Dean Boca 12-String Electric Guitar
Achieve that immortal classic rock sound with this 12-string electric guitar. It features a semi-hollow body with an arched top and dual humbucker pickups.
Overall User Ratings (based on 21 ratings)
Submitted February 2, 2011 by a customer from optonline.ner
"Solid Sweet Sounding 12 string"
I gave it an 8 overall because it does the job I need it to do and it's well made for a fair price. There is room for improvement but at this price point I'm very impressed still after 3 years. My bass player loves the sound of it. I would buy another one if it was lost or stolen.
Sound
Sounds fairly good. Tuners are O.K. Needed a better nut. A good choice if your on a tight budget. It's made to be pluged in to an amp. Use your tone controls and effects to shape the sound to your liking and you'll be suprised how nice it sounds.
Features
Minimum features. Ordinary components. Nothing special or inferior.
Coil spliting would be nice.
Ease of Use
I'm using 10-46 guage strings. Take the time to do a good set up and it will play well. I changed PUPS to TV Jones single coil.
Yes it is unbalanced. You get used to it. Neck is wide so if you have very small hands, this may be a problem.
Quality
After 2 years no problems. Most impressed with fit & finished. Wood work
is excellent too.
Value
For the price it can't be beat. Good solid platform to customize to your liking or just leave it stock and enjoy.
Manufacturer Support
N/A
The Wow Factor
I wanted an electric 12 for many years. It's technically simple which is a good thing but still aesthetically very pleasing. It fills a sound void and does it with sex appeal.
Musical Background:
40 years
Musical Style:
Many
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Submitted August 25, 2011 by a customer from yahoo.com.au
"Great guitar.Great price."
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I hope to have it for the rest of my life.
Sound
The guitar LOOKS PLAYS AND SOUNDS Great with a CAPITAL G.It gets that electric 12 string sound.I imagine it also depends on what amp it is going in.Sounds great in my Fender,Vox,And Marshall.I read some reviews that said its not good for Metal ? Who would buy a 12 string for that anyway ?
Features
No accessories other than the allen key for neck adjustment that comes with every new guitar.
Ease of Use
Very playable .Some have said its a bit wide and that you need big hands.It is fine for me.I have another 12 string and its not wide enough so I would guess it depends on what your looking for.
Quality
The guitar is made well the color ( sunburst is beautiful ) Stays in tune as some have said its neck heavy but with a light guitar body you have to expect that and this guitar is light and easy on the back.
Value
At the price for a really nice electric hollowbody 12 string guitar how can anyone complain ?
Manufacturer Support
Gave them a 10 because I did not have to deal with them.No problems with the guitar so............
The Wow Factor
Dumb question.lol
Musical Background:
Active musician.
Musical Style:
Blues.Rock.Folk.....
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Submitted September 4, 2012 by Stephen Blair in San Bernardino, CA
"Nicely setup right out of the box - nice action, sounds great."
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I couldn't believe how well this guitar was setup from the factory. Nice low action but without fret buzz. Paint job and grain of wood is very nice looking.
Musical Background:
Have been playing guitar for 37 years. I play 6 and 12 string electric and acoustic.
Musical Style:
Classic 70's and 80's rock.
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Submitted December 20, 2011 by a customer from cox.net
"Love the guitar, love the service,"
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I believe I would replace it. Just an additional note: This is my first order from ZZounds, it was shipped yesterday and arrived this morning - free shipping! Also, I contacted ZZounds about a competitors offer and they not only matched it but topped it and the financing arrangement is fantastic and convenient. I won't go into it, but the competitor shot themselves in the foot as far as I'm concerned even though I have had a long standing account with them. I wish I'd tried ZZounds before, but now that I have I know I'm going to go to them first. Thanks guys.
Sound
I just received mine today. Tuned it up this morning and it's still in tune tonight, so I don't understand the negative report I heard on you tube.
Features
I'm not a luthier and am not, so far into modifying my instruments other than to occasionally chang tuning keys etc. if needed. But this guitar seems solid, It seems to hold a tune right out of the box. The volume/tone/switch is like my PRS which has great tone. So I don't see the problem some say they have with this arrangement.
