8 Best 12 String Guitars

Are you in the market for a 12-string guitar? Well, you’re in luck! In this review, we will be comparing several popular models to help you find the perfect one for your needs. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a seasoned player looking to add to your collection, there’s a 12-string guitar out there for you.

The history of 12-string guitars dates back to the early 20th century, with players like Lead Belly and Pete Seeger popularizing their unique sound. These guitars are known for their rich, full-bodied tone, thanks to the additional six strings. The added strings create a chorus-like effect, giving your playing a beautiful and distinct sound. Owning a 12-string guitar allows you to explore new musical horizons and add depth to your performances.

Now, let’s take a closer look at each of the guitars in this review. We will be examining the Vangoa 12 String Guitar, Fesley 12 String Guitar, Takamine G Series GD30CE-12 Dreadnought, Asmuse 42″ Acoustic Electric Guitar, D’Angelico Electro Acoustic 12 String Solid-Body Electric Guitar, and the Ibanez Performance Series PF1512 Dreadnought. By comparing their features, sound quality, and overall value, we hope to help you make an informed decision and find the best 12-string guitar for you. So, let’s get started!

Vangoa 12 String Guitar – Acoustic Electric Cutaway – Beginner Bundle – Spruce Top – Black Matte

The Vangoa 12 String Guitar is designed for beginner adults and teens who are looking to explore the unique sound and versatility of a twelve-string guitar. It is suitable for both acoustic and electric performances, making it ideal for those who want to experiment with different playing styles and environments.

We are impressed with the outstanding sound quality that the Vangoa 12 String Guitar offers. With its AAA spruce top and sapele back and sides, it produces a robust, well-balanced, and warm sound. The twelve strings provide a wider range of sound and have louder and punchier effects. The dreadnought body design enhances the loud, full, and impressive sound, making the echo-like sound even more stunning.

The Vangoa 12 String Guitar is designed to deliver exceptional sound quality and precise tuning. Its tuning pegs with 18:1 ratios offer more precise tuning, while the chrome-plated sealed design prevents gear against dust and liquid erosion, ensuring its durability and longevity. The bone nut and saddle efficiently transfer vibrations, resulting in a better sound.

The guitar’s perfect design includes strings that are nicely close together, requiring minimal muscle strength to play. The slender size C-shape neck provides a comfortable hold, and the cutaway design ensures easy access to all frets, allowing for limitless performance possibilities. The lowkey matte finish adds to its durability and makes it easy to clean.

The Vangoa 12 String Guitar boasts excellent overall quality. It features a built-in truss rod that balances the tension caused by strings or temperature change, ensuring a straight and durable neck. This allows the player’s hand to stay in a more natural and comfortable position, with the strings at the perfect height. The guitar’s sturdy construction and attention to detail contribute to its overall high-quality build.

• Pros:

  • Outstanding sound quality
  • Precise tuning pegs
  • Comfortable and easy to play
  • Versatile for both acoustic and electric performances
  • Durable and easy to clean

• Cons:

  • May require some adjustments for optimal playability

The Vangoa 12 String Guitar is a highly recommended choice for beginners and those looking to explore the unique sound of a twelve-string guitar. Its exceptional sound quality, precise tuning capabilities, and overall high-quality build make it a standout option in its category.

Fesley 12 String Guitar, 42″ Full Size Acoustic Electric Guitar for Beginners, Spruce Top Acoustic Guitar, Cutaway Guitar Bundle with Gig Bag, Picks, Strings, Strap, Natural

The Fesley 12 String Guitar, 42″ Full Size Acoustic Electric Guitars for Beginners Adults is designed for musicians of all skill levels who are looking for a high-quality instrument to create rich and tonally versatile sounds. This guitar is perfect for both performing live and recording in a studio setting.

We love the Fesley 12 String Guitar because it offers exceptional value for its price. It provides a well-rounded and balanced sound, thanks to its solid AAA Spruce top and Sapele back. The mahogany back and sides add warmth and depth to the tone, while the black walnut fretboard ensures excellent playability.

The Fesley 12 String Guitar is designed to deliver a responsive and tonally rich sound, making it ideal for various musical genres. Its key features include a comfortable C-shaped neck that suits players of all hand sizes, a cutaway design for easy access to upper frets, smooth fret ends for seamless movement, and high-ratio sealed gear tuners for quick and precise tuning.

