The Excellent Epiphone DR 212 12-String Acoustic Guitar

September 16, 2023
Pran Jawty Khanam

Table of Contents

Why the Epiphone DR-212 12-String Acoustic Guitar is a Must-Have Guitar?

If you’re already comfortable with regular acoustic guitars but haven’t tried a 12-string yet, the Epiphone DR 212 is a great choice for you. Whether you’re on stage or just chilling at home, a 12-string guitar like this one can add a rich and resonant quality to your music.

Even though it’s budget-friendly, this guitar still delivers exceptional tone. Let’s get into the details of the guitar.

But Before that, Don’t forget to check on the list of best 12-string guitars on the history.

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Made In	China
Model	Songmaker DR-212
Body	Square Shoulder Dreadnought/ Mahogany Body
Top	Spruce
Neck	Mahogany Neck
Scale	25.5″
Nut Width	1.75″
Weight	‎8.5 pounds
Fretboard	Rosewood
Frets	20
Bracing	Scalloped Bracing
Electronics	N/A
Bridge	Rosewood
Inlays	White Dots
Truss Rod	Adjustable
Case	N/A
Design	No Cutaway
Colors	Natural Gloss Polyurethane Finish

Body of The Epiphone DR-212 12-string guitar

The Epiphone Dr 212 12 string acoustic guitar features a square-shouldered dreadnought body shape. This design enhances its resonance and projection, meaning your music will sound even better.

Mahogany Back

For the back and sides of the guitar, they’ve used Mahogany. Mahogany is known for its warm and balanced tonal qualities. This wood adds depth and richness. The DR-212 is a true 12-string guitar with the big sound engineering you expect from Epiphone. The Dr-212 to take the stress of the 12 string is possible.

Spruce Top

The top of the Epiphone DR 212 is made from Spruce. Spruce is famous for its ability to provide a vibrant and big sound with excellent projection. When you combine this Spruce top with the Mahogany back and sides, you get a harmonious balance.

DR-212 Acoustic Fingerboard

The Epiphone Songmaker DR-212 12-string guitar has a well-crafted fingerboard. This is a big deal because it makes the guitar easier to play. Plus, Rosewood adds a warm touch to the guitar’s sound.

And that’s not all; there are delicate white dot inlays on the Rosewood fingerboard. These inlays aren’t just for looks; they help you out by acting as visual guides. You can easily find your way up and down the 20 frets.

Scale and Neck Of Epiphone Dr-212 12-String Acoustic Guitar

Scale

The Epiphone DR 212 has a 25.5″ scale length. This measurement is pretty standard and has a few benefits.

First, it helps the guitar produce a well-balanced tonal response. Additionally, it contributes to comfortable string tension. This scale length strikes a nice balance. It gives you clear, bell-like highs and deep, resonant lows.

Neck

It’s made of Mahogany. Mahogany is known for being stable and adding some warmth. Plus, it’s got a comfortable “D” neck profile. This shape provides a secure grip, and it works well for players with various hand sizes.

It is true 12-string acoustic guitar with the big sound and fine engineering. 12-string dreadnought has often been a classic-go to guitar for blues

The “D” profile also makes it easy to move your hand smoothly along the fretboard. This means you can switch between chords and notes with ease. From Epiphone Songmaker DR-212 acoustic 12 strings fine engineering, you expect amazing playability.

How Does It Sound?

The Epiphone DR-212 delivers the unique sound I was hoping for in a 12 string guitar. When you pluck individual notes, they have this satisfying ping, and when you strum, those chords come alive with fullness and brightness.

What’s surprising, given its affordability, is the choice of tonewoods. In order to produce a tone that is balanced, cutting, and attention-grabbing, Epiphone built the dreadnought with 6 extra strings to not only support the Spruce top but also to provide the necessary bracing.

To make the guitar’s sound even better, the body bracing is scalloped. This design allows the top to vibrate more freely. The result? You get some serious volume and those rich, bold bass tones from the DR-212.

Not that I expected anything different at this beginner-friendly price point. To add a touch of sparkle, I swapped out the stock strings for a set of D’Addario EJ 16s, and it was like an instant upgrade. The original strings started to sound a bit dull after a while, so this change brought out the guitar’s potential.

