Collection: 12-String Guitars

Few sounds in music are as instantly recognizable as a 12-string guitar. Those doubled strings create a natural chorus effect—lush, full, and three-dimensional—that’s defined everything from ‘60s folk-rock and jangle-pop to modern worship and indie.

At Chicago Music Exchange, we stock one of the most complete selections of new, used, and vintage 12-string guitars in the U.S., including acoustic 12-strings, electric 12-strings, and 12-string guitar strings—all curated, photographed, and set up by players who love that shimmering chime.

You’ll find everything from Taylor and Martin 12-string acoustic guitars to Guild, Gibson, Orangewood, Santa Cruz, and more, plus classic Rickenbacker, Danelectro, Gretsch Electromatic, Guild, Ibanez Artcore, and Squier 12-string electrics.

Why 12-String Guitars Exist (and Why You Want One)

A 12-string guitar doubles each of the six standard strings—tuned in octaves on the lower four pairs and in unison on the top two pairs on most acoustic and electric designs. The result:

• Richer, wider frequency response – that “wall of sound” acoustic strum.
• Natural chorus & shimmer – no pedal required.
• Incredible presence in a mix – perfect for recording or live band settings.

From Lead Belly’s blues and The Byrds’ jangle to Tom Petty, Jimmy Page, Gordon Lightfoot, Leo Kottke, R.E.M., U2, and modern worship players, 12-strings have always been the go-to when a regular 6-string just isn’t big enough.

Acoustic 12-String Guitars

If you picture a 12-string, odds are it’s an acoustic dreadnought or jumbo—the classic tool for singer-songwriters, folk, Americana, worship, and studio layering.

At Chicago Music Exchange, our 12-string acoustic selection includes popular models from:

• Taylor 12-string acoustic guitars – known for comfortable necks, balanced tone, and plug-in-ready electronics.
• Martin 12-string guitars – powerful projection and classic rosewood or mahogany voices that sit beautifully in a mix.
• Guild 12-strings – long considered a gold standard for acoustic 12-strings, especially jumbo models like the F-series.
• Gibson 12-strings – for players who want that warm, woody Gibson character with extra chime.
• Orangewood Echo Live 12-String – modern, affordable 12-string dreadnought with Fishman electronics and great value.

We carry spruce/rosewood, spruce/mahogany, maple, and specialty tonewoods, across dreadnought, jumbo, grand auditorium, and concert body shapes, so you can choose the right feel and frequency response for your playing.

Electric 12-String Guitars

When you think of electric 12-strings, you probably hear that bright, chiming Rickenbacker 360/12 jangle—made famous by The Byrds, The Beatles, Tom Petty, and countless jangle-pop bands.

Chicago Music Exchange offers:

• Rickenbacker 12-string electrics like the legendary 360/12, with bright, articulate pickups and semi-hollow resonance.
• Danelectro 12-strings with lightweight construction and lipstick pickups for that unmistakable vintage chime.
• Gretsch Electromatic 12-strings offering hollow and semi-hollow sparkle for roots rock, rockabilly, and worship players.
• Guild, Ibanez Artcore, and Squier 12-strings delivering great value and playability for players stepping into the 12-string world.

These guitars excel at folk-rock, classic rock, worship, shoegaze, indie, and studio layering, adding rich harmonics above a band mix without stepping on other instruments.

New, Used & Vintage 12-Strings at CME

Because Chicago Music Exchange is deeply invested in vintage and used instruments, our 12-string selection doesn’t stop with current production models. We regularly offer:

• Brand-new 12-string acoustic & electric guitars from today’s top builders.
• Used 12-strings that let you stretch your budget into higher-end tiers.
• Vintage acoustic and electric 12-strings from brands like Martin, Guild, Gibson, and others, including player-grade and collector-grade examples.

Every instrument is inspected, described, and photographed in detail, and our team can help with stringing, setups, and tuning strategies for your 12-string so it plays its best from day one.

Why Buy Your 12-String from Chicago Music Exchange?

• Huge variety of 12-string acoustic and electric guitars in one dedicated collection.
• New, used, and vintage inventory from Taylor, Martin, Guild, Gibson, Rickenbacker, Danelectro, Gretsch, Orangewood, Ibanez Artcore, Squier, and more.
• Pro setups and expert guidance from players who understand the quirks of 12-strings (neck relief, string gauges, alternate tunings).
• Fast, secure shipping and the backing of one of the most respected guitar shops in the world.

If you’re searching “best 12-string acoustic guitar,” “12-string electric guitar for jangle,” “Taylor 12-string for worship,” “Rickenbacker 360/12 for sale,” or “used 12-string guitars near me,” we want chicagomusicexchange.com to be the page you land on—and the place you find your next instrument.

12-String Guitar FAQs

Q: What is a 12-string guitar, and how is it tuned?
A: A 12-string guitar has six pairs of strings. On most standard-tuned guitars, the low E, A, D, and G strings are tuned in octaves, while the B and high E pairs are tuned in unison. You play it like a 6-string, but the doubled strings create a natural chorus effect.

Q: What’s the difference between a 6-string and a 12-string?
A: A 12-string delivers more shimmer, more overtones, and more “air” than a 6-string. Chords sound bigger and fuller, but the added tension and string count make it slightly more demanding on the fretting and picking hand.

Q: Are 12-string guitars harder to play?
A: They can be a bit tougher on the fretting hand because of higher total string tension and paired courses. Choosing the right neck profile, nut width, and string gauge, plus a good setup, makes a huge difference—and that’s where CME can help.

Q: What is the best 12-string acoustic guitar for the money?
A: Popular value picks include Guild F-1512 and similar models, Taylor mid-range 12-strings, and well-spec’d imported jumbos and dreadnoughts—several of which you’ll regularly see on our 12-string acoustic page.

Q: What is the most iconic 12-string electric guitar?
A: The Rickenbacker 360/12 is widely considered the classic electric 12-string, associated with The Byrds, The Beatles, Tom Petty, and many more.

Q: Are 12-string guitars good for worship and modern church music?
A: Yes. Acoustic 12-strings from Taylor, Martin, Guild, and Gibson are common in worship settings because they fill space with rich, shimmering chords. Electric 12-strings can add sparkle on top of a band mix for intros and ambient textures.

Q: Should I get an acoustic or electric 12-string first?
A: If you’re a singer-songwriter or primarily play unplugged, start with an acoustic 12-string. If you’re in a band and want jangle over a full mix, or chase Byrds/Petty/U2 tones, an electric 12-string might be the better first choice.

Q: Do 12-string guitars need special strings?
A: Yes. 12-string sets are gauged and packaged in matched pairs, and many players go slightly lighter than their 6-string sets. CME carries 12-string acoustic and 12-string electric string sets from top brands like D’Addario, Elixir, and Ernie Ball.

Q: Can Chicago Music Exchange help set up my 12-string?
A: Absolutely. Our techs can dial in neck relief, nut slots, saddle height, intonation, and string gauge specifically for your tuning and playing style—whether you bought the guitar from us or are shipping it in for service.

Q: Does CME sell used and vintage 12-string guitars?
A: Yes. Our Vintage & Used departments regularly list pre-owned and vintage 12-string acoustics and electrics from major brands and boutique builders.