Have you ever heard a guitar sound so rich and full, like a whole orchestra playing at once? Chances are, you were listening to a twelve-string guitar! These amazing instruments have twice as many strings as a regular guitar, giving them a beautiful, ringing sound that can fill any room.
But if you’re thinking about getting a twelve-string, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. There are so many different kinds, and it can be tricky to know which one is the best for you. You might worry about the cost, the feel of the extra strings, or just how to even start playing one. It’s a big decision, and we want to make it easier!
In this post, we’re going to dive deep into the world of twelve-string guitars. We’ll explore what makes them so special, what to look for when you’re shopping, and even give you some tips on how to play them. By the end, you’ll have a much clearer idea of how to find the perfect twelve-string guitar to unlock its amazing sound.
Our Top 5 Twelve String Guitar Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Twelve String Guitar Detailed Reviews
1. Vangoa 12 String Guitar Acoustic Electric
Rating: 8.9/10
The Vangoa 12 String Guitar Acoustic Electric bundle is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to dive into the rich sound of a 12-string guitar. Whether you’re just starting out or have some experience, this guitar offers a complete package to get you playing right away. Its stylish matte black finish and thoughtful design make it both attractive and easy to handle.
What We Like:
- The AAA spruce top and sapele wood give it a full, warm sound that’s great for many music styles.
- Twelve strings create a wonderfully shimmering and loud sound, adding extra depth to your music.
- The tuning pegs are very accurate, keeping your guitar in tune longer.
- The neck is a comfortable C-shape, and the strings are spaced well, making it easier to play.
- A cutaway design lets you reach all the frets easily for more playing freedom.
- It’s an acoustic-electric guitar, so you can play it unplugged or plug it into an amp for bigger venues.
- The bundle includes everything you need to start playing, like a padded bag and extra strings.
- Vangoa offers a 1-year warranty and helpful customer service.
What Could Be Improved:
- For absolute beginners, the 12 strings might initially feel a bit different than a 6-string.
This Vangoa 12-string guitar bundle offers excellent value and a great playing experience for musicians of all levels. It’s a complete package that lets you explore the beautiful sound of 12 strings with comfort and style.
2. Fender CD-60SCE 12-string Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
Rating: 9.3/10
The Fender CD-60SCE-12 12-string Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar in Natural is a fantastic instrument for anyone looking to expand their sound. This guitar brings a rich, full sound that’s perfect for genres like country, folk, and bluegrass. Its dreadnought body shape gives it a big, bold tone with satisfying bass notes.
What We Like:
- The solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides create a deep and rich sound.
- Scalloped “X” bracing helps the guitar resonate beautifully.
- The built-in Fishman pickup and tuner make it easy to plug in and play.
- Fender offers a 2-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
- It’s designed for right-handed players.
What Could Be Improved:
- As a 12-string, it may require a slight adjustment period for those new to this type of guitar.
- The “Natural” finish, while classic, might not appeal to everyone seeking more vibrant color options.
This Fender acoustic guitar offers a great combination of quality materials and built-in features. It’s a solid choice for musicians wanting that signature 12-string sound.
3. 12 String Guitar Acoustic Electric: Guitarra Acústica Built In 4 Band EQ
Rating: 9.0/10
Unleash a sound that fills the room with this stunning 12-string acoustic-electric guitar. Its matte black finish and quality wood create a look that’s as impressive as its sound. Whether you’re playing unplugged on a campfire or plugging in for a gig, this guitar delivers. It’s designed to sound great and feel comfortable, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to explore the rich world of 12-string music.
What We Like:
- Produces a rich, chorus-like sound that’s great for many music styles.
- The dreadnought body gives it a powerful and loud sound.
- Built-in 4-band EQ lets you easily adjust the sound to your liking.
- The matte finish looks cool and feels smooth to the touch.
- It comes with everything a beginner needs to start playing right away.
- The neck is shaped for comfortable playing, even during long practice sessions.
- Tuning machines are sealed, which helps the guitar stay in tune better.
- Includes a 1-year warranty and good customer support.
