Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $362

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Squier Paranormal Series Toronado is an electrifying revival of a late-'90s classic that captures the spirit and sound of Fender’s iconic offset design. This guitar is a standout in any collection, boasting a distinct shape that sets it apart from the usual Jazzmaster or Jaguar. With a pair of high-output Atomic humbuckers, this model is built to deliver everything from smooth cleans to powerful, stage-ready crunch, making it an ideal companion for any musical adventure.

The Toronado’s 24.75-inch scale length offers a slinky feel, perfect for easy bends and fast runs, while the Slim "C" profile maple neck ensures comfort and agility across all 22 narrow-tall frets. The hardtail bridge with a string-through-body design provides rock-solid tuning stability and enhances the guitar’s rich resonance, ensuring you sound as good as you look. Each pickup is equipped with independent volume and tone controls, allowing for an expansive tonal palette that’s ready to tackle any genre.

A true product of Squier's Paranormal series, this guitar is a testament to innovative design and rule-breaking creativity. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock or modern metal, the Squier Paranormal Series Toronado offers a versatile platform to express your unique sound.

Key Features:

  • High-output Atomic humbuckers for versatile sound
  • 24.75-inch scale length for slinky playability
  • Slim "C" profile maple neck
  • Hardtail bridge with string-through-body design
  • Independent volume and tone controls for each pickup
  • Iconic offset body design

Product specs

Brand Squier
Model Paranormal Toronado
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Black, Lake Placid Blue, Mystic Seafoam
Year 2020 - 2025
Made In China
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Poplar
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Green
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Laurel
Fretboard Radius 9.5"
Model Family Squier Toronado
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.575"
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24"
Series Squier Paranormal
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Squier Paranormal Series Toronado have?

The Squier Paranormal Series Toronado is equipped with Squier Atomic humbucking pickups, which provide a modern tone with minimal hum, suitable for a variety of music genres.

Is the Squier Paranormal Series Toronado suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Squier Paranormal Series Toronado is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable playability, offset body shape, and versatile sound, making it an excellent choice for those starting their guitar journey.

What is the neck profile of the Squier Paranormal Series Toronado?

The Squier Paranormal Series Toronado features a comfortable "C"-shaped neck profile with a 9.5" radius, providing a smooth playing experience for both chords and lead playing.

Does the Squier Paranormal Series Toronado have a tremolo bridge?

Yes, the Squier Paranormal Series Toronado comes with a vintage-style tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and vibrato effects.

What materials are used in the construction of the Squier Paranormal Series Toronado?

The Squier Paranormal Series Toronado features a poplar body, a maple neck, and a laurel fretboard, combining to offer a balanced tone and comfortable playability.

Landon Bailey

Landon Bailey

the Fender Squier Paranormal Toronado Deep Dive Review

Video thumbnail for the Fender Squier Paranormal Toronado Deep Dive Review by Landon Bailey

the Fender Squier Paranormal Toronado Deep Dive Review

Landon Bailey

Landon Bailey

Video thumbnail for Squier Paranormal Toronado Guitar - The Toronado Is Back! by PMTVUK

Squier Paranormal Toronado Guitar - The Toronado Is Back!

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Best Squier? Paranormal Toronado by Play and Trade Guitars

Best Squier? Paranormal Toronado

Play and Trade Guitars

Play and Trade Guitars

Video thumbnail for Squier Paranormal Toronado - Sound Demo (no talking) by Guitar Bonedo

Squier Paranormal Toronado - Sound Demo (no talking)

Guitar Bonedo

Guitar Bonedo

Video thumbnail for TONE CHECK: Squier Paranormal Toronado Demo | No Talking by Cream City Music

TONE CHECK: Squier Paranormal Toronado Demo | No Talking

Cream City Music

Cream City Music

Video thumbnail for Squier Paranormal Toronado (2021) - EMPIRE MUSIC by Empire Music

Squier Paranormal Toronado (2021) - EMPIRE MUSIC

Empire Music

Empire Music

Video thumbnail for The Most UNDERAPPRECIATED Fender Design (aka: Unboxing the Squier Paranormal Toronado) by 11th Fret

The Most UNDERAPPRECIATED Fender Design (aka: Unboxing the Squier Paranormal Toronado)

11th Fret

11th Fret

Video thumbnail for Squier Paranormal Toronado. Am I Surprised? by Leonard Griffie Blues

Squier Paranormal Toronado. Am I Surprised?

