Best Value Twelve-String Guitars: Low Price, Max Sound
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These value twelve-string guitars are the best way for you to familiarise yourself with the wonderful world of 12-string axes. Looking at some cheaper alternatives, let’s see what we’re up against.
12-String Guitars for Cheap
Value Twelve-String Guitars: Cheap Doesn’t Mean Bad
Ah, the mystical art of 12-string guitars. Have you ever played one? Do you own one? If not, why not? Having been a regular 6-string player for 15 years, this year, I decided that enough was enough and I caved.
They have a reputation of being rather pricey. This is true if you’re looking at a genuine twin-headstock Gibson SG in full Jimmy Page style. However, there are some fantastic options out there for you.
Whilst there are cheaper ones on the market, here, I’ve selected what I believe to be the best-value twelve-string guitars. Where you may pay a little bit more, but you still get a quality product that you will enjoy and use.
Harley Benton vs Fender
Firstly, I’d like to kick off with a shooting match between two guitars at the exact same price. In the natural corner, we’ve got the Fender CD-60SCE 12. In the sunburst corner, there’s the Harley Benton Custom Line CLJ-412E 3SB. Not very catchy names, are they?
Now, my inner Fender supporter wants to go for the Fender. However, this Harley Benton now sits amongst my small guitar collection. They both have solid spruce tops, have the same number of frets and both benefit from Fishman electronics. But, the Harley Benton utilises the more sophisticated Fishman Presys-II pickup system.
For beginner 12-string players, I would recommend the dreadnought proportions of the Fender compared to the hulking jumbo Harley Benton. Another win for the Harley Benton, we have custom-line gold-plated hardware and multi-ply bindings. There’s just a different level of sophistication compared to the Fender.
They’re a very close match. When it comes to value, I would have to argue that the Fender strides ahead. It is a lot of guitars for the price. Four months deep into the Harley Benton, and I have not been disappointed by anything. With a rich tone, bright highs and deep lows, string quality and ease of use, I am happy with my purchase.
Harley Benton D-200CE
Next up, we have another entry from Harley Benton. At just €109, it is quite possibly the cheapest new twelve-string guitar on sale.
Despite a laminated spruce top, visually this one just doesn’t do it for me. But then again, it is very cheap! It sounds like a typical twelve-string acoustic guitar and it does have some nice materials such as a mahogany neck and a roseacer fingerboard.
This would be a good way to experiment with 12-string ownership, however, you may encounter some buzzing frets and rough edges here and there. But, it’s well worth a try!
Squier Paranormal Jazzmaster
This time, we’re going electric! Not all value twelve-string guitars have to be acoustic. Here, we’ve got a modern cult classic that has proved very popular. The Squier Paranormal Jazzmaster is a cool looking alternative.
The popular body marries up to a bolt-on maple neck, adjacent to a laurel fingerboard with 21 tall narrow frets. Finished in a subtle Olympic White and a wonderful contrasting pickguard.
There’s also a hardtail bridge, unusual for a Jazzmaster. Plus, twin Fender-designed Alnico single coils. This would be my pick for a Fender-derived twelve-string. You also have a choice of colours…
Guild Starfire I-12 CR
Another electric guitar here. For the looks of the 1950s without paying Gretsch or Rickenbacker money, this Guild Starfire is a strong contender for our look at value twelve-string guitars.
Firstly, just look at that finish! The laminated mahogany is finished in a devilish shade of cherry red, and I love it. Especially as you can see the thick grain of the wood.
Being a semi-hollow guitar, you’ll get a bright and responsive instrument. Accompanied by a very thin U-shaped neck, chords and riffs will be effortless to play. This is a perfect example where you pay a little bit more but still get a quality product. You could invest a lot more for a lot less.
Taylor 150CE
To conclude our look at the best-value twelve-string guitars, we have this entry from Taylor. Okay, so it’s the most expensive guitar in this list… However, it’s a Taylor for under four figures! Bargain?
With this, you can just see a different level of quality compared to the others in this compilation. The fact that it comes standard with D’Addario XS strings says a lot. Furthermore, this Taylor has the Taylor Expression System 2 pickup. So for live use, you won’t be disappointed.
A bone nut and chrome machine heads will help with intonation across all 12 strings, and the cutaway dreadnought body will be comfortable to play.
Value Twelve String-Guitars: A New Hobby Unlocked?
Now that we’ve seen what a respectable and honest amount of cash can get you, why not invest? I guarantee that it’ll improve your enjoyment of the guitar when owning something with double the strings.
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One response to “Best Value Twelve-String Guitars: Low Price, Max Sound”
I have been playing guitar. for 63 years and used to own and play 12 string guitar long ago. I would love to start again. This article is very informative. Thanks ya’ll!