What Could Be Improved:
- The nut and saddle are made of plastic, which some players might prefer to be bone.
- While it’s a complete kit, serious players might want to upgrade accessories like picks or the gig bag later.
This 12-string guitar offers a fantastic entry into a fuller sound. It’s a well-rounded package that’s perfect for beginners wanting to make a big musical statement.
4. Fesley 12 String Guitar: 42″ Full Size Acoustic Electric Guitars for Beginners Adults
Rating: 9.5/10
The Fesley 12 String Guitar is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to dive into the world of acoustic-electric guitars. This 42-inch, full-size instrument boasts a beautiful gloss black finish and a cutaway design for easy playing. It’s packed with features that make it suitable for both beginners and adults, offering a rich sound and a comfortable playing experience right out of the box.
What We Like:
- The solid AAA Spruce top and Mahogany back and sides create a really rich and full sound.
- The purpleheart fretboard feels smooth and makes playing notes feel effortless.
- The C-shaped neck is comfortable for different hand sizes, and the cutaway lets you reach higher frets easily.
- Precise tuning is a breeze with the 18:1 ratio tuners.
- The built-in truss rod keeps the neck straight and durable, adapting to different weather.
- The 4-band EQ and preamplifier give you great control over your amplified sound.
- This bundle includes everything a beginner needs: gig bag, picks, strings, strap, and more!
- Fesley offers a 1-year assurance and 24-hour customer support, which is very reassuring.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s a great beginner instrument, more experienced players might eventually want to upgrade the electronics.
- The sheer number of strings might take some getting used to for absolute beginners.
This Fesley 12 String Guitar is an excellent value, offering a high-quality instrument and a complete accessory package. It’s a perfect starting point for your musical journey, providing a great sound and an enjoyable playing experience.
5. Vangoa Advanced 12 String Guitar
Rating: 8.8/10
Unleash a wall of sound with the Vangoa Advanced 12 String Guitar. This full-size acoustic-electric guitar is designed for everyone, from beginners to seasoned pros, and adults looking to explore the rich tones of a 12-string. Its glossy natural spruce top and all-solid wood construction promise exceptional sound quality, making it a joy to play both unplugged and amplified.
What We Like:
- The “Dual-Sound Engine” with octave-tuned bass strings creates a deep, organ-like sound that truly stands out.
- All-solid wood construction, including an AAA spruce top and African Okoume neck, delivers a warm and rich tone.
- Gold fish-tail sealed tuners with an 18:1 ratio provide incredibly accurate and stable tuning.
- The ergonomic C-shaped neck with rounded frets and a cutaway body makes playing comfortable for extended periods, reducing finger strain.
- Studio-grade electronics with a 4-band EQ and anti-feedback circuit capture every nuance of your playing, perfect for recording or live performance.
- The complete package includes a hard case, tuner, and accessories, meaning you can start playing right away.
What Could Be Improved:
- While designed for all levels, the complexity of a 12-string might initially be more challenging for absolute beginners.
- The “cathedral resonance” might be subjective and depend on individual listening preferences.
This Vangoa 12-string guitar offers a fantastic combination of build quality, innovative features, and a comprehensive package for any musician. It’s a remarkable instrument for anyone seeking to expand their sonic palette.
Your Guide to Buying a Twelve-String Guitar
So, you’re thinking about getting a twelve-string guitar. That’s awesome! These guitars have a big, full sound that can make your music sound amazing. But buying one can be a little tricky. This guide will help you find the perfect twelve-string for you.
Key Features to Look For
1. Body Shape and Size
Twelve-string guitars come in different sizes. A dreadnought shape is popular because it makes a big sound. Smaller bodies might be easier to hold if you’re not used to a big guitar. Think about what feels comfortable for you.
2. Neck Width and Profile
The neck of a twelve-string is usually wider than a six-string. This is because it needs to fit twelve strings! Some necks are thicker, and some are thinner. Try holding the neck to see if it fits your hand well.
