Sound meets style meets tradition.
12Fret Guitars is no ordinary guitar shop. It's a curated store for everyone who knows – or wants to find out – why this type of steel-string guitar is something special.
In addition to our online shop, we also offer the opportunity to try out guitars in person in Hamburg by prior arrangement.
I've been a sound engineer and musician for over 25 years, and it was through this work that I came to acoustic 12-fret guitars almost by chance.
What started as a post-punk teenager who always listened out for the sound of acoustic strings eventually became a passion: acoustic guitars, and then specifically 12-fret guitars. Because the first time I held one in my hands, I knew immediately: It's the real deal.
Why I specialised in 12-fret guitars
For years I searched myself – and realised along the way how hard it is to find someone who really knows their way around 12-fret guitars. They pop up here and there, usually lost somewhere among many other instruments, often without anyone being able to – or wanting to – convey what makes them special. That's exactly what I wanted to change: a place where the 12-fret is not a footnote, but the main event. Why a 12-fret guitar at all?
Curated and exclusive – for almost every budget
My selection focuses on small and medium-sized manufacturers – increasingly European ones – alongside the classics that simply belong. Many of our instruments are only available in limited numbers, as custom models, or as carefully selected, often rare pre-owned pieces. From the classic parlour to the 000 to the slope-shoulder dreadnought: with a clear focus on inspiring tone and quality, vintage character usually included.
This is not a pure boutique for the elite – and that's intentional. Whether you're a beginner looking for your first affordable parlour or an experienced player seeking a high-end model with premium tonewoods: there's something here for almost every budget. You won't find mass-produced guitars here – and if you do, it's only because they're genuinely something special. Every guitar is individually selected. Nothing more, nothing less.
It's called passion.
12Fret Guitars didn't come from a business plan, but from genuine enthusiasm – for the sound, the beauty, the history, and the craftsmanship of these instruments. I offer personal consultations, am happy to share knowledge on care, setup, and selection, and ship quickly and securely throughout the EU.
A great 12-fret guitar is more than an instrument. It becomes a companion – with a sound and a value that lasts.
To keep costs low for both our customers and ourselves, we currently only offer payment in advance and collection at the checkout in our shop. If you’d prefer not to use these options, you can usually purchase the instruments via our Reverb shop. Please do get in touch if you have any questions about this.
See you soon.
Dirk
12Fret Guitars
