Black 12 String Guitar For Sale (2024 Update)

The strings we're set up to high.i could not play chords, and the guitar had no pick guard.the guitar would need to be setup correctly at a music store to play properly in my opinion.Wayne

I had a cheap 12 string guitar for about almost two years. I had been playing corridos during this time. However, I had played guitar for several years. Mainly rock and other stuff. Well, after I got it, I could play all the solos I couldn't really play clean. I guess the other guitar really was bad, or this one is great. Funny thing, I had a really good player tell me to not buy this model but the more expensive one. Well, I'm glad I decided to go with this one. This guitar sounds great and it's extremely easy to play. The guitar stays in tune fairly well for a 12 string guitar. The action is low. I haven't tried it the electronics aside from the tuner which works fairly well compared to my snark. I do have a Taylor and Martin guitar, and the tone on this guitar is pretty clean.Juan

This Guitar plays like a dream, sounds great no matter if it is plugged in or not, stays in tune and looks great. This is a great price for a guitar of this quality, but thanks to another dealers daily deal and Guitar Center's price matching, it was even better. I was able to get this out of layaway for $240 less. I am very happy with this guitar. I have not played in a band for a while, but getting back into practice and plan to start back with some solo acoustic gigs. Having this awesome new guitar is surely an inspiration to help me want to practice more.Kip

This guitar has a warm bright tone easy action and is beautiful in design. This guitar is easily a favorite to me as it allows me to speak even when Im not sure what to say. Its design makes ecen an unseasoned guitarist sound like a pro. You definately will not regret purchasing this axe.tarquill61

I needed a low action 12 string acoustic guitar that wasn't the size of a battleship. Something I could practice on at home without annoying half the neighborhood. An 'acoustic' guitar that would give me stonkloads of volume plugged in but with absolutely zero feed back even when I'm standing right in front of the monitor. It also had to sound like an acoustic guitar at any volume level. Turns out that's exactly what I got. Easy…..now I need to get a case…turns out not so easy here in the UK. Why don't dealers buy in the correct case when they order the guitar? Or is this just an ESP thing? Anyway, when a guitar is this good it is not so easy to get annoyed.Reviewed by Andertons Music Co.

I’ve owned a EF381SC-LH since the early 90s. My being left handed had a lot to do with my decision to purchase it, as up to that point it was the only 12 string I’d ever seen in person, never mind Getting to play one. I was able to tune it by ear and it plays as easily as an electric guitar, so buying it was a no brainer. But over the years I’ve come to appreciated it more for it’s acoustic and amplified tone. It sounds great plugged into my guitar amp, it doesn’t need to go through a PA. It takes the dry New England fall/winter less than 20% humidity while never protruding a fret or needing a truss rod adjustment. I do use two Dampits less than diligently. This 12 string Is one of the best values in the guitar universe, if you have ever wanted one this is the one to get.Stan

I use this guitar as a requinto. (Mexican Guitar) It's just beautiful. I'm at a loss of words with this one the beautiful Gloss Black Finish and the mahogany Takamine logo and Fret markers are just flawless. I would purchase this guitar time after time if i had the money. Oh, and not to mention the electronic pickup that comes factory with it. It just sounds beautiful, super rich, and just cannot compete with the G Series Pickup.IsaiRequinto

This guitar was sold as "blemished." I haven't found any blemishes on the guitar. When it arrived it still had the plastic scratch guard on the pickguard, and the strings were still stretching the way brand new strings do. I tried the lower range Takamine 12 string, the GD 30CE, and wasn't happy with the feel of the the neck, string height, or the over all sound of the guitar. So I ordered this one. I know this range of Takamine guitars well because I own an EF 341SC. So far, this guitar has delighted me at every turn. I've not yet played the guitar through a PA system, but plugged into a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface and recording it sounds great: well balanced and rich. The same if not better recording off of a live mic. The neck feels good, the string height is perfect.Ron

Had to return it. Nothing wrong with the guitar, it just didn't suit my playing style. Easy return process, Absolute arranged courier and emailed me the return note.Reviewed by Absolute Music custo

I love this product. It came exactly how I wanted it to. The only thing that as missing that I wanted was the Takamine sticker.Cristian

