Fender has been a favorite guitar brand for many music lovers for a long time. But, unfortunately, the sheer quality and performance their guitars offer generally come with a hefty price tag.
So, it was pretty exciting news when they decided to release their Squier Affinity Stratocaster line of guitars with an affordable price-point a few years back. The price is just about right, but what about the quality?
In this review, we will take an in-depth look at the features to see how well it stacks up against its more expensive counterparts. This is an in-depth Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster Review!
The Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster
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The Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster is a budget line of guitars from the venerable Fender guitar company. The cheapest model in the series starts at around $200.
The sound quality of the guitar actually exceeds what you would expect for such an affordable instrument. So, if you’re worried about sacrificing sound quality with this price point, don’t be. You won’t have to worry about any buzzing or other effects caused by the cheaper parts on your new guitar!
What’s So Special About It?
Unlike some entry-level models that come in black only, the Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster is available in two different color options: Brown Sunburst (with Indian Laurel fingerboard) and Black (with maple fretboard).
It also features three standard single-coil pickups, a synchronized vibrato tailpiece, and standard die-cast tuners.
How Are The Sound And Feel?
The Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster is one of the best-sounding guitars in its price range. Moreover, it sounds surprisingly well for what you pay for it!
The guitar has a vintage feel to it that many beginners look for without spending too much money on an instrument they might not stick with anyway. If this guitar doesn’t suit your needs or budget, most music stores will suggest other models from Fender like the Fender Mustang or Jazzmaster. These offer comparable features at similar prices.
So there’s always something out there if the Squier isn’t right for you.
Specifications
- Model: Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster
- Body Shape: Stratocaster
- of Frets: 21, Medium Jumbo
- Neck Material: Maple with Satin Urethane Finish or Indian Laurel
- Fingerboard Material: Indian Laurel or Maple; Rosewood with White Dot Inlay on Compete-Olive/Competition Orange and Race Red Models
- Bridge Pickup Type: Single Coil, Standard Single-Coil Strat® Humbucking Bridge Pickups Available in Black only
- Controls: Master Volume, Tone (Tone-Control)
- Pickup Switching: None
- On/Off Pushbutton Pickup Selector on Lower Bout Side of Body (rhythm pickup)
- Tone Control Knob for Upper Bout Controls Master Volume and Neck Pickups
- Body Finish: Gloss Polyurethane
- Fingerboard Radius: Compound; 12″ to 16″ Compound Radius Frets
- Bridge: Vintage-Style Synchronized Vibrato, Chrome Plated Steel String
- Spacing at Saddles: .420 inches (a little less than one inch)
- Strings: .010-.046 Gauges Tuners Standard Diecast
- Tuner: Buttons
- Number of Frets: 21
- Scale Length 25.594″ (648mm)
- Compound Radius Frets Scale Length: 25.594
Pros
- An excellent option for beginners and seasoned professionals
- comes bundled with everything needed to get started, including the guitar itself, amp, gig bag, picks, and even an instructional DVD.
Cons
- It does not come in a left-handed configuration
- No warranty against defects in workmanship or materials after purchase
Comparison To Other Guitars In Same Range
The Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster is a budget-friendly guitar, and it offers good quality and playability. It has many features of guitars that are more expensive. However, it comes in at a reasonable price point for beginners and intermediate players.
This particular instrument is available only with an Indian Laurel fingerboard on a brown sunburst or black finish (though there are plenty of others out there).
They also offer three single-coil pickups, a master volume control knob, tone controls for two different pickup positions, a chrome synchronized tremolo bridge system, and vintage-style tuners.
The neck width measures .770″ near the nut with a classic C shape profile.
Who Would Be Interested In This Guitar?
This guitar is perfect for anyone who’s looking to get started on the right foot. In addition, the Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster has a great price point and can be used by someone with smaller hands.
The guitar features many of the same amenities that more expensive guitars have, making it one of the highest-rated entry-level electric guitars.
Why Should You Buy A Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster?
If you’re looking for a low-cost, easy-to-maintain electric guitar with all the same features as pricier models, this is your best option. It’s perfect for beginners and works well for seasoned pro players too!
It comes with everything needed to get started: Fender Frontman 15G Amp, gig bag, instrument cable, and picks (six).
The Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster includes an instructional DVD that will teach you how to play different styles like rock, country, or blues.
Please note this model does not come in a left-handed configuration; however, many other options are available on the website.
Bottom Line
The Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster is a guitar that offers incredible bang for your buck. It’s the perfect beginner instrument, but don’t let its price fool you as it sounds and feels like a much more expensive guitar.
Whether you are looking to start or need another backup if something happens to your main ax at practice or a show, this one will serve nicely.
We hope this article helps make finding the right electric guitar easier for everyone who reads it. If not, feel free to leave any questions below!
Last update on 2024-04-08 at 06:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
