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Fender Electric XII 12-String Guitar

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Fender Electric XII 12-String Guitar

^# 5

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$1,750.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (12)

3 Critic Reviews

2 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Fender Electric XII

2 community setups

29 wishlisted

42 saved

Page last updated Jun 17, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 17, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (14)

$1,750.00 2 available Used

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Average Price: $1,750

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Extended Range Guitars category, Fender Electric XII 12-String Guitar is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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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

What is the neck profile like on the Fender Electric XII 12-String Guitar?: 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.
What kind of tones can I expect from the Fender Electric XII pickups?: 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.
Is the Fender Electric XII 12-String Guitar suitable for beginners?: 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.
What are the available finish options for the Fender Electric XII?: 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.
Does the Fender Electric XII have a string-through body design?: 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

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Aaron Heisler

HONEST REVIEW: 2019 Fender Alternate Reality Electric XII 12-string Jazzmaster: Byrds tones & more!

Aaron Heisler

Reviews

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PROS

Great resonance both plugged and unplugged
Lightweight and balanced design for easier handling
Smooth, fast-playing fretboard enhances playability
Strong and distinct pickup configurations for varied tones
Affordable alternative to vintage models
Durable construction with quality finishes
Neck width and body style enhance comfort
Factory stock D’Addario strings for quality sound
Beefy gig bag included for better protection
Works well with both open and barre chords

CONS

Inconsistent factory setup; intonation often requires adjustment
String-spacing on high-E courses is uneven
Volume and tone knobs less effective below full settings
Paint job occasionally reveals wood joints
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.
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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.
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Features and functionality

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The Fender Electric XII features split pickups that some users find justify its higher price compared to the Jazzmaster XII.
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The reissue of the Fender Electric XII has a different body shape and a simpler switching system compared to the original 1960s model.
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User experience

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It's noted that the Electric XII was famously used on Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven," highlighting its historical significance in rock music.
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Owners find the Electric XII easier to play as a 12-string compared to Rics or Gretschs, due to its design specifically for 12 strings.
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Use cases and applications

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Some potential buyers see the Electric XII as more suited for recording studios or specific recording needs rather than general playing.
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The Electric XII is noted for delivering a classic Fender sound, making it suitable for those seeking a distinct, shimmering 12-string tone.
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Build quality

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The neck of the Fender Electric XII has a bit of flame, which is uncommon in modern MIM models, adding an unexpected aesthetic appeal.
Source

Critic Reviews

Fender Electric XII: the 12-string electric loved by Jimmy Page | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

Fender's Electric XII 12-string guitar might not have the fame of its Rickenbacker counterpart, but its unique design and sound have left a significant mark on rock history. Praised for its distinctive jangle and used by legends like Jimmy Page and Pete Townshend, this guitar offers a robust tonal palette. The innovative bridge with individually adjustable saddles and the split single-coil pickups are standout features, providing excellent intonation and a wide magnetic field. However, despite its historical significance and innovative design, it didn't achieve commercial success, making it a hidden gem for enthusiasts.

positive

Full Review

Vintage Bench Test: 1965 Fender Electric XII

guitar.com

The 1965 Fender Electric XII 12-string guitar stands out for its rich sonic legacy and ease of playability, with a fully intonatable bridge that remains unmatched. Its rare custom color, now a unique metallic green, adds to its vintage charm. While the guitar's wiring doesn't align with published specs, it offers full, clear tones without needing compression, making it versatile and more comfortable than its Rickenbacker counterparts. Despite minor modifications, this model maintains a classic feel, making it a top choice for electric 12-string enthusiasts.

positive

Full Review

How the Fender Electric XII Became the Sound Everyone Chased During the Late-’60s Craze for 12-String Jangle | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

Fender's Electric XII, a 12-string classic from the '60s, is celebrated for its unique jangle and studio prowess, appearing on iconic tracks like Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven." Its distinctive design, with two split-single-coil pickups and a four-position switch, offered versatility but faced challenges in the market due to the short-lived 12-string craze. While its elongated headstock and robust bridge design were polarizing, these features contributed to its unique sound and enduring appeal among collectors. Despite its limited commercial success, the Electric XII remains a cherished piece of musical history.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 12 Ratings

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peasinafookinpod420

2423

over 6 years ago

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.

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Guitarist Bassist Drummer

Genres:

Grunge Noise rock Sleaze rock