I just received my EF381DX today, and all I can say is "WOW!" The detail and finish work is superb. The factory setup is very good as well. I will probably have it taken in for minor bridge adjustment, but nothing too serious. For comparison, I owned an EF381SC about 15 years ago and the factory setup and finish work was less than stellar and needed a little bit of adjustment for the action. Don't get me wrong, it sounded amazing, but for the price I paid at the time, it could've been a little better. This guitar sounds exactly like I remember how the SC sounded all those years ago, and is far superior in finish work. The binding, fretboard inlays, headstock inlay and Abalone purfling and rosette are perfectly done. The bone nut and bridge saddle are shaped cleanly and with precision (way better than my old SC), although I prefer either a B string compensated saddle or fully compensated saddle. The pearloid tuning machines and perfectly buffed gloss finish round out the amazing look of this guitar. Great work, Takamine!!!Geasley

I bought this product for my son who is learning to play it. He enjoys practicing and I actually enjoy listening to the smooth sound.crivera

I love it! … worth every penny … (and didn't actually cost very many pennies) … the funny thing is MINI + JUMBO = regular size … it's not mini and it's not jumbo which works for me … love the built-in electronics … beautiful finishKuehnrat

I needed an inexpensive guitar for my son Craig. After exhausting hours of shopping & looking for just "the right one"- we came across this one from Stagg. Craig really liked the way it looked and I liked the price- so we got it. We have had this guitar for two weeks now and since then he hasn't been able to put it down. We have a guitar amp that my husband used to use (back in the day)- so my son could "plug in". The guitar sounds great through the amp. My son LOVES plugging this guitar in. Craig had his first guitar lesson last night and his Stagg Guitar fared really well. His teacher was impressed with the guitar and said its intonation is great and it "tunes well" (not 100% sure what all of that means but it sounded great). I just bought a carry bag for this guitar today (at the request of our teacher) and now feel completely sure that this guitar was a perfect buy for us. Hope this review helps. We are not experts in guitars- but feel as if we found a winner in this one!magdon1

Absolutely fantastic instrument. Great sound. A bit challenging at first to play. Great value for the price. Great service.Milton H.

My neighbor had trouble getting his Villager in tune, so I brought it home for a look. Just a weak battery in the tuner. So I used the opportunity to compare his Villager to my Applause AE35. Both have that beautiful jangly high end. The Villager has a stronger bottom end than the Applause with its lychrachord back, especially plugged in. Both have reasonable action for a 12 string, though both will give you calluses in a matter of minutes. Overall I liked the Villager for tone, and the Applause for general industuctability. I consider the Villager a reasonable, though not amazing, value in a 12 string. So I would definitely consider the Villager alongside the slightly cheaper Applause and slightly more expensive Seagull (acoustic electric).Mikey Bikey

I used this in a Country cover band and weekly duo. Long battery life. Strong signal. Damn near bullet proof construction. Not the greatest sounding if it isn't plugged in but that doesn't matter if you're using the guitar to it's fullest capability.basquiat420

Great sounding guitar. Easy to play. I really enjoy playing this guitar. Great looking instrument in addition to its great playabllity.cwhistorybuff

Loved the look, price, sound, and feel of this guitar. Tried it out in the store and was ready to buy the floor model, but luckily I asked for a 9V battery to test the electronics at the counter. Oddly the battery port fits fine into the guitar when empty, but the moment you put a battery in it it will not stay shut and pops open rendering your electronics useless. Me and the sales rep at the front figured this was had to be a fluke and he ordered a new one to be delivered to my house. Four days later it arrived. I played it for about an hour out of the box without issue (set up was great, sounded great acoustic) and then I decied to check the electronics. Sure enough, the exact same issue occured when I tried to fit a 9V in the battery port. When a battery was actually in it, it would not stay shut. No tuner, no electronics. Ten minutes later I was back at my local GC. The tech inspected it an came to the same conclusion as I did after trying 5 different brand batteries to see if that made a difference- it's defective. He recommended I return it and try another product. In short it plays nice, sounds nice, and looks nice but if it happened on 2 guitars it has to be happening on more of them. I'm sure you could duck tape it or find a way to keep it closed but this should not be an issue on a $350+ guitar. 3 stars.Ryan

This is my second 12 string and I really like it. Sounds great action is outstanding and onboard tuner is great – I could not ask for more.Jim

