Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass - Ridiculous Retro Vintage Tone Machine! - LowEndLobster Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 ต.ค. 2024
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Squier Paranormal Rascal unboxing: • Squier Paranormal Rasc...
Hey Everyone! We're finally putting the Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass through its paces in this full review. Featuring gorgeous vintage styling paired with high output Fender Designed Wide Range pickups, this short scale THUMPS! We had a very positive first impression with our unboxing, but how will this bass fare in our full test? Let's do this!
This bass and all my other basses with rounds are strung with SIT Foundation Nickel Plated Stainless Steel 45-105(125) unless otherwise noted. Check them out at sitstrings.com/
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Squier is killing it lately. I have a Squier Classic Vibe '60s P Bass. It's my favorite bass I own despite it being the cheapest. I have basses that cost three times as much that aren't as good. I can't detect anything wrong with it besides very minor things like the edges of the nut being a bit sharp or the tone knob not being super sensitive. I don't feel compelled to "upgrade" anything.
Definitely👍
I picked up a new Squier Affinity Precision P/J for £207 not too long ago and it's a solid as a rock workhorse.
QC was spot on without even a hint of an issue.
Something I think their close competitors are having issues with.
I just wanted a cheap (but decent) bass I could drag around to & from practice and the occasional dodgy gig, but it far exceeded my expectations.
I got one and it is very good. I just sold a `57 reissue American which was nice but not 1000+ nicer.
Bought the same model P bass in white. It's incredible and has very quickly become my favourite instrument despite being a guitar player!
100%. I bought a Squire contemporary Strat, with a hard tail. I wanted a strat style guitar but with no whammy bar. The Squire was almost the only option in local stores and I can happily say it was a great purchase.
Well made, holds tune really well, and looks really nice.
Squire are bridging out with colours and designs that are quite eye catching.
Agreed, my gig workhorse has been a Squier Anniversary P-bass (not the Vintage) bought from Thomann when they were doing some sales - £288, not bad at all. It sounds wonderful on stage and plays like butter to me.
Picked this up cause of you lobster and I couldn’t be happier! If you’re reading this thinking about getting one too, DO IT! Budget players out there, this isn’t the cheapest bass on the market but if you can swing just a little more cash your money will go a lot further. No mods necessary this thing rules straight out of the box 🔥
Keep coming back to this vid cuz I want one so bad and Lobster has the best demos on YT
I had been giving the Rascal a casual look, as an alternative to my Squier P-Bass. Seeing the pure joy on your face from playing, ESPECIALLY slapping, has sealed the deal for me!
That’s literally the reason im considering it. You know an instrument’s good when someone’s smiling and laughing
That neck pickup has some nice low end growl in the lower register, which is pretty surprising given its price and design, I was expecting more of that mud-bucker type of sound you mentioned. I'm a big guy and I have stayed away from short scale basses because they look like a toy against me, so that bigger size is actually a plus for me. Very nice and very tempting Squier bass!
Hello LeL I am a 67 year old Frenchman and I don't speak a word of English thanks to the internet. I love watching your videos, your tests are superb and being a budding bass player your information is invaluable once again thank you.
luke
That thing is the single best sounding short scale bass I've ever heard. The bridge pickup is so surprising with how good it sounds. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one of those if I got to play one in a music store and liked how it plays.
I have one of these on the way -- it was love at first sight! That being said, LEL helped out with two important issues for me -- I almost ordered a short-scale gig bag before watching this review -- Thanks LEL for the word about the size of this Bass! And, I already sent email to LaBella to find out what type of Flats to use with this, since it is a string-thru only (LaBella loves to warn about not using their standard sets with string-thru) -- LEL indicated the specific set to order for this Bass -- Thanks LEL again!
Lastly, thanks to the poster who indicated that the pickups have 4-conductor wiring (he said he has mini-switches installed for coil-tapping) -- the Bass I'll be getting was purchased at a discount due to a switch issue that I can take care of, so I'll probably have the pickguard off first thing anyways. The big decision now is either 1) push-pull pot to enable single-coil mode, or 2) replace the volume and tone controls with a set of stack knobs I have here to give the bass 2v2t.
