What is the difference between a 6-string and a 12-string guitar?

A 12 string guitar features six pairs of strings, with each pair tuned in octaves or unisons. This creates a richer, chorus-like sound ideal for rhythm playing, recording, and full-bodied acoustic tones.

Are 12 string guitars harder to play?

They can require slightly more finger strength, but a proper setup makes a huge difference. Every 12 string guitar from Richards Guitars receives a custom pro setup, ensuring easy playability and perfect tuning stability.

What are the best uses for a 12 string acoustic or electro-acoustic guitar?

12 string acoustic and electro-acoustic guitars excel at adding depth and shimmer to live performances and recordings. They’re perfect for folk, rock, and ambient styles, producing lush harmonic textures that fill any mix.

Do 12 string electric guitars sound different from acoustic ones?

Yes. A 12 string electric guitar produces a bright, chiming tone made famous by bands like The Byrds and R.E.M. It’s ideal for jangly rhythm tones, melodic leads, and studio layering.

12-String Guitars | Acoustic, Electro-Acoustic & Electric

12 String Guitars – Acoustic, Electro-Acoustic & Electric

If you’re looking for a 12 string guitar, you’ve come to the right place. At Richards Guitars UK, we specialize in acoustic, electro-acoustic, and electric 12 string guitars — each one carefully inspected and professionally set up before delivery.

Our meticulous quality control and free custom setup ensure every 12 string guitar plays beautifully straight out of the box, delivering perfect intonation and balanced tone across all strings. From affordable beginner-friendly options to premium handcrafted models, our range offers something for every player.

Shop 12 String Guitars – Acoustic, Electro & Electric

High End Guitars Or Affordable Guitars - We Have You Covered

We specialise in acoustic & electric guitars - every brand personally endorsed by Richard and recommended based on 30 years selling most major guitar brands ( covering price points from budget guitars through to high end / boutique acoustic and electric guitars).

The result is the most wonderful selection of World Class acoustic and electric guitars - benchmarks in every price point, backed up by highly personal guitar advice and guidance along the way.

We are a genuine guitar specialist with Richards life being dedicated to his customers with lifelong support.

Find us at Unit 1 Western Road, Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 0AH - Opposite Stratford Upon Avon Train Station.

A Day Out To Remember!

We promise a day to remember if you book a " Showroom Experience " today - memories we hope you will keep forever.

So much more than just "another guitar shop" - We have heart and soul and thrive on the pleasure of introducing our wonderful guitars to our customers.

We really do want you to consider your visit to our guitar showroom the greatest pleasure - no sales - no pressure - just you enjoying wonderful guitars.

I contratti di credito senza interessi forniti da Zopa Bank Limited che opera come DivideBuy e che hanno una durata di 12 mesi o meno non sono regolamentati dalla Financial Conduct Authority e non rientrano nella giurisdizione del Financial Ombudsman Service. Zopa Bank Limited che opera come DivideBuy è autorizzata dalla Prudential Regulation Authority e regolamentata dalla Financial Conduct Authority e dalla Prudential Regulation Authority, ed è iscritta al Financial Services Register (800542). Zopa Bank Limited (10627575) è costituita in Inghilterra e Galles e ha la sua sede legale a: 1st Floor, Cottons Centre, Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QG. Partita IVA 281765280. L'indirizzo commerciale di DivideBuy è First Floor, Brunswick Court, Brunswick Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 1HH. © Zopa Bank Limited 2024. Tutti i diritti riservati.

One happy guitar player……

The staff at Richards Guitars gave me great service and Eastman make very good guitars.
The chaps at Richards sorted delivery of an Eastman E20 OM-MR-TC to their showroom to suit my travel timetable and arranged an appointment for me to check it out and to part exchange my E10. The E20 was perfectly set up by Chris ant Richards and I even got a discount because he noticed a slight cosmetic flaw on the guitar. All done painlessly. Many thanks.
I had my E10 OM as a working guitar for five years or so and was very pleased with it, but came to realise I prefer the sound of rosewood guitars to mahogany - neither is better or worse, it’s just personal taste. But this E20 is in another league - I don’t know if it’s the Madagascar rosewood or the torrefied Adironak top or something else, but it seems to have all the best features of rosewood and mahogany. It plays like a dream too. I have a forty year old Martin M36 and a 30 year old Gibson Advanced Jumbo and I can assure you this brand new Eastman is already playing in the same league.