I recently took delivery of an open box "condition level 2" Schecter Orleans Stage Acoustic/electric guitar from MF. I can't find a ding, a nick or a scratch anywhere on it. The only negative I can find are a few rust spots on the strings. Even the action if set very good. I cannot imagine what the person who returned this guitar was looking for that they had to return this one? In my time I've owned and played a Martin D18, Taylor Grand Pacific, Larrivee L-03 and over a half dozen other of various brands and prices. This mid price half-a-grand guitar hangs with and in some cases surpasses the big dogs from the big names! The vampyre red is a very beautiful, deep red. And it great flame on the maple back. Size is GA and very comfortable. Upper fret access is good too. The guitar sounds great with good projection acoustically, and is even better plugged into a Yamaha TRC desk-top amp. I was concerned with the maple back & sides making it too bright, but the tones are really just perfect. Nice lows, mids & trebles across the spectrum. And the best part is the neck. I don't have big, meaty hands and with this one some of the chords I've struggled with and also some barre chords come easy! EASY! I have a Schecter electric and it's a keeper…I just didn't even know Schecter built acoustics but I do now and can't wait to try the Orleans Studio w/ the cedar top or maybe the 7 & 12 string Stage models. Bottom line, I can't see how anyone would not be fully impressed with this fine instrument.AK-J

For the price this guitar sounds amazing. The neck and action come perfect right out of the box. Its super comfortable to play. It looks great too. At the price this guitar is amazing! I recommend some DR Veritas strings. The one down side although super minor is the strap button on the button is also the input jack, my first acoustic electric idk if this is standard. But it makes putting a strap lock on super hard and annoying. Schecter is known for their amazing electric guitars but i can assure this acoustic is well worth the money and an amazing instrument.Matt C.

I ordered an open box guitar at a discount. It was the Black one. When I opened the box I found the documentation and the batteries for the electronics loose in the box. It didn't come with the sound hole cover either. This guitar had been played as the pick marks below the sound hole were obvious. This guitar was not a 2nd but more like a 3rd. I called to return it and decided to order a brand new one in Natural. I would really like to see a pick guard for this instrument but the sound hole is oval so I would need to buy one and modify it to fit. I received the new one and it seems fine but the jury's out on the playability until I get it set-up by some pro techs. Then I'll follow up with another review.Stan the Man

I own several six string instruments, but this is the first 12 string to my collection. I am very happy with the choice. I did a lot of research, and played several different brands and I would always keep coming back to this one. What did it for me: Smooth and easy is to play. Many 12 strings may get a bit tiresome after a while, and depending on the brand the tension of the strings can be very punishing on the instrument AND your hands. I can play thing thing for hours with no problem, and it stays in tune surprisingly long, even when I get spirited with this thing. I use it mainly as a rhythm guitar, not much bending going on with this. The preamp, with the incorporated tuner is such a great convenient tool. Speaking of that, I've met some people that like to have the strings in this model doubled up for their music style — such as "norteño music" (instead of the traditional octave type), and neck & bridge seems impervious to the added tension. I don't plan to do that, but I am happy to know that I have that choice. I went with the black finish, and it is gorgeous. It is nice when you open the case (I paired it with the Yamaha APX Vinyl Hardshell Guitar Case — it fits perfectly) all your friends get that "wow" factor. It sounds amazing unplugged, just loud enough to be a pleasant compliment to not-amplified vocals. Once you plug her in, this thing is a monster! Amazing, crisp professional sound! The tones are controlled, there is no distortion when you need to get that "forte" emphasis to the song. I haven't had any feedback problems, even though it actually comes with a convenient sound-hole cover. And the answer is no, it will not diminish the sound quality if you use the cover, especially plugged in. For the price, you're definitely purchasing a guitar that is much, much better than more expensive models. Trust me, the pictures do not make her justice at all, this is a gorgeous professional level instrument.BeeZee

This guitar is probably all it was designed to be and also probably perfect for an electric player who just wants to throw a little 12 string into their set-list. It plays like an electric. It is well put together and has all the appeal of a much more expensive guitar. However, it is a thin body design. "Thin" being the key word, that's exactly what you get from the ambient sound of the guitar. It can be EQ'ed to sound thicker in an active environment, but that's not what I look for in an instrument. The tight neck feel also was not to my liking.SRP

It's angelic and I adore it. Fingerboard is slick and makes it easier to play than any other 12 string I've tried. Plugs in, built in tuner. What's not to like?ewhi6557

The guitar was beautiful and sounded wonderful. The problem was a loose pickup/pre-amp. I bought it used, so it's hard to say if it was shipped that way or damaged in transit. Nevertheless, Music 123 promptly accepted return and credited my PayPal account. I was so impressed I bought a new version of the same guitar from them.vcc26

