Best 12 String Acoustic Guitar Under $1000 for 2024

Best 12 String Acoustic Guitar Under $1000 for 2024

If you’re an avid guitarist looking to expand your collection or simply want to explore the rich and full sound of a 12-string acoustic guitar, you’re in the right place. In this comprehensive review, I’ve scoured Amazon for the best 12-string acoustic guitars under $1000 in 2024. As an experienced product reviewer, I’ve spent countless hours analyzing features, reading product descriptions, and, most importantly, delving into customer reviews to bring you the most well-rounded and reality-based assessments of these guitars. Let’s dive in!

1. Yamaha FG820–12

Features

• Body Shape: Dreadnought
• Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce
• Back & Sides Wood: Mahogany
• Neck Wood: Nato
• Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
• Bridge Wood: Rosewood
• Scale Length: 25 9/16 inches
• Nut Width: 1 7/8 inches
• Bracing: Scalloped
• Tuners: Die-cast Chrome
• Finish: Gloss

My Pros and Cons About the Yamaha FG820–12

Pros

• Rich Sound: In my opinion, the Yamaha FG820–12 delivers a rich, resonant sound that is both full-bodied and well-balanced. The solid Sitka spruce top paired with mahogany back and sides creates a warm tone that stands out in both solo and ensemble settings.
• Playability: The neck profile is comfortable, and the action is set up well straight out of the box, making it easy to play for extended periods without fatigue.
• Build Quality: Yamaha’s attention to detail is evident in the FG820–12. The construction is solid, and the finish is smooth and even, which speaks to the quality control at Yamaha.
• Affordable Price: For under $400, this guitar offers exceptional value. It performs well above its price point, making it a fantastic option for both beginners and seasoned players looking for a reliable 12-string.

Cons

• Weight: One downside I noticed is the weight. The FG820–12 is a bit on the heavier side, which might be a consideration for players who prefer a lighter instrument.
• Tuners: While the die-cast tuners do a decent job, they could be more precise. I found that frequent tuning adjustments were necessary, especially during longer play sessions.

2. Guild F-2512E

Features

• Body Shape: Jumbo
• Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce
• Back & Sides Wood: Maple
• Neck Wood: Mahogany
• Fingerboard Wood: Pau Ferro
• Bridge Wood: Pau Ferro
• Scale Length: 25 1/2 inches
• Nut Width: 1 7/8 inches
• Bracing: Scalloped X
• Electronics: AP-1 Pickup
• Finish: Gloss

My Pros and Cons About the Guild F-2512E

Pros

• Volume and Projection: The jumbo body shape of the Guild F-2512E provides incredible volume and projection. It’s perfect for those who need their sound to carry, whether on stage or in a jam session.
• Electronics: The AP-1 pickup system is a standout feature. It captures the guitar’s natural tone exceptionally well, making it ideal for live performances and recording.
• Aesthetic Appeal: This guitar is visually stunning. The maple back and sides not only contribute to a bright and crisp sound but also give the guitar a beautiful, shimmering appearance.
• Smooth Playability: Despite its large body, the F-2512E is surprisingly comfortable to play. The neck is well-crafted, and the action is set just right for both strumming and fingerpicking.

Cons

• Body Size: The jumbo size, while great for sound projection, might be too large for some players. It can feel cumbersome and may not be the best choice for smaller individuals.
• Price: While it’s under $1000, it’s on the higher end of the price range. Budget-conscious players might find it a bit steep compared to other models in this review.

3. Takamine GJ72CE-12NAT

Features

• Body Shape: Jumbo Cutaway
• Top Wood: Solid Spruce
• Back & Sides Wood: Flamed Maple
• Neck Wood: Maple
• Fingerboard Wood: Laurel
• Bridge Wood: Laurel
• Scale Length: 25 3/8 inches
• Nut Width: 1 7/8 inches
• Bracing: Quartersawn X
• Electronics: TK-40D Preamp with Built-In Tuner
• Finish: Gloss Natural

My Pros and Cons About the Takamine GJ72CE-12NAT

Pros

• Sound Quality: The Takamine GJ72CE-12NAT has a bright, articulate sound with a rich low end. The solid spruce top combined with flamed maple back and sides produces a clear and balanced tone.
• Built-In Electronics: The preamp system with a built-in tuner is extremely convenient. It offers a range of tone-shaping options and makes tuning quick and easy.
• Cutaway Design: The cutaway body provides easy access to higher frets, which is great for solos and more intricate playing.
• Aesthetic Design: The natural gloss finish and flamed maple back and sides give this guitar a high-end look. It’s an eye-catcher both on and off stage.

