Yamaha FG-312 12-String Dreadnought Natural

This second hand acoustic guitar is in very good condition.

All good, some very small nicks on the body

The Yamaha FG-312 is a classic 12-string acoustic guitar from the late 1970s to early 1980s era, part of Yamaha’s renowned FG (Folk Guitar) series. Built during a time when Yamaha’s acoustic craftsmanship was gaining serious traction, the FG-312 offers players an affordable yet quality entry into the lush, full-bodied world of 12-string acoustics. It’s still sought after on the second-hand market for its vintage charm, reliability, and value.

Build & Design

• Top: Laminated spruce

• Back & Sides: Mahogany (laminated)

• Neck: Nato

• Fingerboard: Rosewood

• Bridge: Rosewood

• Finish: Natural gloss

• Scale Length: 25”

While the FG-312 doesn't feature solid tonewoods, the laminate construction is robust, making it a great option for longevity and stability—especially under the tension of 12 strings. The natural finish gives it a warm, understated vintage appeal, with a traditional dreadnought body offering strong projection.

Tone

The FG-312's sound is where it shines, especially considering its price bracket:

• Bright and shimmering highs from the octave strings

• Solid, warm mids from the dreadnought body

• Surprising low-end resonance despite laminated construction

It produces that classic, chorused 12-string sound—ideal for folk, country, classic rock, and ambient textures. While it may lack the harmonic depth of high-end 12-strings made from all-solid woods, the FG-312 holds its own for home recording, live use, or layering in a band mix.

Playability

For a vintage 12-string, the FG-312 is relatively forgiving on the fingers, especially with a proper setup and lighter gauge strings. The neck profile is slim enough for comfortable chord work but still supportive enough to handle the string tension. Players with smaller hands may still find barre chords a challenge, as is common with most 12-strings, but fingerpicking and open chords feel natural.

One of the big positives is its durability: many examples from the 1970s and ‘80s are still going strong, a testament to Yamaha’s build quality.

• Rich, classic 12-string tone

• Durable vintage construction

• Affordable on the used market

• Stable tuning with a proper setup

• Excellent for layering or solo accompaniment

The Yamaha FG-312 is a vintage workhorse 12-string—not flashy, but full of character, durability, and great tone for its class. Whether you’re looking to experiment with 12-string textures or want a reliable, nostalgic addition to your acoustic lineup, this guitar delivers plenty of value.