Squier Paranormal Stratosonic - Review, Demo, Take Apart

Keith takes a look at one of the latest offerings from Squier, The Paranormal Series Stratosonic. Can the Fender/Gibson hybrid give you the best of both worlds? Let's find out.
TIME STAMPS:
Intro - 0:00
First Impressions - 1:19
Stock Demo - 5:10
Overview/Take Apart - 7:50
Tone Samples - 10:59
Final Thoughts - 13:34
Keith Leedham is an independent recording artists/studio owner/tinkerer.
He owns "The Tape Farm" a recording studio that specializes in transferring "pro-sumer" analog tape formats from manufactures like Tascam and Fostex.
Website: www.thetapefarm.com
Facebook: / thetapefarm
As an independent recording artists Keith has released singles, EPs and full length albums. With styles ranging from Progressive Rock to Country to Singer/Songwriter to Hard Rock to what ever the song dictates.
Website: www.keithleedham.com
He also tinkers with various audio equipment such as tape machines, guitars and guitar amps. When he comes across something interesting he posts the progress/results on KZbin.
Jumpin Boogie Woogie by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Artist: audionautix.com/

[@mburtondavis]

Just when I swore I would not buy another guitar they drop this right in front of me.

[@TheTapeFarm]

Those bastards! 😜 I feel your pain.

[@ErikTomblinWrites]

It's apparently contagious...

[@philipaklonis7906]

😂

[@jonathanhudak2059]

I know right??

[@jimmyz2098]

I know it! Dammit I'm trying to slow the G.A.S. down! It's got me. And now this!! Dammit!!!

[@DG-zs7jj]

It's nice to see someone who is displaying the features of the guitar rather than some ego show. This really showed what the guitar sounds like in every possible scenario. Thanks for this - it is AWESOME !! :)

[@TheTapeFarm]

It’s easy to have limited ego when you’re not that talented 🤣. Thanks man. I appreciate the acknowledgment of what I’m trying to do!

[@valueofnothing2487]

Definitely brighter than the SG. And more comfortable. The switching seems really fun to play with.

[@drabun1]

I got mine, in Red like yours, yesterday. I wanted it because I like all the specs it comes with. Right out of the box I am loving this guitar. Neck feels great and it sounds fantastic. I'm going to put fresh strings on it, polish the frets a little and oil the fretboard (a little dry). This is a great guitar for the price. Not a toy. There are some very nice guitars out there at or near this price point. I bought a Sire T3 last week and it is an unbelievable guitar at that price. Very well made. I have Gibson Les Paul's which might not get played for awhile! I like your presentation and will explore your library later.

[@TheTapeFarm]

Been eyeing a Sire H7…. Just haven’t pulled the trigger.

[@markpickardlife]

Really liked that jam.

[@TheTapeFarm]

Thanks Mark!

[@TheMerc1950]

Definitely into all of their latest paranormal drops. So good for the money.

[@samfosdick9874]

Everyone i play guitar with said you and i play EXACTLY like each other... brothers from different mothers and it appears we have the same shed/workshop.

[@PatrickGeneLeBlancHardy]

I going to buy this same guitar soon & the same color. Thanks For Sharing 🎸

[@PatoJMA]

I bought it yesterday. Good sound with many possibilities of pickup combinations. Defects: - The bridge needs some small grooves so that the strings do not move and stay in place. - Some fret is slightly higher. - The adjustment is not very good and the strings are very high from the fingerboard. Tomorrow I take the guitar to a luthier to adjust it. He has told me that the process is simple and will not cost much.

[@maryannmoran-smyth3453]

I put an adjustable wraparound bridge on my Stratocaster with a custom neck from warmoth and I bolted down the bridge with 3/8 stainless steel bolts and it brought the tone and sustain mojo up 1000% ,It brought this guitar to the next level of awesomeness.… Keep on rockin…..

[@lucifersam7771]

Man, I'm a hoping they do one in the original sunburst with a roasted maple neck. Whatever I'll probably be on the line soon placing an order!

