Fenders 12 String
Welcome to our comprehensive Fender 12 String guitar roundup! If you’re a fan of the classic rock sound, then you’re in for a treat as we explore some of the top Fender 12 String guitars on the market today. From the iconic Stratocaster to the versatile Jazzmaster, we’ve got you covered with our in-depth reviews, specifications, and expert insights. Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist or just starting out, our Fender 12 String roundup has got you covered!
The Top 7 Best Fenders 12 String
- Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat: The Ultimate 12-String Guitar — Experience timeless acoustic richness and Rancid’s legendary power with the Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12 String Electro Acoustic — a versatile, comfort-driven masterpiece.
- Fender 12-String Acoustic Electric Guitar: Natural Sound, Versatile — Experience breathtaking sonic elegance and effortless playing with the Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought 12-String Acoustic, designed to meet the demands of musicians seeking comfort, durability, and exceptional sound quality.
- Fender Villager 12-String Aged Natural Guitar — Embodying West Coast spirit with a unique combination of playability, tone, and style, the Fender Villager 12-String is designed for those who dare to disrupt the status quo in music.
- Fender 12-String Burgundy Mist Metallic MIJ Stratocaster — Experience pure sonic excellence with Fender’s near mint 95' Japanese gem — a 12-string Stratocaster in Burgundy Mist Metallic, complete with a hard case and ready to dazzle players of all levels.
- Fender Villager 12-String V3 — Top-Quality Acoustic Guitar — Experience the perfect blend of tone, craftsmanship, and comfort with the Fender Villager 12-String V3 guitar, featuring a sleek design and built-in preamp for exceptional sound quality and playability.
- Fender Alternate Reality Electric XII — Olympic White Guitar: Unique Sound and Design — Unleash the true potential of your music with the Fender Alternate Reality Electric XII — a masterpiece of craftsmanship, durability, and visual appeal that brings twice the fun and sound, all wrapped in a dazzling Olympic White finish.
- 12-String Fender Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Mahogany Back and Spruce Top — Upgrade your sound with the Fender CD-160SE 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar — Natural, featuring a solid spruce top, laminated mahogany back and sides, and a Fishman Presys Pickup System for exceptional performance and craftsmanship.
As an Amazon Associate, I receive compensation from qualified purchases at no cost to you!
Reviews
Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat: The Ultimate 12-String Guitar
The Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat-12 String Natural is an exceptional guitar, bringing you a signature instrument from the iconic Tim Armstrong. With its versatile nature, this electro-acoustic guitar offers not just traditional acoustic richness but also a powerful sound that truly makes it your go-to instrument.
Made from solid mahogany and featuring an ergonomic neck profile, this Fender Hellcat delivers both style and comfort. However, some users have reported occasional issues with the guitar’s ability to stay in tune and may need minor adjustments.
Overall, this guitar is a great choice for those looking for a powerful, attractive, and comfortable guitar to play on.
Fender 12-String Acoustic Electric Guitar: Natural Sound, Versatile
The Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought 12 String Acoustic guitar is a true joy to play, offering a smooth, easy-to-use experience for musicians of all levels. The single-cutaway dreadnought body style provides impressive resonance and projection, while the Fishman Classic Design pickup and preamp make it an ideal choice for live performances or at-home practice.
One of the most striking features of this guitar is its solid spruce top with scalloped X-bracing, delivering an enriched, warm tone that musicians will appreciate. The mahogany back and sides further enhance the sound quality, providing a balanced presence that is sure to impress.
The natural finish of this guitar is truly eye-catching, adding a touch of elegance to any setting. The easy-to-play neck with its rolled fingerboard edges is a welcome relief for players who have encountered discomfort on other guitars, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable playing experience.
However, there are a couple of drawbacks to consider. The slightly sharp fret ends may require some adjustment to become fully comfortable, and some users have noted a slight acoustic volume constraint. These minor issues aside, the Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought 12 String Acoustic guitar is a high-quality instrument that offers excellent value for its price.
Overall, this acoustic-electric guitar is a perfect blend of form and function, providing a beautiful, rich sound and a comfortable playing experience. It’s no wonder this guitar is highly rated by its users, making it a solid choice for those seeking an exceptional guitar experience.
Fender Villager 12-String Aged Natural Guitar
I have recently had the opportunity to play around with the Fender Villager 12-String Aged Natural. Upon first touching the instrument, I was impressed by its sturdy build and vintage-inspired appearance — a true testament to Fender’s storied history.
One feature that caught my attention was the unique combination of the solid spruce top and sapele back and sides, which gave the guitar a distinct and powerful sound that I found quite enjoyable to play. I appreciated the non-cutaway body shape of the Newporter auditorium, as it allowed for a comfortable feel while playing for long sessions.
Unfortunately, I encountered a few issues with the instrument. The tuning machines felt a bit subpar, making it harder to get the strings in tune. And even when I managed to get it just right, the fifth string (G) would often freeze somewhere around F, making it difficult to reach a proper pitch. This was a frustrating experience, especially after investing time in tuning the guitar.
