Twice the Strings, Infinite Soul
That's the good stuff right there. The Taylor 354ce 12-String.
Some guitars shimmer — and some glow.
The 12-string sits in that rare space between the mystical and the mechanical: a machine for making both air move and emotions swell. Strum one and the room changes. Every note sounds like it’s been dusted with starlight, every chord like it’s travelled through time from Laurel Canyon or Liverpool.
It’s that unmistakable sound — the one that launched folk-rock, gilded classic pop, and keeps finding new life in modern indie.
Let’s explore what makes them so special — and then meet three of the finest examples you can find right now at Musicmaker Dublin.
Why the 12-String Matters
A 12-string guitar doubles each of the six standard strings obviously, pairing the lower four with lighter strings tuned an octave higher and the top two with unison strings. The result is natural chorus, harmonic sparkle, and incredible projection.
It’s the texture behind countless iconic records — from The Byrds and Tom Petty, to Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, and R.E.M. It’s bright, wide, and cinematic, with a presence that fills every corner of the room.
Once you start playing one, it's very possible your songwriting might change. You might strum less and listen more. You might play simpler shapes because the sound itself is already rich enough to carry the song.
Check it out in Musicmaker - the Taylor 150ce 12-String.
Famous 12-String Moments
A quick tour through some of history’s most shimmering riffs:
- George Harrison and his Rickenbacker 360/12 on “A Hard Day’s Night” – pure jangle that redefined pop.
- Roger McGuinn and The Byrds – folk melodies turned to cathedral-like shimmer.
- Jimmy Page on “Stairway to Heaven” – acoustic and electric layered in cosmic harmony.
- Tom Petty on “Free Fallin’” – proof that one player can sound like three.
- John Butler and “Ocean” – modern, percussive fire on twelve strings of glory.
That’s the lineage. You’re in good company.
The Stars of the Show — 12-Strings at Musicmaker Dublin
Epiphone IBG Hummingbird Masterbilt 12-String – Aged Cherry
The Hummingbird is pure history reborn. This Masterbilt 12-string carries the spirit of the ’60s with the precision of modern luthiery.
- Solid Sitka spruce top paired with solid mahogany back and sides gives it a commanding midrange and beautifully balanced warmth.
- The Aged Cherry Sunburst gloss finish captures that vintage Gibson look — glowing amber edges, soft fade centre, and elegant split-parallelogram inlays.
- Inside, a Fishman Sonitone pickup system means you can take its lush acoustic tone straight to the stage.
Strum it and it blooms — big, harmonically rich, and endlessly musical. It’s equally at home under soft fingerpicking or bold open-chord anthems.
Gorgeous in bot looks and tone - the Epiphone Hummingbird Masterbilt 12-String.
Taylor 150ce 12-String – Spruce / Sapele – Natural
Taylor’s 150ce is the modern player’s workhorse 12-string — clean, comfortable, and crystal-clear.
- Solid Sitka spruce top with layered Sapele back and sides keeps the tone bright yet balanced.
- The Grand Auditorium body provides the sweet spot between dreadnought depth and concert-size comfort.
- A Venetian cutaway gives effortless upper-fret access.
- Taylor’s Expression System 2 electronics ensure studio-quality sound on stage or in your interface.
It’s a forgiving, easy-to-play 12-string — the perfect first serious model. The string tension feels lighter than you’d expect, making it ideal for long practice sessions or gigging. The clarity is trademark Taylor: focused lows, glassy highs, and just the right shimmer.
12-string sounds and Taylor craftsmanship - the Taylor 150ce 12-string.
Taylor 354ce 12-String – Sapele / Spruce – Natural
The Taylor 354ce is the crown jewel — a guitar for players who demand nuance, projection, and presence in equal measure.
- Solid Sitka spruce top paired with solid Sapele back and sides creates a tone that’s articulate, open, and endlessly resonant.
- The Grand Auditorium body and Venetian cutaway make it both stage-friendly and comfortable to hold.
- Taylor’s renowned Expression System 2 pickup captures every harmonic with lifelike accuracy.
- The build quality? Impeccable — satin neck, flawless fretwork, and perfect string balance across all twelve courses.
The 354ce doesn’t just sound lush — it feels alive. Every note chimes like a bell but never turns harsh. It’s the sort of guitar that changes how you think about space, texture, and tone.
The absolute don. Come witness the Taylor 354ce at Musicmaker immediately.
Tips for Living With a 12-String
- Tune with care. Use a reliable tuner (and patience). Many players tune down a half-step to ease tension.
- Use lighter strings. A custom-gauge 12-string set will keep playability silky.
- Humidity matters. Twice the strings means twice the pull — store it in a case with a humidifier.
- Play simply. Let those doubled strings do the work — you don’t need big chord shapes to get big sound.
Why Buy Your 12-String at Musicmaker Dublin
- Hands-on help: Our staff can guide you through size, tone, and setup.
- Pro setup on every guitar: We make sure your 12-string plays beautifully right out of the case.
- Support for every player: From first chords to full stages, we’re here to keep you inspired.
12-String Guitar FAQ
Q. Are 12-strings harder to play?
A. A little — the neck is slightly wider and there’s more tension, but modern models like the Taylor 150ce make them surprisingly comfortable.
Q. Do I need special strings?
A. Yes — always use a set designed for 12-string guitars. The gauges are balanced to prevent neck strain and tuning issues.
Q. How do 12-strings sound in a band mix?
A. They fill space effortlessly. A 12-string adds sheen to acoustic sets, depth to studio mixes, and sparkle to live performances.
Q. What genres suit 12-strings?
A. Folk, rock, pop, blues, and indie all thrive on that natural chorus effect. Anywhere you want warmth and shimmer, a 12-string fits.
Final Word
The 12-string guitar is a beautiful statement. Every chord shimmers, every melody blooms, and every song feels just a bit more magical.
From the vintage elegance of the Epiphone Hummingbird, to the versatility of the Taylor 150ce, and the refined power of the Taylor 354ce, you’ll find your perfect match at Musicmaker Dublin.
Come in, take one for a spin, and feel the world double beneath your fingertips.
Check out all our current Acoustic Guitars Here.
