Review: Squire Paranormal Rascal Bass (performance and value for money)

Today, we delve into the world of the Squire Paranormal Rascal Bass, a highly anticipated addition to the Paranormal series by Squire. In this comprehensive LowEndLobster's review, he explores the various aspects of this bass and evaluates its performance and value for money.

Video Review: Squire Paranormal Rascal Bass

Body

The Body and Finish

The Squire Paranormal Rascal Bass features a Poplar body with an exquisite Sherwood green finish. The color exhibits different hues under various lighting conditions, ranging from gold to teal to British racing green. It's a visually striking bass, especially considering its affordable price point.

Pickups and Controls

• The bass is equipped with two Fender-designed wide range pickups, branded with the Squire logo.
• The control layout is straightforward, with a toggle switch for pickup selection, and master volume and tone controls.
• The pickups are mounted on the pickguard, allowing for easy swapping and customization.

Bridge and Stringing

• The bridge is a standout feature, featuring grooves to retain the saddles and adjustable string height for each string.
• It is a string-through-body design, ensuring better sustain and stability.
• The bass comes with standard nickel-plated foundation strings, but it is recommended to try flatwound strings for an optimal vintage tone.

Neck and Headstock

• The neck is made of maple, with a comfortable profile and a 30-inch scale length.
• It features a laurel fingerboard with 21 frets, a 9.5-inch radius, and a 38mm nut width.
• The inlays follow the pickup pattern, giving the bass a unique touch.
• The headstock is reminiscent of the Fender Coronado style, painted in matching Sherwood green and adorned with Squire branding.

Performance and Sound

The Squire Paranormal Rascal Bass delivers impressive sound quality. The wide range pickups offer a vintage tone with excellent clarity and definition. The bass provides a wide range of tones, and the tone control is highly effective, allowing for nuanced adjustments.

The bass's sound in different playing styles, including fingerstyle, picking, slapping, and playing with a pick. The bass performs admirably in all scenarios, showcasing its versatility and dynamic range.

Ergonomics and Weight

The bass's size and weight may be a consideration for some players. Despite being a short-scale bass, it has a large body, which may not suit those seeking a compact instrument. Additionally, the bass exhibits neck dive, which may require adjustments or alternate strap placement to ensure comfortable playability.

Value for Money

With its impressive features, vintage aesthetics, and excellent sound quality, the Squire Paranormal Rascal Bass offers exceptional value for its price. Retailing at $450, it competes favorably with other models in its range, such as the Epiphone Newport and the G&L Tribute Fallout Bass.

The Squire Paranormal Rascal Bass proves to be a standout instrument, combining vintage charm, modern features, and impressive performance. While it presents some ergonomic challenges, its exceptional sound, build quality, and affordable price make it a top contender in its category. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this bass offers a lot of bang for your buck.