The 17 Best 12 String Electric Guitars

A 12-string electric guitar combines the rich, resonant tones of a classical guitar with the versatility of an electric instrument. Our roundup explores the most distinctive 12-string electric guitars available today, comparing their designs, sound qualities, and playability to help you find your perfect match.

As an Amazon Affiliate™, I may earn through qualifying purchases!

Reviews

Eastwood Classic 12 String Semi Hollow Guitar

This 12-string semi-hollow guitar delivers that classic twangy sound you'd expect from a great electric, with its maple top and bound laminated body construction. The retro humbuckers and 3-way switching offer plenty of tone customization, while the fixed stop-bar bridge keeps your tuning stable during those long sessions. Its fireburst finish and 22-fret rosewood neck make it a visually striking addition to any collection.

Danelectro 59 12-String Electric Guitar

For your collection of vintage-inspired electric guitars, consider the Danelectro 12SDC. This 12-string version captures the essence of 1960s jangle with its familiar double-cutaway design and classic lipstick pickups. The maple neck feels incredibly comfortable, thanks to its generous 21-fret run and rosewood board, while the fully adjustable bridge ensures precise intonation.

Eastwood Breadwinner 12-String Electric Guitar

The Eastwood Breadwinner 12-string electric guitar brings a touch of vintage charm to modern guitar design with its natural mahogany stain finish. The twelve strings create a rich, jangly tone that's both brilliant and complex, perfect for players who love the shimmer of open chords and the precision of intricate picking. This solid-body electric combines classic elements like a vintage hardtail bridge and 24-fret rosewood fingerboard with modern features like active pickups and a 3-way switching system, all wrapped up in an ergonomic body shape that feels naturally comfortable during long gigs.

Dean Boca 12-String Electric Guitar

From its beautifully arched maple top to its dual DMT Design humbuckers, every detail of this Dean electric has been crafted with remarkable attention to quality. Players appreciate not only its striking trans amberburst finish and comfortable wide maple neck but also its responsive playability and surprisingly clear tone for a 12-string. Whether you're dialing in classic jangle or modern electric 12th tuning sounds, this guitar proves itself as a surprisingly capable and affordable option in Dean's growing collection of expertly made electrics.

Ibanez AS7312 Artcore 12-String Electric Guitar

The Ibanez AS7312 combines classic design with modern craftsmanship, featuring a 3pc Nyatoh/Maple neck and Walnut fretboard for exceptional playability. Its Classic Elite pickups deliver rich, nuanced tones with plenty of low-end warmth, while the ART-1 bridge ensures great sustain and tuning stability. At just 19 lbs, this versatile 12-string electric guitar delivers professional-grade sound in a surprisingly comfortable package.

Duesenberg Double Cat 12-String Electric Guitar

Combining German engineering with American art deco aesthetics, the Duesenberg Double Cat delivers exceptional tone through its chambered alder body and precision-crafted Duesenberg pickups. The 12-string instrument features a 3-Point Radius Bridge and Classic "D" neck profile, with a 12"-14" compound radius Indian rosewood fingerboard ensuring comfortable play across 22 jumbo frets. Each guitar undergoes meticulous Plek processing for optimal intonation and playability.

Eastwood Newport 12 Dark CherryElectric Guitar

This 12-string electric guitar blends vintage charm with modern playability, drawing inspiration from classic 1960s Epiphone designs while incorporating lightweight maple construction and comfortable rosewood fingerboard. The Eastwood Newport delivers a rich tonal palette with its New York Mini Humbuckers, offering crisp bridge pickup tones and warmer neck-friendly sound. Whether you're strumming open chords or fingerpicking intricate melodies, this solid-body instrument combines classic aesthetics with modern craftsmanship for exceptional versatility on the stage or in the studio.

Squier Paranormal Jazzmaster XII 12-String Guitar

At first glance, the Squier Paranormal Jazzmaster XII 12-String exudes vintage charisma with its offset body design and rich Olympic White finish. Underneath that elegant exterior lies serious tone-shaping capability, thanks to those powerful Fender-Designed alnico single-coil pickups that give you everything from shimmering clean tones to screaming leads. Whether you're nailing perfect chords or bending notes into crazy squeals, this guitar makes playing effortless while delivering studio-quality sound that cuts through any mix.

