Acoustic Guitar 12-string shootout featuring Guild F-412, Gibson J-45 and Eastman AC330-12E

Welcome to the 12-string shootout. As promised, I asked on the 12-string Facebook group if they’d be interested in seeing a comparison and here it is. I hope you enjoy.

Three quality 12-string guitars. I’ll only be keeping one of them. Leave a message in the comments on which you would keep and why.

Completely unedited raw audio for the sake of comparison.

Please excuse my novice playing. There are errors, especially on the Gibson flatpicking section – I apologize.


2012 Guild F-412
AAA Sitka spruce top
Arched Maple back and sides
Bound neck
Ebony fretboard with abalone and mother of pearl inlays


2021 Eastman AC330E-12
Sitka spruce top
Mahogany back and sides
Bound neck


2021 Gibson J-45 Standard 12-string
Sitka spruce top
Mahogany back and sides
Dreadnaught body