The Fender ELECTRIC XII became available late ’65 and was Fender’s conscious effort to gain a foothold in the then rapidly expanding market for electric 12-string guitars. Fender didn’t take this effort lightly: where other makes simply adapted their then current models to hold six more strings, Fender designed a complete new guitar from the ground up. This R&D process included development of a fully intonable bridge with twelve moving saddles, innovative new pickup and switching and a relatively wide neck that was easier to play than many competitors 12-string guitars.

Unfortunately for Fender the 12-string trend dissapeared as quickly as it appeared, which led to slow sales directly from the introduction of the XII. This resulted in serious overstock that lasted even when production was all but seized. Many of these guitars were stamped ‘Special’. While this stamp was mainly used to mark guitars meant for prmotional or showcase purposes these stamps were applied to XIIs to have a good excuse to discount them. In the end there were more XIIs in existence than Fender was ever able to sell. In 1969 the model was terminated and the full stock of Electric XIIs still left were converted/hacksawed to become 6-string Custom/Maverick guitars.

This Electric XII is in great shape. The nitrocellulose lacquer with the characteristic mid ‘60s ‘Targetburst’ sunburst shows some long vertical crazing but nearly no fading or wear. The original frets are in great condition which makes the guitar play almost as if it’s new. The neck itself also shows nearly no wear, although the lacquer faded to a nice amber/brown shade. The split-coil pickups give this guitar a quite unique voice.

Additional specifications:

• Neck stamp: 12FEB66B
• Serial number: 136674
• Pickup dates (handwritten): 6/16/’66 MZ, 7/12/’66, 6/14/’66, 6/16/’66
• Potentiometer codes: wk17/1966
• Stamped “Special” in body next to neck plate and behind the headstock
• w/ non original homemade hardshell case