Squier Paranormal Troy V Leeuwen Tele

Squier Paranormal Troy V Leeuwen Tele review

The Squier Paranormal Troy V Leeuwen Tele is a signature model for Troy Van Leeuwen of Queens of the Stone Age. Its defining feature is a 12-string setup in a T-style design, finished in high-gloss Copper with a four-ply tortoiseshell pickguard. At a listed price of $513, it offers a distinctive take on a familiar guitar format. The model has been available since September 2026.

The specification sheet identifies two Fender-designed Alnico single-coil pickups, a three-way selector, and master volume and tone controls. Those are straightforward controls for shaping the instrument's sound. The 12 strings bring a different character to the format, with paired strings designed to add a layered, fuller texture compared with a conventional six-string guitar. The supplied information does not include measured output, pickup positions, or detailed tonal tests, so claims about specific sounds should be treated cautiously.

Construction and playability

The body is made from nato, with no separate top. A bolt-on maple neck carries an Indian laurel fingerboard, pearloid dot inlays, and 21 narrow-tall frets. The neck has a C profile, while the fingerboard radius is 241 mm (9.5 inches). Scale length is 648 mm (25.5 inches), and the nut width is 42.86 mm (1.686 inches). These dimensions give a useful reference for players comparing the guitar with instruments they already own, though personal comfort still depends on hand size and playing style.

The nut is made from Micarta. Squier lists vintage-style tuning machines and chrome hardware. Together with the Copper finish and tortoiseshell pickguard, those details give the guitar a strong visual identity. Whether that combination appeals is a matter of taste, as one owner's feedback also notes. The finish is high gloss, so the color and pickguard are likely to be prominent parts of the instrument's look.

A 12-string guitar requires suitable string spacing and bridge hardware. This model uses a Telecaster 12-string top-load bridge, with strings also routed through the body. The listed string set is nickel-plated steel, with paired gauges of.010/.010,.013/.013,.017/.008,.026/.012,.036/.018, and.046/.026. That gauge information is relevant when replacing strings or arranging a setup. The supplied specifications do not state the factory tuning or setup, so buyers should confirm those details with the retailer if they are important.

Controls and included accessories

The control layout keeps things simple: one master volume, one master tone, and a three-way pickup switch. There is no tremolo. The guitar is sold without a case or gig bag, so buyers who need protection for transport should budget for one separately. The listed sales unit is one piece, and the item number is 647322.

The owner comments supplied for this review are positive. One player praised the build quality and tuning stability, and another described it as a strong option at a modest price. These are individual impressions rather than controlled measurements, but they provide useful context alongside the specifications. No long-term reliability data or detailed setup measurements were provided.

What to consider before buying

The main buying decision is whether a 12-string guitar suits your music and playing habits. Its paired strings create a different playing and maintenance experience from a standard six-string instrument. Players should be comfortable with the stated string gauges and should allow for the extra work involved in changing and tuning twelve strings. The provided feedback reports good tuning stability, but that observation does not guarantee the same result on every instrument or under every setup.

At $513, the Squier Paranormal Troy V Leeuwen Tele combines a signature design, two Alnico single-coil pickups, a 25.5-inch scale, and a purpose-built 12-string bridge. The nato body, maple neck, Indian laurel fingerboard, and 21 narrow-tall frets make up the core construction. Its most obvious trade-offs are equally clear: the unusual string arrangement will not suit every player, and neither a case nor a gig bag is included.

Verdict

The Squier Paranormal Troy V Leeuwen Tele is a specific choice for guitarists seeking a 12-string take on a T-style instrument, rather than a general-purpose replacement for a six-string guitar. Its specification sheet lays out a simple control system, recognizable construction details, and a distinctive copper-and-tortoiseshell appearance. The available owner feedback is encouraging on finish quality and tuning stability, while remaining limited to personal reports. If the 12-string format matches your needs and you are happy to source a case separately, this Squier presents a clear, well-defined package at its listed price.