1965 Fender Electric XII, Blue Ice Metallic

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1965 Fender Electric XII, Blue Ice Metallic

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, solid-body electric 12 strings made. Beyond that, it was the only one of its kind that featured 12 individually adjustable saddles. With improved intonation, better playability, and a ‘normal’ neck feel, the Electric XII found favour 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 popularity was short-lived, however, and the Electric XII was discontinued in 1969.

Boasting a striking - and incredibly rare - Blue Ice Metallic finish, this original custom color Fender XII is about as fine an example of the model as one could hope to find. With its "L-series" serial number, unbound Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, double-line Kluson tuners, pearloid pickguard, and July of '65 pot codes, this Fender XII is one of the earliest examples of the model that we have encountered. It is also likely among the earliest examples of Blue Ice Metallic on any Fender instrument, as the color was not added to the Fender Custom Color chart until 1965. This guitar is completely original apart from one tuning machine which appears to pre-date the instrument.

Along with the custom finish, this 1965 Fender XII was ordered with a 1-3/4" nut width as opposed to the standard 1-5/8" typically associated with this model. The 1-3/4" nut width was typically reserved for the Precision Bass alone and was rarely ordered on other models. While this wider nut width would likely feel a bit odd on a Stratocaster or Telecaster, it feels very natural on the Fender XII and allows for perfect spacing to the string pairs.

This 1965 Fender XII is very likely a one-of-a-kind instrument that offers incredible looks, fantastic playability, and exceptional tone.

Pickup DC values are 10k in both positions. The guitar weighs 9lbs 9oz. The neck measures .864” at the 1st fret and .977" at the 12th.

With ‘80s hardshell case.
1965 Fender Electric XII, Blue Ice Metallic
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII, Blue Ice Metallic
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII, Blue Ice Metallic
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII, Blue Ice Metallic
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII, Blue Ice Metallic
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII, Blue Ice Metallic
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII, Blue Ice Metallic
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII, Blue Ice Metallic
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII, Blue Ice Metallic
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII, Blue Ice Metallic
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII, Blue Ice Metallic
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII, Blue Ice Metallic
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII, Blue Ice Metallic
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII, Blue Ice Metallic
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII, Blue Ice Metallic
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII, Blue Ice Metallic
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII, Blue Ice Metallic
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII, Blue Ice Metallic
  • 1965 Fender Electric XII, Blue Ice Metallic

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