Have you ever heard the rich, full sound of a 12-string guitar and dreamed of playing one yourself? That extra set of strings creates a beautiful chorus effect, making chords ring out with incredible depth. But let’s be honest, the thought of buying a 12-string can feel a little daunting, especially if you’re on a budget. It’s tough to know where to start when so many guitars have big price tags.
Many guitarists want that signature 12-string sound without breaking the bank. The worry is that “affordable” might mean “bad quality,” and that’s a risk no one wants to take. You want a guitar that sounds good, plays well, and won’t fall apart after a few months. Finding that sweet spot between price and quality can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
But what if we told you that you *can* find an amazing 12-string guitar that sounds fantastic and won’t cost a fortune? In this post, we’re going to dive deep into the world of affordable 12-string guitars. We’ll explore what makes them great, what to look for when you’re shopping, and highlight some top picks that offer incredible value. Get ready to discover the perfect 12-string that fits your budget and your musical dreams!
Our Top 5 Affordable 12 String Guitar Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Affordable 12 String Guitar Detailed Reviews
1. Ernie Ball Earthwood 12-String Light Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
Rating: 9.0/10
Unleash a chorus of beautiful sound with Ernie Ball Earthwood 12-String Light Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings. These strings are designed to give your 12-string guitar a warm, full tone that rings out with impressive clarity and projection. The light gauge, ranging from 9 to 46, makes them comfortable to play, allowing you to strum and fingerpick with ease. Crafted from high-quality phosphor bronze wound on a strong steel core, these strings are built to last and sound fantastic.
What We Like:
- Produces a warm, rich tone that makes your 12-string sing.
- Excellent projection and clarity, so every note is heard clearly.
- The light 9-46 gauge is comfortable for playing, even for longer sessions.
- Element Shield Packaging keeps the strings fresh and ready to play.
- Made in the USA with high-quality materials.
What Could Be Improved:
- As with any 12-string set, tuning can take a little longer than a 6-string.
- While light, some players might prefer an even lighter gauge for extreme comfort.
If you want your 12-string acoustic to sound its absolute best, these Ernie Ball Earthwood strings are a fantastic choice. They offer a great balance of tone, playability, and longevity.
2. Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings
Rating: 8.5/10
Get ready to unleash your inner rockstar with Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings! These strings, with their 12-56 gauge, are a favorite among legendary guitarists like Slash and Jimmy Page. They’re perfect for when you want to tune your guitar down to achieve that heavy, powerful sound. Ernie Ball uses the best materials to make sure their strings sound great and last a long time.
What We Like:
- These strings are perfect for detuning, giving your guitar a deeper, richer sound.
- The Element Shield Packaging keeps your strings super fresh until you’re ready to use them.
- They produce a bright and balanced tone that sounds good on any guitar.
- Ernie Ball strings are made with high-quality materials right here in California, USA, so you know you’re getting the best.
- Famous musicians like Metallica and Eric Clapton trust Ernie Ball strings.
What Could Be Improved:
- The thicker gauge might take a little getting used to if you typically play lighter strings.
- While they last a long time, they are still strings and will eventually need replacing.
If you’re looking for strings that can handle detuning and deliver a fantastic sound, these Ernie Ball Not Even Slinkys are a solid choice. They offer the quality and reliability that professional musicians depend on.
3. D’Angelico Electro 12 String Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Rating: 8.6/10
The D’Angelico Electro 12 String Acoustic-Electric Guitar in Natural finish is a beautiful instrument that lets you play your favorite songs. It has a warm, rich sound that makes music come alive. This guitar is great for both playing at home and performing on stage.
What We Like:
- The 12 strings create a full, shimmering sound that is wonderful for strumming chords.
- The mahogany body and neck give the guitar a warm and balanced tone.
- It looks amazing with its natural finish.
- The mahogany satin finish on the neck feels smooth and comfortable to play.
- You can easily plug it into an amplifier to play for a crowd.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning to play a 12-string guitar can take some practice.
- The merbau fingerboard, while good, might not be as familiar to some players as rosewood or ebony.
This D’Angelico 12-string guitar offers a fantastic sound and playability for musicians looking to add a new dimension to their music. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting that signature 12-string jangle.
4. Elixir Strings Acoustic Guitar Strings
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready to unlock the full potential of your 12-string acoustic guitar with Elixir Strings’ Light NANOWEB Coating. These strings are designed to give you a bright, expressive sound that truly sings. The special coating helps them last much longer than regular strings, so you can focus on playing, not changing strings.
What We Like:
- Top-rated coated strings for a bright, clear sound.
- The NANOWEB coating keeps them sounding fresh for a long time.
- They resist rust and corrosion, even from sweaty hands or humidity.
- These strings are built tough to handle different weather and feel great to play.
- Your guitar will stay in tune longer, making practice and performance easier.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 12-string set has a specific gauge combination (10/10-14/14-23/09-30/12-39/18-47/27) which might not suit every player’s preference.
- While durable, coated strings can sometimes have a slightly different feel compared to uncoated strings.
If you want your 12-string to sound its best and stay that way, Elixir Strings are a fantastic investment. They offer a blend of brilliant tone, lasting quality, and reliable performance.
5. D’Addario Acoustic Guitar Strings
Rating: 8.9/10
If you’re looking to add a rich, full sound to your 12-string acoustic guitar, the D’Addario Phosphor Bronze EJ38 Light Gauge strings are an excellent choice. These strings are designed to give your instrument a warm and balanced tone that works well for any kind of music. They are made with high-quality materials and are built to last.
-
What We Like:
- These strings produce a warm and balanced sound that is pleasing to the ear.
- The phosphor bronze material helps them resist rust, so they stay sounding good for longer.
