FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Squier Paranormal Jazzmaster XII unboxing & demo

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This is the Squier Paranormal Jazzmaster XII in Lake Placid Blue. Are you excited?! I'm excited.
First off, that color? Beautiful. 😍
I bought this at Sweetwater with my own money. They price matched the Musician's Friend price so it was $434.35 after taxes. This video is not sponsored. And this is not a review. Just my impressions and some not very good sound demos, okay? Subscribe for the full review and sound demo.
This is my first time owning a 12 string guitar and my first time even playing a 12 string electric, so bear with me here. This will be a fun learning experience for us, or at least me. Have any 12 string tips? Let me know!
As is often the case with these unboxing & first impression videos I say lots of dumb things in this video, including about Jazzmasters in general. That's life! 🤣
Squier Paranormal Jazzmaster XII specs:
- Fender-Designed alnico single-coil Jazzmaster pickups
- Graphite-reinforced “C”-shape neck
- “hockey stick” headstock shape
- vintage-style tuning machines
- A very cool hybrid top-loading and string-through-body bridge
- Poplar body
- Maple "C" shaped neck
- Laurel fretboard
- 9.5" fretboard radius
- 21 narrow tall frets
- Synthetic bone nut
- 1 volume and 1 tone control with witch hat knobs
- 3 way pickup switch
- 3-ply mint pickguard
- Made in China
- Comes stock with .010 - .046 strings

[@ArtOfShredYT]

🤘 artofshred.com/riffcity/ Join Riff City for free and I'll tell you about guitar deals and ArtOfShred updates 🎸 Do you like Jazzmasters? My review of the Squier Classic Vibe '60s Jazzmaster: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmqtg5Rol6aMgJo

[@jeffanderson8384]

Just pulled the trigger on one of these ($100 off right now - $350!!). I already have a Dano 12 that I LOVE. I've always enjoyed playing 12 string guitars. I will be keeping one of them in some kind of open tuning, which on a twelve sounds amazing.

[@michaelk5507]

You could also attempt to play some Slowdive songs with it, or delve into the maelstrom that's My Bloody Valentine.

[@michaelk5507]

One of my favourite tracks is Eric Clapton playing 'Dance the Night Away' with Cream, way back in psychedelic history.

[@TheRealDealBobbySteele]

I like it! Looks good sounds good, and it’s different. The mint green looks good on it

[@ArtOfShredYT]

I'm still not sold on mint green tbh but it's pretty subtle at least

[@stubarnum7344]

That was your wedding ring banging on the new neck!!!

[@ArtOfShredYT]

gotta break it in somehow

[@Zeal808]

Whoa! Very cool 😎. Witch hat knobs are to bees knees! Didn’t know they made this model. Very interesting 🧐 how the strings are set, never owned a 12string ✨. Seems pretty fun!

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Yeah! New release from Squier. It's definitely fun, but not really practical for most people

[@michaelk5507]

It takes a while, but after a 'while' it becomes more normal, natural. Good exercise for the brain and fingers. I think a guitar like this has... epic qualities built in, which challanges you to reach outwards and upwards, like the Byrds live playing a fifteen minute version of Eight Miles High at the Filmore West.

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Thanks for sharing! Yeah, it's like learning anything new. Practice! 🤘 I didn't realize Slowdive and My Bloody Valentine use 12 string guitars. Both great bands, but I never dove deep into either one.

[@michaelk5507]

Well, by the time they finish 'fiddling about' with the sound, it all sounds like 64 string guitar!@@ArtOfShredYT

[@ArtOfShredYT]

@@michaelk5507 🤣

[@GG-jw8pt]

Red tortoiseshell pickguard would really give it a sixties look.

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Yeah, that'd look nice!