Great sounding and playing guitar, I replaced the synthetic saddle for bone, original was to tapered on the high E new saddle took care of that. Buy the epiphone or roadrunner jumbo case, nothing else fits, make sure if the guitar comes straight from the factory you use a humidifier in your case for at least 6 months. Especially in colorado. Then if you leave it out without a humidifier that you dont have forcrd Heat or air conditioning vents close to the guitar. This guitar has great projection.Kenny

After purchasing this guitar from American Musical Supply, I was really nervous awaiting its arrival because this was actually my first time purchasing an instrument online. I’m used to going inside music shops and trying out different gear and playing guitars before I buy them so I know that what I’m taking home with me already feels comfortable and right in my hands. This guitar in particular, however, is not a style that is normally kept stocked in the stores for customers to test drive before they purchase. Similar models are available in stores near me but I think anyone who has ever wanted this particular model from Epiphone knows that they have heard and felt the beautiful sound that projects from this big guitar and I am here to tell you that my “leap of faith” online purchase was nothing more than a huge win in my book! This guitar looks, sounds and plays just as I expected it would with much more to offer once it’s actually in your hands! I’m personally a country/blues guy so this guitar definitely fits right up that alley in my opinion. It feels so solid in your hands and the tone is just plain awesome! The Jumbo body allows the sounds inside the guitar to reverberate through your body as it’s pressed against you before making its way through the sound hole where it flourishes into that awesome deep, thick sound. From the factory the guitar is set up beautifully and very playable right out of the box. Quality parts, quality wood and quality electronics as expected from Epiphone and very well executed in this model. Definitely worth every penny for the undecided guitarist but hey, don’t take just my word for it! Pick up this awesome guitar from Epiphone through these good folks here at American Musical and set yourself up with one of their payment plans if that interests you! It’s an awesome way to be able to get the gear you need and the gear you’ve been wanting without breaking the bank right on the spot! Excellent Job by Epiphone once again and an excellent job by American Musical for supplying it at an awesome price and providing sweet payment options for your customers and future consumers!Billy

I once owned a Gibson J15, that I bought from Guitar Center, and I loved it, but I always wanted a J200, I just could never afford one. Well, I ended up having to sell my J15 to pay rent one month, and I ended up having some extra money from it, and thought why not give the Epi a try? It's closer to the Guitar I always wanted anyways. I was blown away. It has all the high end stylings of a Gibson J200, maybe even more if you consider the built in tuner and cutaway features for about 3000$ less. Well, unfortunately I only owned it for about a week before my car broke down and I had to return my Epi to pay for the repairs. I've regretted it ever since. I would have rather donated blood 50 times than have returned that guitar. (Fortunately I just got my tax return and repurchased it, and it seems like it sounds even better than before). As I was saying, it stacks up against s Gibson guitar nicely, the shadow preamp isn't as nice as any LR Baggs system but it will certainly give you lots of usable sounds. I think this is the best guitar in the 500$ price range and I'm disappointed in Guitar Center for not carrying it in store. I'm a firm believer in the fact that having a guitar you like, you like the looks of, you like the feel of, will make you a better guitarist, and that's what this beautiful, fat boy jumbo acoustic has done for me. I actually like mine so much I decided to put some money into it for upgrades, and I haven't been disappointed. I stuck some Grover Keystone tuners on it in gold of course ( had them on my Epi Les Paul before and thought would look cool so I just swapped them), some Martin ebony bridge pins, and some D'Addario EXPs and this thing sounds unreal now. So, if you're reading this because you're unsure as to whether you should buy this guitar or not, yes, you should absolutely buy this guitar and never look back.Anonymous

I am in love with this guitar! I always wanted an electric 12 string, and I'm delighted with this one. Andertons had it at the best price I was able to find anywhere, either in-store or online. It was perfectly set up and in perfect conditionReviewed by Andertons Music Co.

I just got my aqua model and I’m very happy. First off, it was in tune so it was great to be able to play it right away and not go thru nightmare tuning! The fit and finish is excellent as is the sound. Both plugged and unplugged. It plays so easily that I found myself playing leads in all positions. Unlike most 12 strings of the past. Definitely well worth the $$$.Brian Limmer

