Squier Paranormal: Five new affordable oddball releases from Fender
Five new affordable Paranormal models announced
4,5 / 5,0 | 
These Squier Paranormal releases had already leaked all over the internet back in April and so they were never going to be a huge surprise. Fender has now officially released these 5 new models and they are all affordable and oddballs in their own way. Perfect for guitarists looking for something a little different without blowing their budgets.
Squier Paranormal
The Squier Paranormal range consists of three regular 6-string models, a 12-string and a new bass model. They all take a new slant on classic Fender designs.
Players can choose from the Esquire Deluxe, P90 Strat-O-sonic, Custom Nashville Stratocaster, XII Jazzmaster and the Rascal bass.
Perfect for anyone that likes something a bit kooky and different.
They all have Poplar or Okoume bodies and maple necks, with either matching maple or laurel fretboards.
Esquire Deluxe
The Esquire Deluxe is essentially a single-pickup Telecaster Deluxe with a Fender Designed Wide-Range humbucker in the bridge position.
Esquire Deluxe Mocha · Source: Fender
It is available in Black and Mocha finishes.
MSRP – EUR 429 *
P90 Strat-O-sonic
Next up is the P90 Strat-O-sonic and this model is just like the original Fender version, but now available for less money. This model has two Fender Designed Alnico Soapbar single-coil pickups.
P90 Strat-O-sonic Red Crimson Transparent · Source: Fender
The standout feature for many will be the compensated wraparound bridge and the stripped-back look minus a pickguard.
It is available in Crimson Red Transparent or Vintage Blonde finishes.
MSRP – EUR 429 *
Custom Nashville Stratocaster
The Custom Nashville Stratocaster is a hybrid Strat/Tele design and incorporates a set of Fender Designed Alnico pickups. With Telecaster variants in the bridge and neck position, plus single a Strat single-coil in the middle position.
Custom Nashville Stratocaster · Source: Fender
It is available in a Sunburst or an Aztec Gold finish.
MSRP – EUR 429 *
XII Jazzmaster
This 12-string XII Jazzmaster model has a hockey stick headstock and a graphite-reinforced neck. This model is fitted with twin Fender Designed Alnico single-coil pickups.
XII Jazzmaster Lake Placid Blue · Source: Fender
It is available in either Lake Placid Blue or Olympic White finishes.
This model looks like a lot of fun to play and I’m pleased that it has that reinforced neck, so will handle all that extra string tension. Hopefully, this means a nice playable low-string action.
MSRP – EUR 449 *
Rascal Bass
The Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass comes in Metallic Black and Sherwood Green finishes.
Rascal Bass Sherwood Green · Source: Fender
This is possibly my favourite of the new models and comes equipped with two Fender Designed Wide-Range Bass humbucking pickups.
MSRP – EUR 449 *
Verdict
Overall, there are some nice interesting models here, I particularly like the Rascal bass and the XII Jazzmaster myself. Plus, some very nice colour options for some of the models, with some classic ’60s colours among them.
Price wise they all appear quite reasonable as well. I would guess it will all come down to playability and Squier can certainly be great value working instruments. Therefore, I am hoping these are going to be just that. It will be interesting to hear reviews from the owners of these once they start shipping.
More Information
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3 responses to “Squier Paranormal: Five new affordable oddball releases from Fender”
Thanks! These ancient instruments are also kept by many players
Most Squiers are made using cheaper woods, pickups and hardware – a saving that is then passed on to you.
These releases are a fantastic way for guitarists to experiment with quirky designs and sounds at an accessible price point, appealing to both beginners and seasoned players.