Ease of Use
It's easier to play than my 12 string acoustic (Alvarez). As far as a wide fretboard, I used to attend Carlos Montoya performances in San Diego, CA many years ago and I was always amazed by his speed and precision considering that he did not have large hands (I do however which is why I noticed). Classical guitars have wide fretboards and it's great if your technique is proper (I have had to relearn that).
Quality
A 300 dollar guitar! It's great. Again I've only had it for one day but I'm having a great time playing old gospel and some new songs of my own on this instrument. Can't wait to play it in public. A pretty guitar (Amber), the two slight cosmetic flaws I see (inside the F holes) are insignificant and you'd have to be on top of it, as I am, to even see them. Certainly doesn't affect the aesthetic factor or the playability in the least. My old hummingbird isn't have as pretty but has a great sound so who cares.
Value
Let me say again $300 ! At the moment it sounds and plays like it's worth a heck of a lot more than that. I have a friend who has a house full of verrry expensive guitars that he collects from around the world, which is nice if you have the cash. But I get a kick out of making good music that makes people happy to listen on great instruments that don't cost a fortune but do the job. Ok I do have a few old valuable guitars that I did not obtain for the money they're worth today (a Gibson, a RI Guild and a National Resonator), so make a note of that because I fully expect this 300 twelve string electric is going to increase in value over the years, remember I told you so.
Manufacturer Support
Hasn't been necessary but right at this moment I'm impressed with their product. Besides when I need something done we have an excellent luthier to whom I have taken all my guitars for decades...frankly I haven't ever felt it necessary to deal directly with any manufacturers.
The Wow Factor
I have it.
Musical Background:
50+ years mainly guitar.
Musical Style:
Christian, original, a lot of alternate tunings
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Submitted March 28, 2011 by a customer from bellsouth.net
"Simply A GLORIOUS SOUNDING INSTRUMENT!"
To be QUITE HONEST, I look to be satisfied with THIS one the rest of my time IN THIS LIFE! If it got stolen--I'D REPLACE IT! IN LESS THAN A SECOND!!!!!!! I suppose I ALSO like to collect guitars as some do stamps, butterflies, and the like. I'm a bit more partial to the electric 12s. I really CAN'T think of ANYTHING not to be satisfied with about THIS guitar! IT'S GREAT!!!!!!!
Sound
I have NO COMPLAINT about the sound of THIS guitar! I also own a DANELECTRO DC-12 Limited Edition WHICH I LIKE! The Boca 12 has a somewhat thicker tone due to the Humbuckers on it. That's NOT to say that it doesn't have just as BRIGHT a tone! I couldn't believe the VOLUME & POWER from it! Now, when I REALLY want to put the "Frosting On The Cake", I simply run it through my BOSS CS-3 & PS-5 simultaneously. WHAT A SOUND!!!!!!! The Stone Mountain carillon has NOTHING ON IT!!!!!!! You could say I like the sound of my DEAN Boca 12!
Features
I give it a 9, however I would LOVE for it to have a SEPERATE volume control and/or switch for EACH PICKUP! To me, THAT would increase the versatility. I don't find it to be too heavy in the neck or headstock. THAT CAN'T be said for my DANO DC-12! Oh! It's CERTAINLY NOT even a "Smidgeon" as heavy as the Les Paul I had! In fact, it's rather comfortable when using the shoulder strap! I DON'T intend to change EITHER of the pickups--THEY'RE FINE JUST AS THEY ARE!
Ease of Use
My Boca provides ALL the sounds/tones/nuances, etc., that I expect from it. After all--I'm 56 going on 57, so there are A LOT of them out there I'd NEVER USE! Let's just say I've OUTGROWN some of them! I personally couldn't ask for more simplicity--It's SELF EXPLANATORY! What else need I say?--I LOVE the "Chime & Jangle" of an electric 12 string! The nut width is SWEET for me! I have LARGE PAWS & FINGERS TO BOOT!!!!!!! THIS is why I CAN'T play a RICK!
