1966 Fender Electric XII
(used in Clambake)

Elvis with Fender Electric XII from Clambake (Marty Lacker as the chef) - 1967
Screen capture © MGM/UA

In the 1967 release of United Artists' "Clambake," Elvis is seen briefly performing with a 1966 Lake Placid Blue Fender Electric XII in the same scene where he also uses a Fender Wildwood. 

Designed by Leo Fender, the Fender Electric XII was introduced in late 1965 with the bulk of the production taking place in 1966.  This model had unusual split pickups, much like a Precision bass and an alder body similar in design to the Fender Jaguar/Jazzmaster line. Initially the model came with dot fret markers on a rosewood fretboard which were eventually replaced with rectangular fret markers on a bound neck.^*

1966 Fender Electric XII in Lake Placid Blue
Photo © Guitar Center

Unlike its competitors’ electric 12-string models, which were simply existing 6-string guitars with six more strings, the Fender Electric XII was a ground-up 12 string designed to capture part of the folk-rock market. The headstock was different from Fender’s usual 6 on-a-side shape, and is sometimes referred to as a "hockey stick". Leo Fender’s bridge design for this model is very simple, works well, and may be one of Fender's best designs of the 1960s. The bridge has an individual saddle for each string, allowing for precise intonation. A string-through-body design also helps to increase sustain.^*

It also featured master tone and volume controls and a 4-way rotary pick-up selector.  The model was discontinued around 1970.  Jimmy Page used one to record “Stairway to Heaven” with Led Zeppelin.

This page added November 8, 2010 is part of the section The Movie Guitars of Elvis Presley.

^*courtesy the Antique Vintage Guitar Info site.

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