Cons

• Neck Thickness: The neck is slightly thicker than some might prefer. I found it comfortable, but players with smaller hands might find it a bit challenging.
• Weight: Similar to the Yamaha FG820–12, this guitar is on the heavier side. It’s something to consider if you plan on standing for long periods while playing.

4. Seagull Coastline S12 Cedar

Features

• Body Shape: Dreadnought
• Top Wood: Solid Cedar
• Back & Sides Wood: Wild Cherry
• Neck Wood: Silver Leaf Maple
• Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
• Bridge Wood: Rosewood
• Scale Length: 25.5 inches
• Nut Width: 1.8 inches
• Bracing: Adirondack Spruce
• Tuners: High Ratio
• Finish: Semi-Gloss

My Pros and Cons About the Seagull Coastline S12 Cedar

Pros

• Warm Tone: The solid cedar top provides a warm, mellow tone that is distinctively rich. It’s perfect for fingerstyle playing and softer strumming.
• Unique Wood Choices: The use of wild cherry for the back and sides adds a unique tonal quality that sets it apart from more common mahogany or maple models.
• High Ratio Tuners: These tuners are very precise, making tuning adjustments quick and accurate. It’s a small feature that makes a big difference in playability.
• Comfortable Neck: The silver leaf maple neck is smooth and comfortable, allowing for easy chord transitions and reduced hand fatigue.

Cons

• Projection: While the tone is warm and rich, it doesn’t project as well as some of the other guitars on this list. It’s better suited for smaller, more intimate settings.
• Finish: The semi-gloss finish, while attractive, can show fingerprints and smudges more easily than a full gloss finish. It requires a bit more maintenance to keep it looking pristine.

5. Ibanez AEG5012

Features

• Body Shape: AEG
• Top Wood: Spruce
• Back & Sides Wood: Sapele
• Neck Wood: Mahogany
• Fingerboard Wood: Walnut
• Bridge Wood: Walnut
• Scale Length: 25 inches
• Nut Width: 1.77 inches
• Electronics: Fishman Sonicore Pickup with Ibanez AEQ-SP1 Preamp
• Finish: High Gloss

My Pros and Cons About the Ibanez AEG5012

Pros

• Electronics: The Fishman Sonicore pickup and Ibanez AEQ-SP1 preamp system provide excellent amplified sound. It’s perfect for gigging musicians who need reliable electronics.
• Comfortable Body: The AEG body shape is slimmer than a traditional dreadnought or jumbo, making it comfortable to hold and play for extended periods.
• Versatile Sound: The combination of spruce and sapele gives this guitar a versatile sound that works well across various genres, from folk to rock.
• Affordability: Priced well under $500, the AEG5012 offers great value for money without compromising on quality.

Cons

• Volume: The slimmer body, while comfortable, does result in slightly less volume when played acoustically. It’s not as loud as some of the larger-bodied guitars on this list.
• Nut Width: The nut width is slightly narrower than standard, which might be a con for players with larger hands or those used to wider necks.

6. Fender CD-60SCE-12

Features

• Body Shape: Dreadnought Cutaway
• Top Wood: Solid Spruce
• Back & Sides Wood: Mahogany
• Neck Wood: Mahogany
• Fingerboard Wood: Walnut
• Bridge Wood: Walnut
• Scale Length: 25.3 inches
• Nut Width: 1.77 inches
• Electronics: Fishman CD Preamp
• Finish: Gloss

My Pros and Cons About the Fender CD-60SCE-12

Pros

• Playability: The neck is very comfortable, and the action is set up well, making it easy to play right out of the box. The cutaway design also provides easy access to higher frets.
• Sound Quality: The solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides create a rich, balanced sound with plenty of volume and projection.
• Built-In Electronics: The Fishman CD preamp is a nice touch, providing good amplification and tone control for live performances.
• Value: Fender has managed to offer a high-quality 12-string acoustic-electric guitar at a very reasonable price, making it accessible for many players.

