The 30 best 12 string guitar brands
D'Addario, Yamaha and Takamine lead our ranking of 30 12 string guitar brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
12 String Guitar brands, ranked
TSCentral is reader-supported: we may earn a commission when you shop through links on this page. It does not affect the ranking.
-
1
D'Addario
D'Addario makes guitar strings, including 12-string sets in several gauges and coatings.
Website: daddario.com |Brands like D'Addario
Popularity 10.0/10
-
2
Yamaha
Yamaha makes acoustic guitars, including 12-string models in its FG and LL series.
Website: usa.yamaha.com |Brands like Yamaha
Popularity 5.7/10
-
3
Takamine
Takamine makes acoustic and electric-acoustic guitars, with 12-string models in its lineup.
Website: takamine.com |Brands like Takamine
Popularity 5.3/10
-
4
Ernie Ball
Ernie Ball makes guitar strings, including Earthwood and Slinky 12-string sets.
Website: ernieball.com |Brands like Ernie Ball
Popularity 4.8/10
-
5
Fender
Fender makes electric and acoustic guitars, including 12-string versions of several models.
Website: fender.com |Brands like Fender
Popularity 4.4/10
-
6
Ibanez
Ibanez makes electric and acoustic guitars, with occasional 12-string models in its range.
Website: ibanez.com |Brands like Ibanez
Popularity 4.3/10
-
7
Martin
Martin makes acoustic guitars, including 12-string dreadnought and jumbo models.
Website: magazine.astonmartin.com |Brands like Martin
Popularity 4.2/10
-
8
Rickenbacker
Rickenbacker makes electric guitars, known for its 12-string models such as the 360 and 381 series.
Website: rickenbacker.com |Brands like Rickenbacker
Popularity 3.8/10
-
9
Epiphone
Epiphone makes electric and acoustic guitars, including 12-string versions of several models.
Website: epiphone.com |Brands like Epiphone
Popularity 3.7/10
-
10
Tanglewood
Tanglewood makes acoustic guitars, including 12-string dreadnought and jumbo models.
Website: tanglewoodguitars.com |Brands like Tanglewood
Popularity 3.2/10
-
11
Aria
Aria makes acoustic and electric guitars, with some 12-string acoustic models in its range.
Website: ariaguitarsglobal.com |Brands like Aria
Popularity 2.9/10
-
12
Vintage
Vintage began its journey in the mid-60s when John Skews desired an independent business and started a small musical instrument agency, which also served as a wholesale business. Over time, the company began to hit its stride and formed a...
Website: vintageguitarsus.com |Brands like Vintage
Popularity 2.8/10
-
13
Thomastik-Infeld
If you are a string instrument musician, you know how vital one string can be to your entire musical performance. To continually only provide the best for musicians, Thomastik-Infeld is a Vienna-based company specializing in the music industry's string-making aspect....
Website: thomastik-infeld.com |Brands like Thomastik-Infeld
Popularity 2.6/10
-
14
Ovation
Ovation makes acoustic guitars with its roundback design, including well-known 12-string models.
Website: ovation.co.uk |Brands like Ovation
Popularity 2.5/10
-
15
Guild
Guild makes acoustic and electric guitars, including the F-212 and other 12-string acoustics.
Website: guildguitars.com |Brands like Guild
Popularity 2.5/10
-
16
Washburn
Washburn makes acoustic and electric guitars, with 12-string acoustic models in its lineup.
Website: washburn.com |Brands like Washburn
Popularity 2.5/10
-
17
Stagg
Stagg makes budget acoustic guitars, including 12-string models.
Website: staggmusic.com |Brands like Stagg
Popularity 2.3/10
-
18
Alvarez
Alvarez makes acoustic guitars, including 12-string dreadnought and jumbo models.
Website: alvarezguitars.com |Brands like Alvarez
Popularity 2.1/10
-
19
D'Angelico
D'Angelico makes archtop and acoustic guitars, with some 12-string models in its range.