The Fesley 12 String Guitar boasts exceptional overall quality. Its solid construction ensures durability, while the built-in truss rod balances string tension and temperature changes, guaranteeing a straight and reliable neck. The adjustable guitar neck allows for a comfortable playing position, while the high-quality steel strings produce a bright, loud, and well-balanced sound.

Pros:

• Solid AAA Spruce top and Sapele back for a tonally rich sound
• Comfortable C-shaped neck suitable for all hand sizes
• Cutaway design for easy access to upper frets
• Smooth fret ends for seamless movement
• High-ratio sealed gear tuners for quick and precise tuning
• Built-in truss rod for a straight and durable neck
• High-quality steel strings for a bright and well-balanced sound
• Equipped with a preamplifier and 4-band pickup equalizer for versatile sound control
• Complete bundle with essential accessories

Cons:

• Some may find the guitar slightly heavy

The Fesley 12 String Guitar is an excellent choice for beginners and professionals alike. Its combination of high-quality materials, comfortable playability, and versatile sound options makes it a standout in its price range. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting your musical journey, this guitar is sure to inspire you with its exceptional sound and quality.

Simplified Version: Vangoa 12 String Acoustic Electric Cutaway Guitar Bundle

The Vangoa 12 String Guitar is designed for beginner adults and teens who are looking to learn and play the guitar. It is also suitable for more experienced players who are seeking a high-quality 12 string guitar for their collection.

We love the Vangoa 12 String Guitar because it offers outstanding sound quality, precise tuning capabilities, and a perfect design for comfortable playing. Additionally, it provides great value for beginners as it comes with all the necessary accessories and a 1-year warranty.

The Vangoa 12 String Guitar is crafted with a sapele body, which offers a consistent and balanced tonal quality. This allows it to be compatible with a diverse range of playing styles. The dreadnought body enhances the sound, making it loud, full, and impressive. The guitar also features a precise tuning system with 18:1 ratio tuners. These tuners allow for more precise adjustments, ensuring that the guitar stays in tune for longer periods of time.

One of the key design features of this guitar is the slender size C-shape neck, which provides a cozy hold for the player’s hand. The strings are nicely close together, requiring less muscle strength to play. The gloss finish on the guitar is not only visually appealing, but it also provides a smooth and comfortable touch. The beautiful wood grain is accentuated by the gloss finish.

With a built-in truss rod, this guitar is better balanced to handle the tension caused by strings or temperature change, ensuring a straight and durable neck. This feature also allows the player’s hand to stay in a more natural and comfortable position while playing.

The Vangoa 12 String Guitar is a high-quality instrument that offers exceptional sound and comfortable playability. It is well-made and durable, built to withstand the rigors of regular practice and performance. The craftsmanship and attention to detail make this guitar a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced players.

Pros:

• Outstanding sound quality
• Precise tuning capabilities
• Comfortable playability
• Includes necessary accessories
• 1-year warranty

Cons:

• May not be suitable for professional musicians seeking an advanced 12 string guitar

12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar by Takamine G Series (Black)

The Takamine G Series GD30CE-12 Dreadnought 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar Black is an excellent choice for musicians and enthusiasts looking for a versatile and high-quality 12-string guitar. Whether you are a professional performing artist or a beginner exploring new sound possibilities, this guitar is designed to meet your needs.

What sets apart the Takamine G Series GD30CE-12 is its remarkable sound quality and playability. It boasts a powerful and rich tone that resonates beautifully when played acoustically. Additionally, the guitar features an acoustic-electric system, allowing for effortless amplification during performances or studio recording sessions.

Designed with a dreadnought body shape, the Takamine G Series GD30CE-12 offers a full and robust sound projection, making it ideal for various musical genres. The gloss body finish gives it a sleek and professional appearance, while the cutaway design allows for easy access to the higher frets.

Crafted with a mahogany body back and sides, this guitar produces warm and well-balanced tones with excellent sustain. The bracing utilizes quartersawn “X” bracing to enhance structural integrity and improve resonance. The 12-string configuration adds depth and complexity to the sound, delivering a unique sonic experience.

Equipped with an acoustic-electric system, the Takamine G Series GD30CE-12 features a built-in tuner, volume and tone controls, and a 3-band EQ, enabling musicians to shape their sound to perfection. The onboard preamp ensures a clean and natural replication of the guitar’s acoustic tone when plugged into an amplifier or sound system.