I recently purchased my Martin DX2E 12 string from AMS and I love it. I purchased my Martin GCE16 about a year ago from AMS and I have never heard of them before this. I tried to order the same guitar from Guitar Center and it come in damaged, so I returned it. I then tried to order the same guitar from Musicians friend. The online site said it was in stock. I even paid for 2 day delivery, but it never showed up. After 2 weeks I called and they told me the guitar was out of stock. They also told me they should of called or emailed but they don't know why they didn't.(TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE FROM MUSICIANS FRIEND).This is when I found AMS. I called AMS and they were VERY helpful and easy to deal with. I ordered my VERY FIRST MARTIN GUITAR from AMS and have been very pleased. I have since ordered my second Martin guitar from AMS and will only use AMS for my online purchases from here on out. Thank You for all of the great service and merchandise.Bobby

I ordered this 12 string from MF a few months ago. I have played an Alvarez Yairi since 1983 and my six string plays as well after 30 years than the day I bought it from St. Louis Music. I wanted a 12 string as I have only owned one in my lifetime–an Ovation I traded on a Martin six before trading for the Yairi. I have been so impressed with Alvarez that I didn't shop for anything else in a 12 string, saw this on MF and pulled the trigger knowing I could send in back. I registered it in my name day one. Alvarez is the most underrated guitar maker out there. A beautiful instrument I plan to keep and a joy to play. Thanks MF!Willis

Well, I have owned plenty of 12 string guitars in my time. Rickenbackers, Fenders, Gibsons, Peaveys, and Ovations but this is the finest of the bunch. I seriously wouldn,t replace it with any of the others that I have owned. I am a big guy, so this big jumbo feels perfect for me. The neck is just right, not too wide, the action is low enough, and tuned to D using a capo and extra light strings, it has a smooth touch and a loud enough sound, both highs and lows. It stays in tune. always a plus! The electrionics are superb and offer a fine balance of tones and volume combinations. I play mine through a Fender Acoustosonic 90 and wow. I am just blown away somtimes by the effects and possibilities with this setup. The whole instrument is a thing of beauty and I bet if you get your hands on one, you will just have to own it.12 String Paul

This is a well made, nice sounding guitar. Lefty instruments aren't as prolific as righties in general and more esoteric styles like 12-strings are even less likely to be in a shop. Having an inexpensive yet good sounding instrument like this is a relatively economical way to try it out. My guitar instructor is very impressed with how it sounds, especially for 3 c-notes below a grand. Pros: Good fit/finish, decent pickup built in (battery included), electronic tuner built in, comfortable neck width, projects well Cons: No case, arrived already close to in tune (should ship with loose strings to prevent warpage)Jeff

well made surprisingly the back maple is pretty it sounds like my Cole Clark almost lol I bought a left handed 1500 dollar Cole Clark and didnt like leaving it leaning up against my chair so i bought this beater and its nice i like it. I started my left handed journey. The quality card was stamped 2009 so i guess it was sitting for awhile in the wharehouse all the better.wg

I wanted to surprise my husband with a guitar for our one year wedding anniversary. I had no clue about guitars, did a lot of research and that's when I came across the Sawtooth brand while looking for a decent and reasonably priced guitar. This guitar is beautiful and well built. For that price it is a bargain. The details and design were not skimped on. It is solid, sturdy and has a rich look and feel to it. I gave 4 stars because while Walmart has the item listed as a 6 string guitar, it is actually a 12 string. I have contacted Wal-Mart about this issue and after reordering the item for a 3rd time, I finally gave up because it does not appear to be available in a 6 string even though that is currently the only option showing on the website. They kept sending me a 12 string. They have assured me every time I reordered that the issue has been fixed but clearly that is not the case. My husband will just have to learn how to play the 12 string, he loves the guitar that much! By the way, it sounds amazing. You won't be disappointed, just be prepared to get a 12 string and not a 6 string.Karen

So far so great. This is my second Taylor ( 2008 914ce is my other) and I really love it. I have played twelve string acoustic and electric for decades but never had an American made acoustic. Compared to my other 12 strings, Epiphone and Yamaha, this feels like playing a six string. The action is great. It is not as loud as bigger acoustics but that is a good thing because it brings out all the strings and their nuance better. It sounds great with or without amplification.ktrip

This is an amazing, high quality instrument. The guitar is easy to play for a 12 string. It's resonant and responds to picking attack very well. Digging in a bit and using my picking hand for percussion on the top is very satisfying! The top is lively and there's lots of sustain. The set up seemed almost too good to be true. This is a precision built, beautiful 12 string guitar. I'm glad I took a chance and bought it. I think it's a great value for the money.Mandolin Player

The Taylor 352CE 12 string is an awesome guitar. Well made and easy to play with great sound. If your looking for a 12 string acoustic guitar, this is the one you want.1swenson