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Average Price: $7,600
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$400
$1001+
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Description
A masterful piece of craftsmanship from the golden era of electric guitars, the 1966 Fender XII stands as a testament to Fender's innovative spirit during the 1960s. A true relic of rock history, this 12-string electric guitar delivers a rich, jangly sound that defined the music of its time and continues to inspire artists today. With its distinctive offset body shape, the Fender XII offers a unique playing experience, providing enhanced balance and comfort for the musician.
Equipped with dual split-coil pickups, this guitar ensures a wide tonal palette, from bright, shimmering highs to deep, resonant lows. The 1966 Fender XII features a 4-way pickup selector switch, giving players the versatility to explore a range of sonic landscapes, whether you're chasing the classic chime of 60s rock or experimenting with modern textures. Its bolt-on maple neck, topped with a rosewood fingerboard, provides a smooth and responsive playing surface, ideal for both rhythm and lead work.
The Fender XII's distinctive "hockey stick" headstock not only adds to its visual appeal but also accommodates the additional strings, ensuring stable tuning and intonation. This instrument is a rare find for collectors and performers alike, capturing the essence of a pivotal era in music history.
Key Features:
- 12-string electric guitar for rich, full sound
- Offset body design for improved comfort and balance
- Dual split-coil pickups for versatile tonal options
- 4-way pickup selector switch for expanded sound possibilities
- Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
- Iconic "hockey stick" headstock for stable tuning and intonation
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Electric XII |
| Finish | Black, Blonde, Candy Apple Red, Charcoal Frost, Dakota Red, Fiesta Red, Firemist Gold, Firemist Silver, Ice Blue Metallic, Lake Placid Blue, Ocean Turquoise, Olympic White, Seafoam Green, Sonic Blue, Sunburst, Teal Green |
| Year | 1965 - 1968 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | 12-String Electric Guitars, Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Alder |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | String-Through |
| Color Family | Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Grey, Red, Silver, White, Yellow |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss, Metallic |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Fender Electric XII |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 21 |
| Number of Strings | 12-String |
| Offset Body | Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | SS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Series | Fender Vintage CBS Era |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile like on the 1966 Fender XII?
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The 1966 Fender XII features a comfortable C-shaped neck profile, which is typical for Fender guitars of this era. This shape offers a familiar feel for players accustomed to vintage-style necks and is well-suited for both rhythm and lead playing.
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How does the 12-string configuration affect the sound of the Fender XII?
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The 12-string configuration of the Fender XII produces a rich, full-bodied sound with enhanced harmonic overtones, making it ideal for jangly chords and lush textures. This setup is particularly popular in folk rock and psychedelic music genres.
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Is the 1966 Fender XII suitable for beginners?
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While the 1966 Fender XII is a classic instrument with unique tonal characteristics, its 12-string setup may be challenging for beginners. It is better suited for intermediate to advanced players looking to expand their sound palette.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Fender XII?
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The Fender XII is equipped with two single-coil pickups that deliver bright, clear tones with a distinctive chime. These pickups excel at producing articulate, bell-like sounds that are perfect for genres like folk, rock, and pop.
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Does the Fender XII have a bolt-on neck construction?
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Yes, the 1966 Fender XII features a bolt-on neck construction, which is a hallmark of Fender guitars. This design provides easy access for neck adjustments and repairs, contributing to the guitar's durability and longevity.
Videos
Normans Rare Guitars
Guitar of the Day: 1966 Fender Electric XII | Norman's Rare Guitars
Reviews
PROS
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Comfortable and easy to play with a wide rosewood fretboard
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Unique tonal options with the four-way chicken head selector
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Split pickups offer humbucker-like quiet with single coil sound
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Excellent tuning stability and easy to restring
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Intonate each of the 12 strings individually
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Strong sustain, even without additional compression
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Offers vintage electric 12-string jangle
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Balanced body prevents nose diving
CONS
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Lower output compared to some modern guitars
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'Hockey stick' headstock design not universally appealing
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Some tonal positions may sound too bright or uncomplimentary
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Finish imperfections common due to vintage age
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Can be expensive due to vintage rarity
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
186
1966 Fender XII
I am the 2nd owner of a 1966 Fender XII electric 12 string. It was my main guitar for many years when I played indie folk music regularly. It's a fantastic guitar, though i've had maintenance to do to keep it in regular playing shape (as you do for 50+ year old guitars). I had it refretted, and the pick guard replaced (those old nitrocellulose guards slowly shrink with time, and it was pulling on the screws in the body). Other than that, it's a work horse, and has that beautiful vintage electric 12 string jangle.
Artist usage
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"Michael Pearce got that for me. I’d mentioned to him I wanted one. I had a Rickenbacker and he said, “A lot of people who say they used the Rickenbacker, actually used Fender XII.” So he shows up one day with this beautiful Candy Apple Red XII, and I put it on just about every record. It’s just an amazing-sounding guitar. I learned that it does what the Rickenbacker doesn’t – but it doesn’t do what the Rickenbacker does (laughs)! The Rickenbacker goes “twang” like nothing else. Put it into an AC30, turn it up, and it’s the ultimate “fairy dust” guitar, for if you need a little sparkle for a bridge or chorus. Anytime I have difficult parts to play that need to be mellow, and not overtly twangy, I use the Fender. There’s a song called “Cool New Way,” on the Super Colossal record that’s just guitars with harmonics – no chording – and I put the Fender on the left channel and the Rickenbacker on the right, and they complemented each other so well. It led me to create the Ibanez JS-1200, and I actually took detailed pictures of this guitar’s finish and told Ibanez, “It would be nice to have a JS with this color.”
In an article from Guitar.com, Matthew Healy's 1966 Fender XII is highlighted as part of his impressive vintage guitar collection. Although Healy himself hasn't been seen playing it, the guitar has been used by Jamie Squire during performances of "It's Not Living" and "Guys," and by Polly Money as well.
Album Usage
The 1966 Fender XII has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1966 Fender XII, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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