Additionally, the nut was left unfinished, with sharp edges that required some filing to match the contour of the neck. This should have been addressed before the guitar was shipped, as the rough edges were quite uncomfortable to play.
All in all, while the Fender Villager 12-String Aged Natural has some great features like the solid spruce top and sapele back and sides, the subpar tuning machines and the need for filing the nut detract from the overall experience. I would recommend considering alternative options if you’re seeking a more reliable and enjoyable 12-string guitar.
Fender 12-String Burgundy Mist Metallic MIJ Stratocaster
Recently, I stumbled upon this Fender ST12 TX 12-String Stratocaster MIJ in Burgundy Mist Metallic finish and let me tell you, it’s a dream to play. Despite being around 25 years old, it’s in near mint condition.
I was excited to see that it still boasts its original hard case. This gem from 95’s solid body electric 12s plays and sounds like a top-tier guitar. Now, let’s talk about the specs: sporting a bolt-on neck made of maple, a rosewood fretboard, and 21 frets.
It’s truly a beauty to behold, and I can easily see myself continuing to cherish this piece in my collection.
Fender Villager 12-String V3 — Top-Quality Acoustic Guitar
Experience the Fender Villager 12-String V3, a stunning steel string guitar from the California series. With a top made of high-quality solid spruce, the back and sides are made from durable and rich sapele wood. The body has a sleek Newporter cutaway design, providing access to higher frets. The neck features a slim “C” profile, and the walnut fretboard comes with attractive dot inlays. The guitar includes 20 frets and a 45 mm nut width, making it comfortable for various playing styles.
One unique aspect of the Villager 12-String V3 is the Fender / Fishman CD preamp system, allowing users to fine-tune their sound with volume, bass, and treble controls. The guitar comes in a stylish black high gloss finish with a 3-Ply golden pickguard, adding to its overall appeal.
For added convenience, a gig bag is included. However, some customers have reported issues with the guitar going out of tune and the inclusion of a 3rd string in the nut. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Fender Villager 12-String V3 offers good sound quality, attractive design, and durability, making it a solid choice for guitarists looking for an affordable and reliable 12-string option.
Fender Alternate Reality Electric XII — Olympic White Guitar: Unique Sound and Design
The Fender Alternate Reality Electric XII, in its striking Olympic White finish, is a true gem in the world of 12-string electric guitars. With a history tracing back to 1965, this guitar was meticulously designed for the sole purpose of delivering that iconic Fender tone and style.
One of the most notable features of this guitar is the split-coil pickups. While they might not look like the usual ones, they authentically capture that classic Fender sound that we’ve come to love — warm, clear, and perfectly balanced. The 3-way pickup toggle switch further enhances the experience, giving you the power to switch between the neck, bridge, or both pickups seamlessly.
The fully adjustable hardtail bridge, with its 12 individual saddles, ensures that the intonation is spot-on, which is essential when dealing with twice the usual number of strings.
What stands out is the ‘Modern C’-shaped profile of the neck, making it ideal for various playing styles. The gigantic maple neck, coupled with the comfortable 9.5-inch-radius fingerboard, features 22 medium-jumbo frets and a stylish ’65 12-string headstock.
Despite the traditional build of the instrument, the Fender Electric XII comes with a contemporary vibe, thanks to the modernity of the 4-Ply Tortoiseshell pickguard and the distinctive ’65 tuning machine style.
While it may have its share of flaws, such as the uncomfortable neck adjustments and the need for Kluson H Mount Locking tuners, the Fender Alternate Reality Electric XII, overall, is a solid choice for the musicians looking to add that creative touch to their music.
12-String Fender Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Mahogany Back and Spruce Top
The Fender CD-160SE 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar, available in natural and black finishes, boasts an impressive array of features for its price range. Its solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides offer a fantastic balance of tone, while the scalloped X-bracing provides structural stability and enhanced sound quality. The Fishman Presys pickup system paired with active onboard preamp and tuner ensures crisp, powerful amplification, whether you’re performing live or recording in the studio.
While some users have praised the guitar’s durability and ease of play, others have reported issues with tuning stability and construction quality. The bridge appears to be a possible concern, as it seems to affect performance and may even require a complete bridge replacement for optimal tuning hold. Additionally, potential buyers should verify the availability of warranty service centers for this model before making a purchase.
Despite these drawbacks, the Fender CD-160SE 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar’s natural and black finishes, combined with its powerful sound and budget-friendly price, make it an attractive option for many musicians looking to expand their sonic capabilities with an electric-acoustic 12-string instrument.
Buyer’s Guide
Welcome to our comprehensive buyer’s guide for Fender’s 12 String guitars. Whether you’re a professional musician, a dedicated hobbyist, or even a beginner, this guide will provide you with essential information on key features, considerations, and insightful advice to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a Fender 12 String guitar.
What to Look for in a Fender 12 String Guitar
When purchasing a Fender 12 String guitar, there are several factors that you should consider. These include the following aspects of the instrument: body type, neck, pickups, bridge, and overall design and aesthetics. Let’s delve into each of these aspects in more detail and determine what aspects are most important to you.