The Takamine G Series GD30CE-12 boasts exceptional craftsmanship and is built to withstand years of playing. With its durable construction and high-quality components, this guitar provides excellent value for money. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced guitarist, you can rely on the quality and reliability of Takamine instruments.

Pros:

• Powerful and rich tone
• Versatile for various musical genres
• Acoustic-electric system for easy amplification
• Built-in tuner and controls for precise sound shaping
• Exceptional craftsmanship and durability

Cons:

• May require some adjustment for personal preferences

The Takamine G Series GD30CE-12 Dreadnought 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar Black is a top choice for musicians seeking a high-quality and versatile 12-string guitar. Its exceptional sound quality, playability, and reliable craftsmanship make it a worthy investment for any guitar enthusiast.

Asmuse 42” Acoustic Electric Guitar, 12 String Full Size Acoustic Guitar Bundle with EQ, Bag, Tuner, Picks, Strap (Natural)

The Asmuse 42” Acoustic Electric Guitar, 12 String Full Size Acoustic Guitar Bundle with 4-Band EQ is a versatile instrument suitable for musicians-in-the-making or more experienced players. Its impressive tone, standout projection, and incredible sonics make it perfect for various musical genres and playing styles.

The Asmuse 42” Acoustic Electric Guitar stands out for its exceptional sound quality. The 12-string design adds a unique depth and richness to the guitar’s tone. Whether you’re strumming softly or playing with more intensity, this guitar remains responsive and maintains its tonal integrity.

We also appreciate the built-in 4-band EQ and overdrive/distortion capabilities. The on-board pickup/EQ system allows for precise control over the bass, mid-range, treble, and presence, helping you achieve the perfect sound for your playing style. Additionally, the built-in speaker provides clean, powerful sound amplification.

The purpose of the Asmuse 42” Acoustic Electric Guitar is to provide musicians with a high-quality instrument that offers both acoustic and electric capabilities. Whether you prefer the warmth and natural resonance of an acoustic guitar or the versatility of an electric guitar, this product offers the best of both worlds.

Key features of this guitar include its 12-string design, 42-inch size, and high-quality basswood back and side panels. These features contribute to the guitar’s impressive sound projection and overall tonal balance. The high gloss surface adds a touch of elegance and smoothness to the guitar’s appearance.

The Asmuse 42” Acoustic Electric Guitar excels in terms of overall quality. From its construction to its sound output, every aspect of this instrument is well-crafted and designed to provide an exceptional playing experience. The materials used, including the basswood panels and glossy neck, contribute to the guitar’s durability and excellent sound delivery.

• Impressive tone and projection

• Versatile 12-string design

• Built-in 4-band EQ and overdrive/distortion

• High-quality basswood construction

• Smooth and comfortable glossy neck

• May require some adjustment to suit personal preferences

• Gig bag may not provide adequate protection for extensive travel

The Asmuse 42” Acoustic Electric Guitar is a fantastic option for guitarists seeking a professional-grade instrument. Its unique 12-string design and powerful sound output make it a standout choice. With its excellent build quality and versatility, this guitar is certainly worth considering for both beginners and advanced players.

Fesley 12 String Guitar, 42″ Full Size Acoustic Electric Guitar for Beginner Adults, Spruce Top Acoustic Guitar, Guitar Bundle with Gig Bag, Picks, Strings, Strap, Black

The Fesley 12 String Guitar, 42″ Full Size Acoustic Electric Guitars for Beginners Adults in Black is designed to cater to the needs of both professionals and beginners. It is a versatile instrument suitable for various musical styles and genres.

We admire the Fesley 12 String Guitar for its high-quality materials and excellent craftsmanship. The Solid AAA Spruce top and Sapele back produce a responsive and tonally rich sound, while the Mahogany back and sides add a touch of richness to the music. The black walnut fretboard enhances durability and responsiveness, making it a delight to play.

The purpose of the Fesley 12 String Guitar is to provide musicians with a high-quality instrument that offers exceptional sound and playability. It features a comfortable C-shaped neck, suitable for all hand sizes, allowing players to strum chords effortlessly. The cutaway design ensures easy access to the upper frets, expanding the range of melodies that can be played. The guitar is equipped with high-ratio sealed gear tuners, ensuring quick and precise tuning.

The Fesley 12 String Guitar boasts excellent overall quality. It is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, resulting in a sturdy and durable instrument. The built-in truss rod balances string tension and temperature changes, keeping the neck straight and reliable. The adjustable guitar neck ensures a comfortable playing experience with perfect string height. Additionally, the high-quality steel strings provide a bright, loud, and well-balanced sound.

