to the type of wood used in the construction of the guitar, which significantly influences its sound. Common tonewoods include spruce, mahogany, and rosewood. Spruce tops are known for their bright, clear tone and are great for a wide range of music styles. Mahogany offers a warmer, more midrange-focused sound, suitable for blues and folk. Rosewood provides a rich, complex tone with strong bass and sparkling highs, ideal for fingerstyle playing. Consider the type of music you play and the sound you prefer when selecting the tonewood.
Neck WidthThe neck width of a 12-string guitar is important for playability, especially since these guitars have wider necks to accommodate the extra strings. A wider neck can provide more space between strings, making it easier to play complex chords and fingerstyle patterns. However, it may be less comfortable for players with smaller hands. Conversely, a narrower neck can be more comfortable for smaller hands but may make precise finger placement more challenging. Try different neck widths to find the one that feels most comfortable for your hand size and playing style.
Scale LengthScale length refers to the distance between the nut and the bridge of the guitar. It affects the tension of the strings and the overall feel of the instrument. A longer scale length (25.5 inches or more) provides more string tension, resulting in a brighter tone and more pronounced bass. A shorter scale length (24.75 inches or less) offers less string tension, making the guitar easier to play and producing a warmer, mellower tone. Choose a scale length that complements your playing style and desired sound.
ElectronicsSome 12-string guitars come with built-in electronics, allowing you to amplify your sound for live performances or recording. These electronics can include pickups, preamps, and equalizers. If you plan to perform or record with your guitar, consider a model with high-quality electronics for the best sound reproduction. If you primarily play acoustically, you may not need this feature. Decide based on your performance needs and whether you want the option to amplify your guitar.
ActionAction refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. Lower action makes the guitar easier to play, as less pressure is needed to press the strings down. However, if the action is too low, it can cause buzzing. Higher action can produce a cleaner sound but may be harder to play, especially for beginners. Consider your playing experience and comfort level when choosing the action. Many guitars can have their action adjusted by a professional to suit your preferences.

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