Have Squier PEAKED? | Paranormal Series Rascal HH Bass [Review/Demo]
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- #squier #rascalbass #paranormalseries
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I really appreciate that you show the DI tone without alot of processing makes it a real review imo!
also somehow this video got me into the hx stomp lol
Great for playing wooly bully watch it now 😮
Right? So many damn "reviews" I've seen of basses and guitars are run through about eight different pedals (none of which you mere mortals can ever buy) and it's like..."Great. I guess the humbuckers on this thing sound like a Tele bridge pick up played through a clock radio in a train tunnel?"
I really appreciate the DI signal tone being added in here. it lets me know what it would sound like if I purchased the based and played it through my amp at home. I feel like every thing demoed through a GK/ampeg cab sim is going to sound much cooler than when i buy it and run it through my mark bass combo.
I’m sure it’ll sound even better through your rig!
What is DI signal? Direct interface?
@@RomaluiiDirect input
mullet game is getting strong
Every day my power grows stronger
Treble in the front, bass in the back.
Truly inspiring.
Needs big long fluffy Beard as well. 😂❤
@@jamesmarkham7489 Bass boost, treble scoop
Just snagged one at $350 on sale . What a Steal . Built solid , Sounds Great, Good Weight .Much larger then I thought a for a short scale , it’s Bigger then my PBass .
Beautiful Bass with lots of mojo
Wowwwwwwww. I'm loving the look and the tones across the board. Need to play one. I haven't gotten excited about a bass in years..
Amazing to hear! It’s definitely a winner 😄
@@JonnyDibble Thank you, J Dibble. I'm literally trying to find a stockist so I can lay it on one of these bad boys and probably leave poorer. I'm prepared 😅
Just scored an open box one of these for $270 US with an additional discount! Very stoked, can’t wait to get it! Thanks for this review.
Serious bargain!
I was very close to buying this particular Bass, but found it too heavy for my liking.
I ended up buying a Gretsch Short-scale G2220 Bass.
Cheaper, and i loved the tone. ❤🎸
Squiers are pretty variable in weight, I don’t think they filter out the body blanks by weight to the extent Fenders Corona factory might. If you try like 10, there’ll probably be a featherweight 1 in that 10.
I just wish it came in more colors. I really love short scales because I'm a small guy, but the string tension is something to get used to coming off a full scale.
Doesn't sound bad, just wonder what pickups could be swapped for the "mudbucker" style.
I saw someone on talkbass swap the stock pups with some Guild Darkstars, prob will need some slight routing done but otherwise it’s not impossible. Want to say he also ripped the pickup switch out and replaced it with a blend knob
This bass seems perfect for me it sounds so heavy and full and I like high tension since I’m used to playing a Fender acoustic my whole life with extremely high tension so when playing less tension electric guitars and bass I tend to warp the notes with extra pressure out of habit 😂
@@dreamsi I think it sounds great.
I put one of these on pre order as soon as I saw it, what a stunning looking bass. I’ve had mine a month or so now, and I agree that the feel, the build quality, the playability are all spot on, such a well made bass. I just don’t think I like how it sounds 🫤 I got it out for the last 5 songs of our gig last weekend, and it’s ok in a live/band setting, but I just don’t think I love it, like I hoped I would. It’s a little too dark sounding for me, there’s no zing there. We play 70s/80s New Wave, and there’s a lot of very busy bass lines, and it just doesn’t cut through the mix, certainly not as well as my Mustangs. I’m going to get it out at this weekend’s gig and give it another chance, try to tweak my EQs a little better, but I fear it will quickly get relegated to another nice looking bass ornament in my house 😢
Perhaps some drive or EQ could help break through that mix?
I don't own one but I have heard anecdotally that replacing the pots for full size CTS (instead of the stock mini's) wakes the bass up a little. Maybe give that a try.
change the pickups?
Your review made me buy my first ever Bass! And what a beauty she is! I couldn’t have asked for a better model, so happy I managed to get one! Thanks for the review, loving your riffs too 😊
That’s AMAZING. So happy to have helped and that you’ve got such a brilliant bass 🔥
great tone! I probably buy this beauty
I've had the shell pink Rascal for about a month. I love it. I'm not a bass player, but picking up the odd bass gig is a ton of fun and I can't wait to take this one out for a spin. I usually use my G&L SB-2, which sounds AMAZING. But this one has the sound and the pizzazz.
Where did you find it in pink? I’ve been searching everywhere but can’t.