Quality
I did something I've NEVER done before--I bought it "Sight Unseen"! The ruggedness is PHENOMINAL TO SAY THE LEAST! As I've stated before, I DON'T abuse or "Rough House" ANY OF MY GEAR! NOT NOW--NOT EVER!!!!!!! I work TOO HARD FOR MY MONEY!!!!!!! Even if I DID a lot of traveling/over the road gigs, it would hold together QUITE WELL! Not ONLY THAT--It LOOKS QUITE GOOD TOO! A LOT BETTER than my DC-12. I have the Transparent Amberburst.
Value
OH YES! I'd say it's worth it & THEN SOME! There are "Eleventy Eleven Gazillion" guitars out there with NOT EVEN HALF the quality, which cost 4 or 5 TIMES THAT! I feel I did QUITE WELL!!!!!!!
Manufacturer Support
I'll give it a 9, but I've NOT had to use it so far! I HAVE sent e-mails to DEAN & they've responded satisfactorily. If the occasion should arise, I don't anticipate any major problems.
The Wow Factor
I say it's a BEAUTIFUL GUITAR! It's sound MATCHES IT! I like my DANO DC-12, but it's quite "Plain Jane" looking! Then again I DIDN'T buy it to look at--THAT's what televisions, camcorders, and the like ARE BUILT FOR! To me, the DEAN Boca 12 is quite a JEWEL among my guitar collection! My wife asked me "Why So MANY Guitars?" "Isn't A Guitar A Guitar?" I simply explained to her that there is BY NO MEANS a "ONE SIZE FITS ALL"!!!!!!!
Musical Background:
Hobbyist, Play HAMMOND organ in church praise band.
Musical Style:
60s, Some Country, Gospel, Sacred, British Invasion. I own a GORGEOUS HAMMOND B3 & 2 LESLIE 145s.
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Submitted December 7, 2011 by a customer from ft3.ca
"1 Sweet Axe!"
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If the boca 12 were lost or stolen i would seek an identical replacement.
Sound
I was looking for the 60's beatles, searchers, byrds 12 string electric sound and i got it in spades and at a bargain price - the boca 12 sounds great in all pickup configurations and inspires better playing
I found it very compatible with one of my musical sytles.
Features
contrary to comments on the u-tube video reviewing the boca 12, the neck is extremely stable - it stays tuned and allows for a nice low action. The semi-acoustic design probably allows the very close similarity to the rickenbacker 12 I personally prefer one tone and one volume control - it makes my job easier
Ease of Use
As I play a Martin 12 string with a neck with identical to the boca 12 if found no special difficulty playing the boca. A narrower neck would make finger style playing very difficult if not impossible
For anyone not accustomed to a 12 string there may well be a learning curve. The head stock is heavy and it isn't balanced - anyone wanting to stand and play might find some difficulty. As i only work in the studio and usually sitting - no problem for me
Quality
I have 20 guitars, which include Fenders, Gibsons, and Gretsch - the quality of construction of the boca 12 is in no way inferior to some of the best axes I own - and it stays in tune!
Value
this is very sweet axe at a very sweet price - at twice the selling price it would still be a bargain
Manufacturer Support
no experience and none anticipated
The Wow Factor
the look and the sound are totally intoxicating
the last time i had it out in the studio i had planned to play 1/2 an hour - I wound up doing an hour and a half, learned "Mr. Tamborine man" and wrote an new original tune - a very inspiring guitar for me
Musical Background:
42 years guitar playing
Musical Style:
folk, rock, jazz, new age, country
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Submitted April 10, 2016 by Mo Cee in Pasadena, CA
"Unbelievably Great Guitar for Such a Low Price - Buy One!"
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I bought this guitar from zZounds in June of 2014. I have played it since, live and in recordings. I just couldn't believe how great it played (low action, no buzz) and sounded. I kept reading reviews where people said they would be changing the pickups and I listened to these pickups, compared them to my other great electrics, and I concluded, these pickups are just fine as they are. I don't know how Dean makes these guitars so inexpensively, but they do. Buy it, you'll be very pleased. Additionally, there has been discussion about the top heaviness of this guitar. It was very top heavy when I first received it. Then I found an easy fix online. Use the next bolt screw hole for the strap. Find the most balance hole, I think it's the 2nd hole, and strap it from there. Problem solved. I can play it standing up, no issues.