Picked one up after your unboxing video and getting a chance to play on at guitar center and it has become my favorite 4 string. The tones I can get out of it are perfect for me, and the short scale gives me some crazy reaches with my big hands lol. I love this bass
The only review channel I watch, been here for a while, been great watching your channel grow
Thank you! Glad you're enjoying the videos!
Lobster, for as long as you have this channel running, please don’t ever stop using that Microsoft CEO clip whenever a bass gets 5 claws. Cracks me up every single time.
Oh man, that clip is so cringe-worthy!
I AM that guy at this moment. I bought this bass right after the unboxing and was 🤞🏻that Lobster gave it
🦞🦞🦞🦞🦞. Validation from the man. Not that I needed it. Thing sounds, looks, and plays killer.
👍😁🎸
Great review, my friend! I am glad you enjoyed that bass.
Do you have an overview or a playlist with all your 5 claw reviews?
First time you selected the bridge pickup I noticed how well balanced the two pickups are. All the two pup basses I own, the bridge pup gets used for color and that's about it because they sound so thin on their own. Well done, Squier!
Love Lobster’s always thorough reviews! This bass has great tone in every configuration! Personally I’d like to see it produced in Candy Cola Red or some deep gold colors
I’d be willing to pay enormous sums for this bass to be done in a Lake Placid Blue or Fiesta Red, two of some of Fender’s best finishes imo
Flats will sound amazing on this one! I'll definitely check out that video when it comes out.
I've been pretty impressed with Squiers lately. I bought a 40th anniversary P almost a year ago, and it sounds and feels great! I did have an issue with the neck at one point shifting a touch, but I can chalk that up to the wood itself and how dry it gets here in the winter. I've had no problems after keeping it hydrated better.
I'm 100% getting one of these!! I'll wait until a few show up used or there's a holiday sale. Christmas IS coming, after all! LOL
Nice! I'm really interested in this bass. I think a cool mod would be individual volume and tone knobs for each pickup, like a stacked knob jazz bass. Try it Lobster!!!
That bass sounds pretty damn good, probably the best sounding short scale bass that you have reviewed in your channel. Now I am wondering if getting lightweight tuners will help with that noticeable neckdive, you might have to go for short-y or mini-clover tuners, I don't think that standard y/clover will cut it.
Love the content, it's enjoyable just watching you enjoy a new bass. Lovin' the Lobster!
Plus, Squier is so hot right now! I was always a fan of the Classic Vibe series, now with all these Paranormal series instruments, I'm delighted check them out! Thank you, keep up the good work!
Hey Lobster...Terrific review. I have a Ibanez TMB30 that I picked up several years ago. I needed a bass for home recording projects. I'm way overdue for an upgrade and I'm really impressed with the quality of Squier Gear. This Rascal Bass is killer nice, it's on my short-list now. Questions on the strings; Fender ships these with 045-105. Are these LaBella Short Scale Strings the same gauge? I can't seem to find a Mustang through body specific set on the LaBella Website. I use Labella on my Ibanez, love them! Thanks again on the in-depth review.
Who is this imposter 😳 Lobsters younger brother covering for him? This new guy is doing good things with the channel 👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks yet again Lobster for another fantastic review of a gem of a bass, I've ordered one over here in UK and hopefully get one in the 3 to 5 month expected delivery time !! THANKS richbass
Been waiting for your input on this man!
I bought one last week using your Reverb affiliate link after seeing your review and it is fantastic. Slightly heavier than my JMJ Mustang, but on the lap it's fine. A little neck dive, but I'm playing so far up the body it doesn't matter. Supreme sound and power, feels like at least an $800+ instrument if not more. Tons of value!