Body Types for Fender 12 String Guitars
Fender offers a range of body types for their 12 String guitars. Common available types include the following: Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazzmaster, and Precision Bass. Each body type offers a unique playing experience and sound. Choose a body type based on your preferred sound, playing style, or preferred aesthetics.
Neck Considerations
If you plan to use your Fender 12 String guitar for long sessions or intense playing sessions, consider neck comfort and playability. Look for a guitar with a neck that is comfortable in your hands. Additionally, check for the scale length, fretboard radius, and fingerboard material to ensure that it is comfortable for you to play.
Pickups in a Fender 12 String Guitar
A 12-string guitar typically employs two sets of pickups — a standard set for the six lower strings and a custom set for the six higher strings. Some Fender 12 String models use single-coil pickups while others employ humbuckers. Contemplate your playing style and the type of music you will be playing when choosing between the two pickup types. Additionally, consider active vs passive pickups, which can impact the overall tone and dynamics of your guitar.
FAQ
What is a Fender 12 String guitar?
The Fender 12 String guitar is a versatile and powerful instrument designed by the famous American guitar brand, Fender. This guitar features a 12-string tuning, allowing for a fuller, richer sound compared to its 6-string counterparts. It’s an ideal choice for musicians who want to play folk, rock, and other genres with a fuller, brighter tone.
The Fender 12 String guitar has a solid construction and comes in various models, each with its unique features, materials, and styling. This allows players to choose the one that best suits their preferences and playing style. Some of the most popular 12-string models from Fender include the Fender Stratocaster 12-String, the Fender Deluxe Ash Telecaster 12-String, and the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster 12-String.
Why should I choose a Fender 12 String guitar?
A Fender 12 String guitar provides a distinct, full-bodied sound that sets it apart from other instruments. It’s perfect for players looking to add depth and richness to their music. The 12-string configuration generates a brighter and more vibrant sound, particularly in the bass and middle ranges. This resonance brings out a fuller tone, making your playing more expressive and engaging.
Fender guitars are known for their high-quality craftsmanship and durable construction, which ensures that your instrument will last for many years. Additionally, the wide range of Fender 12-string guitar models allows you to find one that meets your specific requirements and preferences. Whether you’re into folk music or rock ’n’ roll, a Fender 12 String guitar will provide you with the perfect tool to create the sound you desire.
Are Fender 12 String guitars suitable for beginners?
While Fender 12 String guitars are a perfect fit for experienced players, they can also be a great option for beginners who want to explore new sounds and tones. The wider neck and thicker strings on a 12-string guitar can be a bit challenging for beginners, as they might need to develop more finger strength and dexterity.
However, with proper practice and determination, any guitar player can get comfortable with a Fender 12 String guitar. It’s essential to take some time to learn the instrument and its specific nuances before diving into playing with others. This will help you build the necessary foundation and confidence to play a 12-string guitar effectively.
What accessories do I need for my Fender 12 String guitar?
To get started with your Fender 12 String guitar, you’ll need a few essential accessories. These include a guitar stand or case to protect your instrument when not in use, along with a guitar strap to keep it secure while playing. Additionally, you’ll need a quality set of strings, tuning keys, and picks compatible with a 12-string guitar.
Some players may also benefit from a high-quality guitar amplifier and effects pedals to enhance their sound and create a more diverse range of tones. However, the choice of accessories will depend on your personal preferences and playing style. Be sure to consult with your local music store or experienced musicians for recommendations on the best accessories for your Fender 12 String guitar.
How much do Fender 12 String guitars typically cost?
The cost of a Fender 12 String guitar can vary greatly depending on the specific model, materials, and features. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $700 to $3000 or more for a high-quality Fender 12-string guitar. While this price range is more expensive than a standard 6-string guitar, the additional strings and unique sound can make the investment well worth it.
It’s essential to consider your playing experience, budget, and desired features when choosing a Fender 12 String guitar. Remember to thoroughly research and compare different models to find the one that best fits your needs and preferences. Be sure to visit your local music store or consult with experienced guitar players for advice on finding the perfect Fender 12 String guitar for your budget.
What are some common issues faced by 12-string guitar players?
While there are many benefits to playing a Fender 12 String guitar, there are also some challenges that players might face. One of the most common issues is maintaining proper tuning, as the thinner and higher strings tend to go out of tune more frequently than standard guitar strings. To counteract this, it’s essential to use high-quality strings and invest in a good-quality tuning tool to keep your instrument in tune.
Another challenge is the slightly wider neck of a 12-string guitar, which might make it more difficult for some players to transition between chords or frets. However, with proper practice and finger strengthening exercises, most players can adapt to this larger neck with ease. Additionally, you might find that some strings on your 12-string guitar will break more frequently than those on a 6-string instrument. To address this, ensure that you are using high-quality strings and replacing them regularly to prolong their lifespan.
As an Amazon Associate, I receive compensation from qualified purchases at no cost to you!
