If you’re a guitar enthusiast or an aspiring musician looking to add a unique and rich sound to your playing, a 12-string acoustic guitar is an excellent choice. These guitars offer a fuller and more resonant tone, thanks to their doubled string courses, creating a lush and captivating sound. In this article, we will explore the best 12-string acoustic guitars available on Amazon in 2023. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, we’ve got you covered with our top picks.
How to Choose the Right 12-String Acoustic Guitars for You
When selecting a 12-string acoustic guitar, consider the following factors to ensure it meets your specific needs:
- Sound Quality: Pay attention to the overall tonal quality of the guitar. Look for guitars that produce a balanced sound with clear highs, rich lows, and a strong projection. Consider the tonewoods used in the guitar’s construction, as they significantly impact its sound characteristics.
- Playability: A comfortable and playable guitar is essential, especially for beginners. Check for a comfortable neck profile, smooth frets, and a well-adjusted action (string height) to ensure ease of playability.
- Build Quality and Durability: Examine the craftsmanship and materials used in the guitar’s construction. Quality components and solid build ensure durability and long-lasting performance.
- Price and Value: Consider your budget and seek guitars that offer the best value for your investment. Look for guitars that provide a balance of quality and affordability.
Now, let’s explore our top picks for the best 12-string acoustic guitars available on Amazon.
For those shopping on a tight budget, the Oscar Schmidt OD312 Natural 12-String Dreadnought Guitar offers excellent value. This guitar features a traditional dreadnought body shape with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides. It delivers a warm and resonant sound with a balanced tonal response. The die-cast tuners ensure stable and reliable tuning, while the comfortable neck profile allows for effortless playability. The Oscar Schmidt OD312 is a fantastic option for beginners or anyone seeking an affordable 12-string guitar without compromising on quality.
As guitar enthusiasts ourselves, our personal favorite among all 12-string acoustic guitars is the Takamine G Series GD30CE-12. This guitar combines affordability, quality craftsmanship, and versatile performance. The dreadnought body shape, solid spruce top, and mahogany back and sides contribute to a balanced and resonant sound. The onboard Takamine TP-4TD preamp system with a built-in tuner allows for easy amplification and precise tuning. With its exceptional playability and amplified capabilities, the Takamine G Series GD30CE-12 is our top choice for most players in the market.
For those seeking the absolute best in 12-string acoustic guitars, the Yamaha L-Series LL16 is a top contender. This guitar exemplifies Yamaha’s commitment to craftsmanship, tonal excellence, and quality materials. The solid Engelmann spruce top, rosewood back and sides, and scalloped bracing contribute to a rich and dynamic sound with remarkable projection. The guitar features Yamaha’s acclaimed SRT Zero Impact pickup system, providing natural and authentic amplified sound. The attention to detail and premium components make the Yamaha L-Series LL16 a coveted choice for professional musicians and serious enthusiasts.
Now, let’s take a look at some other notable options:
D’Angelico Premier Fulton LS 12-string Acoustic-electric Guitar: The D’Angelico Premier Fulton LS offers a vintage-inspired design with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides. It provides a warm and resonant tone and features a built-in preamp for easy amplification.
Vangoa 12 String Guitar, Acoustic-electric Dreadnought Cutaway Guitar: The Vangoa 12 String Guitar features a dreadnought cutaway body shape with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides. It offers a balanced sound and comes equipped with a preamp for amplified performance.
Ibanez AEG 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar: The Ibanez AEG 12-String combines a slim body design with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides. It delivers a bright and articulate sound, and the onboard electronics make it suitable for live performances.
Yamaha FG820 12-String Solid Top Acoustic Guitar: The Yamaha FG820 features a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a dreadnought body shape. It produces a powerful and well-balanced sound, perfect for various playing styles.
Ibanez Performance Series PF1512 Dreadnought 12-String Acoustic Guitar: The Ibanez PF1512 features a dreadnought body shape with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides. It offers a clear and resonant sound, ideal for both strumming and fingerpicking.
Oscar Schmidt OD312CEB-A-U 12-String Acoustic Electric Guitar: The Oscar Schmidt OD312CEB-A-U is an acoustic-electric 12-string guitar with a cutaway dreadnought body shape. It features a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and onboard electronics for amplified performances.
Fender 12-String Villager V3 Acoustic Guitar: The Fender Villager V3 is a stylish 12-string guitar with a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a comfortable “C”-shaped neck. It delivers a vibrant and resonant tone suitable for various genres.
In conclusion, the world of 12-string acoustic guitars offers a rich and captivating sound that enhances your playing experience. Our list of the best 12-string acoustic guitars provides a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. For exceptional value, the Oscar Schmidt OD312 Natural Dreadnought Guitar is an excellent choice. As our personal favorite, the Takamine G Series GD30CE-12 combines affordability and quality. And for those seeking the utmost in craftsmanship and performance, the Yamaha L-Series LL16 stands as the best of the best.
Consider your playing style, budget, and desired features when selecting the right 12-string acoustic guitar for you. Explore our top picks, read customer reviews, and embark on a musical journey filled with the enchanting sounds of a 12-string acoustic guitar. Happy strumming!