[@WTHREET1]

Nice review you hit all points simplistically. Especially sound demo 😊

[@PatoJMA]

I think that this solid compensated bridge can transmit a better sustain than a bridge made up of many pieces. You don't need to find as many settings if it's done right. Acoustic guitars over €8,000 do not have any adjustment on the bridge. Nobody complains because the intonation is correct. The bridge is simply well placed in its place. The Squier Paranormal Stratosonic will be my next guitar. 🙂 Currently, I have a Fender Lead II, to which I have added a switch to connect the two pickups in series. This have the best of both worlds: fat humbucker sound and bright single coil sound. The shorter scale of the Squier Strat-o-Caster has a neck that will fit my hands better. Previously, I had a Mustang whose short scale neck was very comfortable for me.

[@TheTapeFarm]

#truth about bridges. That said… some people like certain things. And they willing to compromise one thing for another… like maybe a few milliseconds of sustain that nobody will ever hear for a bridge that is more easily intonated. But that doesn’t make either view, right or wrong. That’s why they make both.

[@GuitarFool1569]

Need to know what amp program you're using & it's settings. That demo song... bro, you just sold me BIG TIME! VERY happy you did the Twight Zone riff in the song as well to show the intonation being on par with a wrap around bridge. Wow.... just wow.

[@TheTapeFarm]

Thanks man! I think I was using the Overloud plugin that came the the Slate “everything bundle”.

[@anthonythornhill8715]

I bought the red one! It arrived today and I LOVE it!😊

[@nathanieljohnson8727]

Great review, incredible song!

[@matts8657]

Sounds great! So many tone possibilities!

[@RickAltizerMusic]

Four Part Guitar Solo BABY!!!! Love it! Another great video. Thanks for posting!

[@TheTapeFarm]

What I lack in talent I make up for quantity.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Very cool guitar and excellent review! I love the idea behind this one the blending of a Stratocaster with a Gibson P90 style guitar. Very cool like your channel by the way 😀

[@spinnywise]

Add one more sub to your channel! This video was just great! I just received shipping notice for MY red Stratosonic and I can't wait to see it. That jam you did was on fire as well! Had me air-guitaring. Thanks for a fun, and FUNNY video!

[@MrJeff1801]

Excellent video, well thought out, creative, great playing, good pace. Easy to watch. New subscriber from Tasmania

[@TheTapeFarm]

I did all the things!!! Thanks man! I try to get better with each video. My early videos were a bit of a train wreck by comparison. Thanks for appreciating the process.

[@shroompicn-shrooman]

Im stuck between this and the Strat-Nashville .. I like Stratocasters i don't like the volume that close to the bridge pickup .. with this and the Nashville that's not an issue.. both are so cool 😎

[@TheTapeFarm]

Ummm…. Both 😉

[@405Lenny]

This is the best review on these guitars that I have seen. 👍👍

[@TheTapeFarm]

Thanks!

[@BenjaminRoethig]

Yeah, I need one of these.

[@jimmyz2098]

Wow. Great playing, and great song that you're playing.... and I assume you wrote. Good stuff. I've just started looking at this guitar, and I think I'm sold. It's just soo cool, and something different than everything else out there. It would make a nice addition to the collection. Cool vid!

[@TheTapeFarm]

Thanks Jimmy. I do write all the demo tunes in my reviews. Thanks for the kind words.

[@eddiejr540]

Just found your channel….good stuff…that fingerboard oiled up nicely…great playing and great demo and great review…had to sub👍

[@TheTapeFarm]

Thanks Eddie! Welcome aboard!

[@caseihalabama6808]

Very good review and playing. I’m really gassing for one of these. I’ve gone so far as to research of all the different permutations of a build from budget bodies and custom pups, and pick guards (I have a MIM neck just sitting there) . But the thing is that I cannot meet the price point. Your review has made gravitate to getting the guitar as is and just enjoy playing it.

[@TheTapeFarm]

Fender.com currently has the Blue one of this model on sale. www.fender.com/en-US/squier-electric-guitars/stratocaster/limited-edition-paranormal-strat-o-sonic/0377035527.html

[@CleveStarke]

Excellent video well Informed and I love the ASMR😂 Have subscribed Cheers

[@DarylMaihori]

Not only nice playing, great mix.

[@TheTapeFarm]

Thanks. It was a fun demo to do.

[@marksguitars5617]

great review, I got one, do you think regular braided cable P90s can be retrofitted? I see all that spaghetti in the cavity. Thanks for sharing

[@PipeCat1965]

Great review. I actually kind of like the look of the stripey fingerboard and multi-board body, but only when it's a trans color like this, no burst.