Guild Starfire I 12-String Electric Guitar

Combining classic Guild tone with modern playability, the Starfire I-12 packs plenty of punch for its price point. The mahogany center block construction gives you that iconicGuild chime, while the comfortable scale length and neck profile make it a breeze to play those long runs. The Alnico II humbuckers deliver rich, full tones that really sing through the mix, whether you're cranked up for a solo or laying back on a rhythm part. This thing looks and sounds fantastic, and it's got enough built-in features to keep you coming back for more.

Danelectro '59 Vintage 12-String Electric Guitar

The Danelectro '59 Vintage 12-String Electric Guitar delivers a classic Dano sound in a comfortable, surprisingly lightweight package. The maple neck and pau ferro fingerboard combine for excellent playability, while the vintage Lipstick pickups capture that distinctive jangle that's been defining rock guitar since the '50s. Whether you're a vintage enthusiast or a player looking to add some character to your tone, this guitar delivers the authenticity and performance you'd expect from a premium 12-string.

Danelectro 59X12 12-String Electric Guitar

This stunning 12-string Danelectro electric guitar combines vintage charm with modern performance. Its spruce body and pau ferro fingerboard create a rich, resonant tone that's both powerful and articulate. The updated dual-humbucking system and sleek hardboard construction deliver exceptional playability, while the comfortable C-shaped maple neck and smooth 14" radius make it incredibly comfortable to play. The result is a versatile guitar that captures the essence of classic electric sound while exceeding modern expectations for comfort and responsiveness.

Danelectro 12SDC 12-String Electric Guitar

This versatile 12-string electric guitar combines vintage aesthetics with practical features like a fully adjustable bridge and a comfortable maple neck with rosewood fretboard. The double-cutaway solid body design showcases its classic '59 vintage look while delivering warm, rich tones through its lipstick pickups. Whether you're strumming open chords or intricate fingerpicking patterns, the ergonomic bottleneck headstock and 21 vintage-style frets make this guitar a pleasure to play.

Danelectro 59X12 12-String Electric Guitar

This cream-colored Danelectro 59X12 packs a serious 12-string punch without breaking the bank. The hollow semi-hollowbody design combines vintage-inspired P-90 and lipstick humbucker pickups to deliver a rich, nuanced tone that's surprisingly powerful for its price point. Players who've tried and priced out other 12-string electrics are raving about this guitar's exceptional playability and versatile sound.

Squier Paranormal Jazzmaster XII 12-String Electric Guitar

This versatile 12-string guitar combines Fender's renowned alnico pickups with a comfortably narrow-tall fretboard for precise playing. The dual pickup configuration lets you switch between chimey bridge sounds and rich neck tones, while the graphite-reinforced neck ensures stability during intense sessions. Its lightweight design and vintage-inspired aesthetics make it a practical choice for both studio and stage performances.

Gretsch G5422G-12 Electromatic Classic Hollow Body 12-String Guitar

A stunning Gretsch 12-string that channels classic '50s & '60s vibe while delivering modern playability and tone. The hollowbody construction pairs perfectly with its Filter'Tron pickups to deliver that coveted Gretsch chime with remarkable clarity and sustain. The comfortable "Classic C" neck and deliciously playable feel make it a dream to noodle on, whether you're cranking through vintage rock or exploring new musical territories.

Solo TCK-12 DIY 12-String Electric Guitar Kit

A black-top 12-string electric guitar kit with a precision-machined body and black pickguard, built using premium materials and professional-grade craftsmanship. The included step-by-step instructions make it accessible for experienced builders, while the pre-cut body eliminates the need for challenging woodwork.

12 String Electric Guitar Cherryburst

A 12-string electric guitar with a maple neck and steel strings, featuring a traditional LP-style design. The maple-bodied instrument delivers solid craftsmanship and responsive playing, though some may need to adjust the setup for optimal playability. Its warm tone and classic appearance make it a distinctive addition to any collection.

Buyer's Guide

The 12 string electric guitar combines the rich, resonant tone of a classical guitar with the versatility of an electric instrument. These unique guitars produce a distinctive sound that's popular in various music genres, from alternative rock to country. Understanding their specific features will help you select the right instrument for your musical style and playing needs.

