Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,600
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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High-end
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Description
The Fender Alternate Reality Electric XII is a nostalgic nod to the classic 1965 design, reimagined for today's musicians who crave both vintage style and modern functionality. This electric guitar stands out with its iconic shape and distinctive headstock, a tribute to its legendary predecessor. The newly designed split-coil pickups offer a versatile sonic palette, allowing you to explore a wide range of tones with a 3-position switch that effortlessly toggles between pickup configurations—each with its own unique character.
At the heart of the Electric XII is a modern C-shaped neck, ensuring a comfortable and familiar playing experience for guitarists of all skill levels. The 9.5-inch fretboard radius and 22 medium-jumbo frets provide smooth playability, making intricate solos and chord transitions a breeze. Whether you're strumming lush, chiming chords or diving into intricate lead work, this guitar delivers the rich, full-bodied sound that made Fender a household name.
Perfect for both studio sessions and live performances, the Fender Alternate Reality Electric XII bridges the gap between vintage allure and contemporary craftsmanship, making it a must-have for any guitarist looking to expand their musical horizons.
Key Features:
- Newly designed split-coil pickups with 3-position switch
- Modern C-shaped neck profile
- 9.5-inch fretboard radius
- 22 medium-jumbo frets
- Classic Fender body and headstock design
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Alternate Reality Series Electric XII |
| Finish | 3-Tone Sunburst, Lake Placid Blue, Olympic White |
| Year | 2019 |
| Made In | Mexico |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | String-Through |
| Color Family | Blue, Brown, White |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Pau Ferro |
| Model Family | Fender Electric XII |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Number of Frets | 21 |
| Number of Strings | 12-String |
| Offset Body | Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | SS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Fender Alternate Reality |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile of the Fender Alternate Reality Electric XII like?
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The Fender Alternate Reality Electric XII features a comfortable and familiar "C" shaped neck profile, making it suitable for players who enjoy a classic feel with easy playability across the fretboard.
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What kind of music genres is the Fender Alternate Reality Electric XII best suited for?
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The Fender Alternate Reality Electric XII, with its 12-string configuration and unique tonal qualities, excels in genres like rock, pop, and folk, providing a rich, jangly sound that complements rhythm and lead playing.
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Are the pickups on the Fender Alternate Reality Electric XII suitable for clean tones?
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Yes, the Fender Alternate Reality Electric XII's SS pickup configuration is designed to deliver clear and articulate clean tones, ideal for jangly chords and melodic lines.
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Is the Fender Alternate Reality Electric XII suitable for beginners?
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While the Fender Alternate Reality Electric XII offers a unique sound and design, its 12-string setup may be more challenging for beginners. It is better suited for players with some experience looking to expand their tonal palette.
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How does the string-through bridge affect the sound of the Fender Alternate Reality Electric XII?
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The string-through bridge on the Fender Alternate Reality Electric XII enhances sustain and resonance, providing a fuller, more vibrant sound that complements the 12-string configuration.
Videos
Fender
The Electric XII: In-Depth Look | Alternate Reality Series | Fender
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional resonance unplugged; surprisingly vibrant for an electric guitar.
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Comfortable neck with a 1.75” width; ideal for various hand sizes.
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Split single coil pickups provide versatile tonal options.
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Retro Fender split peg head tuners maintain tuning stability.
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Lightweight design enhances playability and reduces fatigue.
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Great balance when strapped on; not neck heavy.
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Strong pickup output eliminates need to adjust amp volume frequently.
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Affordable alternative to vintage models with similar features.
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Chords ring clearly; easy to play barre and open chords.
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Comes stock with high-quality D’Addario strings.
CONS
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Intonation issues require significant setup time for accuracy.
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Volume and tone knobs lose quality when rolled back.
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Low E string saddle has limited range for intonation adjustments.
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String-spacing inconsistency on high-E strings.
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Gig bag lacks proper protection for unique headstock.
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Some models have factory defects affecting playability.
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Alternate Reality Electric XII.
Features and functionality
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The Alternate Reality Electric XII features split pickups which owners find satisfactory, though some consider upgrading with boutique vintage-style pickups for a more authentic sound.
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Some users remove half the strings to mimic a Fender Maverick, highlighting the guitar's versatility for those seeking a different playing experience without additional cost.
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Setup and maintenance
Mods and upgrades
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Owners are modifying the switch from a 3-way to a vintage rotary to access series/parallel modes, enhancing tonal flexibility.
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User experience
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The Pau Ferro fingerboard is noted for its good feel despite some dissatisfaction with its appearance.
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Owners appreciate how the Electric XII was designed specifically as a 12-string, avoiding the awkwardness found in retrofitted 6-string models like Rics and Gretschs.
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Owners mention the guitar feels unexpectedly comfortable for a 12-string, suggesting a proper setup can improve the initial feel significantly.
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Comparisons
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The Squier Jazzmaster XII offers a cost-effective alternative with an easier truss rod adjustment, while the Fender is praised for its sound quality and build.
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Compared to hollow body 12-strings like Gibson, Ric, or Gretsch, the Electric XII offers a tighter low end and shimmery high end, attributed to its longer scale.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings
1264
Beautiful Instrument!
This guitar looks and plays beautifully. This is the first time Fender has made this 12 string since the 60's (with the exception of some custom shop stuff).
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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