Fender Alternate Reality Electric XII 12-String

[eggwheat]

The pole piece alignment being off may cause disparity between the individual strings volume and tone.. is that what you are hearing?

[Pacafeliz]

MUSICSTORE HAS THE BLUE AND WHITE ONES IN STOCK!!! BUt wow €110 more expensive than Thomann (who does not yet have em)

[Tafarel]

We've been using the XII in practice for the last two weeks and it sounds brilliant. I haven't even looked to see whether the pole pieces are off because I don't need to. The proof is in how it sounds - and it delivers. It sits nicely in the mix with drums, J-bass, strat, and Jazzmaster. The other guitarist is playing it through a Supro Dual-Tone and it is all sparkle and chime.

It just works and I/we are really happy with it. We are going back into the studio the following weekend to finish our recording and it will feature prominently.

[akpasta]

The pole piece alignment being off may cause disparity between the individual strings volume and tone.. is that what you are hearing?

I’m not hearing anything weird per se. just noticed that the pickups aren’t quite as full or bright sounding or something. Other alt reality reviewers here have said similar so far.

I did just put a new set of strings on, compressed round wounds which are like
Half way between round and flat and they help even out the sound of a 12 string. The new strings helped quite a bit. Maybe the pope pieces are off but it just doesn’t really matter?

[andreuthegiant]

They're also available in Musik Produktiv. Mine is on the way

[eggwheat]

We've been using the XII in practice for the last two weeks and it sounds brilliant. I haven't even looked to see whether the pole pieces are off because I don't need to. The proof is in how it sounds - and it delivers. It sits nicely in the mix with drums, J-bass, strat, and Jazzmaster. The other guitarist is playing it through a Supro Dual-Tone and it is all sparkle and chime.

It just works and I/we are really happy with it. We are going back into the studio the following weekend to finish our recording and it will feature prominently.

You really shouldn't need to change anything on a $1000 guitar, so that's very good to hear!

[eggwheat]

The pole piece alignment being off may cause disparity between the individual strings volume and tone.. is that what you are hearing?

I’m not hearing anything weird per se. just noticed that the pickups aren’t quite as full or bright sounding or something. Other alt reality reviewers here have said similar so far.

I did just put a new set of strings on, compressed round wounds which are like
Half way between round and flat and they help even out the sound of a 12 string. The new strings helped quite a bit. Maybe the pope pieces are off but it just doesn’t really matter?

Probably ok then...add an Eq pedal and you should be set. I have to add an Eq pedal with my Rick 360 12 as it is way darker than my other guitars.

[s_mcsleazy]

i tried one today. i loved it but the pickups felt a bit..... flat.

[JBREEZY]

Before the post of the pic with the strings on top of the pole pieces I played it a bit and it didnt seem to be a big deal if any. So I will leave it as is.

But I will probably change the pickups sooner or later. I am just not into the way they sound. I just want to have a bit of fun for a while playing it.
I do think the price tag was a bit high for this guitar, especially being a MIM. It does play good, and is real comfortable. But $1000 ?
Never the less it is a keeper for me. Played a few parts from Song remains the same (song) , and the sound is spot on.

Those of you still waiting....the wait will be worth it.

[s_mcsleazy]

in my case, i just played a lot of my own stuff. oh and this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTscuwGViRM

[akpasta]

i tried one today. i loved it but the pickups felt a bit..... flat.

Curtis Novak pickups for a XII are great. He said he could make some as-is for unaligned pole pieces or make some with the bobbin offset so the pole pieces are offset to the inside so they line up better with the AR XII string spacing.

[GGJaguar]

What's the total length of the guitar? Will it fit in a standard hardshell Jazzmaster case?

[akpasta]

What's the total length of the guitar? Will it fit in a standard hardshell Jazzmaster case?

Definitely not. I have heard rumors it might fit on a bass VI case but haven’t seen photos or had it verified.

[N0_Camping4U]

My bass vi case is in the shop but I have a fender xii, if the answer isn't posted I will update soon

[rwlandes]

Mine is supposed to arrive here in Oct. (pre-ordered in Feb.). Can't wait. Thanks for all the informative posts!