ESP LTD TL-12 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar in Black
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- SKU
- LTL12BLK
- Color
- Black
. Description
Sound & Tone
The spruce top over a mahogany body gives the TL-12 a warm, resonant voice with the shimmering octave overtones that define a 12-string, and the set-neck construction adds sustain that lets big open chords ring out and bloom. Graphtech Nubone XB nut and saddle help keep the doubled courses even and consistent, so strummed rhythm parts stay clear rather than turning muddy, while fingerstyle passages retain note separation. Plugged in, the Fishman SONICORE pickup and active TL-3 preamp translate that acoustic character into a clean, feedback-resistant amplified tone, making it a practical fit for singer-songwriter work, folk and roots rhythm playing, and layered acoustic textures on stage or in the studio.
ESP LTD TL-12 12-String Acoustic Electric Guitar in Black Finish
The TL-12 captures the lush harmonic density and shimmering overtones of a 12-string in a recording-ready package that remains genuinely playable during long tracking sessions. Its Thin U neck contour and 25" scale reduce hand fatigue without sacrificing the full sonic character essential for layered arrangements. The set-neck mahogany body with spruce top produces a warm, resonant tone that sits well both unplugged during scratch tracks and amplified through your interface, making it a versatile choice for tracking multiple guitar parts in the studio.
Playability & Recording Comfort
The 3-piece mahogany neck with Thin U contour and roasted Jatoba fingerboard delivers a responsive, stable playing surface that minimizes hand fatigue during extended take sessions. A 350mm fingerboard radius allows for clean chord voicings and articulate single-note work across all 12 strings, while 22 jumbo frets support expressive phrasing and smooth position shifts needed for dynamic performance recording.
Amplified Tone & Studio Electronics
The Fishman SONICORE pickup paired with active Fishman TL-3 preamp and onboard tuner ensures a full, articulate direct signal path with minimal feedback—critical for clean DI recording and amp simulation workflows. The Jatoba bridge with Graphtech Nubone XB saddle and matching 48mm Graphtech Nubone XB nut provide excellent acoustic coupling that translates through the electronics, delivering consistent tone across all 12 strings for cohesive layered parts and punch in the mix.
Key Features
- Set-neck construction for superior sustain and neck stability
- Mahogany body with spruce top
- 3-piece mahogany neck with Thin U contour
- Roasted Jatoba fingerboard with 350mm radius
- 25" scale length with 22 jumbo frets
- Graphtech Nubone XB nut (48mm) and bridge saddle
- Jatoba bridge
- Fishman SONICORE pickup with active Fishman TL-3 preamp
- Onboard chromatic tuner
- Grover tuners with chrome hardware
- Black finish
This instrument combines the sonic richness and harmonic complexity of a 12-string with studio-focused ergonomics and professional-grade amplification electronics, delivering lush textures and precision control in the tracking booth.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Country of Manufacture | China |
Reviews
Specifications
| Body Style | Auditorium |
|---|---|
| Scale Length | 25" Scale |
| Frets | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Rosewood |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Pickups | Under Saddle |
| Bridge | Fixed |
| Strings | 11 |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Made In | China |
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Folk
- ✓ Indie
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Home Recording
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Hard Rock
- – Djent
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 12-string guitar difficult to play if I'm intermediate level?
The TL-12 is designed specifically for intermediate and advanced players who want to avoid hand fatigue; its Thin U neck contour, 25" scale length, and 350mm fingerboard radius balance comfortable chord work with precise single-note playing across all 12 strings. The 22 jumbo frets allow smooth position shifts and expressive bending. Most players find a well-designed 12-string like this more playable than entry-level models because the ergonomics are intentional.
Can I use this guitar live without feedback problems?
Yes—the Fishman SONICORE pickup paired with the active Fishman TL-3 preamp is designed to deliver clear amplified tone with minimal feedback. The set-neck construction, Graphtech Nubone XB nut and saddle, and Jatoba bridge ensure excellent acoustic coupling and tonal consistency, making it stable and reliable on stage or in a live-sound environment.
What's the scale length and why does it matter for a 12-string?
The TL-12 has a 25" scale length, which keeps hand fatigue minimal during extended playing sessions compared to full-size 12-strings that typically run 25.5" or longer. This shorter scale is one of the main reasons the neck feels comfortable and responsive without sacrificing the warm, resonant tone that 12-strings are known for.
What pickup and preamp does this have, and can I record directly with it?
The TL-12 includes a Fishman SONICORE pickup paired with an active Fishman TL-3 preamp and onboard chromatic tuner. You can run the preamp output directly into an audio interface for clear DI recording with minimal feedback, making it suitable for studio tracking and live recording situations.
Is this guitar suitable for metal, hard rock, or djent styles?
No—the TL-12 is optimized for folk, indie, studio sessions, and home recording where its warm, resonant tone and harmonic density are assets. Its design and voice are not suited to metal, hard rock, or djent playing.
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