[@gtr1952]

About a year ago I decided I needed something w/P90's. 50+ years playing guitar and I never had one. All the reviews on the Yamaha RevStar were out, and they were all good. Unusual. Of course they were sold out immediately, so I was on a waiting list. This April, a black RevStar w/P90's, a Standard, shows up. 2 weeks and a setup later I didn't care for it. I've played Fenders and Gibsons all my life, that Yamaha just didn't do it for me. I was about to give Sweetwater $1450 for a TV yellow LP Special when I saw this one. I never had a Squire, but the 24.75 scale Strat got my attention. A good friend also has some Squires. So I go to Sweetwater and their sold out? Anyway I'm on a list again. LOL. Even if I have to change pups and wiring I'm pretty sure I'll like the Strat shaped object. I have other parts if needed too. Thanks for the review, nice job!! 8) Peace --gary

[@TheTapeFarm]

I got mine directly from Fender’s web site. I too got tired of waiting for Sweetwater to get them in stock.

[@gtr1952]

@@TheTapeFarm I considered that. At SW though I can usually negotiate a discount, at minimum a cable and a couple packs of strings. Cash, ~15%. I'm not cheap, the $ just doesn't go as far as it used to. --gary

[@b0b415]

Great review, thanks for posting the pickup stats. I really liked the original ones, but hated the black doves; these sound pretty interesting.

[@wern4370]

In my eyes it looks like an SG wants to be a Strat . The guitar is on the list

[@vanshankguitars]

This has to be one of your best mixes!

[@TheTapeFarm]

Thanks!!

[@Frank-in-NY]

Excellent Review! You really covered this instrument nicely. Enjoyed the playing demo as well. What kind of Bass were you using? It looked like a Tele Style Bass. Very nice as well.

[@TheTapeFarm]

It’s a bass I built myself. You can check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/raXEgJaXqdOIqbc

[@kel_25]

The mismatch of the colours within the body and across the fretboard are part of it with the paranormal series I reckon, sweet guitar 👌

[@LightWingStudios]

As usual...Good Stuff Keith! Gotta get one. :)

[@TheTapeFarm]

Thanks, brother!

[@ubermac85]

I got one and it has become my new favorite guitar (and I have Gibsons and Fenders). Only thing I’ve found was a couple of the tuner heads were ever so slightly loose and they wiggle during play and that vibration is audible to the player. I thought it was the electronics but turns out it’s just cheap tuners. So I’ll be replacing those. Also putting 10’s on it. Word is Squier will no longer be putting Epi bridges on them so if you get one that does hold onto it. It may be rare at some point.

[@spokes28]

Excellent video-loved the opening too. I have to wonde whyr; I have never heard anyone say that they liked an Indian Laurel fret board yet these manufacturers continue to use it.

[@TheTapeFarm]

They use it because it’s cheap, plentiful, and effective. People, including myself have gotten so use to what rosewood looks like that anything else just “doesn’t look right”. Indian Laurel is fine. I’m just spoiled 😉

[@spokes28]

@@TheTapeFarm I prefer Rosewood or Ebony or plain maple depending on the color of the guitar. Indian Laurel just seems to be an in the middle color that doesn’t go with much. Thanks!

[@TheTapeFarm]

@@spokes28 agreed.

[@joeblankenship377]

I'd definitely change the bridge. I wish it was tele shaped. Be like a Fenderized LP special.

[@TheTapeFarm]

Replaced the bridge… did a short on it. kzbin.infoUkhdXw3F9aY?si=ua4DD64ZvH7bOayb

[@MrDalyan5]

Bonus points for the Three Amigos cultural reference.

[@TheTapeFarm]

Bonus points for noticing it.

[@papablue3015]

Very nice! I got an epiphone 1959 for Father's day! I also buy for myself! 3kids a wife and nothing! Sooo...??? I buy for myself! Unfortunately Some people are givers some are takers! But I still love um! Thanks

[@charlesharper7292]

Do you think it would be worth while putting copper foil or paint in the pickup and switch/ pots cavities? Mine should be here this week.

[@godfreydaniel6278]

It's ALWAYS worth it!

[@johndaugherty4127]

That baby sounds wonderful. I wonder how it stacks up against that Tele you have sitting there.

[@billyvitale8994]

wow great playing and arrangement.. cool guitar... would be cool if it had mahogany body and rosewood fretboard. love the electronics... how does it do on hum? series and parallel cancel?

