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Average Price: $7,710
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1501+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
Embrace the spirit of the '60s with the Fender Electric XII, a modern homage to the legendary 1965 original. This 12-string electric guitar is not just a revival but a celebration of the authentic jangle and clarity that defined an era. The alder body, shaped in an offset Jaguar/Jazzmaster style, ensures a resonant and balanced tone that's both nostalgic and fresh. Equipped with unique split-coil pickups, the Electric XII delivers a crisp, clear sound that’s perfect for those iconic folk rock riffs. A streamlined 3-way pickup selector switch offers effortless navigation through a myriad of sonic landscapes, making it a versatile choice for any musician.
The comfortable Modern C-shaped neck is crafted from solid maple, paired with a pau ferro fingerboard, providing an inviting feel for both seasoned players and newcomers. With its classic hockey stick–style headstock and vintage-style tuners, this instrument is a nod to its predecessor while standing firmly in the present. Whether you're revisiting the classics or crafting new sounds, the Electric XII promises a captivating playing experience with its impeccable intonation ensured by the adjustable hardtail bridge with 12 individual saddles.
Key Features:
- 12-string electric guitar with offset Jaguar/Jazzmaster-style body
- Resonant alder body for balanced sound
- Unique split-coil pickups for crisp, clear tones
- Streamlined 3-way pickup selector switch
- Ultra-comfortable maple Modern C-shaped neck
- Easy-playing 9.5"-radius pau ferro fingerboard
- Vintage-correct hockey stick–style headstock
- Adjustable hardtail bridge with 12 individual saddles for precise 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 type of music is the Fender Electric XII best suited for?
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The Fender Electric XII is ideal for genres that benefit from the rich, full sound of a 12-string, such as folk rock, jangle pop, and psychedelic rock. Its unique tonal qualities add depth and texture to both rhythm and lead parts.
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What is the neck profile of the Fender Electric XII like?
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The Fender Electric XII features a comfortable C-shaped neck profile, providing a familiar feel for players accustomed to Fender's traditional neck shapes, making it easy to navigate the 12-string configuration.
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How does the pickup configuration of the Fender Electric XII affect its sound?
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The Fender Electric XII uses a unique split single-coil pickup configuration, offering a bright, chiming sound with clear articulation, perfect for achieving the classic 12-string electric guitar tone.
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Is the Fender Electric XII suitable for beginners?
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While the Fender Electric XII offers incredible tonal options, its 12-string setup may be challenging for absolute beginners. However, players with some experience looking to explore rich, layered sounds will find it rewarding.
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What is the scale length of the Fender Electric XII, and how does it impact playability?
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The Fender Electric XII has a 25.5" scale length, providing a familiar feel for players of standard electric guitars. This contributes to its bright tone and helps maintain string tension across the 12 strings for better playability.
Videos
Fender
The Electric XII: In-Depth Look | Alternate Reality Series | Fender
Reviews
PROS
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Comfortable and easy to play with a well-balanced design
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Offers a wide range of tonal options with the four-way switch
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Split pickups provide humbucker-like quietness with single-coil sound
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High-quality build with durable, vintage materials
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Capable of intonating each of the 12 strings individually
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Excellent sustain, making it ideal for live performances
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Vintage appeal with a true pre-CBS design
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Unique "hockey stick" headstock adds distinct character
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Easier to string and play compared to other 12-string models
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Tremendous vintage Fender feel with a wide rosewood fretboard
CONS
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Some users find the headstock design unappealing
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Lower output compared to other electric guitars
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Certain tonal options may not suit all players
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Price is increasing due to vintage status
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Electric XII.
Comparisons
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The Squier Jazzmaster XII offers top-placed truss rod adjustment, making it easier to maintain than the Fender Electric XII's vintage-inspired base adjustment.
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The Electric XII offers a tighter low end and a more shimmering high end than hollow body 12-strings from brands like Gibson, Ric, or Gretsch.
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Mods and upgrades
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Boutique pickup winders create reproduction XII pickups, which, combined with a custom pickguard, can emulate the vintage XII sound more closely.
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Owners recommend Warmoth necks for wider nut widths, improving playability over the stock neck.
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Some users suggest using a side adjust mechanism for the truss rod, allowing minor adjustments without neck removal.
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Vintage-style rotary switches can be a challenge to source; some substitute with 3-pole 8-conductor switches for vintage wiring emulation.
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User experience
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Owners of the alternate reality XII find the Pau Ferro fingerboard feels good, though its appearance may not appeal to everyone.
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Owners express concern about the complexity of string changes on the Electric XII, reflecting a common hesitation among new owners.
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Some players prefer 12-strings without the G string drone for a more balanced sound, reducing perceived "warbliness".
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Setup and maintenance
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Despite the vintage-inspired truss rod placement, some users manage adjustments without removing the neck, especially if maintaining consistent string gauges.
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Build quality
Features and functionality
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The Fender Electric XII was designed specifically as a 12-string, offering more intuitive playability compared to other brands that adapt 6-string models.
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The Fender Electric XII is tuned with E, A, D, and G strings in octaves while B and high e are in unison, similar to a typical 12-string guitar.
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Critic Reviews
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