Fender Squier Jazzmaster XII Paranormal Series 12 String Guitar Review

A review of The Paranormal Series Fender Squier Jazzmaster XII 12 String Guitar including a Deep Dive, in depth look at all the pickups, controls, electronics, wiring, hardware and the build quality of this 12 string Jazzmaster guitar. Audio samples start around 10:00.

[@gangpardos3833]

I need that video with all the upgrades and modifications that you were talking about at the end. This video is really thorough as well, nice work.

[@joeperez1220]

I really enjoyed this vid with th excellent info and proper narration. Great insights as to Squire upgrades. Thanks

[@davidhiscock733]

Great review. I ordered one a couple of days ago. Can't wait to get it.

[@garypannone7755]

Great Review. I was not looking for a 12 string but watched because I like your reviews and playing.

[@airtimedesign]

Well I appreciate that, thanks!

[@CindyBallreich]

This is the review I've been waiting for. I don't want to hear how something sounds through a giant pedalboard! I upgraded my CV Jazzmaster with Lollar pickups, and I'd probably do the same with this. Thank you for taking the time to do a proper review of this guitar.

[@airtimedesign]

Thanks Cindy, glad you enjoyed the review!

[@nellayema2455]

A fair and comprehensive review. Thanks.

[@airtimedesign]

Thank you. I appreciate it!

[@praecantrix]

great video. i'd be interested in seeing any future upgrades you make to the guitar!

[@airtimedesign]

I think I'm going to keep it stock. I'm happy with it just that way it came from factory. I can tell you that to get a great sound you need a lot of compression and EQ.

[@retropeanutlad]

I'm ready to see a video on how the PV65's sound on this guitar! I'm looking to upgrade as well.

[@ralphnothhelfer9086]

Two month follow up on my Article White model. Fit and finish arebworld class..beautiful. I used Elixer strings and this guitar is absolute joy to play. Love the hockey stick and split and drilled tuners, holds tune well.

[@gregoryhall3156]

Great great review-i may buy one of these just for the experience (never had a 12 string guitar before)-and I subscribed to your channel-look forward to more of your videos!!!

[@airtimedesign]

Thank you so much. I'm a little slow producing content but I do have several other reviews for you to check out.

[@markjohnson9485]

This was a great review I am glad that you played the guitar and its natural state, jangly and pristine I don't understand why everyone has to put distortion on everything all the time!!! the sound of the 12-string on the background music fantastic!!!👏👏👏👏

[@riadmiah3342]

Great review. You sold me on two guitars that I now own the first was the Gibson Les Paul Special and the other was Squier classic vibe tele. This has pulled me over to trying out this 12 string

[@airtimedesign]

Ut oh! I hope your significant other doesn't hate me!

[@riadmiah3342]

@@airtimedesign no she actually encourages it. I'm still not sure if it's good or bad

[@christophergallagher531]

What is a guitar player with out a girlfriend? .... Homeless. Hey Squire, is doing a remarkable job. Where where they 60 years ago, when I was getting a start. I went for a rash of Squire teles in the last couple of years, just to try pickup configurations. Each has been playable on it's own strengths. The thin body units, take getting used to, but often enough, that weight reduction is more than welcome. Look at G&L Tributes as an up grade.

[@jaypeterson7637]

Very informative review! You answered every question I had about this guitar and even some I had not considered.🎶🎵🎶👍🎯

[@airtimedesign]

Thank you for leaving a comment and I'm glad you enjoyed the review. I going to post a follow up with the Pure Vintage pickups and Pyramid strings.

[@jaypeterson7637]

@@airtimedesign Perfect...thanks!

[@CradleRawk]

I can't wait for the next video featuring any upgrades you manage to put in. Keep up the great work! @@airtimedesign

[@airtimedesign]

Thank you! glad you enjoyed the review.

[@johnsmith-sm6mh]

Great review, I’m not a 12 string lover but appreciate your time and i am forever in wonderment of the quality of affordable guitars these days . Greetings from England Cheers John

[@airtimedesign]

Hey John, good to hear from you. Hope all is well across the pond!