Leonard Griffie Blues

Leonard Griffie Blues

Reviews

PROS

  • High-quality build and finish at an affordable price

  • Comfortable and attractive body design

  • Hot Atomic humbuckers offer a powerful sound

  • Shorter scale length aids in easy bending

  • Versatile tonal range, good for various music styles

  • Fretboard and fretwork are smooth and well-dressed

  • Good sustain with string-through-body design

CONS

  • Tuners may need upgrading for better tuning stability

  • Bridge tone control issues reported by some users

  • Neck pickup can lack articulation at low volumes

  • Some components may feel cheap compared to higher-end models

  • Pickup switch can be stiff and tricky to use quickly

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Squier Paranormal Series Toronado.

Build quality

  • The output jack is often poorly constructed, with an excessively long positive tip terminal, necessitating a replacement for reliable cable grip.

    Source
  • The football plate around the 1/4" jack lacks a dimple for nut recession, leaving the nut protruding slightly.

    Source
  • The pickguard on the Squier Toronado is single-ply and not shielded, unlike the original Deluxe Series' 3-ply shielded version.

    Source
  • The Squier Paranormal Toronado feels more like a Japanese Fender than a typical Squier, with superior tuning stability compared to many Squier models.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Toronado's pickups are described as hot and muddy, making a Silverface Princeton Reissue break up at a low volume setting of 2.

    Source
  • The Squier Paranormal Toronado's neck scale of 24.75" is the same as a Gibson, offering a different feel compared to typical Fenders.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some users suggest lightly sanding the glossy neck with ultra-fine sandpaper to achieve a satin feel, reminiscent of original Toronado finishes.

    Source
  • Some users report tuning stability issues due to a grippy nut, suggesting a TusqXL nut replacement for smoother performance.

    Source
  • Some owners experience slight muting on the B string, indicating minor setup tweaks might be needed for optimal performance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Squier Atomic Humbuckers in the Toronado have only 2 leads, limiting coil-splitting options compared to the original Atomics.

    Source
  • The lack of a tremolo system is seen as a benefit for some players, reducing complexity for beginners or those preferring hard tail guitars.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend using copper foil for shielding due to the unshielded pickguard and control cavity, enhancing noise reduction.

    Source
  • Several owners replace stock pickups with GFS Surf 90s or GFS Lipstick Humbuckers for improved tonal clarity.

    Source
  • Owners recommend replacing the stock wiring with a Switchcraft right-angle toggle switch for better reliability, as the factory switch often fails.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • One buyer purchased an open box model for $199, noting it was significantly cheaper than elsewhere, making it a budget-friendly modding platform.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Toronado is favored for doom/stoner music, with users appreciating its solid bridge for heavy tones.

    Source
  • The Toronado is appreciated for its SG-like qualities, making it suitable for players transitioning from bass or those accustomed to SG models.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite being Chinese-made, the Paranormal series guitars, like the Offset Tele, are praised for their playability and quality.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Squier Paranormal Series Toronado Demo and Review

getoffsetpodcast.com

The Squier Paranormal Series Toronado brings a mix of nostalgia and modern playability. Boasting a comfortable neck and solid tuning stability right out of the box, this guitar is a joy to play. The humbucker pickups, while not perfect, can be easily swapped for those seeking a different sound. However, the weight might be a slight drawback for some. Overall, the Toronado stands out as an attractive option that successfully captures the spirit of its predecessors while catering to contemporary players.

positive

Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special HT and Paranormal Toronado review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

Squier's Paranormal Toronado shines with unique styling and a distinct tonal palette that sets it apart from typical budget guitars. It features high-quality construction and versatile sound options, making it an enticing choice for both beginners and seasoned players. However, it's essential to note that this guitar may not satisfy traditionalists seeking purist designs. Overall, the Toronado proves that affordability doesn't compromise quality, offering a compelling performance that’s both engaging and fun to play.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Squier Paranormal Series Toronado, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Fender Player Jazzmaster
Fender Player Jazzmaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Fender Player Telecaster
Fender Player Telecaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

Community setups

Show yours
timwasem

timwasem

Gear IQ 1097

More Squier Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    kkolar
    kkolar

    Gear IQ 120676