The Top-5 Trending 12 String Acoustic Guitars Under $800

Hey guitarists! Today, we’re diving into the rich and resonant world of 12-string acoustic guitars, specifically focusing on options under $800. Whether you’re a seasoned player looking to expand your collection or a beginner curious about the allure of a 12-string, this guide will take you through the history, notable artists, and our top 5 picks of affordable 12-string acoustic guitars. Let’s explore the magic and versatility these guitars offer without breaking the bank!

A Brief History of 12 String Acoustic Guitars

The history of 12 string acoustic guitars dates back to the early 20th century, with their roots in both American and Mexican musical traditions. Initially, these instruments were considered novelty items, primarily used in folk and blues genres.

The 1930s and 1940s saw the 12-string guitar gain traction, especially in the blues genre, where artists like Lead Belly utilized its powerful sound to enhance their rhythmic playing. However, the instrument truly came into the spotlight during the 1960s folk-rock boom. Bands like The Byrds and artists such as Roger McGuinn popularized the jangly, bright sound of the 12-string, making it a defining feature of the era’s music. Iconic tracks from bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones also showcased the distinct tonal qualities of the instrument.

Today, 12 string acoustic guitars are celebrated for their rich, complex chords and their versatility across various musical styles, from rock and folk to modern acoustic performances. They continue to be a favorite among musicians for their ability to produce a lush, expansive sound that adds depth and character to any musical arrangement.

Musical Differences a 12 String Acoustic Guitar Can Add to a Song

A 12-string acoustic guitar enhances a song’s harmonic and textural richness. With each string paired with an octave or unison counterpart, the instrument produces a chorus-like effect, creating a shimmering sound that a standard 6-string cannot achieve. This layering of frequencies results in a fuller and more complex tonal palette. In music theory, this doubling enriches the harmonic content, as the higher octave strings add brightness and clarity, while the lower strings provide warmth and depth.

This combination is particularly effective in genres like folk and rock, where the 12-string can elevate simple chord progressions into lush, expansive soundscapes. By adding overtones and subtle dissonances, a 12-string guitar can make a composition feel more dynamic and emotionally resonant, offering a unique sonic quality that stands out in both studio recordings and live performances.

Famous Artists and Their 12 String Acoustic Guitars

George Harrison of The Beatles utilized a 12-string acoustic guitar to add a lush, shimmering texture to tracks like “Here Comes the Sun,” where the rich harmonics enhanced the song’s uplifting feel. Roger McGuinn of The Byrds famously played a 12-string acoustic, notably on “Mr. Tambourine Man,” where the instrument’s bright, resonant sound became a defining feature of the band’s folk-rock style. Lead Belly, a pioneer in folk and blues, used his 12-string guitar to deliver powerful, rhythmic accompaniments in songs like “Goodnight Irene,” showcasing the instrument’s robust tonal depth.

Top 5 12 String Acoustic Guitars

We’ve scoured the market and gathered insights from our epic guitarist community to bring you the top-5 12 string acoustic guitars. These picks are based on quality, craftsmanship, and overall playability, ensuring that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player.

1: Guild F-2512E 12-String Acoustic Guitar

The Guild F-2512E offers a classic jumbo body shape that provides excellent projection and a balanced tone. Its solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides create a rich, full sound. The Fishman electronics make it a great choice for live performances, allowing the natural tone of the guitar to shine through.Modern Alternative: For those looking for a similar guitar, consider the Guild F-1512, available on Get My Guitar. It offers the same quality craftsmanship with a slightly different tonal character, perfect for those who prefer a warmer sound.

2: Fender CD-60SCE 12-String

Fender’s CD-60SCE is a fantastic option for players looking for an affordable yet high-quality 12 string acoustic guitar. It features a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a cutaway design for easy access to higher frets. The guitar is equipped with Fishman electronics, ensuring great amplified sound.Modern Alternative: The Fender CD-140SCE-12, also available on Get My Guitar, offers similar features with enhanced playability and a beautiful natural finish.

