12-string guitars can be... polarizing. But like them or loathe them, you can't deny the centrality of that ringing sound to some of the past half-century's most iconic music. You know, Hotel California, Over the Hills and Far Away, Wish You Were Here -- just to name a few of the anthems girded by a double dose of steel strings.

Breedlove designed the Solo Concert 12-String for players looking for a robust yet nuanced 12-String guitar, one that's not a gimmicky sideshow but a purpose-built professional-grade instrument. The side monitor soundhole virtually puts you in the audience while you play, without diminishing the forward sound projection of your music, a particularly useful feature when playing with a group of musicians. The tone is warm and rich with a solid red cedar top and solid African Mahogany back and sides, and that sound remains clear and full when plugged in with Fishman Flex Plus-T electronics.

The cutaway body allows players full access to the entire ovangkol fretboard for when you want to get weird up the scale. Say what you will about 12-strings, but play this one before casting any aspersions.