[@lawrenlelko]

Thanks! This is the best review of this guitar, hands-down. It doesn't need a shim (unless the bridge is rattling, which I didn't hear). You need to file the nut - accurate filing of the nut is essential on 12-strings unless you want to play two songs and be worn out. The only nut files that are worth it are the Japanese ones. Make sure the relief is right before you start - it changes the angle from the nut to the first fret! If you flatten the neck after doing the nut file, you're going to be learning about replacing the nut. Do one string at a time with the guitar tuned, only loosening the string you're working on. The trick is to lay the file across the nut and the frets, and feel how much it drops when you gently slide it toward the body and off of the nut. Be careful to not accidentally scratch up the frets when you're doing this - use a very light touch - you're only measuring, not filing. File the nut at the angle of the strings from the nut to the tuners or tree. Take a swipe or two and tune it up again - each time you test, play a little harder than you usually play. The skinny files cut quick, so take your time and make sure you don't take off too much! You may want to practice on a lesser guitar before you do the 12s. Plan on it taking about two hours of steady, careful work.

[@airtimedesign]

Thanks for all the great info!

[@christophergallagher531]

I just ordered one of these, to spell my '66 EXII. As for nut slots, I mainly gave up on files. A jeweler's saw and sand paper get it done. It is imperative that a 12, plays in tune in the first position. Lucky me I have a '60s Framus 12 with a zero fret. This has advantages. My '66 EXII is excellent in this regard. It still has it's factory set up, except for pick up hight. I lowered them. I suspect the pickups on the Squire are too high for me, as harmonics on the 3rd fret are hard to produce. Be Well. Chris

[@christophergallagher531]

It came set up, very well, from Sweetwater. I put in my traditional treb pass and lubed the nut / string retainer. Good to go! It will take right hand pounding, easily.

[@lawrenlelko]

@@christophergallagher531 Cool! Is the treb pass switchable? or on a pot? Can it still do the original sound if that's what you want? That's such a great mod! After a little work, I got mine lower (action). The next thing I did was listen to all the ways the Rickenbacker 12 has been used and got out a multi-effects unit to try to emulate them. I like to have some patches pre-made, so that if I'm inspired to record, I don't get bogged down in getting a useable sound. It was a challenge, and lead to some non-intuitive choices, because it was going from the Rick humbuckers with magnets underneath to giant single coils with polepiece magnets. I got the "Ticket to Ride" sound first, Petty, a few simulated acoustic variations, high-gain lead, and stopped before I got that sound used on the "Friends" show bumper.

[@lawrenlelko]

@@christophergallagher531 3rd fret harmonic? I had to pick up a guitar and try that. I didn't know that about lowering the pickups - thanks for the tech tip!

[@mikecrean8849]

Really interesting video Brookes. Used to play a 12 stringer in the 60s in Edinburgh Scotland. Sold it to Davey Johnstone, Elton’s guitarist who’s also from Edinburgh. Might invest in this new Squire. Looks really good. 🙋‍♂️👏👏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@airtimedesign]

Well, did you pull the trigger?

[@BeesWaxMinder]

This is quite simply the best review of this guitar ever

[@airtimedesign]

Wow! That made my day, thank you!

[@BeesWaxMinder]

@@airtimedesign 👍

[@jaspersmith9207]

Great balanced review

[@67marlins]

Thanks so much for posting!!! I love 12 strings, but unfortunately am a left-hander. Thank you for this review!!!

[@airtimedesign]

you are so welcome!

[@soepil]

Very enjoyable review, thank you. :)

[@airtimedesign]

You're welcome! Thank you for leaving a comment!

[@The170460]

excellent demo. I've buy the same model and it's a great guitar

[@airtimedesign]

Thank you glad you enjoyed it!

[@potterwalker4823]

Great review,Brooks. You are always so thorough. I’m not buying a fender 12, but I am very inspired to walk across the room and dust off what I believe is the most beautiful sounding acoustic 12 on the planet, my Guild 🎼🎼🎼. Greetings to Kenny as well.

[@potterwalker4823]

ps-that’s pretty cool about buying two of them.

[@airtimedesign]

The Guild was the preferred 12 string for a lot of really great players in the folk music days. I had a Gibson J-45-12 back then that I bought new at Ace Music in Miami and it had a neck like an oar. Sounded great but a real challenge for me to play. After spending a few years in the closet I ended up trading it for a microphone or something equally stupid. Wish I still had it.

[@michaelk5507]

I like the epic size of the headstock. It's kind of inspiring to launch into an epic song with great swirling chords, like prehistoric flying pterodactyl ranging through an ancient skyline. Actually Pterodactyl sounds like good name for a psychedelic jam band.

[@arno-luyendijk4798]

Actually, the view of the headstock brought me back to Caravan's guitarist Pye Hastings.