Thank you for supporting the channel and I'm glad you enjoy the bass! So many friends and viewers have let me know they snagged one and are loving it as well. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy (well I guess I'm not very fuzzy anymore)
I just ordered a Rascal in Shell Pink thanks to this review...I can't wait to get it in the mail!
So I got a Newport, and I guess I really lucked out. I didn’t get any of the phase issues. Out of the box it was playable, it just needed a bit of fret work and nut work. My tech was super shocked by how little it needed and was very impressed with the pickups. I think it’s safe to say that they’ve adjusted some of the quality issues, at least with the ones that have the “USA” inspection stickers like mine did.
I’m looking at a Pink Rascal too… let’s just say I’m a sucker for an interesting short scale!
That's great to hear! I may snag another one to investigate
Just ordered one! Can't wait to check it out!!!
Congrats! Enjoy!
Just another day longing for Lobster Beard 😢
This is the second time I’ve seen Lobster’s son do the videos.
Dude why? Beard ! This bass is awesome . Please bring beards and cats backs. Regardless you are the man
Lobster looks skinny 😢
The cat was in the intro and I've been eating better and taking care of myself :)
@@LowEndLobster good for you my man! But where beard
This Squier bass really delivers. The tone is great, the look is cool, and I dig the Coronado Bass headstock. Ultra light tuners, EB strap locks, and a set of Fender flats would make it complete (I just put a set of Fender 50 Flatwounds on my Reverend and they kill).
Thanks for the info! You covered a lot of things I hadn't considered, such as bridge placement & overall length.
I felt in love after your unboxing video and ordered one. I‘m so happy with it and it will be my main bass on stage 🥰
The tone, the handling and playability is so great
Hello,
Are you having any buzzing issues while plugged in and not touching the strings ? mine is buzzing like crazy, did not expect that with having 2 humbuckers.
thanks
@@doziershaw9765i don’t have that problem 🤷♂️ hope you‘ll find a solution
Any chance of taking the lid off the pickups? Are they epoxied on? How are the coils actually laid out?
I may do a deep dive on them in the future
What kind of case should we use on this bass? A normal 34 ‘ case or gig bag would fit? Btw incredible channel
Yes, a normal gig bag. I used a Sire gig bag when I took this out last night (had a blast with the bass too!)
You still reviewing basses ? You did a good job man, no distortion, no crunchy box. You got the tone knob turned on, great job.
As you advance from noob to pro then eventually you want all your knobs to go up to 11.
I love that you cannot stop grinning while playing.
I am amazed that it sounds just as good with a pick as with fingers. Usually, I can't stand it with a pick. Very interesting and beautiful bass guitar! Thank you for covering all the basses (no pun intended) with it!
Ok you convinced me. I just bought one on a bargain for $300 (edge of body is scratched - let’s call it free relic work). All I needed to hear was that those pickups are as good as I hoped.
so happy with mine. i got one of the first reverb listings for the green one and its incredible. i can't recommend this bass enough. i went ahead and did some mods tho: changed to VOL/VOL (i dont use tone knobs) and added 2 mini 3 way switches for coil splitting north coil/hb/south coil
Coil switches should have been standard, but easy enough of a mod. I'd do the same if I got one.
Doubled down and ordered my second one (in black this time) I LOVE these basses
Awesome🎸Mine will be here tomorrow. Good to know it has 4 wire pickups✌️😎☯️
Thank you for your review and honestly as always. Bass sounds great.
Also, helpful playing tip for others: offset instruments like this play better in between the legs vs on one.
Cheers.
Mmmmmm that neck pickup solo sounds awesome. I would love this bass with just one of these pickups in the pbass spot. That would be a sweet pbass variation
Got my Squier Rascal yesterday and I am equally impressed with tone and playability. Only thing to complain is the weight of mine (4.25 kg) which is a bit much for a short scale in my opinion. Maybe I’m spoiled by my Mustangs and Musicmasters which are all under or around 3.5 kg, even my Jazz Bass only weights 4 kg and is exactly the same overall size. At least it’s lighter than the Fender Rascal, but I’ll definitely try to get a another one. Oh … and thanks for the great review, Lobster!
