Queens of the Stone Age guitarist Troy Van Leeuwen has brought his custom copper 12-string Telecaster to the Squier Paranormal series for $599.99. The signature instrument translates a Paul Waller Custom Shop Masterbuilt 12-string Telecaster into an accessible factory model, filling a six-decade industry gap for affordable electric 12-strings.
When Troy Van Leeuwen walked onto the Jimmy Kimmel Live! stage alongside Michael Stipe in June 2026, he carried a 12-string Telecaster finished in copper that existed only as a rumor and screen grabs (the new Squier Paranormal release). That instrument has now arrived on retail shelves as the Squier Paranormal Troy Van Leeuwen Telecaster XII, carrying a retail price of $599.99. The signature launch marks the first-ever artist model under Squier’s Paranormal banner, a product line historically reserved for eccentric body styles and reissued curiosities.
From Paul Waller Custom Shop Master Built to Squier Production
During discussions with Fender Custom Shop Master Builder Paul Waller, the original double-neck concept was replaced by a 12-string Telecaster that Waller could prototype immediately instead of waiting six months.
Four weeks later, Van Leeuwen received a custom copper-finished 12-string Telecaster with a neck modeled on his preferred Burns profile. J Mascis previously established a precedent for budget artist signatures, and Van Leeuwen wanted an instrument accessible to younger players. I didn’t have a 12-string until I was in my late 20s!
he noted.
When creating my second signature with Fender, I wanted an instrument at an affordable price point that could inspire anyone who’s ever been curious about playing a 12-string.
Troy Van Leeuwen, via Newguitardaily
How the Squier Telecaster XII Cuts Costs and Rethinks Hardware
While the Custom Shop original featured a vintage-style bridge, the production model addresses practical adjustments. I didn’t want that – I wanted something that was user-friendly right out of the box,
Van Leeuwen told Guitarworld regarding the hardware changes. Functionality is so important because it’s hard to get a 12-string bridge to work right. When you’ve got 12-strings, you really need them to stay in tune.
- Body Material: (Not specified in sources)
- Neck Specs: (Not specified in sources)
- Electronics: (Not specified in sources)
- Bridge Setup: (Not specified in sources)
- Cosmetics: Copper Age finish, matching the colorway of his initial 2014 Jazzmaster signature model.
Filling a Six-Decade Market Gap for Electric 12-Strings
The electric 12-string has occupied an expensive niche since the mid-1960s.
For the subsequent six decades, buyers faced a steep financial barrier. A new Rickenbacker 360/12 commands upwards of $2,299, while budget alternatives like Danelectro options hover around $549 with Masonite bodies and lipstick pickups. By pricing the Squier Telecaster XII at $599.99, Fender opens a middle ground between vintage collector splurges and single-sound budget outliers.
| Model | Approximate Price | Body Construction | Pickup Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rickenbacker 360/12 | $2,299 and up | Maple (hollowbody) | Toaster Top single-coils |
| Squier Paranormal Telecaster XII | $599.99 | (Not specified in sources) | (Not specified in sources) |
| Danelectro 12-String | $549 | Masonite / plywood frame | Lipstick pickups |
| Gretsch G5422 12-String | $500 to $1,000 band | Maple (hollowbody) | Filter’Tron humbuckers |
Texture, Single-Coils, and the Recording Approach Behind Perfecth
Within Queens of the Stone Age, where multiple guitarists share frequencies alongside Josh Homme, the 12-string operates primarily as a textural layer rather than a dominant lead voice. Van Leeuwen relies on single-coil instruments to poke through dense mixes, utilizing the 12-string for single-note parts and higher-string ringing character.
That philosophy extends to the band’s upcoming ninth studio album, Perfecth.
Guitars are absolutely not perfect. They shouldn’t actually work. When you combine all the elements, a wooden neck, metal frets, metal strings – it’s never going to be truly in tune. So for us, we’re examining the human experience by doing things that are perfectly imperfect, perfectly human.
Troy Van Leeuwen, via Guitar
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