The Best Electric Twelve-String Guitars: 60s to Savings
Seeing Double?
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Electric twelve-string guitars are in a class of their own. Capturing the feel of a bygone era, let’s check out some examples that you should buy.
The Best Electric Twelve-Strings:
Electric Twelve-String Guitars
We’ve looked at the magic of the twelve-string guitar before here at gearnews. Whether that’s the best value models or the riffs that were crafted with them. This time, something a little different!
Just because you have double the strings doesn’t mean that you can’t plug in and rock. They’re not as common, but you can still get electric twelve-string guitars. Used heavily in the 1960s, the magical jangle was commonplace on our radios back then.
Here, we’ll check out some great value examples, whilst also peeping at some of the more expensive models that reflect their iconic status. And, don’t forget! Until 10th October 2025, any Thomann purchase will automatically enter you in their Golden Ticket contest!
Harley Benton RB-612 Classic Series
So, what shall we start with? This entry from Harley Benton looks as though someone described one of the definitive Rickenbacker models over the phone. And, do you know what? I think that they did a pretty good job!
Essentially, this *RB-612 Classic Series is a budget way to get into the world of electric twelve-string guitars. However, you’re still getting a cool guitar. We get a semi-hollow Okoume body, along with a maple neck. Accompanied by a Laurel fingerboard and 22 frets.
What about electrification then? There are twin 2 Artec Classic mini humbuckers, controlled via a 3-way switch and two volume and tone controls. The only reservation I have about this one is the casino tailpiece, which could make string changes a bit difficult.
Squier Paronormal Jazzmaster XII
Next up, we’ve got the 12-string version of a regular 6-string guitar. Again, a Laurel fingerboard to reflect the great value. However, this time we’ve got 2 Fender-designed Alnico single coils.
These *Paronormal Jazzmasters took the internet by storm when they were first released. Available in either Olympic White or the lovely Lake Placid Blue, these look really cool.
Other visuals include the four-ply tortoise pickguard and the hockey stick style headstock, complete with a synthetic bone nut. At the other end, we’ve got a fully adjustable 12-saddle hardtail bridge. This could be useful for fine-tuning the instrument to your personal liking.
Danelectro 59 Vintage 12 String
From relatively new releases to something more period. These Danelectro guitars just scream 1950s! There are three colours on offer: Red Metallic, Vintage White, or my personal highlight, Dark Aqua.
The bodies of these *59 Vintage 12 String guitars are double cut with an S-Soundhole for added resonance. We’ve also got a bolt-on maple neck with a pau ferro fingerboard.
These are all about the sound, so they come with D’Addario EXL150 strings as standard. You’ll be able to hear all twelve strings ringing out thanks to twin lipstick pickups. A signature Danelectro attribute.
Gretsch G5422G-12 Electromatic
Next up, we’ve got what I think is one of the best-looking guitars in this list. All the way from New York, this *G5422G-12 Electromatic represents a step up in price points compared to the others that we’ve seen.
For more money, you do get more guitar. This double-cut laminated maple body is a big old beast, with a scale length of 625mm. Stunning visuals encompass gold hardware across the Gretsch G cutout tailpiece, machine heads and adjusto-matic bridge.
22 medium jumbo frets feature perloid hump block inlays, and sit upon a laurel fingerboard with a C profile neck. Despite the large proportions and 12-strings, this will feel really comfortable to play, and you won’t want to put it down.
Rickenbacker 360/12 Fireglo 12 String
Concluding our look at the best electric twelve-string guitars, we have the twelve-string. When you think of one, this is what should appear in your head.
As pioneered by George Harrison in 1964, the *Rickenbacker Fireglo is one of the most definitive shapes, offering an equally definitive sound. The two toaster top vintage single coil pickups help with that.
The specification is timeless, and although it’s the most expensive axe here, you can’t really argue. An unlacquered Caribbean rosewood fingerboard with a maple body and neck, along with the iconic triangle fretboard inlays. If you’re looking for the real deal, this is it!
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5 responses to “The Best Electric Twelve-String Guitars: 60s to Savings”
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No Airwave 12 from Reverend? It’s the only electric 12 string that was ever designed to be a 12 from the start.
my co.ment on the R brand is : beware the nut spacing . their frstwork has always ground the wire low and flat . this shifts the scale. the R tailpiece has been made of zinc too long. these love to break .
bridge wobble and rattle must be dealt with .
want to get shocked ? use the ROS feature and don’t check your amp grounds !
iconic look and sound . but beware of QC issues .
lastly …trussrods systems that are not simple like any alternative brand .
Guild and Gibson make the best sounding acoustic 12 strings
I have both
What a BULLSHIT list! I have been a recording artist and luthier for 50 years! TWO of the most Iconic and beloved Electric 12 Strings are not even on the list! 1) The 1962 Fender Electric XII (12) used over and over bu the likes of The Beach Boys, even Jimmy Page when he wasnt using his other favorite… 2) The Gibson 6 /12 SG also from the 1960’s. BOTH of these should be in the top 3 along with the Rick Fire Glo! You know crap!
Your post about the Gretsch says “All the way from New York” – the company stopped Brooklyn production in 1969! This, an Electromatic, is reportedly made in South Korea.