Squier Paranormal Jazz Bass '54 Revisited - Otherworldly Goodness - LowEndLobster Fresh Look

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Squier Paranormal Jazz '54 Review (2020)- • Squier Paranormal Jazz...
Squier Paranormal Jazz Bass '54- www.fender.com/en-US/squier-e...
Hey everyone! Today we're revisiting one of my favorite basses from Squier- The Paranormal Jazz Bass '54. Featuring a unique look referencing various old-school Fender models, quality materials and really solid build quality... This is quite out of the ordinary for Squier. Let's take a closer look to see why the Paranormal Jazz is one of my favorite Fender products on the market today.
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/
Info on my signal chain, setup and more: • FAQ: My Signal Chain, ...
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[@bryanmoseley6533]

Probably the most paranormal part of this bass is how it has a completely modern sound despite the fact that they seem to do everything possible to make it look like a mashup of 50s elements.

[@layz_gaming_4275]

But the sound 😍😍😍

[@jamesontade6237]

I have the butterscotch blonde one....I probably pick that up more often than my higher end basses. Just easy to play, versatile tone, great looks

[@fullhd6598]

I think Paranormal series is the best of Squire with the 40th anniversary edition and Classic 70

[@phipschi4255]

@@fullhd6598 I have a 60s CV P bass and its amazing 🤷‍♂

[@kevbob]

I bought the same on Jameson. Just a great bass all around, noted it in Lobster’s 2020 review too. I ended up selling it when I picked up a red MIJ Jaguar bass as I wanted one with active pickups- and basses aren’t my main thing, so I didn’t need an extra one. I love this black/gold anodized pickguard version though, it’s a beauty.

[@donvape336]

I have 60s Squier P bass, 2021, and I play that more than my Fenders.

[@aj81ds]

In the process of getting my first Jazz bass and it's between this and the newer Affinity's. Oh man, this bass sounds so good fully open with a pick. It's sounds perfect for my punk rock style. Thanks Lobster.

[@bigpapab]

Great vid as always! I want one but would like to build one more! With 70's spacing and better pickups as you noted. Thanks always Lobster, welcome back home.

[@woodman-mh2dl]

I concur with your review. I bought one from Proaudiostar last month for the grand sum of 249.99 new. Can not believe the QCC on this bass. It plays so nicely as you demonstrate. Btw, you have become my go-to guy for all things bass. You shoot straight without crazy gimmicks. Cats aside. Thanks and stay as chill as you are.

[@dec0075]

I got one 1 year ago. Switched to DiMarzio model J, a Babicz bridge and new pots (same config). Turned out to be a killer bass, which I play more than any of my other much more expensive basses.

[@SteveBlancoMusicianWarrior]

Great video, man. That bass is amazing as a mod platform. I through some model J's in, Gotoh GB640 tuning machines, Kluson high mass bridge, and rewired it to vol / blend / tone. The neck is actually pretty damn nice. All the best.

[@glenndjubilee]

I LOVE mine! And thanks to you and a few others I watch here on KZbin I have one. It was fantastic right out of the box and adding a Kickass bridge just turned it into a MONSTER! I took it to a recording session and it sounded SO GOOD(I use DR Dragon Skins on it)! It's hard to put down. GET ONE! And I ordered a Sire V5 fretless 5 string yesterday again, thanks to you.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Glenn! That's great to hear. I'm excited for your fretless, Sunday's review is a Sire fretless and they really know what they're doing with those fretless necks. Such a joy!

[@Chris.Wiley.]

Looking forward to the mod video. I got one just like this a few months back 🙂

[@bog_goblin]

I'm impressed with the amount of clarity and versatility just in those two pickups and tone controls. The neck wide open sound excellent but at 50% tone it gets a really nice fatness like a P. Very interesting sounds with the two tone controls.

[@MrSparks54]

Glad you revisited this bass Lobster, guess I better get one to compare to my other Fender basses. You really need to play an Ultra Jazz, I absolutely love mine. Cheers!

[@flynbil]

I slapped some Jazz 74 pickups in mine and WOW, it came alive!! My number two!

[@robertvilleneuve8272]

Really like the tone and overall sound of this bass for sure!!! :)

[@jakesensi5552]

Welcome back. I just got this bass 3 weeks ago for my birthday. It cost me 200 bucks. It sounds and plays great. It's also a beautiful bass. I just didn't like the gold pickguard so I sticker bombed it. Keep up the great work that you're doing. Peace ✌️

[@Basslightning666]

I've owned a few Squires in the past, and this Bass blows them away for sure. Great review Lobster, and great playing as always bro! I think you are right, Install sone higher end pick ups and this Bass could be a gig machine, even though I am a USA Fender fan and owner.

