The best 12-fret guitar is...
 

...what I'm looking for right now! Well, at least one which can be as versatile as it can be for me. I'm looking closely at a Taylor 322e, which is winning the race for the one in my hands, but want to know your takes on 12-fretters. I already have an Ovation 12 fret and I want another 12. My budget only reaches 2k and a bit more, so I'm looking for something which stays at that price.

Yesterday was NGD for me; my Martin 000-15SM finally arrived, and I am smitten. I’m not sure if you’re familiar with the model, but it’s an all mahogany 12-fretter that fits within your budget; it’s amazingly playable, tonally rich, and visually gorgeous. Well worth taking one for a test drive.

Depends on the wood combination you prefer.

I've only watched videos of it. Really good. Here in PR, we have high-end Taylor guitars, but only budget Martin. Nevertheless, a mahogany 000 is something I wouldn't discard.

I'm looking, as a first choice, a hardwood top guitar (mahogany, sapele or koa).

I have two - a Rainsong Shorty and a Waterloo WL-12 MH.

I adore them both.

My favorite 12-fret guitars I’ve played, in no particular order:

Taylor custom all-mahogany 12-fret Grand Concert
Martin CS-D18-12
Waterloo WL-K

Not a hardwood top but I would give the Larrivee C-03R TE a look. 12 fret but has a 25.5" scale. I think versatile would define this guitar. First of all, it has a lot of volume and is very responsive to fingers or a pick. As I have read another C-03R owner state, you don't have to push it, you almost have to hold it back. Definitely worth a look.

All my flat tops are 12 fretters. My preference is Collings guitars which are probably over your budget.

My last two guitars are by Eastman. They are of excellent quality
Check out the E20-00

This is my custom version :

This is my E20-P (Style "0")

For $2k, I'd be looking at the Alvarez Yairi DYMR70.

Before talking specific brands or models do you have a preference for big 12 fret slope shoulder dreadnaught or a smaller 12 fret 000 possibly with slotted headstock. Those are very different beasts.

I would consider the Taylor a step down from the Folklore, and a slope shoulder may be more complimentary to your collection, but really depends on what you play.

Emerald X30...Best 12-fret
 

IMHO the Emerald X30 is the best 12-fret.
The basic model lists for $1920.00.
https://emeraldguitars.com/guitars/emerald-x30/

The biggest advantages over most 12-fret guitars
is the carbon fiber construction and it sounds as good
and often better than other high quality guitars.
The bodies contours and bevels makes it an exceptionally comfortable guitar to play.
The X30 does not feel like a jumbo size guitar and is more comfortable to play than many dread size guitars.
It also has the most restriction free cutaway you'll find on an acoustic guitar.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4Q5yFy9-wc

Yep...Matt beat me to it. I can't think of anything that could touch it?

I’ll throw in another vote for a Martin 000-15SM. Got on a couple of months ago and it’s a great guitar. Great for me anyway, who seeks warmth, bass and fundamentals. If that is up your alley then I’d look into one.

I have a Larrivee SD50 which sounds fantastic. But I wanted a smaller bodied 12 fret with a cutaway and fell in love with and bought a Taylor 312CE 12 Fret. Sounds really nice and the short scale (24 7/8") makes is very easy playing. I liked it better than the 322CE 12 Fret. I like spruce tops.