12-String Stratocasters
The Fender Electric XII, introduced in 1965, was Leo Fender’s innovative 12-string design, featuring a unique offset body, large “hockey stick” headstock, split pickups, and a revolutionary 12-saddle bridge for perfect intonation. Used by Jimmy Page, Pete Townshend, Eric Clapton, and during Bob Dylan’s sessions, it became iconic despite being distinct from the Stratocaster. In later decades, Fender Japan produced several 12-string Stratocaster models, starting with the ST-XII (1987–1993) and followed by export versions like the Stratocaster XII and Strat-XII. Later models introduced the advanced GTC-12 bridge, unique finishes, and vintage-style details, culminating in the 2018–2019 Made in Japan Traditional Stratocaster XII.