[@shawnmanchester6272]

I love this bass it’s been my go to for my hs jazz class when I played

[@JD-gi1st]

Thanks for the review and revisit. I picked one up last week open box for $180 shipped. It is a killer bass for the price. Neck is awesome. My pick guard is not perfectly flush with the control plate but I really can't complain.

[@jethro1044]

Bought mine at the beginning of 2022, played it everyday since. A lot of tones to play around with

[@dchauser4]

I have that exact color version of the Paranormal '54, and it's become my go to back-up bass (my primary is a G&L L-1000). It plays smooth, sounds good, and looks amazing.

[@lawrencegenereux8567]

After watching this and your original review of this bass, I just ordered one. It should arrive in a week. If you've misled me, I have some melted butter and a lobster bib, and I'll be seeing you soon. Seriously, thanks for your thorough and professional review of this bass. While opinions will vary, the points you make are objective and not subject to personal preference. Many thanks for your work!

[@polyphonicgroove]

I just got mine last week and I love it!!! Used it for a new song I wrote and I was really impressed...great E string sound....low and fat. I too have a black and gold, quite the looker. I look forward to seeing how you mod yours, I might want to do the same.

[@thenightlifezero9154]

Agreed. Got this bass about a year ago. Rather good all around. I changed out the bridge (preference) and would like to change out the pick-ups.

[@davelock3166]

Looks and sounds great!

[@johncandido2241]

Good to see you made it back and that your feeling better Lobster! Sure would be nice if those Paranormals came with a Rosewood fingerboard.

[@jasondorsey7110]

It being a squier, it would be laurel instead of real rosewood...I'd rather have maple than laurel, or the pau ferro they use in mexican fenders for that matter

[@mossy723]

Great review and really great playing. All the different tone/volume combos give the listener the best representation of this bass. I own the sunburst and love it. Don’t sleep on the 40th Anniversary P and Js with the matte finishes either; I bought the red P and it’s awesome for the price.

[@michaelkeefer4293]

Now there's a Squier I'm tempted to buy!

[@mipsungvuclam]

Watched a video of yours on a Squire Jazz where you mentioned the Paranormal being superior of the two. The same day I happened upon a Paranormal at a local guitar shop and was very much impressed!!

[@TenFalconsMusic]

Squiers are great platform and quite handy for those "it could get rough" gigs. This one in particular sounds brilliant. I picked up an Affinity Precision (p/j) for £207 ($270) back in 2020 and it a blast. Not surgically precise like my Aerodyne, but I won't freak out if it gets dropped by me or my tech.

[@mathewcumming4637]

I love my 2021 54 jazz in tobacco sunburst. Especially after sheilding it. My only minor gripe is loss of ash veneer on the body from the original release. Can't wait to seeing more 54 content

[@Below-Average_Joe]

I’m not really in the market for more basses, but the Paranormal Jazz really sounds like a bass worth checking out.

[@sunn_bass]

I agree with you about the Chinese Squier Paranormal instruments. I didn't get the bass, but got a Paranormal Offset Tele and Toronado guitars. They both play excellent. Great video.

[@thefool2007]

Nice review. Bass looks and sounds great. I love stack knobs and don’t understand why more basses don’t have this option. I had that setup on a ‘62 AVRI Jazz Bass and it absolutely killed. This bass shows that there is a

[@DanBerens2112]

Found a mint, open box one one Reverb with Proaudiostar. $208 delivered. Looking forward to its arrival. Thanks for the review.

[@discobassgroove]

Lobster! This bass would be a perfect candidate for the Nordstrand 51 split jazz pickups or at the very least in the neck position

[@kryptichands968]

Ive always been into these, clearly the more superior pickguard imo, also coupled with the j neck and a solid sound

[@henkwesselsbass1810]

Just bought high mass bridge and Dimarzio ultra jazz bass pickups for modification of this nice bass.

[@user-ky4uo6kj9p]

i love to play Maple necks!love basses who made from maple!back in 2007 i use to build p bass from maple and it was cool.