[@TheTapeFarm]

Thanks Billy. Hum wasn’t that bad. I thought for sure the cavity was going to be shielded, but it wasn’t. I thought about shielding it when I had it open, but I decided not to since it didn’t seem to need it.

[@PatoJMA]

I already have mine. I think one of the pickups is RW/RP. When the two are connected in phase (either in series or in parallel), there is noise cancellation. When the pickups are out of phase, noise cancellation doesn't work. A shield would be convenient.

[@RavenwingMusic]

Keith! Grow the goatee back! LOVE that guitar. If my local GC has a Strat-O-Sonic when I get there tomorrow, I may just come home with one, I don't care what color.

[@TheTapeFarm]

Yeah, I’ve been toying with facial hair options. Grow little something out don’t like it shave it back. Grow something else out. Don’t like it shave it back…. the only thing that seems to stick is the goatee.

[@Jonwsm]

Can I ask... When the volume control is pulled out, is your bridge pickup silent?

[@TheTapeFarm]

No. Pulling up on the volume pot puts both pickup in series with each other.

[@PatoJMA]

Yes. When the volume control is pulled out and the switch has the bridge pickup selected, the sound is muted. I would prefer that with the volume control is pulled out, the pickups remain connected in series, whatever the selector is. I think one of the pickups is RW/RP and when both are selected there is noise cancellation. When they get out of phase, a little bit of noise appears. A shield would be convenient.

[@user-ij7fh8fw5r]

I bought one of these - noticing a lot of hum on my drive channel and static clicks when I touch the tuning knobs. Seems like this guitar is missing a ground. Anyone else having this issue? If so, how did you solve it?

[@TheTapeFarm]

Did not have that issue. To solve the issue you would need to run a ground. But first check it by using a Volt/Ohm Meter or some kind of continuity checker. Put on lead on the bridge and the other on the back of one of the pots and see if there is continuity.

[@jasonswitzer1748]

I saw another review where the reviewer also found that it hummed when touching the tuners. It’s a weird grounding issue. Pretty sure it can resolved.

[@samfosdick9874]

Subbed!

[@99otari]

BTW, is that a Tascam 34B in the background?

[@TheTapeFarm]

Yes sir.

[@samfosdick9874]

Epiphone bridge!!!! Wowwwws

[@Vince1974]

Very nice review. Would you have a reference for a new bridge with that saddles ? 😇 best regards 🙏

[@TheTapeFarm]

kzbin.infoUkhdXw3F9aY?si=0WqtpQlaJOmlc_kz

[@TheTapeFarm]

I installed a PRS bridge

[@Vince1974]

@@TheTapeFarm thank you. The inserts have the same diameter then…

[@Vince1974]

@@TheTapeFarm When the volume is pulled do you have sound when you’re on the bridge pickup only ? On mine I don’t. It’s fun because I can do the kill switch thing but it’s not very handy.

[@jamestelgarez5967]

Music City #1replacement bridge Period!!!

[@bigmuffexpress]

I am currently being sent my third Stratosonic after appalling QC issues with the first two. It's a shame as there isn't another guitar I was remotely interested in

[@TheTapeFarm]

Wow. What sort of issues were you having?

[@coltonmuri3672]

Check out the Michael Kelley Thinline 59. I've been deciding on a P-90 guitar recently including this Squier Paranormal. I think it sounds and looks great. I also love my 2 Squier Bullet strats that I've modified, so I'm curious what your QC issues were.

[@99otari]

There is another teardown review of the same model. The guitar had loose posts for the tail tailpiece. Also, the tuning posts had a bit of a wobble. Did you find the same problems?

[@TheTapeFarm]

Nope. Mine was good. I have since replaced the bridge with a PRS USA bridge that’s pretty awesome. Tuners have been solid.

[@TheTapeFarm]

Did a short about the bridge replacement. kzbin.infoUkhdXw3F9aY?si=n9bEMmWrH4LP-dXO

[@99otari]

@@TheTapeFarm Good to know. I'm still considering this one for the next addition to my collection. Thx!

[@99otari]

@@TheTapeFarm Very nice! Thx for posting this.

[@TheTapeFarm]

@@99otari they make a blue one that looks amazing. And it’s on sale!!! www.fender.com/en-US/squier-electric-guitars/stratocaster/limited-edition-paranormal-strat-o-sonic/0377035527.html

[@mknewlan67]

So as a brand new beginner getting ready to have his 1st lesson. Is it bad that I have G.A.S already?

