1980s Fender Japan Stratocaster XII Electric 12-String Guitar

Years ago I played one of these '80s (this one's date range is '84-'87 per its serial number) Japanese Strat XIIs and ever since, whenever anyone asks me about which electric 12 string to get as far as price-point and practicality is concerned, I brought these up. The price-point bit is starting to slip as these are now regularly listed over $1k, but for a while they appeared a pretty good bargain in the used market.

The best part of the design is the inclusion of the fantastic, original-style Fender XII bridge with overall height adjustment up/down for all saddles (really simple) and intonation adjustment available for all saddles as well. This makes setup adjustments easy-peasy and it also looks dang cool.

Other interesting features include a very specific pickguard shape and a 24 3/4" scale length rather than the normal 25 /12" that a Strat should have. I like this shorter, Gibson-like scale length, however, as it makes the neck feel silky and smooth playability-wise despite the extra strings.

This guy got a thorough setup and restring while it was hanging-out here with its owner.