Musical Background:
Played over 30 years. Play guitar and piano. Play out live and record.
Musical Style:
Rock, Indie, Folk, World, Jazz-Pop
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Submitted March 10, 2014 by Winston R in Barton City, MI
"Dean Bocca 12 String Electric Guitar"
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Nice Guitar for the money. Order was on time and as described. Have wanted a 12 String Electric Guitar for some time now. This particular Guitar plays good and has very a nice sound.
Musical Background:
Have been playing Guitar for over 40 years as a hobby. I jam at home and with a buddy.
Musical Style:
Rock and Country.
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Submitted February 26, 2011 by a customer from imperiallegionsofrome.com
"Worth the price I paid."
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Happy with what I got vs. what I paid, small upgrades and this will become my stage 12 string...thats saying alot.
Sound
I have to be honest, all of the reviews I read were correct, this guitar is actually pretty sweet considering the price range, the humbuckers make this a nice distorted sounding 12 string which is kinda rare for 12vers, opening up new heavy music possibilities.
Features
If there was an axctual 12 piece saddle for fine tuning, a slightly sturdier neck and a bone nut, those would bring this guitar up into a formidable opponent for the upper eshelon of 12's
Ease of Use
plays and sounds pretty darn good right out of the box.
Quality
Ya know, you get what you pay for, but that said, for the price of this guitar, Dean did a fantastic job.
Value
Well worth it if you want a 12 string electric and can't afford 1000 dollars for a Stratocaster XII or 2000 for a Rickenbacker.
Manufacturer Support
I tried to contact Dean about building a custom Boca for me because I like the neck size so much etc. I never got a response, which kinda sucks because money isn't the issue for me as much as finding a 12 string that FEELS right and the Boca does to me, I just want the higher grade materials and electronics like the big boys and I'd be happy...no reply...sigh.
The Wow Factor
Looks good enough, I got the black one, kinda looks a little too BATMAN for me, wish I'd gone with the burst, but still, looks pretty decent for the money.
Musical Background:
Active musician
Musical Style:
Stoner rock
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Submitted March 18, 2011 by a customer from netzero.com
"Way to go guys, you hit it out of the park with this one!!"
This one's in my arsenal to stay. If it ever got lost or stolen I would get the exact same instrument, same color, everything.
The closest instument to this I found was the Rickennbaucker 12 string semi-hollow body.
I guess what I like most about it is it's sound, completely by it's self, with no effects. Absolutely excellent.
The only thing I would change (and I'm not sure it's practicle) is the fact that it is neck heavy like a Gibson SG.
Sound
I must say I'm extremely pleased with the Dean 'Boca' Elelctric 12 string. The only effect I use with it at all is a little chorus now and then, otherwise it has a unique sound that definately fills the bill for me. The balanced humbucking pickups are just right for this semi-hollow body(I'm quick to change these if not), and as far as the tuner keys Grover says it all.
Features
All the electronics are quiet yet very responsive without being too 'in your face'.
Ease of Use
Whether you have been familiar with 12 strings or are just starting, this 12 string definately has a superior rich sound just as it is out of the box. Mine needed no set up adjustments, and plays very easy.
Quality
The overall quality is probably the first thing I noticed. I owned a Dean bass about three years ago and found Deans quality had really come around, but this guitar definitely rates 4 to 5 star. Way to go guys, you hit it out of the park with this one!!
Value
In short I feel this instrument could easily sell for two to three times it's msrp.
Manufacturer Support
I haven't needed any support thus far.
The Wow Factor
There is nothing anywhere close to this guitar in sound, looks, style, class for it's price. I looked a long time at all electric 12 string options both at the music stores and online, new and used (E-bay), double and single neck, solid to semi-hollow bodies.
Musical Background:
Professional Musician
Musical Style:
Classic Rock/Country
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Submitted September 30, 2008 by a customer from yahoo.com
"HAVE FUN----if you choose"
only if you been playing 12 strings for a long time or feel comfortable playing them then get this... but if you play anything with a little more crunchy dont get it... its good for clean and bluezy licks...