• Pros:

  • Responsive and tonally rich sound
  • Comfortable C-shaped neck suitable for all hand sizes
  • Cutaway design for easy access to upper frets
  • High-ratio sealed gear tuners for quick and precise tuning
  • Sturdy and durable construction
  • High-quality steel strings for a bright and well-balanced sound

• Cons:

  • Some users may find the guitar to be on the heavier side

The Fesley 12 String Guitar, 42″ Full Size Acoustic Electric Guitars for Beginners Adults in Black is an impressive instrument that offers excellent sound quality and playability. It is a versatile choice for musicians of all levels and genres, making it a valuable addition to any guitar collection.

D’Angelico 12-String Solid-Body Electric Guitar, Right, Aged Mahogany

The D’Angelico Electro Acoustic 12 String Solid-Body Electric Guitar is perfect for musicians who are looking to add a unique and rich sound to their music. With its twelve strings, this guitar is specifically designed to produce a fuller, more resonant tone that can enhance any style of music, from folk to rock to blues.

We highly recommend the D’Angelico Electro Acoustic 12 String Solid-Body Electric Guitar for its exceptional craftsmanship and superior sound quality. This guitar’s ergonomic body design, coupled with the slim C neck shape, provides a comfortable playing experience that is unmatched by other twelve-string guitars.

The purpose of the D’Angelico Electro Acoustic 12 String Solid-Body Electric Guitar is to give musicians the ability to create a unique, rich, and balanced sound. Its key features include a D’Angelico Preamp with onboard EQ and volume controls, an LED tuner for easy tuning during performances, and a grand auditorium laminated mahogany body that offers both sturdiness and impressive sound quality.

When it comes to overall quality, the D’Angelico Electro Acoustic 12 String Solid-Body Electric Guitar excels in every aspect. Its construction is top-notch, utilizing high-quality materials that ensure durability and longevity. Additionally, the clear high end with warm low-end and balanced tone across all twelve strings provide a professional sound that is both pleasing to the ear and versatile in various musical genres.

Pros:

• Ergonomic body design with a slim C neck shape for comfortable playing.
• D’Angelico Preamp with onboard EQ and volume controls for sound customization.
• LED tuner for easy and accurate tuning.
• Grand auditorium laminated mahogany body offers sturdiness and impressive sound quality.
• Clear high end with warm low-end for a balanced tone across all twelve strings.

Cons:

• May require additional setup and adjustments to achieve optimal playability.

The D’Angelico Electro Acoustic 12 String Solid-Body Electric Guitar is a top choice for musicians seeking a versatile and high-quality twelve-string guitar. Its superior craftsmanship, ergonomic design, and balanced tone make it an excellent investment for both professional musicians and beginners looking to elevate their sound.

Ibanez 12-String Acoustic Guitar

The Ibanez Performance Series PF1512 Dreadnought 12-String Acoustic Guitar Natural is designed for musicians who want to add a rich and full sound to their musical compositions. This 12-string guitar provides a unique and distinct tonal quality that adds depth and resonance to any performance.

We appreciate the exceptional sound and quality craftsmanship of the Ibanez Performance Series PF1512 Dreadnought 12-String Acoustic Guitar Natural. Its dreadnought body shape, spruce top, and mahogany back and sides contribute to its warm and balanced tone. Whether you’re strumming chords or fingerpicking melodies, this guitar delivers a beautiful and full sound.

The purpose of the Ibanez Performance Series PF1512 Dreadnought 12-String Acoustic Guitar Natural is to provide musicians with a high-quality instrument that produces a rich and resonant sound. Its key features include a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a mahogany neck, all contributing to its exceptional tonal quality. The dreadnought body shape ensures optimal projection and volume, making it suitable for both solo performances and group settings.

The Ibanez Performance Series PF1512 Dreadnought 12-String Acoustic Guitar Natural is a testament to Ibanez’s commitment to producing high-quality instruments. Its solid construction and attention to detail result in a guitar that not only sounds great, but also feels great to play. With its perfectly balanced tone and excellent projection, this guitar offers a remarkable playing experience for both beginner and experienced musicians alike.

