Shopping for a guitar that has six additional guitar strings can seem a little overwhelming. With that being said, it is very important that you have the best options available to you so that you can decide exactly what you are looking for and what will suit your music style.
These 12 string guitars offer a full, rich, and warm tone that simply cannot be achieved with standard 6 string guitars.
Many guitar experts will tell you that the classic Dr 212 is by far the best choice - however, there are other options that you may want to consider, as well.
In this guide, we will be discussing everything that there is to know about these instruments, including what they are best used for and how to decide on one product.
We will also recommend five of the best 12 string guitars that you should definitely consider if you are on the market.
What Are 12 String Guitars?
As the name suggests, 12 string acoustic guitars are guitars that feature 12 strings instead of the standard six. In short, these instruments produce a much thicker tone when compared to regular guitars.
There are a few other noticeable differences to take note of. For example, the neck and headstock is elongated to accommodate the 12 tuning machines.
Also, the six additional strings add tension, making reinforcement of the neck necessary. The body is also reinforced to accommodate this extra pressure.
How Do 12 String Guitars Work?
The lower 4 courses' strings that are normally tuned in octaves. On the other hand, the upper 2 courses' strings that are tuned together.
The gaps between the 12 strings are narrow, so each pair is plucked together, which produces a very full and rich tone.
You can purchase a 12 string acoustic or electric guitar. There are also acoustic electric versions available. The acoustic form is generally much more common.
What/Who Are 12 String Guitars Best For?
This instrument is becoming a very popular instrument that most guitarists dream about getting their hands on. In fact, immensely successful artists, including R.E.M, Bon Jovi, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, have used this guitar in their songs. These artists are famous for their soft rock style.
However, this instrument is versatile and can be played in a variety of styles. Popular songs that have featured the guitar include "Stairway To Heaven", "Free Fallin'", "Hotel California", and "Wanted Dead Or Alive".
These 12 string guitars are perfect for musicians who enjoy fingerstyle playing or detailed guitar solos. These instruments produce a very pronounced sound, making them perfect for this style of playing.
How to Choose the Right 12 String Guitar
It is very important that you decide exactly what you are looking for before investing in one of these instruments.
There are quite a few factors and characteristics that you will need to consider.
This includes the profile/shape of the body and neck, as well as the type of wood used. You will also need to think about which brand you would prefer.
Profile/Shape
All experienced guitarists know that the profile and shape of the instrument drastically effects the tone that it produces.
There are a number of different styles that you will need to choose from when looking for your perfect guitar. You will find various neck sizes and shapes, so it is important to remember that the longer the neck of the guitar, the harder it will be to play.
Different styles include the dreadnought, slope shoulder dreadnought, dreadnought 12 fret, grand auditorium OM, grand concert OOO 12 FRET, auditorium OO and parlor.
The dreadnoughts are the most popular options, while the auditorium models produce the greatest volume. On the other hand, the parlor guitars are the smallest and easiest to play.
Manufacturers
Like any product, the manufacturer from which your instrument was made plays a major role in whether or not the guitar is good quality.
In other words, purchasing a low-end instrument from an unpopular or unknown brand is never a good idea.
It is always better to go for an option that was made by a reliable and trustworthy manufacturer. This way, you will have peace of mind knowing that previous customers have been happy with their purchases. It will also be much easier to contact customer support if there is an issue.
A few popular brands that are well-known for their great quality guitars include Gibson, Fender, IBANEZ, YAMAHA, and ALVAREZ. Epiphone is also very well-known thanks to their Dr 212 model.
If you are looking for a guitar that meets all expectations, these companies are definitely where you should start.
Tonal Woods
On top of shape/profile, the type of wood from which your guitar is made also drastically effects the sound and volume that it produces.
A few common woods used in the manufacturing include rosewood, mahogany, walnut, maple, basswood, and alder.
Mahogany is by far the most common. This particular wood produces a very warm sound that many guitarists look for. It also looks great and is incredibly durable.
Rosewood is a more expensive option that also produces a warm and rich sound. You are very likely to come across a rosewood fingerboard.
If you are looking for a brighter sound, you would prefer a guitar made from maple or walnut.
Alder is the perfect compromise guitar, as it has elements of both warmth and brightness in its sound. This wood also offers great strength and appearance.
The Best 12 String Guitars
When it comes to selecting the perfect 12 string acoustic guitar, there are a number of important factors to consider.
From the guitar shape to the type of wood used - each of these characteristics can make a huge difference in terms of how the guitar sounds and suits your music style. For this reason, you should ensure that you know exactly what you are looking for before investing in a 12 string.
This is where we come in. Below, we will discuss five incredible 12 string options that you should consider. We will also mention a few pros and cons of each and help you decide whether or not the guitar is perfect for you.
1. IBANEZ PF1512ECE PF ELECTRO ACOUSTIC 12 STRING
Made with a Sitka solid spruce top and smooth Mahogany back and sides, this instrument provides a warm, well-rounded tone. The guitar also features a pickup and preamp to handle the electric playing.
This IBANEZ acoustic 12 string guitar is the perfect instrument for any beginner guitar players out there.
If you do not have thousands of dollars to spend, this option should definitely be at the top of your list of considerations. At just over $200, you will be purchasing a solid instrument that can compete with guitars double its price.
This guitar features a Sitka solid spruce top, as well as a Mahogany neck, back and sides. This allows for a deep and warm tone that suits just about every music style in the world.
