There’s a distinct guitar sound that we’ve all heard at one time or another. For many, it may remains something unknown and leaves them wondering as listeners. For seasoned guitar players, its a well known and beloved sound that’s instantly recognizable. Its unique tone has graced many iconic songs throughout the decades of popular music with its chime, and sparkly sound. It’s the sound of the electric 12-string guitar.

While there has certainly been several offerings from various manufacturers over the years that have each earned their place since the instrument gained mass popularity in the 1960’s, one in particular stands out as the arguable front runner. The Fender Electric XII.

The Fender Electric XII was a solid body 12-string electric guitar that holds a unique place in the history of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation and the progression of the electric guitar. The Electric XII was part of Leo Fender’s vision to create a wider variety of instruments to meet the changing demands of musicians of the time.

Since the early 50’s, Fender had already achieved significant success with models like the Stratocaster, Telecaster and Precision Bass, but there was a growing demand for guitars with a greater number of strings to expand tonal possibilities. The Electric XII served as Fender’s first effort to delve into the realm of 12-string solid body electrics. The guitar featured a distinct design, boasting twelve strings arranged in six courses, offering a jangly and shimmering sound that quickly captured the attention of guitarists looking to add a certain character to their music.

The Fender Electric XII’s body design was based on the company’s striking new offset body shape, as seen on the Jaguar and Jazzmaster models introduced in 1958 and 1962 respectfully. The guitar featured a bolt-on maple neck and a rosewood fretboard with 21 frets, providing a smooth and comfortable playing experience with contoured body edges and double-cutaways for enhanced playability further up the scale. One of the most remarkable features of the Electric XII was its unique “split-coil” pickup design, not unlike the Precision Basses of the late 50’s. Each of the twelve strings had its individual adjustable bridge saddle and corresponding pickup, providing precise control over each string’s intonation and tonal output.

The Electric XII was officially introduced in 1965 and became quickly associated with several prominent artists of the era. Some of the notable musicians who adopted the Electric XII include Jimmy Page, who used the instrument on Led Zeppelin’s now legendary “Stairway To Heaven” in 1970, Pete Townshend of The Who, Tim Buckley, Bob Dylan and many more. The guitar’s distinct sound was particularly well-suited for folk, psychedelic rock, and experimental music, which contributed to its popularity in the vibrant music scene of the late 1960’s and 70’s.

Despite its innovative design and impressive tonal range, the Fender Electric XII faced some challenges in the market. Its complex setup with twelve strings made tuning and maintenance a bit more demanding than traditional six-string guitars, which could deter some players looking to use it as a workhorse instrument live or in studio. Additionally, the electric guitar market was becoming increasingly competitive, with other manufacturers introducing their own unique 12-string models.

As a result, Fender discontinued the Electric XII in 1970, after a relatively short production run of just five years. However, the guitar’s legacy lived on, and it became highly sought after by collectors and vintage instrument enthusiasts in the following decades. The scarcity of original Electric XII guitars pushed the value higher and contributed to an increased interest in vintage Fender models.

Fender ultimately recognized the appeal of reissuing the Electric XII and in 2019, the company reintroduced it as part of its Alternate Reality series, offering both vintage-inspired and modernized versions of the guitar to meet the demands of contemporary musicians.

The Fender Electric XII is one of those instruments that you won’t forget once you’ve heard one. Its classic Fender-esque design, unique tonal characteristics, and association with influential musicians have solidified its status as an iconic instrument. While its initial production run was relatively short-lived, the guitar’s appeal persisted over the years, making it a sought-after and cherished piece of Fender’s legacy that beckons players to add to their collections.

We’re always buying high quality vintage guitars like the Fender Electric XII, so if you’ve got one you’re considering selling, you can contact us directly through our website or give us a call at any one of our 4 stores across Southern California! We hope to hear from you soon!