Cons

• Tuning Stability: Some users have reported that the tuning stability could be better. Frequent tuning adjustments might be necessary, especially after long play sessions.
• Finish: While the gloss finish looks great, it can be prone to showing scratches and smudges over time.

7. Alvarez AJ80CE-12

Features

• Body Shape: Jumbo Cutaway
• Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce
• Back & Sides Wood: Maple
• Neck Wood: Maple
• Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
• Bridge Wood: Rosewood
• Scale Length: 25.5 inches
• Nut Width: 1 7/8 inches
• Bracing: FST2M
• Electronics: LR Baggs StagePro EQ and Element Pickup
• Finish: Natural Gloss

My Pros and Cons About the Alvarez AJ80CE-12

Pros

• Electronics: The LR Baggs StagePro EQ and Element pickup system deliver excellent amplified sound quality, making this guitar ideal for live performances.
• Sound Quality: The solid Sitka spruce top and maple back and sides produce a bright, powerful sound with great sustain and clarity.
• Playability: Despite its large body, the AJ80CE-12 is very comfortable to play, thanks to its well-designed neck and cutaway for easy access to higher frets.
• Durability: Alvarez guitars are known for their durability, and this model is no exception. It’s built to last and withstand the rigors of regular use.

Cons

• Size: The jumbo body size might be too large for some players, making it a bit unwieldy for those who prefer a smaller, more manageable guitar.
• Price: It’s on the higher end of the price spectrum in this review, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.

8. Oscar Schmidt OD312CE

Features

• Body Shape: Dreadnought Cutaway
• Top Wood: Select Spruce
• Back & Sides Wood: Mahogany
• Neck Wood: Mahogany
• Fingerboard Wood: Engineered Wood
• Bridge Wood: Engineered Wood
• Scale Length: 25.5 inches
• Nut Width: 1 7/8 inches
• Electronics: Barcus Berry Preamp with Built-In Tuner
• Finish: Gloss

My Pros and Cons About the Oscar Schmidt OD312CE

Pros

• Affordability: The OD312CE is one of the most affordable options on this list, making it a great choice for beginners or those on a tight budget.
• Electronics: The Barcus Berry preamp and built-in tuner are very convenient features, especially for gigging musicians who need reliable electronics.
• Sound Quality: Despite its lower price, the OD312CE offers a decent sound quality with a good balance of warmth and brightness.
• Playability: The cutaway design and comfortable neck make it easy to play, even for extended periods.

Cons

• Materials: The use of engineered wood for the fingerboard and bridge is a downside for some players who prefer traditional tonewoods. It might affect the overall tone and longevity of the instrument.
• Finish: The gloss finish is attractive but can be prone to showing scratches and fingerprints over time.

9. Epiphone DR-212

Features

• Body Shape: Dreadnought
• Top Wood: Select Spruce
• Back & Sides Wood: Mahogany
• Neck Wood: Mahogany
• Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
• Bridge Wood: Rosewood
• Scale Length: 25.5 inches
• Nut Width: 1 3/4 inches
• Bracing: X
• Tuners: Premium Die-Cast
• Finish: Gloss

My Pros and Cons About the Epiphone DR-212

Pros

• Value: The DR-212 offers great value for money. It’s an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on quality, making it perfect for beginners or budget-conscious players.
• Sound Quality: The select spruce top and mahogany back and sides produce a warm, rich tone with good projection and clarity.
• Build Quality: Epiphone is known for its solid build quality, and the DR-212 is no exception. It’s a durable guitar that can withstand regular use.
• Playability: The neck is comfortable, and the action is set up well, making it easy to play right out of the box.

