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Are you searching for the best 12 string acoustic guitars under $1000? Itching to get your hands on an acoustic 12-string guitar?
If you’re like most guitar players, you want to try every guitar that you can get your hands on. It’s great to have one of everything hanging on the wall. You can grab one down and play, and create whatever sounds you’re feeling at the moment.
Some people just have one guitar and are satisfied with it, but guitarists that have mastered the instrument will surely try out more. Generally, guitarists will stick to 6-string acoustic and electric guitars. However, it’s hard to compare the fullness and beauty of playing a quality 12 string guitar.
That being said, you don’t want to spend too much on one if it’s your first time buying one unless you know you’ll love it.
Luckily, we’re here to help. Below we’ve listed 5 of the best 12-string acoustic guitars on the market today, all for under $1000.
Top 12 String Acoustic Guitars Under $1000 – Quick View
Image | Model | Summary | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Takamine GJ72CE-12NAT 12 String Guitar | A jumbo acoustic/electric 12-string guitar that features high-quality construction. | Check Price on Amazon | |||
Yamaha FG820 12 String Acoustic Guitar | The Yamaha FG820 12 String Acoustic Guitar is sure to please any guitar player that is hoping to make a switch to the 12-string. | Check Price on Amazon | |||
Takamine GD30CE-12 Dreadnought 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar | Another great 12-string guitar by Takamine that offers a great tone and plenty of resonance. | Check Price on Amazon | |||
Martin D12X1AE Acoustic/Electric Guitar | A high-quality 12 string acoustic/electric guitar that delivers a full, strong tone. | Check Price on Amazon | |||
Seagull Coastline S12 12 String Guitar | An impressive 12 string guitar that is equipped with built-in Godin QI electronics. | Check Price on Amazon | |||
Epiphone DR212 Dreadnought 12 String Guitar | Made with a Mahogany body and neck, as well as Rosewood fretboard, this guitar is sure to please. | Check Price on Amazon |
Best 12 String Guitars For the Price – REVIEWED
Ready to find a killer 12-string guitar for less than $1000? Here are our favorites.
1. Takamine GJ72CE-12NAT 12 String Guitar
Pros:
- More bang for your buck, with acoustic and electric ability
- High-quality construction with Spruce and Mahogany
- Great tone with Maple sides
Cons:
- A little big for a 12 string acoustic
- For some, the tone might be too bright
TheĀ Takamine GJ72CE-12NAT 12 String Guitar is the first instrument on our list of the best 12-string guitars under $1000. It’s really hard to go wrong with this one, and most players will love almost everything about it.
The guitar is both acoustic and electric, so it’s perfect if you want to plug in and amplify your favorite songs. The guitar is made with flame maple back and sides, with a solid spruce top and long mahogany neck. For tone and playability, this guitar hits the mark. You can make it so this guitar drowns everyone else out. A bonus for this guitar is that it has a built-in tuner, making it easy to tune.
Overall, this is a high-quality jumbo 12-string guitar that you’ll likely enjoy playing for years to come.
2. Yamaha FG820 12 String Acoustic Guitar
Pros:
- Best bang for the buck
- Bracing is scalloped for well-balanced sound
- Classic favorite
Cons:
- Not easy on your fingers, may need to switch strings, quite a bit
- Does not come set up properly, get a professional to do it
The Yamaha FG820 12 String Acoustic Guitar also is sure to please any guitar player that is hoping to make a switch to the 12-string.
Constructed with mahogany sides, and back, Rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and Spruce top make this a beautiful guitar. Not to mention it comes from a well known and guaranteed to be a good manufacturer. A great classic guitar at an affordable price.
Overall, this Yamaha guitar is pretty impressive and is sure to please dedicated players who are looking for the best 12 string acoustic guitars under $1000.
3. Takamine GD30CE-12 Dreadnought 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Pros:
- Offers both acoustic and electric capabilities
- Features a nice, sleek look
- Wonderful tone and plenty of resonance
Cons:
- Not on par with higher-end Takamine instruments
If you’re searching for the best inexpensive 12 string guitar, the GD30CE-12 Guitar is another great instrument by Takamine that is well worth a look.
This dreadnought cutaway guitar has a great sleek look featuring a gloss finish, a rosewood fretboard, and mahogany back and sides. Every bit of this instrument is made with precision and care and it offers the quality you would expect from a brand such as Takamine.
The 12-string acoustic guitar also has an impressive electronics system that features a built-in tuner and a 3-band EQ. The guitar is also loud and resonant, featuring a rich tone.
Overall, this is a great 12-string guitar that isn’t likely to disappoint you, whether you plan to perform on stage or simply use it for personal enjoyment at home.
4. Martin D12X1AE Acoustic/Electric Guitar
Pros:
- Good sound quality for the price
- Almost no setup, just tune and play
Cons:
- A little heavy, due to laminated finish
- A little lower quality than its higher-priced partner
This next guitar is a Martin instrument, and as you may expect from the brand, the Martin D12X1AE Acoustic/Electric Guitar boasts some pretty good craftsmanship with this instrument.
This is another 12 string acoustic/electric guitar, where you get the most for your money. It produces full and strong sounds, with its Spruce top, and Mahogany back, neck, and sides. It also comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Overall, this is another great choice, particularly if you’re a big fan of Martin guitars.
5. Seagull Coastline S12 12 String Guitar
Pros:
- Beautiful finish
- Great full sounds
- Great Value
Cons:
- Could develop buzzing sounds
- Might be hard to adapt to QI controls
The Seagull Coastline S12 12 String Guitar is one of the best 12 string acoustic guitars under $1000 and makes for another decent choice for the guitarist looking for a fuller sound.
Also, who can complain about the name of this baby? Made in America, this guitar features wild cherrywood on the back and sides. It’s highly laminated and features a solid Cedar top. The guitar is also equipped with built-in Godin QI electronics giving it full and rich sounds.
Overall, this is a pretty nice guitar to consider especially considering that it comes in under $1000.
6. Epiphone DR212 Dreadnought 12 String Guitar
Pros:
- Great first time 12 string user guitar
- Good for several genres of music
- Very affordable
Cons:
- Tends to go out of tune from time to time
- Need to invest another $100 and have the guitar set up by a professional
The Epiphone DR212 Dreadnought 12 String Guitar is the next 12-string guitar on our list. It’s another excellent choice you’ll want to consider and the guitar is of both superior craftsmanship and quality.
Made with a Mahogany body and neck, as well as a Rosewood fretboard, this guitar is sure to please. If you enjoy rock, folk, country, and blues, you will love this guitar, as it does not go out of tune, due to its high-quality nut and bridge.
Overall, this is another excellent choice to consider if you’re ready to get your hands on an impressive and easy-to-play 12-string guitar.
Final Thoughts
All of the guitars listed above have different pros and cons, so you’ll want to consider each one carefully before you decide which one is right for you. By using the information listed above about the best 12 string acoustic guitars under $1000 and doing a bit of digging on your own you’ll be able to make an educated final decision. Whatever your choice, enjoy your journey with a new 12-string acoustic guitar!
Looking for a great strap to go with your 12-string guitar? Click here to see our list of the best guitar straps now.
Hi, I’m Harrison! I created this website to help musicians navigate the ins and outs of their craft and to help them choose new instruments and gear to add to their collection. I have 15 years of experience as a guitarist and singer and have also played many other instruments throughout the years including the bass guitar, piano, banjo, mandolin, and harmonica.