Website: dangelicoguitars.com |Brands like D'Angelico
Popularity 2.1/10
-
20
Framus
Framus is a German guitar maker that has produced acoustic guitars, including 12-string models.
Website: framuswarwickusa.com |Brands like Framus
Popularity 2.1/10
-
21
Danelectro
Danelectro makes electric guitars, including 12-string electric models in its retro-styled range.
Website: danelectro.com |Brands like Danelectro
Popularity 1.9/10
-
22
Gretsch
Gretsch makes electric and acoustic guitars, including 12-string electric and acoustic models.
Website: gretschguitars.com |Brands like Gretsch
Popularity 1.9/10
-
23
Maton
Maton makes acoustic guitars in Australia, including 12-string models.
Website: maton.com.au |Brands like Maton
Popularity 1.9/10
-
24
Dean
Dean makes electric and acoustic guitars, with some 12-string acoustic models.
Website: shopatdean.com |Brands like Dean
Popularity 1.6/10
-
25
Saga
Saga makes acoustic guitars, with 12-string models among its budget offerings.
Website: sagaouterwear.com |Brands like Saga
Popularity 1.6/10
-
26
Elixir
Elixir makes guitar strings, including coated 12-string sets.
Website: elixirhealth.co.uk |Brands like Elixir
Popularity 1.6/10
-
27
EKO
EKO is an Italian maker of acoustic guitars, including its Ranger 12-string models.
Website: ekoguitars.it |Brands like EKO
Popularity 1.6/10
-
28
Oscar Schmidt
Oscar Schmidt makes acoustic guitars, including 12-string models in its Stella-inspired range.
Website: oscarschmidt.com |Brands like Oscar Schmidt
Popularity 1.6/10
-
29
Martinez
An instrument is what connects the soul to music. The guitar is among the best musical instruments that have been discovered. Martinez is a globally renounced brand that fascinates people to buy its handmade classical guitars. It is recognized for...
Website: martinezguitars.eu |Brands like Martinez
Popularity 1.6/10
-
30
Ashton
Celebrating the most important day of your life can be exhausting. You need someone you can trust with this responsibility, and that's where Ashton Events come in, a company that designs and executes events. They take care of everything with...
Website: ashtonevents.com |Brands like Ashton
Popularity 1.3/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D'Addario | daddario.com | – | – | – | – |
| Yamaha | usa.yamaha.com | /YamahaMusicUSA | yamahamusicusa | @yamahamusicusa | – |
| Takamine | takamine.com | /TakamineGuitars | takamineguitars_official | @takamineguitars | takamineguitars |
| Ernie Ball | ernieball.com | /ernieball | ernieball | @ernieball | ernieballinc |
| Fender | fender.com | /Fender | fender | @Fender | fendermusical |
| Ibanez | ibanez.com | – | – | – | – |
| Martin | magazine.astonmartin.com | /astonmartin | astonmartinlagonda | @astonmartin | – |
| Rickenbacker | rickenbacker.com | – | – | – | – |
| Epiphone | epiphone.com | /Epiphone | epiphone | @epiphone | OfficialEpiphone |
| Tanglewood | tanglewoodguitars.com | /tanglewooduk | tanglewooduk | @TANGLEWOODUK | tanglewoodguitarsuk |
12-String Guitar Buying Guide
12-string guitars are an excellent choice for musicians who want to add depth and richness to their sound. These guitars have twice as many strings as standard acoustic guitars, which creates a fuller sound that's ideal for a variety of genres, including folk, country, and rock music. However, with so many options available, finding the right 12-string guitar can be overwhelming. In this guide, we'll go over the key factors to consider when buying a 12-string guitar to help you make an informed decision.
Types of 12-String Guitars
Before we dive into the features of 12-string guitars, it's essential to understand the different types of these instruments available. Understanding the various designs will help you decide which one is right for you.