[@garymeador7349]

Thanks for the great review! I, too, have a Squier CV Tele but it lacks the internal shielding. It has a production date code of March 2023. Guitars on earlier reviews of the CV Tele had the shielding. Perhaps Squier dropped the feature sometime this year to cut costs on some models. If it becomes necessary, I can always line the cavities with aluminum or copper tape as I have done before on other guitars. I have yet to try out the new Squire 12-string since my local shops have been out of stock. I am curious as to how the Squier's narrower nut affects its string spacing in comparison to my Danelectro 59x12.

[@airtimedesign]

you're welcome, glad you enjoyed the review!

[@Pumpkin_Fart]

I was lucky and got a Fiesta Red version of this direct from Fender online. I changed the pots to CTS and put in Seymour Duncan JM Antiquity Alnico II pickups. Thanks for mentioning the oddball tuning ratio...I thought I was losing my mind even when using a plastic string winder tool.

[@Pumpkin_Fart]

@@Baytle-Bryan I changed the Volume to 500k audio and kept the tone at 250k linear. I changed the cap to a low value 0.015uF because how dark are you planning on playing a 12-string? Keep that jazz jangley!

[@robertfair1770]

Killer review... Love it but I'm on the fence still thinking on lines of a Ric 1993 plus.

[@teelee5197]

Great review. I'm considering buying one

[@airtimedesign]

Well, did you buy one?

[@teelee5197]

@@airtimedesign not yet

[@Pascal-gx7nn]

MAny Thanks for your splendid review. Would you be so kind to indicate the complete reference of the stain marker paint you are using to darken the freetboard. Thanking you in advance

[@paulkessler8622]

Just got mine in LPB and it's awesome. Much better than I was expecting for made in China. I don't mind the pickups, but I'll be changing them out eventually for some Lollars

[@elducko1951]

A great review! Well presented. It's a beautiful instrument! The only real difference between that 12 and a Rickenbacker is that the Fender is strung - Low to high: octave and fundamental, whereas the Rickenbacker is reversed and has the fundamental note first then the octave. Enjoy that beautiful guitar!!

[@airtimedesign]

Glad you enjoyed the review. One thing I forgot to mention is that in order to get a good sound you'll need a lot of compression and EQ to bring out the best sound.

[@AlexGroen]

Nice in-depth video. Pickups aren't 'real' jazzmaster pickups sadly, but P90. Curious what the pickup upgrade will do with the sound!

[@1man1guitarletsgo]

I'm GASing for one of these! Damn! My red Tele (originally sunburst) has a poplar body, faced with thin maple veneers. No idea whether this has veneers, but that would make it harder to see the joins between the pieces of poplar. I like the idea of the minwax pen, but I'd maybe grain-fill the fingerboard too, before darkening. Regarding input jacks: I've just discovered Puretone jacks, and they're the best design I've ever seen. A great upgrade.

[@AiMR]

Just grabbed one in the Fiesta Red at the Fender site, actually 20% off ($359) while supplies last!

[@jimiguitarjam]

You’ll love the Pure Vintage Jazzmaster pickups .. I have them in my Fender Player Jazzmaster .. personally I’d string one of them like a Rickenbacker to compare and see if you like it better with the octave strings below .. good review

[@airtimedesign]

So which way did you like the string order on the 12 string?

[@jimiguitarjam]

@@airtimedesign like a Ric .. high octave string below .. feels better to me and I like the chime better

[@salgfrancisco]

The best review so far, thanks! How did you like the PV65 pickups?

[@airtimedesign]

I preferred the stock pickups. Maybe if I changed the pots out I might have liked the better. I thought they were too bright and did not have the tone I was looking for.

[@rob_in_stowmarket_uk]

Another excellent review, Brooks! 👍

[@airtimedesign]

Thank you!

[@theattentionwhores2406]

Great review ! Now I have to get one 😊

[@GoodmanRecordingsTokyo]

Great video. Enjoy the PV65s! By the way, I've had 3 Jazzmasters that all came stock with PV65s and they used a .1uF tone cap instead of the traditional .033uF

[@airtimedesign]

Tell me about the tone cap. I tried the PV65s and the sound was really bright. Would the .33 cap effect the overall sound or just the tone control?

[@GoodmanRecordingsTokyo]

@@airtimedesign In my experience, it's overall sound. Search the video by DylanTalksTone "What Capacitors Should I Use In My Guitar - A demo" I had the opposite problem where I replaced PV65s with Antiquity II and it was super dark and muddy. I put the 65s back in. But later I realized it was the .1 tone cap and when i paired the Antiquity IIs with a .033 they came to life.