Playability

The playability of the Epiphone DR 212 12-string guitar is top-notch. Even though 12-string guitars may seem complex, this one is designed to make sure those extra strings don’t make it hard to play.

The Epiphone DR-212 is specifically designed to handle the extra tension of 12 strings with special bracing that keeps the soundboard healthy while producing a clear, bright, and noticeable tone.

It has a comfy neck profile and a well-crafted Rosewood fingerboard with neat white dot inlays. These features make it easy to move smoothly along the fretboard with a nice fit and finish.

The 1.75-inch width of the plastic nut slots is an important choice. It gives plenty of space between the strings. This prevents the strings from feeling crowded and makes it easy to play.

This is especially important on a 12-string guitar, where string spacing affects how easily you can play. It has a good body and neck joint making it comfortable.

The chrome tuners on this guitar are another plus. They let you make precise tuning adjustments while keeping the tuning stable. This means you can keep your 12-string guitar in tune, even when dealing with the challenges that come with having more strings. The saddle does seem to be able to handle the pressure.

Gorgeous Appearance of the Epiphone DR-212

The guitar has a Gloss Polyurethane finish. This finish not only makes the guitar look beautiful but also protects it from wear and tear. Plus, there’s black and white binding on the guitar. This doesn’t just look elegant; it also protects the edges of the guitar from getting damaged, so it’ll last a long time. The guitar comes with a 2-year warranty and a padded guitar bag.

Why Should You Choose This Guitar?

The Epiphone DR-212 is a great choice for a 12-string guitar for several reasons.

First, it offers excellent value for money guitar to anyone. It is made with high-quality tonewoods, including a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides. It also has a scalloped X bracing system, which helps to produce a bright, clear sound with good projection.

Second, the DR-212 is very comfortable to play. It has a comfortable neck profile and a nicely balanced body. It is also easy to fret, even for players with smaller hands.

Third, the DR-212 is a true 12-string acoustic guitar with the big sound and fine engineering. It’s big well-built and should last for many years with proper care. It is made with solid wood construction and has a durable finish.

Fourth, the DR-212 is a great all-around guitar. Many people review this 12-string dreadnought to be the standard guitar for classic, blues, folk, rock, country, and many genres in between. It can also be used for fingerpicking and strumming.

Finally, the DR-212 is a very affordable guitar. It is a great option for budget-minded musicians who are looking for a high-quality 12-string guitar.

Pros and Cons of the Epiphone DR 212

Pros

Rich and Captivating Tone:

The Epiphone DR 212 offers an exceptional tone that’s well-suited for a variety of playing styles, from strumming chords to intricate fingerpicking.

Affordable Entry to 12-String Guitars:

As the first 12-string instrument, the DR-212 provides a cost-effective way to explore the distinctive sound of a twelve-string guitar without breaking the bank.

Comfortable Playability:

With its comfortable neck shape, smooth Rosewood fingerboard, and accessible scale length, the DR-212 ensures a comfortable playing experience for both beginners and experienced players.

Cons

Increased String Tension:

One potential drawback of a 12-string guitar is the higher string tension due to the doubled strings, which might require some adjustment to playing technique and finger strength.

Final Words

The Epiphone Songmaker DR-212 guitar is an exciting opportunity for musicians to explore the world of twelve-string acoustic guitars. It works well for performing on stage and having cozy jam sessions at home.

It’s made with Mahogany for the back and sides, a spruce top, and carefully designed features. This combination keeps it affordable and the limited lifetime warranty is a great relief for you as well.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, the Epiphone DR 212 opens up a whole new world of musical expression and creativity.

FAQs

What is the distinctive voice of a twelve-string guitar?

Twelve-string guitars have a unique signature sound characterized by a rich and resonant quality. The doubled strings create a chorus-like effect, producing a lush and full-bodied tone that’s particularly well-suited for solo acoustic performances.

Is the Epiphone DR 212 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Epiphone DR 212 is an excellent choice for beginners who are already familiar with playing acoustic guitars. Its affordable and amazing price, exceptional tone, and user-friendly design make it a perfect instrument for those looking to explore the world of 12-string guitars.

What type of finish does the Epiphone DR 212 feature?

The Epiphone DR 212 is finished with a Gloss Polyurethane coating, enhancing its natural beauty while providing protection against wear and tear.