[@marlen2801]

Thank to revisited this bass...you 1st review was very impressive...Both are very nice looking basses, nice sounding (poplar body)..very original V/T V/T...nice touch and also very interesting...perhaps with pickups por vintage tone and more output like Delano JC 4 HE /ME could pronounce a little more this very nice and fun option for a passive Bass...perhaps you compare with the new Sire V3P...60 Style to and a very good "opponent" in the same price range... Saludos Lobster 🐚🦀

[@MiguelKooreman76]

Because of this video, I bought one used, freshly setup with a high mass bridge and usa jazz pickups. It's a bass that I pick up more than my Japan 80's jazz. Wish it had a little more vintage stained neck, but hey...

[@glenndjubilee]

My grandson is an aspiring musician. He is 15, loves Jazz, plays piano, and now bass. I gave him my bass Uke and he got into a band. He had to borrow a bass from his music teacher for a performance so I bought him one of these; same color. We gave it to him today which is the 4th anniversary of his father's passing. Perfect gift. He loves it. Can't wait for the mod and if you convince me, I might change the pickups as I like them and I have gigged with it in a Led Zeppelin tribute band and it covers the gig flawlessly. I do switch to my other four strings(a modiified '75 P bass and a 70's Matao w/too many switches on it that make it sound like crap) but it ROCKS.

[@LowEndLobster]

That's great to hear! You're a good dude Glenn

[@glenndjubilee]

@@LowEndLobster Thank you. We both are ‘cos we play bass.❤️

[@freddiesoverbite6162]

That retro pick guard is sharp looking.

[@Ceremyjohen]

I had one of these. Be warned if you want to replace the pickups - the bridge route pocket isn’t as deep as the neck route pocket, which is normal depth. Another thing I couldn’t take was the sharp edge of the pickguard. I really dug the neck on it though. I was really impressed with it.

[@ericd5606]

I am curious to see your unbiased and detailed (And highly valued) review of the 40th anniversary squier basses! (If you do one)

[@Gary19702]

Just got mine a week ago, only mod I'm doing is a Wilkinson bridge and MAYBE dimarzio quarter pounder pups, but overall I'm pretty satisfied with the electronics side of things, might have gotten lucky because volume wise my pickups at a respectable 8.5 k. The low mids are like butter. Fit and finish is more than what I would have expected at the price point. The thump I can get from these single coils surprised me the most and I've played other jazz basses with 60's spacing. Another plus for the paranormal is that I can get a pretty convincing rickenbacker tone out of it. Might just buy another because I have a great mod idea, routing out the pickup slots to fit the newer epiphone thunderbird pickups in it. As George Takei would say........Oh My!!!

[@z0nah]

I bought one of these in white about 3 months ago and I really dig it. I've been playing Thunderbirds for years and decided to go the Jazz bass route as a backup or a 1a/1b situation. So happy I dipped my toe in that pool with the '54 Paranormal. I do get the hum from those pickups, so I'm super interested to see what pickups you mod this one with. I'll probably do the same.

[@billyretrogamer]

I’d go with nordstrand splt j’s. It’ll clean up the sound and if you get the alnico iii magnets you’ll get more warm “classic” fender tone. This bass is unapologetically fender lol. It’s almost over-fender-y lol

[@Barry101er]

Seems like a nice platform for upgrade fun

[@martian9999]

it sounds like this one has a very nice and strong attack. And that's something I always like in a bass!

[@rchrd3353]

great bass. i agree with all your points on this one. the pickups are unique for a jazz bass. i kinda like them to be honest.. but not if you're going for that traditional jazz sound that you expect. i got one of the late 60s classic vibes and it was crap too. they sent a replacement though which is fantastic. seems there's more of a lottery with those ones, but a winner can be a++

[@ericmoritz6899]

We'll get to the slapping, don't worry 😂. That's always my favorite part lol!

[@scottbrower9052]

I really like the three-color variation of this. Would it be a good first bass for a guitar player?

[@zahirmawji3178]

I bought this bass because aesthetically it's ideal to me. My example is a little weighty, but of all the basses I own it's the one I use most often. Sound is second to none. My only gripe is the controls are a bit cheap but I'd happily buy again... Specifically a sunburst one lol

[@Potarnul]

Could you please do a review of Schecter CV-4/5?

[@sebastiancabrol2014]

Both pickups with the tone at 50% sounds the best for me. Nice looking bass.

[@kimmorgan379]

I wonder which factory they come out of? Kudos to them for sure...

[@ronviejo4994]

Watch out where the huskies go, don't you eat no yellow snow. I agree sir, the trade off of output for clarity seems to be a good one. Two tones is surprisingly tasty. Best sounding "fender" I've heard in a while. That price is also attractive.