How always interesting! Thank you Lobster!!!
Thanks for showing the relative length - I was interested in this base for sounds and vibes, I like the Newport but as you say it's flawed, but I tend to like Short Scales for portability. It's a very neat bass, but it does make the whole thing feel a bit niche - a lot of people like shortscales for the overall lower size if they're smaller people, for me I'm a pretty big person but my fingers don't always have the best reach and can strain easily - I'm also kind of clumsy so tend to bump my full scale jazz bass a lot, whereas my cheap mini P-Bass is really convenient for just bumming around the house with.
There's still definitely room for short scale humbucking retro vibe basses in flashy colours in the budget range. Glad to hear the neck isn't a mudbucker though, while they can sound good I always thought it was a bit of a waste in terms of it basically only ever being able to do one sound, having a warm voiced pickup with a good dedicated tone control is a better idea.
pleasantly surprised by the slap tone though
I had just bought a 2013 Modern Player Telecaster bass with two of those wide range humbuckers. Then I saw this and had to get it. I love it. The interesting thing is that the pickup placement is quite deceptive. The bridge pickup is actually in approximately the Musicman position due to the Mustang bridge. And the neck pickup is close to the Rickenbacker position. So this Bass really has a great sound. It’s the best Squier ever owned.
I was wondering why the bridge pickup sounded so good. 😉
@@jdmarino Those newly-updated broncos would probably be badass with one of those widerange humbuckers swapped in
I might have to patiently wait for one of these boys to show up used. I really like the tone.
Squier is so right for today’s music business. Thanks for the vid!
Awesome review as always! Looking for a short scale that will be my main bass and that can do it all; I'm going between this Rascal and the Sire U5, which would you recommend?
you have all the top tips even when I'm not actively looking for them. I was wondering what flats I could use with my new Sire U5 (both your videos about it really helped me decide on it) and now I know! Thanks! Also, great video yet again 🙂
I'd use the Mustang flats like with this bass as they allow you to go thru body. Glad you enjoy the vids!
@@LowEndLobster yeah, exactly, I really would like to use them thru body indeed, that's why. Thanks!
Great little bass. I hope they add more colors. I have 2 green and 1 black bass already! Lol.
Very nice demo my friend! I have a 1978 Fender Mustang I love I am seriously considering this one!
Yes, this is the one I've been waiting for! 😍
Loved your review. I think the Rascal will be my first base. As for the balance problem, just get a strap which you can tie to the headstock.
You know, I don't need another bass but this is pretty tempting
Great review and hugely helpful as always. I had a Squier Jazz bass years ago and it had a dead fret which put me right off the brand. I would seriously consider the Paranormal bass on the back of this review alone. Thanks a lot.
Sweet little rock n roller bass, having tried the bass VI, I've thought for a while Fender missed a trick not making a 4 string version and here it is, and it's better than I expected. The neck is great on the VI but too many strings not enough space! Looks and sounds like maybe only a bone nut(unless one is fitted) is the only mod necessary? BTW what strings does it require as it looks like the string goes way behind the bridge so I'm guessing like some short scale basses it requires medium scale strings? Hope you're having a good vacation
Best bridge pickup tone I've heard in awhile.
I'm Not gonna lie. I've been waiting for the full review of this bass since I saw Lobster's unboxing. Great Job Lobster!
(I Really want this bass)
Hey Lobster! Long time watcher, 1st time commenter!
Do you know if the pickup leads are set up so one could hypothetically add coil taps for even more tonal variety?
Really enjoy your channel. Keep expecting you to play the theme for Barney Miller every time though. 🤘
Lobster i need your honest opinion...i am new to bass playing and i cant decide which of the following basses to buy, 1.The Thomannbacker RB414, 2.The Marquess 4 or the MB5 SBK...which in your humble opinion is more suited for a beginner?
