Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,750
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1501+
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Standard
High-end
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Description
Introducing the Fender Electric XII 12-String Guitar, a harmonious blend of vintage essence and modern innovation. Originally launched in 1965, this iconic model has now been re-engineered for the Alternate Reality Electric XII. Its unique design holds the charm of the original, while boasting improved split-coil pickups and a 3-position switch, offering versatility to your playing style. The guitar also features the familiar body, headstock, and a rich sound that Fender aficionados will instantly recognize. The modern C-shaped neck profile, coupled with a 9.5-inch fretboard radius and 22 medium-jumbo frets, ensures comfort and effortless playability.
Key Features:
- Newly designed split-coil pickups
- 3-position switch allowing diverse sound options
- Modern C-shaped neck profile for comfortable handling
- 9.5-inch fretboard radius
- 22 medium-jumbo frets
- Vintage-inspired body and headstock design
- Part of the Alternate Reality series.
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 like on the Fender Electric XII 12-String Guitar?
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The Fender Electric XII features a comfortable "C" shaped neck profile, which is designed to provide a smooth playing experience across its 12 strings, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead playing.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Fender Electric XII pickups?
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The Fender Electric XII is equipped with dual split-coil pickups that deliver a bright, jangly tone, ideal for genres like rock, folk, and blues where a rich harmonic sound is desired.
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Is the Fender Electric XII 12-String Guitar suitable for beginners?
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While the Fender Electric XII offers a unique sound and playing experience, its 12-string configuration may be more challenging for beginners. However, it can be rewarding for those willing to explore its rich tonal possibilities.
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What are the available finish options for the Fender Electric XII?
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The Fender Electric XII comes in three finish options: 3-Tone Sunburst, Lake Placid Blue, and Olympic White, each providing a classic and visually appealing look.
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Does the Fender Electric XII have a string-through body design?
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Yes, the Fender Electric XII features a string-through body design, which enhances sustain and resonance, contributing to the guitar's full-bodied sound.
Videos
Aaron Heisler
HONEST REVIEW: 2019 Fender Alternate Reality Electric XII 12-string Jazzmaster: Byrds tones & more!
HONEST REVIEW: 2019 Fender Alternate Reality Electric XII 12-string Jazzmaster: Byrds tones & more!
Aaron Heisler
Reviews
PROS
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Great resonance both plugged and unplugged
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Lightweight and balanced design for easier handling
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Smooth, fast-playing fretboard enhances playability
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Strong and distinct pickup configurations for varied tones
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Affordable alternative to vintage models
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Durable construction with quality finishes
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Neck width and body style enhance comfort
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Factory stock D’Addario strings for quality sound
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Beefy gig bag included for better protection
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Works well with both open and barre chords
CONS
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Inconsistent factory setup; intonation often requires adjustment
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String-spacing on high-E courses is uneven
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Volume and tone knobs less effective below full settings
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Paint job occasionally reveals wood joints
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Some models reported with neck issues and missing components
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Electric XII 12-String Guitar.
Mods and upgrades
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Some owners are modifying the switch from a 3-way to a vintage rotary switch with series/parallel mode for enhanced tonal options.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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The truss rod adjustment is more user-friendly on the Squier Jazzmaster XII, located at the headstock, unlike the Fender's base-of-neck placement which complicates maintenance.
Source
Comparisons
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The Squier Jazzmaster XII offers an affordable alternative with Jazzmaster single coils, potentially requiring custom pickups for a vintage Fender XII sound.
Source -
Compared to hollow body 12-strings like Gibson and Ric, the Electric XII offers a tighter low end and a shimmery high end, attributed to its longer scale length.
Source
Features and functionality
User experience
Use cases and applications
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 12 Ratings
2423
great guitar
got it a year or 2 ago. I have been using it recently for live versions of Polly and our song "Into the Land of Reptilian Prostitutes". its is a great, but expensive, 12 string, that is worth the investment if you have the money.
Artist usage
Add artist
According to Premier Guitar's rig rundown, he bought this guitar at Chicago Music Exchange. He also writes a lot of songs on it, and he uses it on "Jesus Fever".
Producer Mitch Easter's XII twelve-string was used on Murmur, as recalled by Easter in R.E.M.'s Murmur (2005) by J. Niimi.
Easter brought along his white Fender Electric XII twelve-string guitar (a gift from his father when he turned thirteen; Peter Buck did not own an electric Rickenbacker twelve-string at this point, contrary to fan myth), as well as his trusty Danelectro electric sitar (which Buck had used in the Chronic Town session, most prominently on "Gardening at Night"). Easter's Electric XII can also be heard on many of Let's Active's early recordings.
Adrian gives us a demo of his new purchase on instagram.
adrian.utley - "Just got this 1966 Fender Electric XII from @atbguitars. So cool."
1970, live at german tv program Beat-Club. Johnny is spotted with the XII performing Mean Town Blues
In this user-uploaded photo, Bernard Butler is pictured with a Fender Electric XII 12-String Guitar, highlighting his use of this extended-range instrument.
In the video for paperlate, mike can be seen playing a fender electric XII In lake placid blue
In this photo, one can see McCabe playing a Fender Electric XII.
Dave Davies recorded and performed songs like "I'm Not Like Everybody Else" and "Hold My Hand" with his 1965 Fender Electric XII. The photograph is from his performance on German television in 1969 according to Dave's official site.
"I mostly played a mid-’90s Telecaster Custom, a 1985 Les Paul, and a 1965 Fender XII, plugged into the Marshall Super Bass I’ve had since I was a teenager, as well as a Joe Satriani signature model."
Kozelek can be seen in this live performance playing a Fender Electric XII.
This article mentions that Sterling used a Fender Electric XII in post-Cale VU.
In the 1965 photograph titled "beachboysSMILECARL.jpg," Carl Wilson is seen with a Fender Electric XII 12-String Guitar. It is rumored that this was a prototype model used during Beach Boys performances that year, although it reportedly disappeared from public view and may have been sold later in 1965.
Album Usage
The Fender Electric XII 12-String Guitar 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 Fender Electric XII 12-String Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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