Cons

• Tuning Stability: Some users have reported issues with tuning stability, particularly with the lower strings. Frequent tuning adjustments might be necessary.
• Finish: The gloss finish, while attractive, can show scratches and fingerprints more easily than a satin finish.

10. Washburn Heritage Series HD10SCE12

Features

• Body Shape: Dreadnought Cutaway
• Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce
• Back & Sides Wood: Mahogany
• Neck Wood: Mahogany
• Fingerboard Wood: Ovangkol
• Bridge Wood: Ovangkol
• Scale Length: 25.5 inches
• Nut Width: 1 7/8 inches
• Electronics: Fishman Isys+ with Built-In Tuner
• Finish: Gloss

My Pros and Cons About the Washburn Heritage Series HD10SCE12

Pros

• Sound Quality: The solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides produce a rich, balanced tone with plenty of volume and projection.
• Built-In Electronics: The Fishman Isys+ preamp system with a built-in tuner is a great feature, providing reliable amplification and easy tuning adjustments.
• Playability: The cutaway design allows for easy access to higher frets, and the neck is comfortable to play for extended periods.
• Durability: Washburn guitars are known for their durability, and the HD10SCE12 is no exception. It’s built to last and withstand regular use.

Cons

• Weight: The guitar is on the heavier side, which might be a consideration for players who prefer a lighter instrument.
• Finish: The gloss finish can show scratches and fingerprints more easily than a satin finish, requiring more maintenance to keep it looking pristine.

11. Gretsch G5022CWFE-12 Rancher Falcon

Features

• Body Shape: Jumbo Cutaway
• Top Wood: Solid Spruce
• Back & Sides Wood: Maple
• Neck Wood: Maple
• Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
• Bridge Wood: Rosewood
• Scale Length: 25 inches
• Nut Width: 1.875 inches
• Electronics: Fishman Sonicore Pickup with Isys+ Preamp
• Finish: White Gloss

My Pros and Cons About the Gretsch G5022CWFE-12 Rancher Falcon

Pros

• Aesthetic Appeal: The white gloss finish with gold hardware and classic Gretsch details make this guitar a real showstopper. It’s visually stunning and sure to turn heads.
• Sound Quality: The solid spruce top and maple back and sides produce a bright, articulate sound with excellent projection and sustain.
• Electronics: The Fishman Sonicore pickup and Isys+ preamp system provide great amplified sound quality, making it ideal for live performances.
• Playability: Despite its large body, the Rancher Falcon is surprisingly comfortable to play, thanks to its well-designed neck and cutaway for easy access to higher frets.

Cons

• Price: It’s one of the more expensive options on this list, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
• Weight: The guitar is on the heavier side, which might be a consideration for players who prefer a lighter instrument.

12. Dean Boca 12-String

Features

• Body Shape: Semi-Hollow
• Top Wood: Mahogany
• Back & Sides Wood: Mahogany
• Neck Wood: Maple
• Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
• Bridge Wood: Tune-O-Matic
• Scale Length: 24 3/4 inches
• Nut Width: 1 7/8 inches
• Electronics: DMT Design Pickups
• Finish: Classic Black

My Pros and Cons About the Dean Boca 12-String

Pros

• Unique Design: The semi-hollow body design of the Dean Boca 12-String offers a unique sound that blends acoustic warmth with electric versatility.
• Electronics: The DMT Design pickups provide excellent amplified sound, making this guitar a great choice for both acoustic and electric playing styles.
• Playability: The shorter scale length and comfortable neck make it easy to play, even for extended periods.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The classic black finish and sleek design give this guitar a modern, stylish look.

Cons

• Weight: The semi-hollow body design adds some weight, which might be a consideration for players who prefer a lighter instrument.
• Price: It’s on the higher end of the price spectrum in this review, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect 12-string acoustic guitar under $1000 can be a daunting task, but I hope this comprehensive review has made it easier for you. Each of these guitars offers something unique, whether it’s the rich sound of the Yamaha FG820–12, the projection of the Guild F-2512E, or the versatility of the Dean Boca 12-String. Consider your personal preferences, playing style, and budget to choose the one that best suits your needs. Happy playing!