we use a cheapo 12 string as a 6 string on both our cds. . I got it back in 92 , for like 300 bucks at guitar center. Its a Jasmine, which is a lower end Takamine. Taylors are really nice though!
I used as cheap-as-funk Yamaha six-string acoustic on both Fall of Empyrean demos. On "Anhedonia," though, the studio rented a 12-string (can't remember which brand) and we used that on a couple brief parts.