- D’Addario is a trusted brand, and these are their most popular acoustic guitar strings.
- You can earn reward points with these strings, which is a nice bonus.
- They are made right here in the USA, so you know you’re getting a quality product.
-
What Could Be Improved:
- For players who prefer a very bright sound, these might be a bit too warm.
- The light gauge might not provide enough tension for some players’ playing styles on a 12-string.
Overall, these D’Addario strings offer a great sound and good value for any 12-string guitarist. They are a reliable option that will help your guitar sound its best.
Finding Your Perfect Affordable 12-String Guitar
So, you’re dreaming of that rich, shimmering sound only a 12-string guitar can make, but your wallet is saying “not so fast”? Don’t worry! Getting a great-sounding 12-string doesn’t have to cost a fortune. This guide will help you find a fantastic affordable option that will make your music sing.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an affordable 12-string, keep these important features in mind:
- Playability: This is super important. A 12-string can be harder to play than a 6-string. Look for a guitar with a comfortable neck shape and a good action (the height of the strings off the fretboard). A guitar that’s easy to play will make you want to practice more.
- Sound Quality: Even on a budget, you want a guitar that sounds good. Listen for a balanced tone. This means no single string or pair of strings sounds too loud or too quiet. The sound should be full and resonant.
- Tuning Stability: 12-string guitars have a lot of tension. Good tuning machines (the pegs that tighten the strings) will help your guitar stay in tune longer. This is a big deal for playing songs without constant retuning.
- Durability: You want a guitar that will last. Check for solid construction. This means the body and neck are well-joined and the parts seem sturdy.
2. Important Materials
The wood used in a guitar greatly affects its sound and how it feels.
- Top Wood:
- Spruce: This is a very common and excellent choice for guitar tops. It’s light but strong. Spruce tops give you a bright, clear sound that gets better with age.
- Mahogany: Mahogany tops offer a warmer, woodier tone. They are great for players who like a more mellow sound.
- Back and Side Woods:
- Sapele/Mahogany: These woods are often used for the back and sides on affordable guitars. They provide a good balance of warmth and clarity.
- Laminate Woods: Many affordable guitars use laminate wood for the back and sides. This means thin layers of wood are glued together. Laminate can make the guitar more durable and less expensive. While not as resonant as solid wood, good laminate can still sound quite nice.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make an affordable 12-string shine or fall flat.
- Solid Wood vs. Laminate: As mentioned, solid wood tops (like solid spruce) generally offer a richer, more complex sound that improves over time. Laminate tops can sound good but might not have the same depth or sustain. For the back and sides, solid wood is ideal, but good quality laminate is a perfectly acceptable compromise for affordability.
- Construction and Finish: A well-built guitar with a smooth finish feels good and plays better. Look for clean fretwork (no sharp edges on the frets) and a well-applied finish. Poor construction can lead to buzzing strings or structural problems.
- Hardware: The tuning machines and bridge play a big role. Better quality tuning machines hold tune better. A solid bridge ensures good string transfer to the guitar’s body.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Playing a 12-string is a unique experience.
- For Beginners: While a 12-string can be a bit more challenging than a 6-string, an affordable, well-set-up 12-string can be a great way for a beginner to explore this sound. Just be prepared for a little extra effort.
- For Experienced Players: If you already play guitar, an affordable 12-string is a fantastic way to add a new texture to your music without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for:
- Folk and Acoustic Music: Think of the classic shimmering sound of artists like The Byrds or Leo Kottke.
- Strumming and Open Chords: 12-strings really shine when you strum them, creating a wall of sound.
- Adding Texture: Even if you don’t play it all the time, having a 12-string for specific songs or sections can really make your music stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are affordable 12-string guitars hard to play?
A: They can be a bit harder than 6-string guitars because they have more strings and more tension. However, a well-made affordable 12-string with a comfortable neck can be quite playable.
Q: What kind of sound can I expect from an affordable 12-string?
A: You can expect a rich, full, and shimmering sound. The extra strings add a chorus-like effect, making chords sound bigger and more complex.
Q: Are laminate guitars bad?
A: No, laminate guitars are not bad. They are often used in affordable instruments to keep costs down. Good quality laminate can still sound very good and makes the guitar more resistant to changes in humidity.
Q: What’s the most important thing to check when buying an affordable 12-string?
A: Playability is key. Make sure the guitar feels comfortable to hold and play. Also, check if it stays in tune well.
Q: Can I use regular strings on a 12-string guitar?
A: No, you need special 12-string sets. These sets have thinner strings for the octave courses and thicker strings for the main courses.
Q: How do I tune a 12-string guitar?
A: A standard tuning for a 12-string is the same as a 6-string, but each string has an extra string next to it. The lower four strings (E, A, D, G) have an extra string tuned an octave higher. The higher two strings (B, E) have an extra string tuned in unison.
Q: Will an affordable 12-string sound as good as an expensive one?
A: An affordable 12-string might not have the same complex tonal range or sustain as a very expensive one, but it can still sound fantastic and offer a lot of musical enjoyment.
Q: What are some good brands for affordable 12-string guitars?
A: Brands like Fender, Ibanez, Yamaha, and Epiphone often offer good quality affordable 12-string options.
Q: Can I use a pick or my fingers to play an affordable 12-string?
A: You can use both! Picks give a brighter, more aggressive sound, while fingerstyle playing can produce a warmer, more nuanced tone. Many players enjoy using both methods.
Q: Is a 12-string guitar good for gigging?
A: Yes, an affordable 12-string can be great for gigging, especially for folk, country, or rock music. Its loud, full sound can fill out a room nicely, and many come with built-in electronics for easy amplification.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.