What is a 12-fret guitar?

On a 12-fret guitar, the neck meets the body at the twelfth fret rather than the fourteenth. Depending on the construction, the bridge position on the soundboard also changes. This can affect response and tonal balance. The sound and feel of an individual guitar also depend on body shape, bracing, scale length and other features. A 12-fret guitar does not have to be a parlor guitar.

Parlor, 000, OM or Dreadnought: which body size suits me?

Start with a comfortable playing position and the tonal balance you prefer. Parlor, 0 and 00 models are compact starting points for comparison. The dimensions and tonal characteristics of 000, OM and Dreadnought guitars vary between makers. Fingerstyle is not limited to small guitars: a Dreadnought can also respond well to fingerpicking. Compare response, neck shape and scale length as well as body size.

Which brands does 12Fret Guitars carry?

The selection includes Atkin, Avalon, Lowden and McIlroy, alongside instruments from other makers. The focus is on selected new and used 12-fret acoustic guitars. The advisor considers the characteristics of each individual instrument, rather than the brand name alone.

Can I try a guitar before buying?

Yes, by appointment at the Hamburg showroom. You can compare the feel, response and sound of different instruments in person. If you already have recommendations from the guitar advisor, bring them along as a starting point for our conversation.

How does the guitar advisor work?

Answer eleven short questions about your playing style, tonal preferences and requirements. The advisor compares your answers with the guitar profiles and suggests three instruments. The results provide an initial guide. I can then help you explore the differences that matter to you and make your final choice.

How do I find the right parlor guitar?

Alongside the compact body, consider scale length, neck profile and nut width. Compare how the guitar responds to your touch and whether its tonal balance suits you. In the guitar advisor, select Parlor as the body size and narrow down your preferences. Browse our collection of parlor, 0 and 00 guitars to compare individual instruments.

What is the difference between parlor and 12-fret?

Parlor describes a compact body shape whose dimensions vary between makers. The term 12-fret describes a neck that meets the body at the twelfth fret. These terms refer to different features: a 12-fret guitar does not have to be a parlor guitar.

Guitar Advisor – Find Your 12-Fret Guitar

Frequently Asked Questions about 12-Fret Guitars

What is a 12-fret guitar?: On a 12-fret guitar, the neck meets the body at the twelfth fret rather than the fourteenth. Depending on the construction, the bridge position on the soundboard also changes. This can affect response and tonal balance. The sound and feel of an individual guitar also depend on body shape, bracing, scale length and other features. A 12-fret guitar does not have to be a parlor guitar.
Parlor, 000, OM or Dreadnought: which body size suits me?: Start with a comfortable playing position and the tonal balance you prefer. Parlor, 0 and 00 models are compact starting points for comparison. The dimensions and tonal characteristics of 000, OM and Dreadnought guitars vary between makers. Fingerstyle is not limited to small guitars: a Dreadnought can also respond well to fingerpicking. Compare response, neck shape and scale length as well as body size.
Which brands does 12Fret Guitars carry?: The selection includes Atkin, Avalon, Lowden and McIlroy, alongside instruments from other makers. The focus is on selected new and used 12-fret acoustic guitars. The advisor considers the characteristics of each individual instrument, rather than the brand name alone.
Can I try a guitar before buying?: Yes, by appointment at the Hamburg showroom. You can compare the feel, response and sound of different instruments in person. If you already have recommendations from the guitar advisor, bring them along as a starting point for our conversation.
How does the guitar advisor work?: Answer eleven short questions about your playing style, tonal preferences and requirements. The advisor compares your answers with the guitar profiles and suggests three instruments. The results provide an initial guide. I can then help you explore the differences that matter to you and make your final choice.
How do I find the right parlor guitar?: Alongside the compact body, consider scale length, neck profile and nut width. Compare how the guitar responds to your touch and whether its tonal balance suits you. In the guitar advisor, select Parlor as the body size and narrow down your preferences. Browse our collection of parlor, 0 and 00 guitars to compare individual instruments.
What is the difference between parlor and 12-fret?: Parlor describes a compact body shape whose dimensions vary between makers. The term 12-fret describes a neck that meets the body at the twelfth fret. These terms refer to different features: a 12-fret guitar does not have to be a parlor guitar.