Brett’s ’64 Fender XII is a fantastic example in near mint condition. The sunburst finish is just beautiful and what’s really notable is highly figure birdseye maple neck, which is something that I haven’t seen much of on vintage Fenders. Birdseye maple necks is a feature of many Fender custom shop instruments (my CS strat included) but not something one sees on production instruments from the 50s & 60s.

This is the first time that I’ve spent quality time with a Fender XII and it was a delight. I own a couple Breedlove 12 string acoustic guitars that I play and they’re wonderful but I haven’t really spent anytime with a an electric 12 string guitar. After working through Brett’s Fender XII and spending time playing it, now I really want one, Fender, Rickenbacker or whatever I can find to fit my budget (probably a Squire lol)!

The Fender XII’s notable fame is for being featured prominently on the Led Zeppelin records, on songs like Stairway to Heaven, The Rain Song and Tangerine, etc. It’s a beautiful sounding guitar that I found very fun and inspirational to play.