Vintage 1966 Fender Electric XII Black With OHSC

Here at Truetone Music, we are fortunate enough to around amazing guitars and musicians - sometimes they come together here to create astonishing opportunities.  With that, we present this 1966 Fender Electric XII in a rare custom custom color - Black - with a matching headstock.  We've never seen one like this before.

This particular guitar was owned and used by the extremely prolific musician Brian Ray, celebrated solo artist, guitarist for Paul McCartney, musical director for Etta James, and lead vocalist/guitarist of the Bayonets.  He recently decided to part with a few select pieces - Truetone Music is quite proud to have partnered with him to bring them to the market for the first time.  With the guitar comes a signed Certificate of Authenticity.

Not only that, but Brian informed us that he used this very guitar to record a song on his latest solo release, coming out soon.  This isn't just a collector's guitar - it's meant to be played, and that's exactly what he did.

Designed by Leo Fender, the Fender Electric XII was introduced in late 1965 with the bulk of the production taking place in 1966 before it was discontinued around 1970.  Most were 3-Tone Sunburst or Candy Apple Red - a Black one like this would have only been done as a custom build. 

Unlike other 12-string models which were simply existing 6-string guitars with six extra strings, the Fender Electric XII was a purpose-built 12-string designed to capture a part of the folk-rock market. The bridge has an individual saddle for each string making precise intonation possible.  Instead of using a Stratocaster-body style, it uses one similar to a Jaguar/Jazzmaster body style. It also departed from the typical "Stratocaster"-style headstock, instead featuring a long headstock nicknamed the "hockey-stick" headstock to cope with the twelve tuners. The original Electric XII employed a unique split pickup design and had a 4-way pickup rotary selector allowing for neck, neck & bridge in parallel, in or out of phase, and bridge only options.

The Electric XII's most famous claim to fame is its use on Stairway to Heaven - that in itself is enough to seal it's legendary status.  But on top of that, Pete Townshend used it extensively on the album "Tommy", Jeff Beck utlized one on "Beck's Bolero" and many other players put it to use in various ways.  To this day, it's one of Fender's most idolized and unique models.

There's only one way to get this particular sound, and it's with this.  Nothing else out there sounds like a Fender Electric XII.

What we have here is one that is all original - the finish, pickups, hardware and even the case.  No mods, no replacements.  It's as primo of a vintage find as there is when it comes to a Fender Electric XII.  The guitar is in great condition considering it's age.  It's not mint - this guitar was put to use - but considering it's age, it's in nice shape, with just the right amount of wear and aging.

The techs in our shop have inspected, vetted and setup the guitar to play perfectly (quite important on any guitar, but especially a 12-string like this).  We are excited to have this guitar here, and look forward to place it in its next collection.

Serial # 126873