Acoustic simulators are usually a heavy EQ and a little reverb. I'd prefer to have those two pedals, since they are capable of so much more.
I also agree with Johnny, my bro got one of those $299 Fender acoustics on sale for $199, I got it playing sweet with a set of light PB strings, and a neck relief setup. If I wanted it lower I could have sanded down the saddle a bit. Again, sounded pretty good and played pretty good. Not Martin D-28 sound and Taylor 700 playability, but for $199 new it was pretty good.
Do you remember which Fender acoustic? Or else I'll just look in the $200 range and have a good setup done on it
I bought a Boss Acoustic Simulator pedal (AC-3) years ago, tried it a while then put it back in the box and it's sat on a shelf untouched for years now. Didn't sound anything like an acoustic guitar IMO.
IMO piezo pickups are the only way to get even in the same ballpark with an electric. combine that with some sort of acoustic preamp pedal (like the Radial, or the boss acoustic simulator) and you will be much happier.
go see if your store has a MM JP6 hanging up and you'll see what I mean. If you have a strat in your arsenal I'm sure you can find a replacement bridge with them built in.
EDIT: What the purpose? Live? Recording? Just effin around at home? TBH I don't agree with the $200 epi's or Fenders being any good. A $3-400 Godin acoustic is going to give you a solid top and much better tone.
Tuning and changing strings 12 string is beyond painful, though. I like using a guitar in Nashville tuning and layering it with a standard guitar. Doesn't sound like a 12 sting, but doesn't NOT sound like one. The intonation differences beteen the guitars causes subtle phase shifting that sounds really cool.12 String sim?
Digitech Mosaic.
But nothing beats a real 12 string.