D’Angelico Premier Fulton LS 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar Review: A Shimmering Powerhouse for the Modern Player

For many of us, the journey into the world of 12-string guitars begins with a specific sound—that lush, shimmering “chorus” effect that defines classic tracks from the 60s and 70s. However, the reality of owning one often comes with a steep learning curve. Standard 12-string models are notorious for being bulky, difficult to press down, and a nightmare to keep in tune. I’ve spent over two decades playing everything from nylon-string classicals to high-gain electrics, and I know the frustration of picking up a 12-string only to find it feels like wrestling a bear. If you are searching for a way to add that rich, orchestral depth to your music without sacrificing the playability of your favorite 6-string, the D’Angelico Premier Fulton LS 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar presents a compelling solution. Failing to find a comfortable 12-string usually means your experimental folk or rock tracks stay flat, missing that essential harmonic complexity that only double the strings can provide.

What to Consider Before Buying an Acoustic-Electric Guitar

An Acoustic-Electric Guitar is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for players who need the organic resonance of a hollow body with the versatility to plug into a PA system or amplifier for live performances. These instruments bridge the gap between intimate campfire sessions and professional stage environments, ensuring your tone remains consistent regardless of the venue size. When you choose an acoustic-electric, you are investing in a tool that handles the heavy lifting of sound projection so you don’t have to rely solely on microphones, which can be prone to feedback in live settings.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the limitation of “small” acoustic sound in a band setting, or a solo performer who wants to layer their sound with built-in EQ and preamps. It is particularly suited for the intermediate player looking to expand their tonal palette. However, it might not be suitable for those who strictly play unplugged in quiet environments, as the internal electronics add weight and cost that a purist might find unnecessary. In those cases, a standard acoustic without a pickup might be a more budget-friendly alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Body Shape: The size of the guitar dictates both comfort and “boominess.” A Dreadnought offers huge volume but can be cumbersome, whereas a Grand Auditorium shape, like we see in the D’Angelico Premier Fulton LS 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar, offers a more ergonomic 16-inch width that balances high-end sparkle with manageable ergonomics.
• Capacity/Performance (String Tension): With 12 strings, the tension on the neck is nearly double that of a standard guitar. You must look for a neck profile—such as a slim-C shape—that allows your hand to wrap around comfortably without causing fatigue during long sets.
• Materials & Durability: Mahogany back and sides offer a warm, “woody” midrange, while a Spruce top provides the “snap” and clarity needed for the higher octave strings to ring out. Ensuring the materials are high-quality helps the instrument age gracefully and maintain its structural integrity under high string tension.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Acoustic-electrics require battery changes for the preamp and more frequent tuning. Look for instruments with built-in tuners to simplify the process. A 12-string requires twice the effort to tune, so a reliable onboard system is a non-negotiable feature for most professionals.

While the D’Angelico Premier Fulton LS 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions and Key Features of the D’Angelico Premier Fulton LS 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar

When we first pulled the D’Angelico Premier Fulton LS 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar out of its packaging, the immediate standout was the “Premier” aesthetic that the brand is famous for. D’Angelico has a history rooted in the Art Deco architecture of New York, and that heritage is visible in the ornate headstock and the elegant Natural finish. Even before the first strum, this guitar feels like a premium piece of kit that punches well above its weight class. We’ve tested many entry-to-mid-level 12-strings, and often they feel like “budget” versions of 6-strings. This, however, feels intentionally designed from the ground up to be a 12-string power player. To get a better sense of its visual appeal and current availability, you can see its full feature set and user reviews online.

