The Best 12 String Guitars for the Money

The best 12 string guitar depends entirely on what you're doing with it and what you can afford. There's no single "right" answer because different types of instruments suit different players. A folk musician needs something different from a rock player; a beginner has different priorities than someone who's been playing for years. What matters is understanding the tiers and matching the instrument to your actual needs.

Budget-Friendly Options: Entry-Level 12 String Guitars

If you're new to the 12 string guitar and you're not sure you'll stick with it, spending £250 to £400 makes sense. At this price point, you're getting instruments that are genuinely playable—decent neck construction, acceptable action and a body that resonates respectably. They won't have premium wood or pristine fret work, but they won't fight you either.

Fender and Takamine both make solid budget instruments that don't embarrass themselves. A Fender CD-60CE is reliable and affordable, with decent pickups if you want amplification. For acoustic-only players, a Yamaha LL6 or similar delivers more bang for the money—simpler electronics mean more resources went into body construction and wood quality. These instruments will teach you what a 12 string guitar actually feels like under your hands, which is the whole point at this stage.

The trade-off is tonal character. Budget guitars tend to sound a bit compressed, and the shimmer that makes this instrument special can feel muted. They're not bad—they're just not inspiring. If you find yourself wanting to keep playing after six months, you'll probably want to upgrade. That's not a failure; it's exactly how it should work.

The Real Sweet Spot: Mid-Range 12 String Guitars

Between £400 and £800, you reach what most serious players consider the real sweet spot. A solid mid-range 12 string guitar will have a properly braced body, evenly fretted fingerboard and a neck that won't develop permanent warp after a year of playing. The tonal difference from budget instruments is noticeable—these guitars sing. The shimmer and complexity that makes the 12 string guitar distinctive actually comes through clearly.

Takamine Pro series instruments and Alvarez acoustic guitars sit happily in this range. A Takamine EF261SAN offers dependable quality, solid pickup options and a sound that works equally well for recording and live play. Alvarez guitars tend to sound warmer and more focused, which suits folk and country players particularly well. Taylor makes instruments at this price point too—their entry-level 12 string options are consistently well-made.

At this level, you're buying from makers who understand the instrument. The bracing is designed specifically for twelve strings, the nut spacing is deliberate and even, and the fret work is clean. You'll be comfortable playing these guitars daily, and the tonal ceiling is high enough that you won't quickly outgrow them. Most semi-professional players live here—it's the price point where quality and practicality align perfectly.

Premium Instruments: High-End 12 String Guitars

Once you cross £800, you're buying handcrafted instruments from luthiers and specialist makers who've spent years perfecting 12 string guitar design. A Martin D-12 or Martin DC-12E represents the classic high-end option—these instruments have been refined for decades and they sound like it. The tone is complex, balanced and utterly clear. A 12 string guitar at this price point is an investment piece that will likely outlive you if you treat it well.

Specialist makers like Collings and Breedlove produce exceptional 12 string guitars, though they're pricey. A Collings D-12 sounds magnificent—warm, articulate and full of personality. Breedlove instruments lean towards the brighter end of the spectrum and work particularly well for fingerstyle and intricate arrangements. These aren't generic mass-produced guitars; they're individual instruments with their own character.

The practical question is whether you'll genuinely use a £2000 instrument regularly. If you're recording professionally or playing important venues regularly, absolutely. If you're playing for pleasure in your living room, a mid-range guitar will do everything you need. High-end instruments aren't better because they're fancier—they're better because every detail has been obsessed over and refined. That obsession translates into touch, tone and longevity.

Specialised Types: Electric and Semi-Acoustic Models

A 12 string guitar doesn't have to be purely acoustic. Electric 12 string guitars appeal to rock and alternative players who want that jangly shimmer plugged into an amp. A Fender Coronado or Rickenbacker 12 string sits in the mid-to-premium range and delivers that characteristic chime that made 60s folk-rock so distinctive. These instruments are thinner and more angular than acoustics—they're designed for stage work.

Semi-acoustic models split the difference. Epiphone and Ibanez make playable semi-acoustic 12 strings in the £300–£600 range that work fine unplugged and handle amplification without feedback issues. They won't match the raw tonal depth of a full acoustic, but they're versatile—ideal if you're the type to move between unplugged living room sessions and plugged-in rehearsals.

What to Prioritise When Choosing

Forget about trying 12 string guitars based on reviews or brand reputation alone. Play them. Strum open chords and listen—does the shimmer sound clear or does it sound muddy? Press down on the frets—does it feel comfortable or are the strings too crowded? Listen for buzzing on the lower strings and clarity on the higher pairs. That tactile experience tells you far more than any specification sheet.

Second, consider your actual playing style. A fingerstyle player needs smooth fret work and a narrower nut for precision. A strummer wants comfortable action and bold tone. A folk singer wants acoustic authenticity; a rocker might prefer an electric or semi-acoustic. The "best" instrument is the one that suits how you actually play, not how you think you should play.

Third, be honest about your budget and your likelihood of sticking with the instrument. A used mid-range guitar from five years ago often represents better value than a new budget instrument—you're getting better construction at a lower price. Check the neck carefully for any warp or twist, but used guitars at £400–£600 are typically better than new guitars at the same price.