Best 12 String Guitar Under $2000

Every musician fancies a good traditional 6-string guitar, but for those people who want to challenge themselves, a 12-string guitar is the best option.

There is something about this type of guitar that produces a very distinctive tone and create an atmosphere that other types of guitars doesn’t.

Of course, there is always a limitation, and it will depend on your musicality and technical capability. They certainly do not fit in every style of music or individual song in that genre.

Playing A 12 String Guitar

Playing a 12-string guitar is not as easy as it looks like, you need to fret two strings at once. It requires precision and practice, and also an extra layer of calluses and neck tends to be on the broader side to accommodate the 12 strings.

These instruments have been going on for years now. They have been producing some of the great tunes ranging from David Bowie’s Space Oddity to James Butler’s Ocean.

Here is the list of highly recommended 12-string guitars based on their materials, sound output, playability, value for money, and overall instrument quality.

Epiphone DR-212 Dreadnought 12-String Guitar

Epiphone is one of the top brands that produce top quality and high-end models of guitar. It’s no surprise that they were able to deliver a 12 string model – the Epiphone DR-212 Dreadnought.

It is not your typical dreadnought guitar. With its 12-string model type, it brings an excellent construction that supports increase tension, and it has the right balance, cutting, and attention to detail that you expect from this brand.

It is made of mahogany body material that handles extra tension, rosewood fretboard, and a spruce top that helps it to breathe, and the only cost for 269 USD.

No wonder that this DR-212 is widely thought and most popular for musicians that specializes in rock, folk, and country music. 

Takamine GJ72CE-12NAT Jumbo Cutaway 12-String Acoustic-Electric

This guitar brand has been synonymous with greatness in terms of guitar production and manufacturing. Takamine produces guitar suits for your affordable needs.

This GJ72CE model, with its jumbo style body and big sound, it gives you some great volume controls you need, the sound just blasted straight up with the classic 12-guitar tone.

This guitar tone offers a wide range of beautiful depth and deep resonance. It has a very bright sound and projects.

Aesthetically, this is a one of a kind instrument with a solid spruce top, a lovely maple body, and rosewood headstock. You can tell that this is a well-made because of the solid feel when you’re holding it.

The price starts at 640.43 USD, a quality instrument worth considering.

Yamaha FG820-12-String Acoustic Guitar

Yamaha is probably one of the most notable brands in guitar history. They have been in the business for quite some time, and it made a significant statement when they introduced the FG guitar to the market in 1966.

The FG820 was known for its excellent musicality, incredible playability, and well-built construction.

The FG180 is an excellent companion in your musical journey. It has an outstanding guitar quality that is made up of its traditional look, a mahogany side by side to give it a classic and warmer sound.

The scalloped bracing design helps the sound to be well balanced and robust. The price starts at 359.99 USD, such a bargain for a fine guitar.

Danelectro 12SDC 12-string Electric Guitar

A 12-string Danelectro is a classic electric guitar that brings back the sound of the 60s. This Danelectro 12SDC is like any other Danelectro model with all the desirable lipstick pickups, light build, and right neck minus the cheesy bride.

It is an improvement of the famous guitar 59DC used by Jimmy Paige. This 12sDC model is a well-thought piece of art that delivers a long headstock for the extra strings.

This guitar comes with a flawless rosewood fretboard and all over the neck, no wonder this has captured a lot of guitarist for its modern design and beauty.

The wide neck makes it easier for beginners, and the saddle and bridge are adjustable. With its affordable price, 399 USD, one of the few guitars worth keeping.

Fender CD-140SCE-12 Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar – 12 String

Fender’s contribution to the 12-string guitar list is this CD-140SCE, this model comes with a single-cutaway traditional Dreadnought style.

They come with a traditional spruce top, but the body, sides, and neck are all made from rosewood, which gives this guitar a very distinct sound like no other.

It also has a standard slimline rosewood neck with a rolled fingerboard that makes it easy and comfortable to hold and comes with a tortoiseshell pickguard.

Regardless of its size, it produces a quite mellow tone depending on how hard you play. It gives plenty of warm tones in the low end and bright tones at the top, and it produces a range of sounds and lends itself to a variety of styles.

What is good about this model is that its renowned brand Fender is very affordable, with a price of 439 USD. It also comes with bundle supplies, including a quality hard case, cable, tuner, strap, and some strings and picks.

Conclusion

To summarize, buying a regular 6-string acoustic requires you to choose 12-strings depending on so many factors such as purpose, material qualities, and budge.

Each factor is intertwined – for example, if you’re looking for a guitar for professional us, choose the one with excellent high-end tonewoods.

That being said, you need to allot a bigger budget than when you’re selecting a guitar for practicing at home.

So before getting a 12-string type, figure out your needs, preference, and how much you’re willing to pay for it. You might need to consider the expenses for all the accessories such as cables, extra strings, and guitar setup to the overall cost of the guitar.

Do you research which guitars have the specs and features you’re looking for. You can start by looking at the models and brands listed above.

In essence, there are the best 12-string guitars up for grab in the market from a different budget perspective, so there’s a good chance you’ll find what you’re looking for right here.