3. Action (String Height)
The action is how high the strings are off the fretboard. Lower action is easier to play. Twelve-string guitars often have a little higher action because of the extra tension from the strings. Look for a guitar that isn’t too hard to press down the strings.
4. Tuning Machines
Good tuning machines help your guitar stay in tune. This is extra important for a twelve-string because there are more strings to keep sounding right. Look for smooth-turning tuners.
Important Materials
1. Tonewoods
The wood used to make the guitar is called tonewood. Different woods make different sounds.
- Spruce tops are common and give a bright, clear sound.
- Mahogany back and sides add warmth and richness.
- Rosewood back and sides can give a deep, complex sound.
2. Neck Wood
Mahogany or maple are often used for the neck. These woods are strong and help the guitar keep its shape.
3. Fretboard Material
Rosewood or ebony are common for the fretboard. These are hard woods that feel smooth under your fingers.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Guitar Better
Good craftsmanship is key. This means the guitar is built carefully and precisely. Solid wood parts, not pressed wood, usually make a better sound. Well-made tuning machines and a sturdy bridge also improve quality.
What Can Make a Guitar Less Good
A guitar made with cheap materials might not sound as good. If the neck isn’t straight, it will be hard to play. Poorly made tuning machines will make it difficult to keep the guitar in tune. A guitar that is too heavy might also be uncomfortable.
User Experience and Use Cases
Playing a Twelve-String
Twelve-string guitars have a beautiful, chiming sound. It’s like having a built-in chorus effect! They are great for strumming chords. The extra strings make chords sound fuller and richer. Fingerpicking can also sound wonderful, with the higher octave strings adding sparkle.
Who Uses Them?
Many folk, rock, and country musicians use twelve-string guitars. Think of classic songs with that big, ringing guitar sound. They are perfect for solo performances or adding a special layer to band recordings.
When you try out a twelve-string, strum some chords and play a few notes. Listen to how it sounds and how it feels in your hands. Take your time, and you’ll find the perfect twelve-string guitar to make your music shine!
Frequently Asked Questions about Twelve-String Guitars
Q: Are twelve-string guitars hard to play?
A: They can be a little harder than six-string guitars because of the extra strings and neck width. But with practice, most people can get used to them.
Q: Do I need special strings for a twelve-string?
A: Yes, you need twelve-string guitar strings. They come in sets with the correct gauges for all twelve strings.
Q: How often should I change the strings on a twelve-string?
A: It’s a good idea to change them when they start to sound dull or are hard to keep in tune. This might be more often than on a six-string because of the extra tension.
Q: Can I tune a twelve-string differently?
A: Yes, while there’s a standard tuning, many players experiment with alternate tunings to create different sounds.
Q: Do twelve-string guitars need more maintenance?
A: They generally need the same maintenance as a six-string, but the extra string tension means you should be careful when adjusting the truss rod.
Q: What are the main sound differences between a twelve-string and a six-string?
A: A twelve-string has a much fuller, richer, and chiming sound due to the doubled strings. It sounds like a chorus effect is already on.
Q: Will a twelve-string guitar help me improve my playing?
A: Yes, playing a twelve-string can help you develop stronger finger strength and better coordination.
Q: Are there acoustic and electric twelve-string guitars?
A: Yes, both acoustic and electric twelve-string guitars are available. Acoustic ones are very popular for their natural ringing sound.
Q: What is the typical price range for a decent twelve-string guitar?
A: You can find decent beginner twelve-strings for a few hundred dollars, and professional models can cost much more.
Q: Can I play lead guitar on a twelve-string?
A: While it’s not ideal for fast lead playing due to the wider neck and string spacing, some players do use them for melodic lines or solos.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
My name is Gareth Lewis, and I’m the voice behind CampingGuider.com.. I created this space to share my passion for camping and the great outdoors. With years of experience and countless adventures under my belt, I aim to inspire and guide fellow enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a curious beginner, my goal is to provide you with practical tips, honest reviews, and insights to help you make the most out of your outdoor escapades. Join me on this journey, and let’s explore the beauty of nature together!