@@jackdavies8317 I got mine directly from Fender shortly after they were released. I would comb ProAudio Star and Stratosphere and other b-stock and refurbished instrument sites. They may pop up on those types of clearance houses if there are many returns to process. Otherwise, keep your eye peeled for a used one on Reverb or Craigslist. Seems like Fender sold out of the limited edition color . . . unless they decide to re-release it.
@@jackdavies8317 i don’t know if you ever got your answer, but it is a limited edition color version. i saw some on the fender website recently
@jackdavies8317 fender website has the limited edition rascals that come in shell pink and candy apple red!
@@jackdavies8317 If you haven't found it since making this comment a year ago, it's an online exclusive on the Fender/Squier website. It's also currently on sale for the next few days, which is what made me seek out this review lol
Great demo, liked the test drive. Wish I could have heard the bass better in the mix, drum machine was a wee bit loud.
Loved the review man, its now on my list
Thanks very much! 😄
string tension is a function of scale length and string gauge; if you use the same gauge strings on this as you would use on a 34" scale bass, this one will have less string tension. That's physics.
You can really tell when offsets are coming back into popularity when they offset the inlays.
😂😂
Love the string-through body!!
Great Review... as Always! I have the Rascal... but, in the Black Metallic. I REALLY wanted the Metallic Green, like yours... but NOBODY (US) had any left in stock, but lots of the Black Metallic, so... I have what I have. As far as the Bass itself... WOW!! This makes number 9 for me, and loving it. I did change the original strings (right away) out for a set of the D'Addario Flat wounds (same string set, as for the Mustang). I absolutely love this bass, one of my favorites, for sure..... still wish it was the Sherwood Green, though. lol
I have no complains about the bass but I have to comment your mullet. Simply LOVE IT!!
I have just bought it in Candy Apple Red (Limited Edition) Love it
Just ordered mine as well. Stoked on the red
@ It’s amazing colour better than in the photos 🎸
@@Otenphotography I can't wait. Ordered a replacement tort guard as well.
@ I’m just in the middle of doing some cosmetic enhancements lol The back pick is outstanding…I bought a Boss Me 90B …the two are made in heaven…
@Otenphotography what are you planning on modding?
I've already ordered a pair of push/pull CTS pots to play around with coil split or series/parallel ideas. I also grabbed a pair of classic Jazzmaster witch hat knobs to complete the vintage look
Good review and I agree the bridge pup is the best tone.
Thank-you! Sounds killer
Paranormal Rascal is a very cool bass, and the paranormal vintage jazz bass was too! I would like to have both..
Love the bridge pickup on this I would love to own one maybe sooner or later. Mortgage comes first haha. It be sick if we finally got a sig bass for royal blood. Wouldn’t hesitate on that for sure.
I have heard… there might be one on the way
It’s out today. For a mere £1,500!
Fell in love in that Bass after your video. Just received mine 🥰
Outside of how awesome it looks, the string tension thing was my selling point. I love my mustang for the playability, but the "floppiness" of the lower tension made it awkward when I dig in a bit too hard. A short scale playability with a long scale feel was what I've always wanted
Yeah, I have the same problem with my mustang. Beautiful bass, but the string tension makes anything below standard basically impossible. I can kinda do drop D, but that's pushing it. I find that messing with the action helps a bit. Maybe pull the saddles back?
Space for a new bass has recently opened up in my collection. My squier 5 string contemporary active jazz bass is versatile, but the color, shape, and tone is all there in the rascal bass. Having just traded a 4 string, i'm due a new one so it might as well be this beauty
Well allow me to pre-congratulate you on an awesome new bass 🤩
Those contemporary active jazz basses are seriously underrated
I've been playing one for around 5-6 years. It was my first electric bass, and it is my favorite. Mine's a 4 string though. Got tons of compliments about my bass tone on gigs with it as well, just a solid instrument
Love it going to get one
Great review. Can’t wait to grab one of these for some Royal Blood style stuff!
Another great review. Excellent bass but everyone I tried was a boat anchor that weighed 10+ lbs; more than a 70's jazz bass!
@@TheBassfresh Thanks! Oh really? I don’t remember this being too heavy at all tbh
@@JonnyDibble to be sure I've only played 2 and I bet there are outliers
love everything about this bas as said, its very addictive.
This would sound fantastic with a little capacitor in series with the bridge pickup
I don't care for offset bodies, or matching color headstocks, but something about the rascal is a good thing.
For anyone who owns this bass, can you tell me how it holds up with aggressive picking. My current gigging bass rattles like hell whenever I play open notes, due to the punk nature of my playing. thanks
Holds up very well 😃 To me, the string tension feels tighter than a regular short scale
Looks great, I'm interested in a Pink Rascal. I already have a Fender Mustang, and I hated that switch. So I changed out the pots to stacked vol/tone pots like the Paranormal Jazz bass has, and I like it much better. Very interested in this bass.
