Vintage Fender Electric XII - USA 1966

Here is a Fender Electric XII, a distinctive mid-1960s 12-string electric guitar introduced in 1965 to meet the rising demand for jangly, harmonically rich tones that defined much of the era’s rock, folk, and psychedelic music. Featuring an offset alder body inspired by Fender’s Jazzmaster and Jaguar designs, along with its signature oversized headstock, the Electric XII stands as one of Fender’s most unique and forward-thinking instruments of the period.

This example features the original-style split-coil pickup design, offering reduced hum while delivering clear, chimey articulation and strong harmonic definition across all twelve strings. The three-way selector allows for neck, bridge, or combined pickup tones, giving a wide and musical range suitable for both rhythm layering and melodic lead work. A unique “synchronised” 12-string bridge with individual saddles ensures accurate intonation and balanced string response, while the floating vibrato tailpiece adds expressive shimmer and subtle pitch modulation.

The guitar is built around a comfortable medium “C” shaped maple neck, offering smooth playability and easy navigation across the wide fingerboard. The natural resonance of the alder body pairs with the dual-pickup configuration to produce a full, articulate sound with plenty of clarity and depth, making it especially effective in dense mixes where 12-string definition is essential.

This example has been modified with an aftermarket P90 pickup and an updated switching configuration, significantly expanding its tonal range beyond factory specification. It now delivers everything from crystal-clear cleans and classic jangle to thicker, more aggressive midrange tones. The tuners have been upgraded to Schaller units for improved tuning stability, and the output jack has also been replaced for reliability.

Condition is excellent for its age, with the original sunburst finish showing natural checking, light wear, and only minor cosmetic marks consistent with careful use over nearly six decades. The neck remains clean and comfortable, and the guitar plays exceptionally well.

Specifications: 

Year: 1966
Country: USA
Model: Fender Electric
Finish: Sunburst
Body: Alder
Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Scale: 25.5-inch
Pickups: Two split-coil pickups, aftermarket P90 single coil
Bridge: Synchronised bridge with individual adjustable saddles, floating tremolo tailpiece
Tuners: Replacement Schaller tuners
Case: Non-original HSC