Representative person playing an acoustic guitar in a warmly lit living room during the holidays — Representative illustration — check the listing for the exact item.

XmasGoat gift guide

Curated pick

Yamaha FG820-12 12-string guitar

Yamaha FG820-12

A solid spruce top and mahogany body under twelve strings, from Yamaha's dependable FG line.

Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and the Yamaha FG reputation, in a 12-string for the player who already has a six-string and wants the shimmer.

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Reviewed by XmasGoat Editorial · Updated September 17, 2026

Why FG820-12 12-string acoustic guitar works as a Christmas gift

A 12-string is the guitar people want and rarely buy for themselves. It is a second instrument, a specific sound, the chime behind a hundred songs they already play. That makes it one of the few big-ticket gifts for a guitarist that does not risk replacing something they chose carefully.

Solid spruce top with scalloped bracing; mahogany back and sides; 650 mm scale, 43 mm nut, per Yamaha and retailer specifications
Part of the FG family, with a long track record for playability at the price
Natural gloss finish that suits most players' taste

Who should receive FG820-12 12-string acoustic guitar?

Great for: a committed acoustic player who has talked about wanting a 12-string.
Great for: a songwriter or worship musician who plays open chords and strums, where twelve strings shine.
Great for: a milestone gift from a partner or parent, when the budget allows one serious present.
Skip for: a beginner. Twelve strings are harder to fret and tune; a six-string is the right first guitar.

The verdict

The sensible 12-string

If you are going to give a 12-string, give one with a solid top from a maker known for setup. The FG820-12 is exactly that. It is not a boutique instrument, and it does not pretend to be, which is why it is the right one to buy sight unseen.

Why it works

Solid spruce top with scalloped bracing; mahogany back and sides; 650 mm scale, 43 mm nut, per Yamaha and retailer specifications
Part of the FG family, with a long track record for playability at the price
Natural gloss finish that suits most players' taste

Tradeoffs

Sold without a case on most listings; add a hard case or gig bag
Twelve strings need more frequent tuning and a firmer hand than six
A guitar shipped in a box can arrive needing a setup or a string change

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What to check before buying FG820-12 12-string acoustic guitar

Model: FG820-12 is the 12-string. The FG820 (no suffix) is the six-string version and often sits beside it in search results.
Case: check whether the listing includes a case or bag. Most do not, and a 12-string deserves one.
Handedness: the FG820-12 is right-handed; left-handed players need a different model.
Arrival: guitars shipped in winter should rest in the box at room temperature for a few hours before opening, then be tuned slowly. Keep the packaging until the recipient has played it.
Return window: buy from a seller with a clear return policy in case of shipping damage or a setup the player cannot live with.

FG820-12 12-string acoustic guitar FAQs

Is a 12-string hard to play?

Harder than a six-string: there are twice the strings to press and more tension. Experienced players adapt quickly; beginners usually find it discouraging, which is why this is a second-guitar gift.

Does it come with a pickup?

The FG820-12 is an acoustic guitar without built-in electronics. Yamaha's FGX models are the ones with pickups; check the model name if plugging in matters.

Should I buy a case with it?

Yes if you can. A hard case protects the neck and keeps humidity steadier, both of which matter more for a 12-string. A padded gig bag is the lighter option.

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