The perfect guitar for songwriters

This was an unintentional purchase (honestly!) - originally I got it for a mate but he changed his mind when I showed it him online "too small for me" 🙄
Well - unfortunately for my finances! - I loved it from the moment I picked it up, even knowing that I was supposed to be handing it over to my mate. When he said he didn't want it, I then had to justify keeping it as it doesn't fit my business needs - I have a Little Jane LJ11-SR for overseas gigs, a Furch Red Deluxe GC-SR and Yellow OM-CR, and a Blue OM-MM for recording. I just don't NEED this Pioneer - where would I use it?
Well the answer is in the guitar itself - for pleasure; it is such an intimate instrument, having a huge presence and such a direct, focused tone, without being too midrangey like so many all-Mahogany guitars tend to be.
I lined it up against my other Furchs, and a couple of Taylors, and honestly, I prefer sitting on the sofa with the Pioneer.

The soundport really does appear to transmit the guitar's tone to the player, making it sound bigger than its physical size, and the neck width is just right - no silly scrawny typical 'travel guitar' thing here. When put up against my Blue OM-MM (the fairest comparison due to the woods used), it sounded pretty much as loud, and somehow having a pretty equal bass response. The OM is more complex, with more overtones, as one might expect, but in terms of projection, the Pioneer is quite remarkable. Up against the Red, it's just a different tone, but again, probably what I'd choose to pick up if I'm writing a song - and that's exactly what I did the morning after my mate decided he didn't want it. It's definitely fun, and let's face it, that's why most of us play guitar. I have been very business oriented in my choice of instruments, for more than 25 years, and whilst this Pioneer MMa wouldn't be my first choice for a big gig, that's only because I play with 3 guitars in different tunings, and I would find the change in body size between songs a bit weird. I'm playing at a festival in December, and often the venues are cramped and lugging big guitar cases is not very practicable, so I'll probably take the Pioneer along with my Little Jane.

I really should mention you wonderful guys at Richards Guitars! I needed this in a hurry to fit in with my mate's diary, and Chris fitted the LR Baggs Element VTC and set it up in a ridiculously short period of time. If you visit the store then make sure you say hello to Chris - he's a real gentleman, but often not seen as he is so busy. Jon and Jake are stars; this time Jon was in the limelight and he made the entire experience (especially as he knew the odd circumstances around me trying the Pioneer) a whole lot of fun - he had me howling with laughter during our email exchange after my mate rejected the guitar!

I am so impressed with Richards Guitars, with the ethos behind the business, the different instruments I might never have come across, and the people who really do make you feel like a friend, that I have put a link and a recommendation on my website www.markrobinsonmusic.com.

If you're considering a Pioneer, just do it - you won't regret it, and the only place I'd buy it is from Richards Guitars, where everything is about the customer, and providing the best experience and instruments you could possibly wish for.

Thank you, guys!

Gorgeous guitar and great customer service.

I love this gorgeous guitar. And Richards Guitars have many great guitars in the showroom. I tried others but couldn’t beat the Gatsby. It was perfectly set up before my arrival to give it a road test. I was given plenty of time to try it and Jon was really helpful in keeping it aside for me.

Lovely guitar that sounds as good as it looks

Lovely guitar that sounds as good as it looks.Your Set up obviously helped .
Thanks for the advice on guitar selection, you got it absolutely right

Richards provides nice customer service as well as guitars

Richards provides nice customer service as well as guitars. I'm very happy with my guitar – well-set – and sounds lovely.

Bella

Very happy, thanks. Bass is set up well and plays beautifully. Named her "Bella"...It was a pleasure dealing with a customer focused and ethically minded company.... and I got a free tree!.. don't get that with Gear for Music etc...
Will definitely recommend, and when I can convince myself that I really need a Vintage VSA500 ReIssued Semi Acoustic Guitar ~ Natural Walnut, I will come looking here 1st

Great item!

Great item, will be buying another in red. Would wholeheartedly recommend! 5*****

Outstanding service!

Outstanding service. All queries were answered promptly via email. Product arrived well packaged. Would 100% recommend!!!

Stylish and Practical gig bag

I had purchased a Vintage Statesboro parlour guitar and needed something to protect it when going to & from gigs. This case seemed ideal and that was confirmed upon arrival. It will give good protection and the guitar fits perfectly. The stylish appearance has been much admired by my fellow band members. Happy!

Glossy Damage

Initially very pleased with the finish however just recently I had occasion to practice under LED lighting and it was then I discovered a significant amount of very thin scratches / cracking of the lacquer, not quite sure which. If they are scratches it looks like they have been caused by a plectrum and as I don’t use one it has dampened my impression somewhat. I have attempted to take photos but they fail to show the problem.

12 String Guitars – Acoustic, Electro-Acoustic & Electric

Shop 12 String Guitars – Acoustic, Electro & Electric

Frequently Asked Questions About 12 String Guitars – Acoustic, Electro-Acoustic & Electric

High End Guitars Or Affordable Guitars - We Have You Covered

A Day Out To Remember!

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