A Deep Dive into the Performance of the D’Angelico Premier Fulton LS 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Ergonomics: The Grand Auditorium Advantage

In our extensive testing, the most immediate “win” for the D’Angelico Premier Fulton LS 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar is its body shape. Most 12-strings are built on Dreadnought or Jumbo platforms, which can feel like trying to play a coffee table. D’Angelico opted for a Grand Auditorium body, which is slightly smaller at 16 inches wide. This design choice is brilliant. It allows the guitar to tuck under the arm naturally, making it much more accessible for players of various sizes. We found that the smaller waist of the body also helps the guitar sit better on the lap, preventing the instrument from sliding away—a common issue when you have the added weight of 12 tuning pegs at the headstock pulling the neck down.

Despite the slightly smaller footprint, the sound remains surprisingly robust. This is due to the deep mahogany body that provides enough air space for those low-end frequencies to develop. When we played it unplugged, the projection was clear and authoritative. It doesn’t have the overwhelming “woof” of a Jumbo, but it offers a more focused, “record-ready” tone that sits perfectly in a mix. If you want to experience this ergonomic design for yourself, you should check the latest price and availability to see if it fits your current setup.

Playability: Conquering the 12-String Learning Curve

The biggest barrier to entry for 12-string guitars is the neck. Usually, they are wide and thick to accommodate the extra strings and tension. However, we found that the D’Angelico Premier Fulton LS 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar features a Slim C-shaped neck that is a game-changer. It feels remarkably similar to a standard 6-string electric neck. This allows for easier barre chords and faster lead lines, which are usually a chore on a 12-string. The mahogany neck paired with a rosewood fingerboard offers a smooth, responsive feel that encourages you to play for hours rather than putting the guitar down after ten minutes of hand cramps.

We also noted the string spacing is perfectly calibrated. On many budget 12-strings, the strings are either too close together (making it hard to fret cleanly) or too far apart (making it hard to reach). D’Angelico has hit the “Goldilocks” zone here. Whether you are fingerpicking delicate folk patterns or strumming aggressive rock rhythms, the playability remains consistent. This is a feature that really sets it apart from other instruments in this price bracket. For those who have been intimidated by 12-strings in the past, this neck profile is a feature that really sets it apart and makes the transition seamless.

Tone and Tonewoods: The Spruce and Mahogany Synergy

When it comes to tone, the D’Angelico Premier Fulton LS 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar relies on the time-tested combination of a Spruce top and Mahogany back and sides. In our sessions, the Spruce provided that essential “zing” on the high octaves. 12-strings rely on those high-frequency harmonics to create their signature sound, and the Spruce top ensures they ring out clearly without becoming harsh or tinny. Meanwhile, the Mahogany back and sides provide a warm, punchy foundation. This prevents the guitar from sounding too thin, which is a common complaint with smaller-bodied 12-strings.

The result is a balanced spectrum of sound. The bass is tight and controlled, the mids are slightly scooped (leaving room for vocals), and the highs are shimmering. We tested it in several different tunings, including “Double Drop D,” and the tonewoods held their character beautifully. The resonance is impressive, with a sustain that lingers just long enough to create a lush atmospheric bed. You can learn more about the tonal properties and specs to see why this combination is the industry standard for high-end acoustics.

Electronics: Stage-Ready with the MG-30 Preamp

An acoustic-electric is only as good as its pickup system, and we were pleasantly surprised by the MG-30 preamp installed in the D’Angelico Premier Fulton LS 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar. Plugging into a standard acoustic amp, the reproduction was faithful to the natural wood tone. The EQ controls are intuitive, allowing you to dial back the “quack” often associated with piezo pickups and bring in more of the mahogany warmth. Having a built-in tuner is an absolute necessity for a 12-string; trying to tune 12 strings by ear or with a clip-on tuner in a loud room is a recipe for disaster. The onboard system is fast, accurate, and easy to read even under dim stage lights.

The preamp also handles high volumes well. We pushed the gain to see where the feedback threshold was, and the Grand Auditorium body’s smaller size actually worked in our favor here, as it’s less prone to the low-end feedback loops that plague larger Dreadnoughts. For the working musician, this means you can plug in and play with confidence. If you’re planning on taking your music to the stage, it’s worth taking a moment to read more about the electronics and preamp performance from other players who use it live.