Nice! Great shout
Thanks for the review. I just ordered a couple of guitar stands. :-)
Legend! Thanks Jenny 😊
I'm glad this thing sounds great because I'm not gonna lie; I'll probably get the most of my milage from the neck pick up (I'm kind of a post-hardcore; punk and hardcore pick player who dabbles in distorted power chords; I palm mutes his chugs because of how much gain I use). I honestly just love the look of it. My only gripe is that they didn't make it in more colors. I'd love to see one of these in a deep, wine red or maybe some sort of sunburst.
on the Fender website now.. candy apple red (sparkle)
I'd love a Paranormal bass inspired by Cliff Burton's Rickenbacker.
Think a 32" scale '72 tele bass with a wide range humbucker by the neck and a jazz bass pickup by the bridge, mustang bridge, cream bound Candy Apple Red body with a single-ply white pickguard, matching headstock, bound neck with block inlays (a bonus would be if it even came with 2 vol, 2 tone and a toggle switch)
Whiche one do you like most, Rascal or Paranormal jazz bass?
Rascal for sure 🔥
Got this Bass since 2 months and i‘m so in love with it!
Is the Limited Edition only available in America ?!
Just ordered one. I need a short scale for my stubby fingers, and the looks of this thing can't be beat. Getting a green one, of course.
A video of you collection would be awesome. Any Ricks?
@@lookingatcrap I will do! Afraid not. I have a collection of 8 atm
Soooo....my ernie ball bass is in the shop getting a new preamp bc the 31 yr old one went out for some reason 😅...and the only other bass i have is my rascal. Got gigs coming up and im nervous to gig it lol. Its comfortable with very low action but i can really only use the bridge pickup to get the articulation and punch i need for the music i play. The pickup is so far back toward the bridge that you lose some bass and gain a lot of upper mids. So in this position i add bass and dial back the high mids a good bit. Then it sounds much better and has punch. Middle position loses mids and neck pickup has too much mud. I would only use the neck pickup or both for blues or motown or something. Bass sounds really good actually for what it is. Looks great too. Ive never gigged a squier though 😂. Its happening very soon.
Bass looks amazing but I don't understand why the bridge is so far forward from the edge. The whole idea of a short scale for the most part is so the nut is closer to you making it easier to play 🤷♂️. I'd get one otherwise.
Great review thanks. Hi fellow bassists (and cellists!) Bought the Fender Rascal model with the three lipstick pickups when it first came out. The sound is superb, and I would never attempt to customise such a rare bass. I read only about 1,000 were ever produced. My complaint is I miss resting my thumb on normal squarish-shaped pickups. As a cellist when playing pizzicato/plucking I often use the edge of the fingerboard for my thumb as a reference point. Has anyone compared the Fender Rascal vs. the Squire Paranormal Rascal?
I have both, and I hate to say, I like the Squier better!
@@mannishboy1 Finally someone who has compared! Good to know thanks. Might I be so bold as to why you prefer the Squier?
I have been *really* tempted by these, but I have to admit, I've gotten used to satin neck finish and I feel like a glossy neck would be the deal breaker for me.
Can always use a bit of sandpaper to remove it! I’ve done it to Squiers in the past and they feel much better afterwards 😊
@@JonnyDibble I've been thinking about that for my Squier Vintage Modified 5-string Jazz but I've been afraid I'd overdo it!
Just use scotch brite to make the gloss finish feel like satin finish. Quite easy and hard to overdo.
Fantastic review once again, Jonny. This is an awesome bass, the matching headstock makes it look more expensive than it really is. Not a fan of that style of bridge though.
Cheers Dave!
Came for the bass, stayed for the mullet 👌🏻
My man 👊
Its "Jon claude van dibble", loving the mullet and the bass sounds good too😎
The tone is in the mullet. Thanks mate!
Since you've heard the sound up-close (not through computer): how would you compare this bass with P or PJ Squier basses? Clarification: looking to replace my long scale PJ with a short scale bass.
Hi, you talk about the body from a Vi, but the scale is the same (body and neck) as the bass Vi?
MY GOD, I NEED THE PINK ONE!
Hi Johnny, I'm from Indonesia. Can you review Squier Classic Vibe Jaguar Bass for my reference before i buy it?
I do think I want one, I’m just torn on the Sherwood green or the shell pink. The shell pink also comes with a tortoise shell pick guard
It’s a very difficult choice!