[@airtimedesign]

Thanks I'll check it out! @@GoodmanRecordingsTokyo

[@danielgribble1113]

Very good review! Yes I got one and I love it! Yes have a little trouble with the input jack… gonna put in a switch craft… I got the action down really low just by adjusting the neck and lowering the bridge pieces… it helps if you’re used to doing that…plays wonderfully… sounds great… especially since it doesn’t cost a lot! You need a jazz master gig bag to fit it in… too long for a standard.🎸

[@airtimedesign]

Same here, my input jack was the first thing to go.

[@christophergallagher531]

I usually put in a Switchcraft stereo input jack. Easy to wire mono, and they grip with a tenacious hold that Pete Townsend wouldn't shake loose!

[@georgecaplan11]

I have one of these and love it. I had to buy a bass guitar hard case to fit the long headstock and wide body. It’s body is too wide for a 3/4 bass hard case.

[@JoesMusicStudio]

Fabulous review Brooks. I bought the exact same guitar from Guitar Center with the same discount. Beware a direct comparison with Ricks, they are set up differently. They have the low E string (and the others) on the outside, and the octave E on the inside. The Squier is the opposite and much better in my opinion. I haven't taken mine apart yet and am surprised to see no shielding in place. I have no hum. Go figure. What do they say, if it ain't broke don't fix it. Like you, I am tempted to put in the 65 pickups and apply some copper foil. Lowering the bridge pickup is a good idea, then it balances very well. I tuned mine to a D instead of an E, and put a capo on the second fret. This does three things. One, it lessens the tension on the strings making them easier to press down. Two, it shortens the distance between the frets, and Three, there is much less tension on the bridge. I admit that then a drop D tuning is not good because the D is already loosened. But the good folks at Kaiser capo make a Drop D capo that only presses down five strings leaving the D open. Another good feature of that capo is that playing a G string (or barre chords up the neck) are in the right position. The Fender 10-46 NCS strings aren't bad at all. The Laurel fingerboard takes oil very well. For some reason mine is very dark, but still porous as you say. Bottom line: this is one fine instrument, even at twice the price. I also love the fact that you played (very well I might add) your sound samples without any distortion effects. Pete Seeger said it best, when it comes to 12 string guitars, "It's not the notes you play, but the notes you don't play."

[@airtimedesign]

The Rik sound is definitely different because of the string arrangement. I recently compared my Squier 12 it to the Ric 12 and was pretty successful at getting the sound pretty close. A lot of compression and EQ helped.

[@pete2099]

I love mine. Switched in Vintage 65s...sings

[@matthewshort7904]

Would one be able to swap the pickups out for say a normal style humbucker? I just got one of these ordered today in the hopes of hot rodding it.

[@GG-jw8pt]

Are these any good for a complete beginner? I just love that old sound.

[@GuitarWizardGuild]

I bought the olympic white 12 and it's awesome. Sounds great in Praise Band at Church. I want to replace the volume knob with a low friction EVH speed knob....but I don't know if it's a 500k or 1000k pot...anybody know?

[@Alfgunnarp]

Nice review! I just ordered myself one of these. Do you know what value the pots are? Are they 1meg like regular Jazzmasters?

[@tlister67]

Great video! More info on the stain pen? Color?

[@airtimedesign]

Minwax makes a stain pen. I used the ebony color. You can find it on amazon here is the link. www.amazon.com/Minwax-Finish-Semi-Transparent-Oil-Based-Marker/dp/B00QU5LAIA/ref=sr_1_8?crid=I964PDVV8A9P&keywords=Minwax+Stain+pen&qid=1696559729&sprefix=minwax+stain+pen%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-8

[@deanmccaskill5495]

I’m getting one

[@jcedrez]

Bar magnets on JM pickups?

[@powbarabajagal2435]

Hello, did you swap out the pickups on your Squier? I bought a set of Pure Vintage Jazzmaster pickups several years ago, and have been planning to get this and do that pickup swap. Just curious to hear if you followed through. Also plan on upgrading the pots to CTS 1000K.

[@ManicMaximus]

Did you get those pure vintage pickups in yet? Would love an update to see if thats a viable route.

[@airtimedesign]

I did get the Pure Vintage and was so disappointed I returned the pickups. I like the stock pickups better.

[@ralphnothhelfer9086]

Thank you for the thorough review…you should get paid or something I just ordered one in white…now I need a hard shell case…any leads on that would be great. But again you did a great review

[@airtimedesign]

Maybe someday Fender will send me some free stuff but for now I'm really happy to receive so many positive comments. Thank you!

[@bepitan]

this guitar looks amazing ...however i was comparing with my schecter stargazer which seems to nail that ricky sound far better having a far more jangly timbre ..not sure why that should be, maybe it's in the pickups?