Pros
Cons
This ALVAREZ 12 string is also budget-friendly and offers great sound quality. In fact, many guitar experts claim that the product is world-class in terms of its tone.
The DREADNOUGHT is handmade. It features a Spruce top and a Mahogany neck and sides, allowing for a very rich and deep sound.
If you enjoy technical guitar solos, this option may be calling your name. Thanks to the bracing system (FTS2), the guitar provides a much more pronounced, clear sound with each of the 12 strings than you may expect.
Made with top-quality Sitka spruce and Mahogany, this guitar offers a warm and rich sound that many musicians look for. In fact, many claim that the ALVAREZ team nailed it when it comes to creating a world-class guitar that can be purchased at a reasonable price.
This hand-built option offers great articulation. The well-rounded sound of the guitar also means that it will suit a variety of music styles. This guitar is often compared to the classic Dr 212.
This instrument is perfect for anybody who enjoys fingerstyle playing or detailed guitar solos. With a built-in FTS2 bracing system, your runs will be much more pronounced and will stand out.
Pros
Cons
Another one of the best 12 string guitars is this Yamaha option, which features scalloped bracing to improve the articulation and volume produced. With a Sitka spruce top, the instrument offers a full and rich sound.
This guitar is known for its great articulation and well-rounded tone. On top of the high-quality tone, the appearance of this instrument is also show-stopping.
The designers at Yamaha opted for a Sitka spruce top and Mahogany back and sides to achieve great volume and resonance. If you are searching for one of the best 12 string acoustic guitars on the market, look no further than this option.
Pros
Cons
This particular guitar proves that you do not need to spend an absolute fortune for quality. This reasonably cheap 12 string guitar offers an incredible sound that will be sure to impress music experts out there.
This acoustic electric guitar offers great articulation and resonance. Also, the rosewood fingerboard, neck, back, and sides ensure full volume and clear tone.
Many guitar experts compare this instrument to the classic Dr 212. In other words, the ALVAREZ Jumbo is arguably one of the better 12 string guitars on the market.
It is also reasonably priced, making it a great option for any experienced guitarist, although it is ideally suited to teenagers and adults (not great for children).
Pros
Cons
This guitar is one of the best 12 string electric guitars on the market. On top of the great appearance, this option comes at a great price and offers excellent playability. If you are searching for one of the best vintage 12-string guitars, look no further than this option.
With a smaller body and more compact neck, you will be able to move your hand across the frets with ease. On top of this, the guitar is easy to hold and offers great tonal quality.
This instrument is often compared to the Taylor 150e - arguably the best 12 string electric guitar on the market.
The neck of this instrument is made with Linden tonewood, which provides plenty of warmth and character. Also, the fretboard is very comfy to play, making the guitar perfect for less experienced musicians.
Pros
Cons
Common Questions & Answers
1. Who Makes the Best 12 String Guitars?
You should look for reliable manufacturers when selecting the best high-end 12 string guitar.
A few of the most popular and trustworthy brands include Fender, IBANEZ and ALVAREZ. Above, we have listed a few more options to consider. Epiphone is also a well-known brand after the release of their Dr 212 model.
2. Are 12 String Guitars Worth It?
When compared to regular 6 string guitars, these instruments are generally more expensive.
However, if you have the money and skill, you can purchase very good 12 strings that will make your investment more than worth it.
It is important to note that these instruments are much harder to play than regular guitars, meaning that they are not suitable for beginner guitarists.
3. What Are 12 String Guitars Called?
This instrument is simply called the 12 string guitar. It does not have a more technical name.
4. What Is the Best Capo For a 12 String Guitar?
Since this instrument has much more tension in the strings, a 6 string capo will not do the trick.
Instead, you can pick up special 12 string capos from your local music store. These capos are specifically designed to handle the tension in the strings.
5. How to String a 12 String Guitar
When stringing one of these instruments, it is important to remember that the strings come in pairs.
For this reason, you can go about stringing the first six strings as usual (E, A, D, G, B and E). Then, string the lower 4 strings and tune them an octave lower (E, A, D and G). Finally, string the final 2 strings and tune them normally (B and E).
6. What Is a 12 String Guitar Used For?
This instrument is normally used to add warmth and depth to songs. For this reason, the instrument is common on ballads and soft rock songs.
7. How Much Does a 12 String Guitar Cost?
12 string guitars are more expensive than regular guitars.
You can pick up a decent model for around $200. While you can find very cheap 12 string guitars, it is important to remember that the more expensive the instrument, the better the quality will be. In fact, many of the best 12 string guitars ever made cost upwards of $2,000.
8. How To Play a 12 String Acoustic Guitar
Any 12 strong model will be much harder to play than regular models. This is due to the fact that the neck of the guitar is much longer and thicker.
While you can use the same technique while playing this instrument, the additional tension makes things more complicated.
You can watch different videos to get a better understanding of how to play this instrument. Here is a great example:
Conclusion
There are various high and low-end options when looking at the best 12 string guitars out there. Whether you are looking for a 12 string acoustic electric, 12 string acoustic, or a 12 string electric, these instruments are known for their great articulation and volume. Also, the best 12 string guitars will offer very full and rich tonal qualities.
Our favorite is the Alvarez AJ80CE-12 Jumbo Electro Acoustic 12 String. This is because of the tone, resonance, and articulation it produces while also being easy on the wallet. Although it isn't suitable for kids, most teens and adults will enjoy playing this guitar.