What a wide range of tones. I'll be looking for this one on black Friday.
And there was me all set up to get in debt for a Sandberg Florence. I've been wanting to get a short scale in my arsenal for a while and I was greatly attracted (still am) to the Fallout with that wonderful MFD pickup. But, this Rascal is a different beast. I need to try one out but certainly, the fact that you've given this a five-claw rating, has caught my interest. I think there's some very useable sounds here. I can see this becoming something of a classic, down the line. I agree that it's probably the best short scale out there. I love those pickups. I like to get a hold of a pair and experiment with a project I have going on. Thanks for the review as always. Your insights are highly valued. Until you groove again...
I was looking at the cheapest Florence bass and it seems you could get 3 of these rascal basses plus money to spare to do some funky mods.
@@davidsiegel1551 After being occupied with some other projects, I've just ordered a shell pink Rascal from Fender. I did deliberate over the colour - the Sherwood green is great but I decided to go for the limited pink edition. Merry Christmas to me!
nice vid ty. excellent demo.
Played one Guitar Center. I was gonna make my 2nd bass purchase a traditional P-bass, but I want one these now. Perfect combo of honk and growl! Now if I could convince my wife......
Pure Mountain Spring Water LOL / Nice review and demo as usual / Nice full and clear tones along with the other tones / I like what they did with the inlays
Killer review...nice work Mr lobster 👍
I'm really satisfied with how it sounds.
Great rewiew
This is not a bass I would buy, but it sure sounds great. It is great to see Squier step up their game. That short scale pickup
location seemed to give you trouble.
Maybe Jeremy Davis ex Paramore use this kinda body for his custom jazz bass in Riot era
It does look a lot similar although I think that bass came about during the Brand New Eyes touring cycle. During the Riot touring cycle I think he was using P-basses and an active Jazz bass. I’m personally a big fan of his use of Gibson G3’s during the S/T era.
Great review. I have been considering a short scale bass, especially to get one lighter in weight. The Rascal seems pretty nice but it is too but how does it compare to a Sire U5? Good to see Squire get a good review for once. Any chance of doing a Rascal vrs a Sire U5 comparison?
I, too, have had my on on a U5. (I am really happy with my P5.) But where to find one in the US?
Verrry nice. Thanks for the review, lobster. I’ve been champing at the bit for it ever since your unboxing vid. Say, how do you feel about the Jaguar H with this thing in your collection? Still a fan? Is there room for both? Speaking of Jaguars, ever try the Player series Jaguar PJ? I love the look and what I’ve heard of the tone on youtube, but I worry it’s overpriced. Thanks for your videos, and keep up the good work!
Lobster, I want to put flats on mine.
Since it’s a short scale, but with a string through body, would you suggest regular scale strings or short scale strings ?
great review it sounds awesome these are sold out every where in the uk
Thanks, Lobster! I note no a la Mustang PJ toggle switch issues.... ;) .... I'm intrigued by those pickups... they sound so good! Are they available to purchase separately? One of them could do a great job in my 1980 Ibanez Blazer.....
Hi Lobster, how do you think this compares to Sterling short scale? Any chance there's a video in the near future with both?
Very helpful review!!
I do like that bass ,
I wish squier would remake the 70s Telecaster bass with that same pickup .
Lobster, what is the total length, top of headstock to body end? Good video. I bought the Squier Paranormal Jazzmaster XII 12-string Electric Guitar a couple of months ago. I never owned a "lesser" Squire anything. I was shocked by the great quality.
Great review. Tone is clean and crisp and it has a great look! You can tell that you were having fun with this bass! Hey, why not review some Bass VI while you’re at it ? 😎👍
Love this Bass! My finger has been very itchy to not pull the trigger on one!
I love how you mention something that took me YEARS to notice. The fact that the center of mass has to be the closest to center of the guitar (full lenght) AND the strap button has to be around the height of the 12 fret... Otherwise divers!!!
