1965 Fender Electric XII

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1965 Fender Electric XII

Fender’s Electric XII was introduced in June of 1965, after Gibson, Danelectro, and Rickenbacker proved that a 12-string electric could be a commercially viable model. Fender’s version would differ in that it was one of the earliest single-neck / solidbody electric 12 strings made. Beyond that, it was the only of its kind that featured 12 individually adjustable saddles. With improved intonation, better playability, and a ‘normal’ neck feel, the Electric XII found favor with many notable musicians of the mid and late 1960s and into the 1970s. Bob Dylan, Pete Townsend; and, perhaps most notably, Jimmy Page all made use of this model. Page recorded Stairway to Heaven on one, before adopting his EDS-1275 for stage use. The twelve string electric’s popularly was short-lived, and the Electric XII was discontinued in 1969.

This example is in stunning condition and is completely original. It shows very little playwear and is not modified in any way. It’s been carefully set-up here at Folkway and plays easily and cleanly on largely unworn original frets. With its pearloid dots and tortoiseshell pickguard, this late 1965 model is from the second variation of the Electric XII and was completed in late 1965. The neck dates November 1965 and the pots are from the 45th week of that year.

Pickup DC Values are 9.1 and 9.2 k, the guitar weighs 8.5 lbs, and although the neck stamp indicates this is a B-width neck, it has nutwidth that is a hair wider than 1-9/16”. The neck measures .86” at the 1st fret and .88 at the 12th.

Offset alder body with 1965 style sunburst finish. Maple neck with curved Indian rosewood fretboard and 25.5” scale. F tuners, Transition logo.

A great sounding guitar with a lot of output and power, easy playability, and plenty of uniqueness.

With original hardshell case
1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII

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