5 Alternatives to the Vangoa 12-String Electro-Acoustic Guitar

The Vangoa Electro Acoustic Guitar 12 Strings is priced at £199.99 and sits in the entry-level 12-string market, which makes it appealing for beginners and casual players who want the shimmer and fullness of a 12-string without spending a fortune. Its appeal is clear: it’s a complete starter-oriented package, it’s cutaway-equipped for easier upper-fret access, and it’s aimed at players who want an acoustic-first instrument. The main trade-off is that 12-string guitars naturally demand more from the player in terms of finger strength, tuning stability, and setup, so alternatives can make sense if you want a more forgiving instrument or a broader recording/performing solution.

Positive Grid Spark 2 50W Smart Guitar Practice Amp & Bluetooth Speaker — £229.00

This is £29 more than the Vangoa, but it is not a direct guitar replacement; it’s an amp and practice platform. If you already own a guitar, Spark 2 gives you far more versatility than a budget 12-string because it works with electric, acoustic, and bass guitar, and its 50W output makes it suitable for home practice with real room-filling volume. The built-in looper, smart app, Bluetooth speaker function, and AI-assisted features are especially useful for learning, jamming, and recording ideas quickly. In practical terms, this is the better buy if your current goal is to improve as a player rather than simply own another guitar. Build quality is strong for a modern practice amp, and the feature set is much more advanced than a starter acoustic package. The trade-off is obvious: it doesn’t solve the need for a 12-string acoustic voice, so if you specifically want that chorus-like shimmer for folk, pop, or songwriting, Spark 2 is a companion piece rather than a replacement. Choose this if you already have a guitar and want a smarter, more flexible practice setup.

Squier by Fender Affinity Series Telecaster — £239.00

At £239, this Telecaster costs £39 more than the Vangoa, but it changes the entire experience: instead of an acoustic 12-string, you get a straightforward electric guitar with a maple fingerboard and the familiar Telecaster feel. For beginners and intermediate players, that means easier fretting, lower string tension, and less tuning fuss than a 12-string. The practical impact is huge: you’ll find it easier to build technique, play bends and lead lines, and stay in tune during longer sessions. Build quality on the Affinity Series is generally solid for the price, with Fender’s name adding confidence in consistency and resale value. Compared with the Vangoa, it is a better long-term learning platform for players who may eventually want to join a band or record electric parts. However, it requires an amp, and it won’t give you the natural acoustic resonance or 12-string shimmer that the Vangoa is designed for. This is the best alternative if you’ve realised you don’t actually need an acoustic 12-string and would rather have a more versatile, easier-playing instrument.

Fender Acoustasonic 40 Combo Guitar Amp — £299.00

This is £99 more than the Vangoa, so it’s a much bigger step up in price, but again it serves a different purpose. The Acoustasonic 40 is a 40W combo amp designed for acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and microphone use, which makes it useful for singer-songwriters, small rehearsals, open mics, and home practice. If you already own an acoustic guitar, this gives you a cleaner amplified sound than a cheap starter amp and the microphone input is a real bonus for solo performers. The practical advantage over the Vangoa is that you’re investing in a tool that improves your whole setup, not just one guitar. Build quality is typically more dependable than ultra-budget gear, and Fender’s acoustic amp range is well regarded for clarity and straightforward operation. The downside is that, like the Spark 2, it is not a guitar itself. It won’t replace the feel or voice of a 12-string acoustic, but it can make almost any acoustic instrument sound better in a live or rehearsal context. Choose this if you already have a guitar and want a proper amplification solution rather than another entry-level instrument.

Squier by Fender Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster — £354.00

At £354, this is £154 more than the Vangoa, so it’s clearly a more premium purchase. The Classic Vibe line is a meaningful step up from the Affinity Series, with better overall build quality, more convincing vintage styling, and a more satisfying playing experience. For serious learners, gigging musicians, or anyone who wants an instrument they can keep for years, the upgrade is practical rather than cosmetic: better hardware and a more refined feel usually mean more stable tuning, improved consistency, and less desire to replace the guitar later. Compared with the Vangoa, this is a very different proposition: you’re moving from an affordable 12-string acoustic starter kit to a higher-quality electric guitar that is likely to outlast a beginner instrument by a long margin. The trade-off is that it does not do the 12-string acoustic job at all, and you’ll need an amp. But if your real goal is to buy once and buy well, the Classic Vibe is the stronger long-term instrument. Choose this if you’re committed to electric guitar and want a more inspiring, higher-quality platform than an entry-level acoustic package can offer.

Ibanez Gio GSA60-WNF Walnut Flat — £209.00

This is the closest in price to the Vangoa, at just £9 more, but it’s a completely different instrument. The Ibanez Gio line is known for being beginner-friendly, and the GSA60’s electric-guitar design usually feels easier to play than a 12-string acoustic because of the lighter string tension and slimmer neck profile typical of the series. For new players, that means less finger fatigue and a faster route to chords, riffs, and lead playing. Build quality is generally good for the money, and Ibanez has a strong reputation for comfortable necks and reliable entry-level electrics. In practical terms, this is a better option if you want something that encourages longer practice sessions and broader musical styles, especially rock, pop, indie, and blues. The obvious drawback is that it needs amplification and won’t give you the rich, jangly acoustic sound of a 12-string. If your main attraction to the Vangoa is simply the lower price and beginner-friendly positioning, the Ibanez may actually be the more playable choice for a first serious guitar. Choose this if you want an easy-playing electric with strong value and don’t specifically need an acoustic 12-string.

Overall, the best alternative depends on your actual use case. If you want the closest thing to a better long-term guitar, the Squier Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster stands out, though it costs significantly more. If you’re after a sensible budget electric, the Ibanez Gio GSA60 is the value pick. If you already own a guitar and want a better practice or performance setup, the Positive Grid Spark 2 and Fender Acoustasonic 40 are both strong options, with the Spark 2 being more versatile for home learning and the Acoustasonic 40 being more practical for acoustic amplification and vocals. The Vangoa still has a place if you specifically want an affordable 12-string acoustic with a cutaway and starter-kit convenience, but these alternatives may suit you better depending on whether you prioritise playability, versatility, or long-term quality.