Have you decided yet? I think the green one is slightly better, especially cause of the white pickguard
@@johnhennessey5 still not decided, but leaning towards the pink one, just because I’m a sucker for tortoise shell but I’ll just have to see what is available when I’m ready to pull the trigger. The green looks awesome too
@dylansmith880 I have the same dilemma. Me personally, I would settle the debate simply by putting the tort pickguard on the Sherwood Green bass. I guess the only feasible option is to buy both!
Do you think it can get near to Jack Bruce Cream SG Bass tones?
❤ Hey I have a question, I have an exact bass in mind that I want but it doesn't exist. Basically jaguar body, 34inch scale, at least 2lbs lighter than this rascal bass but with as similar pickups with as similar sound as possible because it sounds so good. Im just worried, if I bought a jaguar body I liked and found, I don't know, wide range humbucker pick ups? And installed them... What if I make some big expensive mistakes? I'm not a luthier. Should I go for it?/any advice?
Dude I've been watching out on Thomann / in general online for over 6 months, and I can't order this bass, especially in green at all. Wtf is up with them? Currently there are like 1-2 music stores that offer the black one, but green is bitchin, they bought me with these esthetics. Great video!
I think flatwounds would sound pretty cool on this little rascal
I think so too!
Yeah the bridge pickup sounds ace
Love it
I prefer Chinese made Squier over Indonesian in recent years, this rascal is on my list, sounds so amazing!
Hoping the shell pink comes to the UK.
Same!
Matching headstock for the win!
YES
I’m sorry the shell pink isn’t available in your market, but if it weren’t for your video I would’ve had no idea it was an option in the states. I kept seeing on Reddit it was exclusive to Australia??? Either way, ordered mine yesterday and I’ll be sure to jam an extra bit in your honor 🎉❤
Where did you order it from? I’d love to get a pink version!
@@jackdavies8317 they had them on sale for awhile directly from Fender as a limited special edition, but it shows out of stock now :( sorry friend!
They are in stock now.
I guess the string tension is why it's body through?
I really really need advice. I have a fender jazz bass 5 string and it’s supposed to great and fantastic which mind you it is, but I’m a small dude and this 5 string is HUGE, also incredibly heavy and the fretboard is very large as well , I have this rascal bass which is way better in the weight and size department, but I don’t know if it sounds better and I really want the best sound possible. Which bass would be the best for recording music I’m in a band and I feel like I’m so lost on trying to figure which bass to use.
For most recording situations, a P or J is always good. Do you need a 5 string? Why not a 4 string jazz?
@@JonnyDibble I don’t need one it’s just what I got cause at the time cause I thought it was a good idea. Perhaps I should sell the 5 and move to a 4?
@@MeloYelo512 if you’re finding the fretboard too big, a 4 string will be better. Jazz necks are traditionally quite slim too 😊 If you decide short scale is the way to go, try a Mustang or the Sire U5. The Rascal is amazing, but it does have a specific sound
hey, nice video and nice bass, Thank you for sharing. Looking at it it seems that the shortened scale has been achieved by just moving the bridge towards the neck. Is the neck actually shorter? (from a production point of view it would make sense to keep the neck lenght as per standard, taking advantage of the bridge placement, and just change the fretboard).
That would also explain why it's not as light as you expected.
The neck is smaller, frets are way smaller than a long scale 😊
Would this be a good first bass? I've been borrowing and learning on a p-bass but I'm a grass is greener and bang for your buck kinda guy..i'm also 5'4 on the shorter side..
100%!
@@JonnyDibble thanks mate!
Nice it's got that heaviness of a bad Boi after a pint,I love it wanna take it home but I'm not a bassist 🫶🫶🧙♂️🌍👁️✅
The Fender Rascal Bass wasn't a one-off. Fender made a few in Mexico (I have one.)
It is very puzzling to me why Fender / Squier would make this bass with a short 30" scale and then place the bridge so far up the body that it basically plays (reach-wise) like a long scale bass ?? It doesn't make any sense at all, this would be an awesome short scale bass if only the bridge was in a better position.. as it is though, you might as well buy a long scale bass instead.
I’m not sure what you mean, I think most players play with their thumb on the pickup, but regardless, the distance between frets is smaller on a short scale, so it’s easier to shred. Also, because the strings are shorter, there’s actually less harmonics, hence why short scale basses have a distinctly tighter sound.
it’s a paranormal bass, why would you expect it to be normal?
DAMN these are $100 off right now and I would totally buy one except that the made in China part really makes me not want to...my Squier made in Indonesia bass is AMAZING and rivals my Fender MIMs...but made in China scares me! Anyone have thoughts?