[@TheTapeFarm]

Bad is such a strong word… in fact one might see it as hopeful!

[@stanknugget]

Great video. Way better than Trogly.

[@logantang]

What's the total length of this guitar in inches? I wanna know if this will fit in my Fender Gigbag before I purchase. Would really appreciate it.

[@TheTapeFarm]

I have it right at 39”

[@logantang]

@@TheTapeFarm Thanks very much, it's half inch longer than a Telecaster then. Does that length include the bottom Strap Lock?

[@TheTapeFarm]

@@logantang no, so add the length of a strap button… 3/8” maybe.

[@logantang]

@@TheTapeFarm ok Thanks, so it has a Les Paul Style Scale Length but that Big Ass Fender Headstock lol.

[@ubermac85]

@@logantangYes a head stock that won’t snap off in your gig bag 😅

[@j_fley6702]

Didn't like the bridge clean too much, sounded good with dirt though. Everything else was pretty nice

[@JC-td4gg]

I just bought one of these that had issues with the electronics and pickups, not very good build quality and got a instant refund from the dealer after he checked and found these issues, so do have it checked before buying. Maybe better to buy later, used when all the kinks have been fixed!

[@TheTapeFarm]

I had a PRS SE I had a bunch of issues when I got it. I guess they can’t all be gems.

[@JC-td4gg]

A LITTLE QUALITY CONTROL ON ECH GUITAR WOULD GO A LONG WAY TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS OK.@@TheTapeFarm

[@TheTapeFarm]

@@JC-td4gg agreed… you may have given me an idea for a video…..

[@takemebacktothen]

what's under the pickguard?

[@TheTapeFarm]

Nothing

[@Dave062YT]

How much does it weigh pl?

[@TheTapeFarm]

10:55

[@jamesonpace726]

If only a maple board....

[@TheTapeFarm]

Agreed.

[@TheTapeFarm]

Or a much darker laurel, rosewood or something… and some black hardware…. Hmmmmm🤔

[@judeworth938]

It's an Epiphone bridge.... While guitars are a personal choice, I think for the money I would rather get the new Sire S3 $399 OR the G&L Fallout $499.

[@TheTapeFarm]

Both fine choices

[@judeworth938]

@@TheTapeFarm p.s...just read this morning that Squire is most likely going to pull the Epiphone bridges off the remaining Stratosonics so you might wind up with a unique version ☺

[@TheTapeFarm]

@@judeworth938 ooooooo…. Collectors item!

[@ThomasDeLello]

I don't like Gibson SG's because they are fragile. Mine broke in two at the heel. Fender guitars are indestructible... I like this guitar and if I didn't have too many guitars now would buy one. They used Epiphone bridge, but what about the pickup...?

[@TheTapeFarm]

They are just listed as Alnico 5 P90s, no branding on them or stated.

[@ThomasDeLello]

@@TheTapeFarm If the Epiphone bridge is made from cheap Chinese pot medal, then I would consider swapping it out for a better quality Gibson bridge and if there is an aftermarket bell brass option I would look into that too.

[@TheTapeFarm]

@@ThomasDeLello it’s not bad but I am looking for something. No rush as the bridge is fine. Eventually I will find “the perfect bridge”. The search is half the fun.

[@PatoJMA]

On the Fender website it states: Fender Designed Alnico Soapbar Single-Coil I think the bridge is made of brass. There are small marks where the strings rest. They look yellow. The bridge needs some small grooves so that the strings do not move and stay in place. My guitar needs a little adjustment by a luthier. For the all very good.

[@mike1967sam]

everybody says they're not P-90's

[@TheTapeFarm]

They are. P-90’s are a kind of pick up, like humbuckers. It’s any single coil pickup in this form factor. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-90 There are P-100’s which is essentially a stacked humbucker in a P-90 form factor. Now Jazzmaster pickups are not P-90s. I have heard people call them P-90s before and that would be incorrect. Two different form factors.

[@academyofshem]

That there is one of them Woke guitars. Sometimes it identifies as a Fender, other times a Gibson.

[@TheTapeFarm]

There’s an angle I hadn’t considered… that would have been much funnier.

[@academyofshem]

@@TheTapeFarm Yeah, "Oops, I spilled some Bud Light on this here guitar..."