[@user-ez5fc5lp6j]

I bought one about a 5 month ago.. I've owned about 80 basses.. this is the only one that did not need a setup. Crazy quality for the price...it seems they are not being made any more... most sites say they are not carrying them anymore get one while you can!!!!!!

[@GoblinKing2001]

I need to get a Jazz bass and this one looks cool and is reasonably priced. Are there any other jazz bases in sub $450 range that you would also recommend?

[@KevinMajka]

is this body more like a jazz bass or a 55 precision bass or telecaster bass? I don't like the jazz bass shape personally. Really nice showcase of this one.

[@loco46m]

Squier can be either TERRIBLE or AMAZING, with no in between. It looks like this is amazing. The controls are unique, but simple and very flexible. The look is classy, but new. I may just buy it.

[@erollf1972]

i bought this for $225 shipped Reverb. Still had all plastic and hang tags. I have found nothing wrong with this bass. Feels much better quality than the classic vibe 'wammy neck' p bass that I own

[@lanerussell7958]

I do love my J54 bass; but I found the pickups were quite underpowered. I replaced them with stick pickups from a 2009 J-bass, and the problem was solved quite easily.

[@johnrigby6924]

You have a great finger sryle that compliments all the basses you play. I notice you often mention restringing basses before review? What strings do you prefer?

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks John! I use SIT Foundation Nickels 45-105 for all my reviews in order to keep things consistent. I've been enjoying them since switching from MJC (RIP Mike, MJC was an awesome company) last year.

[@marksanders8066]

I wonder how those stacked pots will hold up.

[@mallexandre69]

Hi lobster you can make the Bass covers play list in your Channel?

[@Zen-js3tx]

I had this bass but ended up selling it. After tweaking the tone exactly the way I liked between the 2 pickups the only way to boost volume without disturbing the tone I worked so hard to achieve with micro movements was to raise the volume on the amp, not so convenient in the middle of a song. This bass begs for a separate master volume knob. Other than that I thought it was a really nice bass for the money with great fret work, decent tuners and nice neck, unlike my previous classic vibe 60's P bass which was aweful in that regard.

[@CillBlintonOfficial]

Squier's get flame in the neck while American fender's don't... Awesome 👍 thanks Fender

[@colinfarel]

Mine makes noise like a strat. I need to fix it. No videos online showing how to wire or shield s 1951 Fender precision

[@user-ky4uo6kj9p]

now iin my mind idea to build Rick4001 copy))for memory of allmighty Lemmy!

[@BenjiH23]

Has anyone tried down tuning this bass? I put some 110 strings (which I use on my Schecter bass with perfect results) on mine to play in Half a Step Down and Drop C#. And I’m getting a lot of rattle and fret buzz. I tried setting up myself which improved it, but didn’t fix it. I then took it to a luthier/ guitar tech for a set up, only to get similar results. This is my first Jazz Bass, so I’m just wondering if there’s something I’m missing?

[@poltergeist3194]

Hey Lobster, Glad your doing well. Have you any thoughts on the Squier 40th Anniversary gold edition basses? I am really like the looks of the Ruby Red version. Have you been able to try one out?

[@TheMlvswoll]

That ruby red jazz is gorgeous. Curious how the QC is on them as well as they are at a higher price point for squire. I did get to play a precision model at my local shop and it was pretty nice.

[@poltergeist3194]

@@TheMlvswoll Yes that price tag is a little rough for a Squier, but if the QC is there I am all for it. I might wait to try and find one on the used market. Almost had one this weekend off Reverb but it sold before I got to it. Seller had it listed at $450 plus shipping which would have been reasonable for me to buy before trying it. I could have sold it again for that price if I didn’t find it to my liking

[@poltergeist3194]

@@TheMlvswoll Yes that price tag is a little rough for a Squier, but if the QC is there I am all for it. I might wait to try and find one on the used market. Almost had one this weekend off Reverb but it sold before I got to it. Seller had it listed at $450 plus shipping which would have been reasonable for me to buy before trying it. I could have sold it again for that price if I didn’t find it to my liking

[@samuelbrainsample]

What's your beef with Fenders in general, not necessarily the cheaper lines like Squier. Just curious.

[@rickrolli7091]

🦞Lobster🦞. I agree with all your comments on the bass. For the price, you can't beat it. One more possible good thing about the weak pickups. I think it would give you some room to use some pedals without being overpowering.