3: Taylor 150ce Dreadnought 12 string Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Taylor’s 150e is a go-to choice for many professional musicians. Known for its exceptional build quality and playability, this guitar features a solid Sitka spruce top and layered walnut back and sides. The Expression System 2 electronics provide a natural amplified sound, making it perfect for studio and live settings.Modern Alternative: Check out the Taylor 254ce, which offers a similar build quality with a grand auditorium body shape, providing a slightly different tonal palette.

4: Yamaha FG820-12 12-String Acoustic Guitar

Yamaha has a reputation for producing reliable and great-sounding instruments, and the FG820-12 is no exception. This guitar features a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a rosewood fingerboard. Its traditional western body shape offers a rich, full sound, making it perfect for strumming and fingerpicking alike.Modern Alternative: The Yamaha LL16-12 offers an upgrade with all-solid wood construction and Yamaha’s ARE (Acoustic Resonance Enhancement) technology, providing a mature, vintage tone.

5: Epiphone DR-212 12-String Acoustic Guitar

The Epiphone DR-212 is an excellent entry-level 12 string acoustic guitar. It features a spruce top with mahogany back and sides, providing a warm and balanced tone. Its dreadnought body shape offers great projection, making it suitable for various musical styles.Modern Alternative: For those wanting to explore Epiphone further, the Epiphone Hummingbird 12-string offers a vintage aesthetic with modern playability and sound quality.

Famous Songs That Use 12 String Guitars

12 string acoustic guitars have been featured in numerous iconic songs across various genres. Here are a few classics:

• “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin: Jimmy Page’s use of a 12 string guitar in the intro adds a mystical quality to this timeless classic.
• “Hotel California” by The Eagles: The song’s iconic intro features a 12 string guitar, setting the stage for its haunting melody.
• “Turn! Turn! Turn!” by The Byrds: The jangly sound of Roger McGuinn’s 12 string Rickenbacker defines this folk-rock anthem.
• “A Hard Day’s Night” by The Beatles: The chiming sound of George Harrison’s 12 string guitar became a defining feature of the song and the era.

12 String Acoustic Guitars FAQ’s

Q: Are 12 string acoustic guitars harder to play than 6 string guitars?

A: 12 string guitars can be more challenging due to their doubled strings, which require more finger strength and precision. However, the payoff in sound is well worth the effort.

Q: Can you use a 12 string acoustic guitar for all music genres?

A: While 12 string guitars excel in genres like folk, rock, and blues, their rich, full sound can add a unique texture to almost any genre.

Q: How do you tune a 12 string acoustic guitar?

A: Typically, the lower four pairs of strings are tuned in octaves (E3, A3, D4, G4), while the top two pairs (B3, E4) are tuned in unison. This tuning creates the characteristic rich, chorus-like sound.

Q: Do 12 string acoustic guitars require different maintenance than 6 string guitars?

A: They generally require more frequent tuning and string changes due to the additional tension. It’s also essential to regularly check the guitar’s neck and body for any signs of stress or wear.

Q: Are there budget-friendly options for 12 string acoustic guitars?

A: Yes, brands like Yamaha and Epiphone offer excellent 12 string guitars at more affordable prices without compromising quality.

Final Thoughts – The Top-5 Trending 12 String Acoustic Guitars

Exploring the world of 12-string acoustic guitars under $800 opens up a realm of rich, layered sounds that can elevate your musical expression. From the lush, resonant tones of the Guild F-2512E to the accessible entry point of the Epiphone DR-212, there’s a model for every budget and style. Whether you’re captivated by the iconic sounds of “Stairway to Heaven” or “Hotel California,” or simply want to experiment with new textures in your playing, these guitars offer incredible versatility and value.

Ready to embrace the unique soundscapes of a 12-string guitar? Explore our top picks and let the magic of these instruments inspire your next musical journey. Don’t forget to share your favorite 12-string moments and tips in the comments below! And as always, please check out even more awesome posts on our Guitar Blog. Keep strumming!