Dreadnought
The dreadnought 12-string guitar is the most popular type of 12-string guitar on the market today. Its large body produces a deep, powerful sound that many musicians love. Dreadnought guitars typically have a narrow waist, which makes them an excellent choice for players who prefer a comfortable playing experience.
Jumbo
Jumbo 12-string guitars have a larger body than dreadnoughts. The increased size creates a louder sound with a more prominent bass response. Jumbo guitars are popular among musicians who play in bands or want a more significant presence in their sound.
Concert
Concert 12-string guitars have a smaller body than both dreadnoughts and jumbo guitars. This size creates a more balanced sound with less bass. Concert guitars are ideal for musicians who want a 12-string sound without the bulk of a larger guitar.
Body Type
The body type is a crucial factor in determining the sound and feel of a 12-string guitar. The larger the body, the more resonant and powerful the sound will be. On the other hand, smaller bodies tend to produce a more balanced sound with less bass.
Solid Wood Body
Guitars with a solid wood body tend to produce a warmer, more resonant sound than guitars made with other materials. Solid wood instruments also tend to increase in value over time, making them an excellent investment for serious musicians. However, solid wood guitars are generally more expensive than guitars made with other materials.
Laminated Body
Guitars with a laminated body are made by gluing layers of wood together. These guitars are typically less expensive than guitars made with solid wood. However, they tend to produce a less resonant sound than guitars made with solid wood.
Top Material
The material used for the top of the guitar has a significant impact on the overall sound quality of a 12-string guitar. The three most common materials used for guitar tops are spruce, cedar, and mahogany.
Spruce
Spruce is a popular choice for guitar tops because it produces a bright, clear sound. Spruce is also resilient and naturally resists changes in temperature and humidity, which can damage other types of wood.
Cedar
Cedar produces a warm, mellow sound that is popular among fingerstyle guitarists. Cedar is also more fragile than spruce and can be damaged by changes in temperature and humidity.
Mahogany
Mahogany produces a warm, rich sound that is perfect for blues and folk music. However, it doesn't have the same level of resonance as spruce or cedar.
Neck Width
The width of the guitar neck is another crucial factor to consider when purchasing a 12-string guitar. A narrow neck is ideal for players who have smaller hands or prefer a comfortable playing experience. However, a narrow neck can make it more challenging to play certain chord shapes. A wider neck can be more challenging to play, but it provides more room for fingerpicking and complex chord progressions.
Action and Intonation
The action and intonation of a 12-string guitar will significantly impact how easy it is to play and how good it sounds. Action refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard, while intonation refers to how accurately the guitar plays in tune up and down the neck.
Action
The action should be low enough to make playing the guitar comfortable and effortless but not so low that it creates buzz or affects the guitar's intonation. The ideal action will depend on your playing style and how hard you press the strings.
Intonation
Good intonation is essential for getting the best possible sound out of a 12-string guitar. To check the intonation, play an open string and then play the same string at the 12th fret. The pitch should be the same for both notes. If the pitch is off, the guitar may need to be adjusted.
Electronic Components
Some 12-string guitars come with built-in electronics, including pickups and preamps. These components allow you to amplify the guitar and adjust the sound using equalization. If you plan on performing with your guitar, built-in electronics are a must-have feature. However, if you only plan on playing at home, you can save money by purchasing a guitar without electronics.
Price Range
12-string guitars range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. The best guitar for you will depend on your skill level, preferences, and budget. If you're a beginner or intermediate player, you can find a quality 12-string guitar in the $300 to $800 price range. If you're a professional musician, you may want to invest in a higher-end instrument with premium features.
Conclusion
12-string guitars are a unique and versatile instrument that can add depth and richness to your sound. When shopping for a 12-string guitar, consider the type of guitar, body type, top material, neck width, action, intonation, electronic components, and your budget. By carefully considering these factors, you can find a 12-string guitar that fits your playing style, preferences, and budget.