[@jasonhill9788]

@@ArtOfShredYT want to switch I got the white one with the red tortoiseshell pickguard, would like to get a mint or white pickguard, really wanted the blue one but, found a white one at my local guitar center with lots of flame on the neck, so had to get it

[@ArtOfShredYT]

@@jasonhill9788 Thank you, I appreciate it but I'm sticking with it as is. Mint has grown on me

[@jasonhill9788]

@@ArtOfShredYT no problem, have had it less then a week, waiting to have some free time to condition the fret board, it looks very dry, might have to change strings also, very happy with the ernie ball .008 to .040, I have on my danelectro 12 string, really improves the ease of playing a 12 for me

[@ArtOfShredYT]

@@jasonhill9788 I bought a pack of the 8-40 Ernie Balls so that's good to hear. I have been too lazy to change the strings, but I'll do it soon

[@jackhaugh]

Dude, I’m a dyed in the wool 12 string fanatic. I just ordered one of these 2 days ago, but in Olympic white with tortuous shell pickguard. I currently own an Epiphone double neck electric with a 12 string neck that I got because I always wanted an SG and an electric 12 string, and an Ovation 12 string acoustic electric I’ve had for about 15 years. I used to have a Seagull 12 string with a cedar top, that I left out on the hood of a truck one night at a party in Louisiana that got ruined during a rain storm. It couldn’t handle 12 string tension anymore. I restrung it as a 6 string and gave it to one of my neighbors kids in high school. The problems you’re encountering are common. Tuning a 12 string is a bitch, restringing one is worse. Restringing a double neck is even worse than that, and restringing a sitar takes the cake. 22 strings on my sitar. Playing a 12 string makes your hands much stronger, and more precise. It’s almost like lifting weights for your fingers and hands. It’s a great tool when starting out to develop super precise picking. I personally prefer the sound on open chords on a 12 string over a 6 string 10 times more. Using chords with open strings is where this instrument really shines. The whole string tree thing you pointed out is really weird. My Strat has string trees on the 4 highest strings. This seems to be the opposite. I’d like to know what you want for your 6 string Jazzmaster. I’d happily buy it from you if I could hear it and the price is right. I personally have an entire room full of guitars and other instruments. I always have room for one more. The correct answer for how many guitars does a guitarist need is always X+1, where X represents the current number of guitars a guitarist currently owns… Also, don’t be afraid to use the tone knob. It’s you’re friend, especially with a super bright guitar like this!

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! How do you feel about putting lighter strings on the 12 string? I've been thinking about replacing the 10s with 8s or 9s. I've got carpal tunnel and tendonitis issues and this guitar has been testing the limits. 🤣 As for the Classic Vibe Jazzmaster. I gave it a good setup and installed a shim so I'm going to try to get $400 or so from it locally. That's basically what they sell for new so it may be a tough sell, but we'll see.

[@georgecaplan11]

I just got one and it was set up with Ernie Ball 12 string lights 9-46 and it plays well.

[@jeffanderson8384]

My excuse for any additional guitar (as I tell the wife) is to have options for different tunings. I love the sound of a 12 string in open tuning (playing traditionally or with a slide). I currently own a Dano 12 that stays in tune remarkably well (good news for a 12). These Squiers are currently marked down $100 bucks!! Can't pass up that bargain!

[@Yougotadollar]

Great video. I think im going to get one. Its December 2023. Have you thought about making a follow up video?

[@ArtOfShredYT]

I plan on it! 🤘

[@MikeX50]

Hey Karol - thanks for the effort in putting this vid together! For me, i’m just not feeling it. I have a 12 string acoustic that i enjoy playing…sometimes. It is a pain to keep tuning a 12 string. The sound is unique, but again, nothing I would want to use song after song. Much much prefer the electric 6 string Jazzmaster which I own. Still don’t get the whole “paranormal” marketing schtick either. Im a super guitar lover and owner of many guitars, but this is a strong pass for me. Love your channel though so keep up the good work!

[@ArtOfShredYT]

I hear you. 12 string is definitely a niche but it's time to expand my horizons, at least for a while. As for Paranormal, I think it has been excellent marketing on their part. It's the most interesting series that I think any major guitar brand does. That said, this XII is the only one of the series that I felt I needed to buy and review. Thanks for your thoughts and for watching! 🤘

[@unplannedbirthofanidea4340]

Great first look. 12 strings are intimidating to me. Great color, not feeling the headstock, but not a deal breaker for me.