What Other Users Are Saying

Overall, the sentiment surrounding the D’Angelico Premier Fulton LS 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar is overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding its price-to-performance ratio. Many users who have transitioned from 6-strings find the playability to be its strongest selling point. One user, who has been playing for 25 years, noted that after exploring various acoustics and electrics, they found the Fulton LS to be a refreshing change of pace due to its comfort.

However, no product is without its flaws. We encountered feedback from a user who mentioned receiving a unit with a “heinous scratch running across the entire front to back on the top.” This highlights the importance of checking your instrument upon arrival, especially with satin finishes which can be more susceptible to shipping mishaps. Despite the cosmetic issue, the same user acknowledged the guitar’s sonic qualities. Most owners praise the rich, complex sound and the reliability of the D’Angelico MG-30 preamp, noting that it makes the guitar a “plug-and-play” solution for Sunday morning services or local open mics. The consensus is clear: this is a “workhorse” guitar that looks like a “showpiece.”

Comparing the D’Angelico Premier Fulton LS 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar to the Competition

While we are big fans of the Fulton LS, it’s important to see how it compares to other heavy hitters in the acoustic-electric market. Depending on your specific needs—whether you want a full bundle or a different string type—one of these might be the right alternative for you.

1. Fender CD-60SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle

The Fender CD-60SCE Bundle is an incredible value for beginners who are starting from scratch. Unlike the D’Angelico Premier Fulton LS 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar, which focuses on being a high-end 12-string, this is a 6-string dreadnought that comes with everything: a gig bag, tuner, strap, and even instructional materials. It features a solid spruce top for great tone, but it lacks the orchestral shimmer of a 12-string. This is the better choice for someone who isn’t ready for the complexity of 12 strings and wants a “one-stop shop” purchase to get started immediately.

2. Cordoba C5-CET Spalted Maple Cutaway Classical Guitar

If you find the steel strings of the 12-string D’Angelico too harsh on your fingers, the Cordoba C5-CET is a fantastic alternative. This is a thin-body classical guitar with nylon strings, which are much softer and easier to play. The Spalted Maple back and sides offer a stunning, unique look, and the cutaway body allows for easy access to higher frets. While it doesn’t provide the “jangle” of a 12-string, it offers a warm, romantic tone that is perfect for fingerstyle and Latin music. Choose this if comfort and a mellow, nylon-string sound are your top priorities.

3. Fender CD-60SCE 12-String Acoustic Guitar

This is the most direct competitor to our D’Angelico model. The Fender CD-60SCE 12-String is a dreadnought, meaning it has a larger, more traditional body shape than the Fulton LS. It provides a bit more low-end “thump” due to its size, but it is also more cumbersome to hold for long periods. It features a solid spruce top and high-quality electronics, much like the D’Angelico. However, the D’Angelico wins on aesthetic and neck comfort. If you have a larger frame and prefer the classic, booming sound of a dreadnought, the Fender is a solid, reliable alternative.

Final Verdict: Is the D’Angelico Premier Fulton LS 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar Worth It?

After putting the D’Angelico Premier Fulton LS 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar through its paces, we can confidently say it is one of the most playable 12-strings in its price range. Its greatest strength lies in its thoughtful design—specifically the Grand Auditorium body and the Slim C-neck. These features solve the two biggest problems with 12-strings: size and hand fatigue. While we did see a report of a cosmetic issue in shipping, the structural and tonal quality of the instrument remains top-tier. It offers a professional-grade preamp, a stunning Art Deco look, and a shimmering tone that will inspire you to write new music.

We recommend this guitar to intermediate players looking to expand their sound, singer-songwriters who want a “bigger” solo sound, and even professional gigging musicians who need a reliable, comfortable 12-string for the stage. If you are ready to add that legendary chorus-like shimmer to your repertoire, you should click here to grab yours and start playing today. You won’t regret the depth and character it brings to your music.