I have seen once someone who addapted like a real long rod to pin the strat of his Tele... I personally try to strap LPs to the headstock😅 and so on
Thanks for sharing Lobster 🦞 much appreciated 🎵🎶🎸🇬🇧
Those humbuckers sound so damn nice! I'm tempted to sell my CV Mustang and get one of these. It sounds so versatile, especially for being a short-scale!
Why not keep both? I'm thinking of getting one of these, keeping flats on my Mustang and putting rounds on this. Should give you plenty of tonal options.
@@EgonSpenglersTwinkie Too many basses and guitars already 😐I don't have space enough for more instruments, unless I start stashing them in the attic or something.
Lobster, do you think that this bass would benefit from a blend control vs. a toggle switch? I envision moving the tone control to where the switch is and having volume and blend near the output jack.
Hi Lobster great review as always. I was just wondering in your opinion does the bridge pickup sound like a jazz, stingray or is it an entirely different sound altogether? Cheers
I want one of these in a 34" scale! Wonderful sounding but I'm not a short scale guy.
Lobster have you ever played Fender Rascal with the pencil pickups? Had one but sold it. Didn’t care for the output, this actually sounds a lot better in my opinion. I too miss the beard, did you lose a bet? Great video as always!
I have not. Definitely keeping this bass so I will try and do a comparison in the future. I like this a LOT!
Sounds like a vintage Stingray on the bridge pickup! Great looking and sounding bass
A tone shoot-out between the Rascal and the Dean EVO short scale bass could be interesting: the EVO also has two humbuckers and a huge body....a body made from a kind of mahogany which I would expect to be, sound-wise, warm and round.
I dig all of lobster's reviews absolutely! But I would be very interested to see sometimes reviews on some "less well known"/"underrated"/"a little bit offside" brands like Dean, Godin, Schecter, ESP etc.
Great review for a fun bass. I have 3 Squier Paranormal guitars and an Afinity Jaguar bass HB. All are from China and all are excellent playing guitars. I definitely plan on adding a Rascal to the arsenal.
L’ho prenotato! Non vedo l’ora!
Thanks! Great reviews! 🙂🙂🙂😎
So I'm confused! So are the frets further apart than a smaller short scale bass. I ask because if the bridge was farther back it would make it a even larger bass?? Thank you.
Nice. The bridge SEEMS designed to accommodate a muting setup with those extra holes and all that extra plating space.
It's funny, the holes are there for the mute kit.... that doesn't exist. I don't think the EBMM kit would work as the spacing is narrower on the rascal vs the stingray
Wow! I love the tone all the way down even on the bridge pickup. Way to go Squire! Lobster, what kind of musician will be searching for this bass? Or is this a backup in the all around arsenal? Punk, Ska, bedroom recorder?
Well crap, now I have to get one. I was immediately intrigued when this was announced, but I was waiting for some reviews before committing. I guess this seals it. That thing sounds amazing basically any way you played it.
I think this bass would look killer with a natural finish and black pick guard
Bare poplar ain't much to look at...also the painted headstock kinda skews that idea
@@jasondorsey7110 I was thinking more of a amber tint, clear, like my stingray classic.. And obviously, the headstock would be bare as well
This is my first time not seeing lobster beard. I'm now selling all my basses as i no longer have a will to live. Long Love Lobster Beard!!!!!
Curious.. I am a small person and have left arm pain when playing a full scale... overall is this a shorter reach for the first couple of frets? I want this but afraid it will not actually be shorter.
Another excellent review Lobster. Do my ears deceive me, or does that sound just like a MM stingray when slapped with the bridge pickup engaged?
I don't normally string anything with them, but I get the feeling a set of flats would be killer on this one. Follow-up vid perhaps?
Oh yes. I have a flats and rounds comparison coming soon featuring this bass and the Newport
I was going to buy a semi hollow like the Schecter Corsair or the Jack. But, ended up going with this instead. Just seems much more versatile and is able to achieve that vintage semi hollow tone too.