Do you actually need a 12-string in your studio? If you track acoustic parts regularly, probably yes. A single 12-string pass can fill out a chorus or thicken a rhythm bed in a way that EQ and stereo wideners can't fake. The usual problem is cost: a quality 12 with real electronics gets expensive fast.

That's where the Takamine JJ325SRC-12 John Jorgenson comes in. The B-Stock unit is $1,999.20 against a MAP of $2,499.00, about $500 less for the same model.

Why a 12-String Earns Its Spot in a Session

Each course on a 12-string is a pair of strings, and the upper courses are tuned in octaves. That gives you built-in chime and shimmer on the top end while the fundamental stays clear. In a dense mix, that shimmer sits above the rhythm guitars without fighting the vocal.

• Chorus lift: Double a verse strummed on a 6-string with a 12-string on the chorus. The section opens up without extra tracks.
• Arpeggio texture: Fingerpicked patterns bloom naturally, so they need less reverb to feel big.
• Stereo width: Pan a 12-string against a 6-string playing the same part for a wide image with no plugin.

What It's Built From, and Why That Matters on Tape

The JJ325SRC-12 is a dreadnought with a solid spruce top and ovangkol back and sides, with X-bracing underneath. Spruce is a common choice for tracking because it stays clear and balanced when you strum hard. Ovangkol adds some midrange warmth to the tone, which helps a 12-string avoid sounding thin or brittle on a mic.

The finish is Gloss Red Stain, so it looks the part if you're filming sessions too.

Neck and Playability

• Neck: mahogany, D-shape profile
• Fretboard: rosewood, 12" radius (305mm), 20 frets, dot inlays with a JJ inlay at the 12th fret
• Nut width: 1.875" (47.6mm)
• Scale length: about 25.35" (644mm)
• Tuners: Gotoh chrome
• Bridge: rosewood

The slightly short scale helps with string tension, which matters on a 12-string where 12 strings are all pulling on the neck. The 1.875" nut gives the doubled strings a bit of room. Good tuners matter more here than on a 6-string, because a drifting 12 costs you takes. Gotoh tuners are a sensible thing to see on the headstock.

Size and Weight

The body is about 15.8" (402mm) wide and roughly 5" (126mm) deep, with an overall length of around 42.2" (1073mm). Listed weight is 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg), light enough for long tracking days.

Plugging In: The Electronics

The JJ325SRC-12 has an undersaddle pickup and a CT4B II preamp. In a studio, that gives you a direct signal to blend with a mic. A typical approach:

• Place a small-diaphragm condenser around the 12th fret, aimed slightly toward the soundhole edge, for the natural sound.
• Record the pickup to a second track through a DI.
• Blend the two, or flip the polarity on one if the combination sounds hollow.

You also get a usable direct sound for quick demos or for writing sessions when you don't want to set up mics.

The Catch

A 12-string isn't for everyone, and a few things are worth knowing before you buy:

• Tuning takes patience. Twelve strings means more time getting it right before each take. If you only need one 12-string part a year, a rental or a plugin may be the smarter move.
• It's a different playing experience. Fretting is harder than on a 6-string, and fast lead work isn't what this guitar is for.
• B-Stock means a cosmetic or packaging note. Read the listing for the specific details and look at the photos before ordering. We don't list a flaw that we haven't described.

Our Take

If you track acoustic guitar regularly and want a 12-string that works with a mic or direct, the B-Stock JJ325SRC-12 at $1,999.20 is a good value. You get a solid spruce top, a good set of tuners, a hardshell case, and electronics that save you setup time. If you only need a 12-string occasionally, rent one. If you'll use it in session after session, the roughly $500 savings is worth taking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the B-Stock Takamine JJ325SRC-12?

The B-Stock price is $1,999.20, compared with a MAP of $2,499.00. That's about $500 less than the standard price.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. The verified specs list a hardshell case as included.

Can I record it direct without a microphone?

Yes. It has a CT4B II preamp and an undersaddle pickup, so you can plug straight into a DI or interface. For the best results, many engineers blend the pickup with a mic on the body.

Is a 12-string hard to record?

Not really, but it needs careful tuning. Tune it fresh before each take, keep the strings relatively new, and check the octave strings as the session goes on so the doubled courses stay in tune with each other.