The electric 12-string gained prominence with the introduction in 1964 of the Rickenbacker 360, made famous through George Harrison's use of it on the Beatles' album A Hard Day's Night and many subsequent recordings. In 1965, inspired by Harrison, Roger McGuinn made the Rickenbacker 12-string central to the Byrds' folk rock sound, further popularising the instrument.

By the mid-sixties, most major guitar manufacturers were producing competing instruments, including Fender, Vox, Gretsch, Guild and Gibson.