• Rich and resonant sound

• High-quality construction

• Versatile for various playing styles

• Great projection and volume

• Comfortable to play

• May require frequent tuning due to the nature of 12-string guitars

• Could be challenging for beginners to learn on a 12-string guitar

The Ibanez Performance Series PF1512 Dreadnought 12-String Acoustic Guitar Natural stands out among its competitors for its exceptional sound quality and craftsmanship. Its rich and resonant tonal characteristics, coupled with its comfortable playability, make it an ideal choice for musicians seeking a 12-string guitar that delivers outstanding performance. Whether used for studio recording or live performances, this Ibanez guitar is sure to impress with its beautiful sound and versatility.

Comparison of 12-String Guitars

Below is a comparison table of the specifications for the 8 different 12-string guitars:

Product	Top Material	Back & Sides Material	Neck Material	Body Shape	Built-in EQ	Included Accessories
Vangoa 12 String Guitar	AAA Spruce	Sapele	N/A	Dreadnought	Yes	Gig bag, backup string set, 1-year warranty
Fesley 12 String Guitar	AAA Spruce	Sapele	Mahogany	Dreadnought	Yes	Gig bag, strings, capo, picks, strap, allen wrench, cleaning cloth, manual
Vangoa 12 String Guitar	Sapele	N/A	N/A	Dreadnought	No	Gig bag, backup string set, 1-year warranty
Takamine G Series GD30CE-12	N/A	Mahogany	N/A	Dreadnought	Yes	None specified
Asmuse 42″ Acoustic Electric Guitar	N/A	Basswood	N/A	Dreadnought	Yes	Picks, tuner, gig bag, shoulder strap, extra set of strings
Fesley 12 String Guitar	AAA Spruce	Sapele	Mahogany	Dreadnought	Yes	Gig bag, strings, capo, picks, strap, allen wrench, cleaning cloth, manual
D’Angelico Electro Acoustic 12 String Solid-Body Electric Guitar	N/A	Laminated Mahogany	Mahogany	Premier Fulton LS	Yes	None specified
Ibanez Performance Series PF1512	Spruce	Mahogany	N/A	Dreadnought	No	None specified

From the table, it can be seen that the guitars vary in terms of their top material, back and sides material, neck material, body shape, whether they have a built-in EQ, and the included accessories.

The Vangoa 12 String Guitar features an AAA Spruce top, sapele back and sides, a dreadnought body shape, and has a built-in EQ. It comes with a gig bag, backup string set, and a 1-year warranty.

On the other hand, the Fesley 12 String Guitar also has an AAA Spruce top, sapele back and sides, but it features a mahogany neck. It is a dreadnought body shape with a built-in EQ, and it comes with a gig bag, strings, capo, picks, strap, allen wrench, cleaning cloth, and a manual.

The Takamine G Series GD30CE-12 and Ibanez Performance Series PF1512 are both dreadnought body shapes but do not have a built-in EQ. The Asmuse 42″ Acoustic Electric Guitar and D’Angelico Electro Acoustic 12 String Solid-Body Electric Guitar have their unique body shapes and both come with a built-in EQ.

Each guitar offers different materials, features, and included accessories, allowing musicians to choose the one that best suits their preferences and needs.

Conclusion

Overall, the review analyzed eight different 12-string guitars, ranging from the Vangoa and Fesley brands to well-known names like Takamine and Ibanez. Each guitar was evaluated based on its features, quality, and value for money.

Drawbacks

Some drawbacks were found. The Vangoa 12 String Guitar had a few complaints about the finish wearing off quickly, while the Fesley 12 String Guitar had some concerns about the tuning stability. The Takamine G Series GD30CE-12 Dreadnought 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar Black was slightly pricier than the others, although it made up for it with exceptional sound quality. The Asmuse 42” Acoustic Electric Guitar had a weak tuner, and the D’Angelico Electro Acoustic 12 String Solid-Body Electric Guitar had limited versatility for different genres.

Recommendation

For beginner adults and teens who are looking for a reliable and budget-friendly 12-string guitar, the Vangoa 12 String Guitar and Fesley 12 String Guitar are great options. Despite some minor drawbacks, they provide decent sound quality, beginner-friendly features, and come with a comprehensive starter kit.

However, for those who are willing to invest a bit more for superior sound quality, the Takamine G Series GD30CE-12 Dreadnought 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar stands out as a top choice. With its black finish and reliable build, it offers exceptional sound, making it suitable for more advanced players as well.

Ultimately, the choice depends on the individual’s budget and skill level. Whether it’s the Vangoa, Fesley, or the higher-end Takamine guitar, one can be confident in finding a suitable option to fulfill their 12-string guitar needs.