@@BD-zg7is imo, the recent China made stuff is better than Indonesia!
Great review!
Cheers!
Love both pickups. Been playing a Squier VM TB (the refreshed version of the Telecaster II from the early '70s) for 11 years now and love that oomphy, fat tone. Really great for emulating double bass sound if played with tapewounds.
The Rascal is even more versatile, and boy it's a looker, too. Would love to get it. And Paranormal Toronado as well, that electric guitar is awesome.
Oh awesome, they’re super rare. Looks like we’re getting a new Fender model soon too! Looove the Toronado shape
I get what you’re saying about the switch (something flush mounted could be cool) but those slider switches from Jazzmasters are way, way more likely to fail!
This is a beautiful looking and sounding bass :-)
Agreed 👍
Toggle switch: You'll find them on guitars where people strum violently. Fingerstyle or pick bass are the absolute last places I expect anyone to be jogging controls a 5 cm+ from the strings. Having said that - I put a rotary 3-way on my main PJ bass. I HATE blends. In 99% of mixes, nobody at all can hear that 3mm move you made on the bridge knob.
It sounds so thick and noisy and grunge / hardcore I love it. Thank you for testing my this! You’ve convinced me to get it for my shoegaze/emo/hyper grunge pop punk/metalcore music that I’m recording for my album 💜🤘
Amazing!!!
Why would the string tension be higher? Unless you put flats on it or raised the action too high.
I wonder if it feels tighter because of the bridge is further forward so you naturally play
nearer it?
Listening to it, it sounds like it floats out of pitch easily from plucking/fretting too hard. That can be common with short-scale basses; the looser strings can more easily be pulled out of tune. A pass for me, unfortunately.
Is the build quality on par with the 40th anniversary models? My first bass was a mid-90s Squire P-Bass, and it was mediocre at best. So glad to see the options for budget guitars are awesome.
@@ScottSilverstone I’d say so!
I need a gif of 4:55
Your amp SIM takes off so much top! It makes the tone comparison a bit pointless. Commendable low end though.
I think the pickups just aren’t very trebley. Same settings as all my other videos 😊
What audio interface are you using?
Focusrite Scarlet 2i2
Thank you. Honest way to test the basses.@@JonnyDibble
@@JonnyDibbleThat’s what I use too! I’m thinking of getting this bass as my first bass. I’ve played guitar for 15 years and I want a bass to record and write on for my album and EP and this one sounds so heavy and fat and noisy I love it. I want a metalcore - easycore punk grunge sound even though I sing more pop punk / emo I love heavy bass and guitar breakdowns in my songs
Looks cool, sounds good but I just like a HOOOOOJ bass so not for me. Quite frankly I look a bit ridiculous playing my Combustion 5 string as I'm fairly short and don't have big hands but I just like the heft and feel of a big bass!
400 lbs?!! I need a lighter bass than that.
sounds nice.
its basically a mike kerr signature bass but a lot cheaper.
And better
Musicians might as well not even bother with Fender anymore. Squier has so many more actually interesting options that aren't the same sunburst SSS stratocaster for the 7th decade in a row.
Cool bass
Very cool
i think it's cool they went for a short scale for this body style. I just hate that every time fender does humbucking bass pickups they go for some proprietary nonsense form factor and stock fender bass pickups rarely click with me. their vintage spec pickups are great but is rarely the vibe i'm personally going for.
Love that about Squier. They can take more risks with “out there” ideas!
The paranormal series is so sick
I hope they pay you to endorse and allow you to keep the bass! Give and take Fender, come on!
Cool bass, but there are too many hoops I gotta jump through for my boss to buy Chinese-made gear, and there are too many non-Chinese basses for this to ever get approved.
If only they made lefties of this, or any of the Paranormal basses
400lbs, no wonder everyone is complaining about the weight
9lbs is way too heavy for something so small. Just my take
The rascal needs no mods. BORING!
The jaguar affinity H? well, it got a good going over
My affinity H in lake placid blue (maple board) got; a black high mass bridge, black 'jazz bass inlay' stickers, Hipshot D tuner, 4 wire Music man pickup with push/pull for series/parallel. It Gets the chefs kiss now (for half the price of rascal)
Love squiers, but this sounds like the mixing engineers nightmare.
If you use a pokier sound of the bridge, I think it can yield very mixable tones! It’s definitely more unique though
i’ve never wanted to punch my phone more than i do now looking at your face
Dude. Thank-you so much x
@@JonnyDibbleyou look feminine
Is this sponsored
They let me borrow it, so yes!
Dunno... should've been 34 inches