Sound
The Zebra pickups are not as good clear sounding that i had hoped but they do the job to an extent...
Features
I wish it could have more work on the wood cause its not balenced at ALL!
Ease of Use
ITS ACKWARD... the neck is wicked heavy. and the body is light.. you should only use this if you REALLY need it... cause its not good with distortions or any other effects...
Quality
Its a dean... (what more do i need to say?)
Value
if you want this buy it... but i didnt like it ans i play metal so... ya
Manufacturer Support
If you ever work with dean they love customers and fans. I sold this to a local guitar store... cause i dont like 12 strings...
The Wow Factor
Its cool looking and feeling but its not the greatest guitar around.
Musical Background:
Active Player, and Luthier
Musical Style:
Metal, Alternative, and Anything heavy
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Submitted January 31, 2012 by Rob W in Edisto Island, SC
"Dean Boca"
I am disappointed with Dean on this one. In essence, they put 12 strings on a 6 string guitar.
Sound
It's fun to play and looks awsome. But, I wouldn't go on stage with it or record with it in the studio. Zzounds, just look at your own pictures! It is obvious to a fault that the bridge/saddles are TOO SMALL. You can see that the strings are spaced wrong between the stop bar and bridge. Replace the bridge with one that fits. I would also recommend replacing the pickups with rails at the least.
Features
It is neck heavy. Lighten the neck (The maple could withstand some thinning). Or, use all maple body. The chambering could resolve this by using a heavier wood inside.
Ease of Use
Again, the pickups are not strong enough. The neck is as wide as it hould be for an experienced 12 string player. But again, the neck should be thinner. I have a 68 Greco and a 70' Coronado. The size of the body makes the difference in balance wich the Boca does not have.
Quality
Dean quality has taken a nose dive. My F350C came with a neck that was offset by nearly a quarter of an inch! And BASSWOOD? C'mon man. My cherryburst Boca came with the top overhanging at the neck. I close my eyes and do a "Feel test" on all the guitars I buy as soon as I open them. I thought great, my top shifted in transit. NOPE. When I got to the bottom, there was no deviation. Upon further examination, it just didn't fit. It had an overhang that got buy everyone that touched the guitar during assembly. Extra coats of clear and heavier pickups and bridge solved the "balance" problem and effected it's longevity I'm sure.
Value
The selling price is typical with other brands that use cheap Chinese guitars. Just go online and look at some of the Chinese manufacturers. I am NOT saying that ALL Chinese guitars are bad. To the contrary, they have some decent ones. You just have to be carefull which one you pick.
Manufacturer Support
I have emailed them twice with no response. When I called, I spoke with a receptionist whom stated there was nobody available at the time to help me and would I like to leave a message? I said no. Nevermind. Mistake. She then (with good intentions I'm sure), tried to answer my questions. I've been a luthier for over 30 years. It was obvious she had no clue what she was talking about.
The Wow Factor
It is an awsome looking guitar. No doubt. The low price gives it away. I knew this and bought it anyway, knowing I would have to make SOME adjustments. The bridge for instance. ALL of the pictures, no matter where you look, show the bridge problem.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist Musician. Lead Guitarist. Professional Luthier. Over 30 years.
Musical Style:
I have to know all for my business. I prefer 60's Rock and Acid Rock.
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Submitted March 31, 2009
"good value, needs work, have big hands or forget about it"
needs some work, as i expect for a $350 guitar
Sound
pretty much what an electric 12 should sound like
Features
does the job
Ease of Use
for the nut width, the string spacing is way too narrow, a lot of overhang from the end strings to the edge of the fretboard. bought a nut with wider string spacing to put on. i do like the width of the nut though as i have big hands and need a wide spacing. of course it's "unbalanced", it's a semi-hollow 12 string, dude
Quality
overall good
Value
great bang for buck but you better have big hands
Manufacturer Support
NA
Musical Background:
semi-pro
Musical Style:
pop rock country punk jazz folk metal unplugged
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