[@johnkadell6319]

What cap does this come with?

[@AJNpa80]

Call me crazy but I got a thin wipeable mohawk Laquer for one laurel fretboard the spray Laquered another , razor leveling until grain filled then left a thin film, it comes off frets with no issue like a a maple neck, no buzzing problems on that one. The only way to make laurel look pretty all the time without oiljng every day and i like that vintage looking Rick thing.

[@christophergallagher531]

The unit I tried, was tough to get 3rd fret harmonics, especially on the plain strings. I bet the pickups are high and influencing this. The ax feels solid enough to rule out the build. I usually use surgical tubing, or hobby fuel line, instead of springs. As a right hand player, springs get to pinging which can get old. Be well Chris

[@christophergallagher531]

I grabbed one, yup blue, from Sweetwater. Very well intonated, even in first position. I dig the pickups. They are potted well. In front of a Dual Showman Reverb with 2X15" Jbls they hold. I will get a treb pass on the volume pot, before long.

[@JDKingStratslinger]

Excellent review, per usual, Brooks! I owned a Rick-12. I loved it--except restringing it was a nightmare! The "R" tailpiece is difficult to deal with, but the headstock is impossible! Sold it.

[@airtimedesign]

I understand that the "R" tailpiece often breaks and it's really hard to get a replacement from Rickenbacker. Did your ever break?

[@JIMIIXTLAN]

I would be interested in a video of a pick-up swap

[@airtimedesign]

I can cut to the chase for you. I tried the Pure Vintage and was very disappointed. I sent them back and I'm using the stock pickups.

[@davebird534]

Good review! I have to say that nothing actually impressed me . Now do you think if you got some good pickups in that thing can you change all the hardware it'll be a pretty dog gone guitar . I honestly was thinking it wouldn't sound good . But it does!

[@airtimedesign]

Glad you enjoyed the review!

[@ice9snowflake187]

Note, folks, that the pickups seem to have big magnets underneath them, rather than magnetic pole pieces like proper Jazzmaster pickups do. Just sayin'.

[@neilyoung5029]

Even the professional series doesn’t have proper JM pickups…..I’m going to put some in I think…. I have one to keep stock and one to modify to compare.

[@nynoah]

I wish they would name 12s like rickenbackers with the bass above.

[@JamesFerrerosa]

for the price it might be my first 12

[@jamiemorgan4146]

Someone on YT also bought the The Fiesta Red, it isn’t RED 🔴, It’s Coral or Salmon. Yes really. (At least his came that way) I’m considering this for kicks. I love Ricks, but I just don’t play 12’s much. I had a 67’ es 335/12 Orange label, dot inlays. During my divorce, my X stole it for her brother. Anyway, I used to sell Rick .0047 mf - Vit Q upgrade kits. You should install the original Rick .0047 cap. You can find the schematic on the net. All truss rods on 12 strings are very hard to adjust, loosening the strings first is the best way. Congrats 🍾🎉🎈 Glad that you’re enjoying it. Great review. At first your vid sounded like a real commercial from Fender..🙂

[@airtimedesign]

I'm so confused as to what Fender calls Fiesta Red. I have a Fender American Vintage Strat in Fiesta red and it's really a completely different color than the Fiesta red on my Squier 12 String. Plus they change color as the age.

[@sthengr]

Before you shim the neck, check the string height at the nut.

[@airtimedesign]

Thanks for the suggestion but I already shimmed the neck with a .25 shim of maple and it worked great. I was able to get the action the way I like and keep the bridge saddles with enough travels both up and down to adjust it property. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@TheMig29gsxr]

Wow those pups are more like P90s. Jazzmaster pups are made with magnet pole pieces, p90s have the 2 magnets stuck together

[@lt.reubenrozeyt5716]

10:48 Wish You Were Here

[@aliceborealis]

The body is made of pop-LAR, lol!

[@nolan7106]

😉 "Promo sm"

[@ElectricFloridaMusic]

XXII? That would be 22 strings. You meant XII.

[@airtimedesign]

Thanks. I’m a moron!

[@airtimedesign]

I actually can’t believe I made that mistake!

[@airtimedesign]

Thanks Adam I fixed it!

[@ElectricFloridaMusic]

Oh man, I didn't mean to make you feel like a moron. You're not! I just figured you'd want to catch that sooner rather than later.

[@airtimedesign]

Thank you! @@ElectricFloridaMusic

[@ianupton1977]

How's the action and string tension ,,, rubbish

[@hoover728]

Is that a question or a declaration? If the former then maybe wait for an answer.