Construction and Body Materials

Twelve-string electric guitars often feature a solidwood construction, particularly maple or mahogany, which provides a solid foundation for the intricate string layout. The neck is usually made from mahogany or maple, with rosewood or ebony fingerboards that accommodate the additional strings. The body shape can vary - from traditional archtop designs to modern chambered bodies for enhanced resonance and reduced weight.

String Layout and Bridge Systems

These guitars typically use a double-string arrangement, with each course containing two identical strings. The bridge design must support this configuration while maintaining proper intonation and string spacing. Traditional bridge designs include fixed bridges with individual saddles for each string pair, while modern variants may feature compensating saddles or even floating bridge systems that allow for precise intonation adjustment.

Electronics and Pickups

The pickup configuration on a 12-string electric guitar can significantly affect its tone. Common setups include two single-coil pickups, one bridge and one neck position, which offer a balanced tone with good articulation. Some models feature humbuckers for increased volume and reduced noise, though they may alter the guitar's signature sound. Consider the pickup's proximity to the strings and the body's material properties, as both influence the pickup's response.

Playing Considerations

12-string electric guitars require slightly different playing techniques compared to standard six-string models. The wider string spacing demands careful hand positioning, particularly when playing barre chords or complex finger styles. The increased string tension also affects playing feel, so consider your strength and endurance when selecting a model. Practice exercises that build finger independence and hand strength to adapt to this unique instrument.

FAQ

What makes a 12-string electric guitar different from a standard 6-string?

A 12-string electric guitar features six sets of two strings each, creating a unique harmonic-rich tone not found on standard 6-string models. This dual-string arrangement produces a distinctive, more complex sound often described as lush or warmer.

The extra strings increase fingerboard length and affect playing technique, making it ideal for particular musical styles that benefit from its expanded tonal palette. However, the larger size and number of strings may present challenges for players accustomed to standard guitars.

Which musical genres are best suited for 12-string electrics?

The 12-string electric guitar's rich harmonic content makes it particularly effective in genres that value complex textures and ambient soundscapes. Contemporary music, post-rock, and indie bands often utilize 12-strings for their distinctive tone and versatility.

Classical crossover artists, alternative musicians, and composers who work with expanded sound palettes frequently choose 12-string electrics to create distinctive arrangements that standard guitars can't achieve.

What considerations should I make when buying a 12-string electric guitar?

When selecting a 12-string electric, consider the body style that best suits your playing style and the music you perform. Orchestra models offer traditional balance, while cutaway designs provide easier access to higher frets. Scale length and neck width also significantly impact playability.

Explore different brands' approaches to bridge design, as this affects intonation and sustain. Some manufacturers use compensated saddles or special bridge configurations to optimize the guitar's unique demands.

How do you properly maintain a 12-string electric guitar?

Regular maintenance is crucial for a 12-string electric. The dual-string system requires precise intonation adjustments and may need more frequent setup adjustments to maintain proper action and string spacing. Consider having a professional perform an initial setup and regular checkups.

Use a soft cloth to wipe down the guitar after each use, especially for the two-string sets which can collect more dirt and residue. Regular cleaning helps prevent rust and maintains the guitar's playing condition.

What are the main challenges of playing a 12-string electric?

Players often face initial challenges with hand independence, as coordinating two strings at once requires different techniques. The increased fingerboard length and string spacing may take time to adapt to, especially for players transitioning from standard guitars.

Musical considerations include the need to develop specific techniques for arpeggios and chord voicings that take advantage of the 12-string's distinctive tone. Developing a consistent touch across all strings is also crucial for maintaining even volume between the paired strings.

Do 12-string electrics have different pickup configurations?

Like their 6-string counterparts, 12-string electrics come with various pickup options. Single-coil pickups offer clarity and brightness, while humbuckers provide warmth and increased volume. Some models feature humbucking pickups with single-coil options for each string pair.

Because of the guitar's unique build, manufacturers often position pickups higher than on standard electrics to account for the extra string height. This adjustment affects both volume and tone, particularly with the lower-pitched strings.

As an Amazon Affiliate™, I may earn through qualifying purchases!