Pricing and availability

Average Price: $350

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Unleash the full potential of your sound with the Dean Boca 12, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar crafted for musicians who crave a classic tone with modern versatility. This 12-string beauty combines the rich, warm resonance of a semi-hollowbody design with the enhanced articulation of dual humbuckers, offering a dynamic range that’s perfect for genres from rock to blues and beyond.

The Dean Boca 12 is more than just a guitar; it's a statement piece that bridges the gap between vintage aesthetics and contemporary performance. Featuring a semi-hollowbody construction, it delivers a full-bodied sound that resonates with depth and clarity, while its distinctive 12-string setup adds layers of shimmering harmonics and chime. This guitar is equipped with a robust set neck and a comfortable C-shaped profile, ensuring superb playability for musicians of all skill levels.

Whether you're strumming lush chords or picking intricate melodies, the Dean Boca 12 offers a balanced tonal palette that inspires creativity. The guitar's dual humbuckers ensure that your sound cuts through the mix with precision, providing the perfect blend of warmth and bite. Ideal for studio sessions or live performances, the Dean Boca 12 is a versatile instrument that stands out in any setting.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody electric guitar design
  • 12-string configuration for rich, harmonic sound
  • Dual humbuckers for versatile tone options
  • Set neck with C-shaped profile for comfortable playability
  • Suitable for a wide range of music genres

Product specs

Brand Dean
Model Boca 12
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories 12-String Electric Guitars, Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 12-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Dean Boca 12 suitable for?

The Dean Boca 12 is ideal for genres that benefit from the rich, full sound of a 12-string guitar, such as rock, folk, and indie. Its semi-hollowbody design offers a resonant tone that complements both rhythm and lead playing in these styles.

How does the semi-hollowbody design of the Dean Boca 12 affect its sound?

The semi-hollowbody design provides a warm, resonant tone with enhanced sustain, making it great for clean and slightly overdriven sounds. It offers a balanced mix of acoustic resonance and electric guitar sustain.

What is the neck profile of the Dean Boca 12 like?

The Dean Boca 12 features a comfortable neck profile that accommodates the wider grip needed for a 12-string guitar. Its bolt-on neck construction ensures stability and ease of playability for both rhythm and lead parts.

Does the Dean Boca 12 have a versatile pickup configuration?

Yes, the Dean Boca 12 is equipped with a humbucker pickup configuration (HH), providing a thick, full-bodied sound. This setup is versatile, allowing players to achieve both warm, clean tones and powerful, overdriven sounds.

Is the Dean Boca 12 suitable for live performances?

The Dean Boca 12 is well-suited for live performances due to its robust build and resonant sound. Its semi-hollowbody design and humbucker pickups ensure clarity and presence on stage, making it a great choice for gigging musicians.

gearwire

gearwire

Dean Boca 12-String Favored Guitar Of Meat Eaters Nationwide

Video thumbnail for Dean Boca 12-String Favored Guitar Of Meat Eaters Nationwide by gearwire

Dean Boca 12-String Favored Guitar Of Meat Eaters Nationwide

gearwire

gearwire

Video thumbnail for Dean BOCA 12 String Semi Hollow Body Electric Guitar by John McIver

Dean BOCA 12 String Semi Hollow Body Electric Guitar

John McIver

John McIver

Video thumbnail for Dean Boca 12 cordas - LA MUZIKA Home Studio by Luciano Albo

Dean Boca 12 cordas - LA MUZIKA Home Studio

Luciano Albo

Luciano Albo

Video thumbnail for Dean Boca Demo by Ben Coombs

Dean Boca Demo

Ben Coombs

Ben Coombs

Reviews

PROS

  • Clear and biting neck pickup, great for 60s sound

  • Bridge pickup offers subtle grind with dark overtones

  • Exceptional fretboard and fret craftsmanship

  • Fantastic sound both plugged in and unplugged

  • Grover tuners provide rock-solid tuning stability

  • Perfect combination of a 12-string with semi-hollowbody design

CONS

  • Wiring visible through the bottom F-hole

  • Slight neck dive, mitigated with correct strap

  • Some users desire pickup replacements

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dean Boca 12.

Build quality

  • Owners appreciate the fit and finish, noting nicely finished frets and a robust feel despite the budget price.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The cat eye design on the Dean Boca 12 is preferred by some for its unique aesthetic appeal over the traditional f-holes.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The guitar is often praised for its surprising quality at a $300 price point, with some calling it a "workingman's guitar."

    Source

User experience

  • Several users express regret for not purchasing sooner, indicating a strong positive impression after trying the guitar.

    Source
  • Adjusting the truss rod is recommended for those comfortable with guitar setup, opening up more options for maintenance and customization.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Due to its affordability, the Dean Boca 12 is ideal for players who want a 12-string without expecting heavy use.

    Source
  • The Yamaha 303-12 is noted for its availability at fair prices in the secondhand market, offering a comparable option to newer models.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A neck upbow issue was noted, highlighting the importance of proper neck construction due to increased string tension in 12-strings.

    Source
  • Owners advise detuning the guitar when not in use to prevent neck bowing from excessive string tension.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Yamaha 303-12, sometimes sold secondhand, is considered a bargain alternative to the Dean Boca 12, especially for UK buyers.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
simon_j_dodd

The electric 12 of my dreams, literally

When I was a teenager, I doodled—fantasized about having—a signature guitar. I imagined a 12-string semi-hollow, a little smaller than a 335. Fast forward a few decades and Dean has made it. This thing absolutely and without reservation rules.

patrick_milliken

I needed an electric 12, and I found this

To be truthful, mine is actually a Cherry Sarasota 12. I like everything about it but the pickups - I will replace them at some point

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ray Dorset uses Dean Boca 12

Ray Dorset

Singer, Guitarist

Mungo Jerry

...
Verified via Photo

In the photo it shows dorset playing alongside Paul King in berlin.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Dean Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    michael
    michael

    Gear IQ 42236