12-string
Latest about 12-string

A rare 12-string guitar that Dire Straits' Mark Knopfler “borrowed” for 50 years is now up for auction
By Janelle Borg published
The guitar was originally owned by his friend, Lindisfarne's Jeff Sadler – and was played on the Dire Straits' sophomore album, Communiqué

The Byrds needed a hit or they’d be dropped. Releasing a cover of Bob Dylan's Mr. Tambourine Man as their first single was a gamble that paid off
By Janelle Borg published
Byrds guitarist Roger McGuinn was the third person to ever own a Rickenbacker 12-string, following George Harrison – and his timely purchase would completely transform the Dylan song, and the band's entire trajectory

John Lennon’s Hootenanny 12-string sold for $2.8m last year – now Framus has revived the acoustic with the Lennon estate’s approval
By Phil Weller published
One of the most expensive guitars ever sold at auction gets a long-awaited return six decades after John Lennon used it to record Beatles classics

“The perfect affordable choice”: Martin D-X2E Brazilian 12-string review
By Chris Gill published
The X Series promises classic 12-string chime with a solid spruce top and onboard pickup/preamp and the look of the most sought-after tonewood of all time. But does it all add up?

Best 12-string guitars 2025: our pick of 12-string acoustic and electric guitars
By Jonathan Horsley last updated
Our expert guide to the best 12-string guitars from Taylor, Rickenbacker, Fender, and others

Why Guild’s 12-string design is one of the greatest engineering feats of the 20th century – and how it became a go-to acoustic for Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Brian May
By Chris Gill published
We chart the history and innovations behind one of music's most popular 12-string acoustics – a guitar that can be heard on classic tracks from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Supertramp, Simon & Garfunkel and more

In praise of the Fender Electric XII, the 12-string electric loved by Jimmy Page that brought jangle to ‘60s rock
By Chris Gill published
No Electric XII, no Stairway... Well, not quite. But while the Ricky always gets the glory, it's time to show some appreciation for Fender's 12-string for the iconic tones it gave to iconic tracks

The 12-string guitar that defined the ‘60s: in praise of the Rickenbacker Capri
By Rod Brakes published
A favourite of The Beatles and The Byrds, these era-defining electrics still resonate
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