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Thank you! Yeah the headstock is quite polarizing. I'm a fan. Definitely odd seeing a "Fender" with a non-standard headstock though.

[@DanielBobke]

This is the headstock from the original Fender XII from the late 60s. Jimmy Page had one and used it on Stairway to Heaven and other songs.

[@forshigity5000]

classic Fender xii....What are u talking about LOL

[@ArtOfShredYT]

@@forshigity5000 Since they're not common people are understandably surprised by the headstock shape.

[@fuckgoogle8661]

I’m completely baffled as to why you’d be intimidated by a 12 string. All it does is change a bit of what you play, mostly less bending would be the biggest thing.

[@shadowminister4090]

I've briefly played a 12 string acoustic and found the feeling under my fretting hand weird. I'm sure you'd get used to it. As for playing individual notes...you'd need more skills than I have. It'd be chords for me. I'd reckon used want locking tuners, 'cause changing strings would be pain. As much as I really really like it, I wonder if a Nashville tuned 6 stringed guitar would give you most of the tone this 12 string brings?

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Nashville tuning is an interesting idea. Might be fun to film a comparison! 12 strings are weird but like anything new it just takes some time.

[@DanielBobke]

The higher strings of the pairs are called octave strings.

[@ArtOfShredYT]

So obvious I should have guessed 🤣🤘

[@PatrickGeneLeBlancHardy]

Sound Gooood!! Thanks, for sharing

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Thank you! And thanks for watching

[@emelle1283]

I can get a original 1966 Fender X11 12 string for USD$900 - would this compare well to the classic Fender or not even close?

[@ArtOfShredYT]

I don't know because I've never played one of those. But if it was in good condition I'd probably go with the 1966 if money also wasn't an issue. These Paranormals are great, though

[@emelle1283]

@@ArtOfShredYT Ok thank you

[@joeking433]

I really like that headstock!

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Finally this sweet headstock gets some love! Thank you

[@jeffthevideoguy23]

I had a Ric 610/12. What a PITA to string.

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Yup! Just bought new strings for this one. Can't wait! 🤣

[@johnkadell6319]

How’d the new stings work out? Lighter gauge?

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Haven't had time to try them yet but yes lighter gauge

[@johnkadell6319]

@@ArtOfShredYT Perhaps you’d be willing to to an updated vid with new lite strings.

[@ArtOfShredYT]

@johnkadell6319 definitely my plan

[@FilmFlam]

Did you find the nut width too narrow? At least for single string playing or finger picking?

[@ArtOfShredYT]

It's definitely more of a strummer than a picker but it's not impossible. Part of it is my lack of skills, particularly with a 12 string in general

[@Guitarnivore]

I despise that headstock and I call it something a bit more vulgar. I have never played an electric 12 string, but I had an Oscar Schmidt 12 strong acoustic. I enjoyed the sound, so now I'm interested. I wasn't impressed with the "Fender designed" alnico JM pickups in my 40th anniversary Jazzmaster. LPB is always a good choice. I dig it. Great demo. Now I have a bit of G.A.S. 😊 But it's going to have to wait awhile.

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Well now I'm intrigued. What do you call the headstock? 🤣

[@Guitarnivore]

@@ArtOfShredYT the limp D headstock. 😆

[@ArtOfShredYT]

@@Guitarnivore welp I'm sorry I asked hahaha 😬

[@humplucker2445]

A effects pedal can replicate a 12 string. No hassle.

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Absolutely not, but it can get close. Another option for a lot people is to just double track and tune one guitar to Nashville tuning. Edit: actually, scratch that. With all the DSP tech in pedals nowadays it wouldn't surprise me. But which pedal? I want one!

[@jeffthevideoguy23]

You call it the octave E

[@clintbowers5524]

Lots of Tom Petty songs have 12 string.

[@ArtOfShredYT]

Sweet, Tom Petty is great