[@mandalorthedeaf1237]

a third contender in this price range - my brain instantly the Sire V5! - Lobster: it's not the sire. XD

[@joecasa85]

Thank you, Lobster. I purchased this bass some months ago thanks to your review and I'm absolutely satisfied with the quality! C'mon...a Made in China bass of this greatness? I trusted your words and never regretted my choice. You need to see the new Harley Benton Jazz-style basses, cìbecause they seem even more stunning and placed at even lower prices! 🤯

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! Review of the new Harley Benton coming tomorrow ;)

[@firemarshal2629]

You sound like a mark

[@thunderstein5041]

​@@firemarshal2629 somebody gave their kids access to their youtube account

[@roeldeleon8598]

It's nice to buy bass like that...from USA .here in Philippines it's almost 600 dollar price more or less...it's very strange a price point here

[@thewomble1509]

They have risen in price in the UK too. They were around £290 when first released. Now, they are coming in at over £450.

[@judecarpenter2990]

Lobster u need to check out the 40th anniversary vintage edition

[@faustinogarciabassplayer3174]

I want one now. Or a Tagima....or why not both 😳

[@CillBlintonOfficial]

Really wish these models had a tele bass headstock. Doesn't make sense why it wouldn't

[@Longisland95]

Hi hoping you could give me some advice. I broke a stem off my Paranormal bass. I can't seem to .locate a 250/250k concentric pot to replace the one that broke. If i were to replace it with 250/500k fender replacement would it be ok?

[@teenagethumb4135]

this looks nice. do you think the neck is replaceable?

[@LowEndLobster]

Yes, you can swap in any other Fender/Fender style 4 string neck. I've seen someone install one of the Fender roasted necks on one of these and it looked killer

[@golfboy83]

I have the same black and gold model, and I love it! But I've been thinking about doing the sane mods that you talked about, pickups, shielding, and bridge. So I look forward to your video, and im not going to touch mine until I see how yours turns out 🦞

[@scottm7720]

That tone has some nice bright sounds, what strings were you using?

[@LowEndLobster]

SIT Foundation Nickels 45-105. I keep forgetting to mention it recently, but I do have it listed in the description. Great strings!

[@scottm7720]

@@LowEndLobster thanks for the info.

[@glitchunicorn]

I'm curious how this bass would sound with some flats

[@bill4510]

Is neck dive an issue with this bass?

[@ramshaar2597]

Unic good looking very many options she can give 2 you

[@vcp93]

Man, all the basses I've heard in this series sound pretty darn good. For the price, not sure how you can do better.

[@TFEnright5]

If it had a PJ set up, I would be totally into it but I just don’t like basses with two jazz pick ups

[@mr_ozzio5095]

Nice sounding and looking bass, and well made too plus a good price point🎸 Have you tested or owned, any VINTAGE V4 or VJ74 basses???

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks! I haven't reviewed any Vintage branded instruments yet, hoping to at some point

[@lawrencetagliareni4893]

Got the 30 inch squier mustang instead but thanks.

[@cliffords2315]

That bass will Turn Heads

[@angelcarrera8609]

there is the noise in the high end thats constant.

[@TheCesWilliams]

I really want to watch this vid, but I have to go to bed!! 🤣🤣

[@Peter-Alexander]

LOL....the video is more important, dude!

[@Amhotep999]

❤❤❤

[@michaelsunderland4211]

did you sell this?

[@aldito7586]

You know what? Pound for pound - Dollar for dollar. This is a nice bass !

[@Chinchu86]

Just curious, why are you not a fan of Fender???

[@congerscott6064]

Just have to know, what is your all time favorite bass guitar. 👍🏆.

[@solo624]

Very nice looking bass , tried it this weekend. Pickups had low output and very poor build quality. The neck felt poor I guess you get what you pay for.

[@mattrudybass]

I think this bass needs a neck with a vintage tint. The brightness does not look right. Sounds good though.

[@LowEndLobster]

I saw someone on TB swap in one of the Fender Roasted Maple necks that you can buy and the result was KILLER!

[@mattrudybass]

@@LowEndLobsterThanks. I gotta look for that post.

[@jethro1044]

I agree with this, it looks better with the blonde & the white run of this bass for sure. It’s grown me though, I really like it!

[@MrSparks54]

Scored one of these for $229, cyber Monday 😁

[@LowEndLobster]

Nice score!