The Affinity series offers guitars in the $200 range, inheriting the looks and headstock of Fender. With its lightweight body and slim neck, it's easy to handle, even for beginners.
It's more finely crafted than budget guitars, making it easy to play. Of course, there are areas where it falls short compared to Fender. However, even if it's a beginner's first guitar purchase, there's likely no regret.
I am Yosh, an active musical instrument store clerk (@Yosh_Guitar). If you’re looking for a high-quality beginner guitar, a lightweight electric guitar, or love Fender but can’t afford to spend 70,000 yen, I recommend the Squier by Fender Affinity series. This article explains the latest specifications updated in September 2021.
Squier is Fender’s second brand. While various brands offer Stratocaster and Telecaster-type models, only Fender and Squier can officially use these names.
The actual shapes differ slightly. Both the model name and the shape of the headstock are trademarked, so if you like this look, you have to choose either Fender or Squier. Squier is the more affordable option.
The Affinity series has a slightly thinner body than normal Fender guitars.
This makes the guitar lighter and easier to handle, especially for beginners. A typical Strat weighs about 3.5kg, while the Affinity series weighs around 3.1kg.
Larger frets reduce the gap between the strings, making it easier to press the strings with your left hand.
Compared to other cheap guitars, the finish quality is higher, making it easier to play.
The thinner neck is also beginner-friendly.
The price of a guitar depends on the grade of the materials and the labor costs during production. Cheaper guitars often skip manual work to improve playability.
The Squier Affinity series is better than $100 guitars but not as good as the low-price Fender. It’s definitely easier to play than no-name cheap guitars, but not as good as Fender.
While it clearly sounds like a Strat or Tele, compared to Fender’s sound, it lacks depth and harmonics.
This is due to the materials, pickups, and production accuracy. Traditional Fender guitars use materials like alder and rosewood, while the Affinity series uses cheaper materials like poplar bodies and laurel fingerboards.
While advanced players might miss the nuances in sound, beginners shouldn’t worry too much. If you become dissatisfied with this point, it is probably time to buy a new guitar.
| Feature/Model | Affinity Series Stratocaster | Affinity Series Stratocaster HH | Affinity Series Stratocaster FMT HSS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Price | $249.99 | $249.99 | $299.99 |
| Body | Poplar | Poplar | Poplar + Flame Maple Veneer |
| Pickup | Single Coil x3 | Humbucker x2 | Single Coil x2 + Humbucker x1 |
| Color | 3-Color Sunburst, Olympic White, Black, Lake Placid Blue | Olympic White, Burgundy Mist, Charcoal Frost Metallic | Sienna Sunburst, Black Sunburst |
The Stratocaster comes in three varieties. They differ mainly in pickups and appearance, but other specifications like the thinner body and neck are the same across the models.
For genres like modern rock and heavy metal, the Affinity Stratocaster HH equipped with two humbuckers is recommended. For other genres, the Affinity Stratocaster with three single coils is preferable.
The Affinity Series Stratocaster FMT HSS feels slightly overpriced when compared to similar products from other brands.
If you want a guitar that:
| Feature/Model | Affinity Series Jazzmaster | Affinity Series Telecaster | Affinity Series Telecaster Deluxe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Price | $279.99 | $249.99 | $279.99 |
| Pickup | Ceramic Single-Coil Jazzmaster Type | Ceramic Single-Coil Telecaster Type | Ceramic Humbucker |
| Color | Burgundy Mist, Lake Placid Blue | Lake Placid Blue, Olympic White, 3-Color Sunburst, Butterscotch Blonde | Burgundy Mist, Charcoal Frost Metallic, Black |
While these models differ in shape, they share similarities with the Stratocaster in terms of a slightly thinner neck shape, neck length, and larger frets (which equates to ease of pressing the strings).
The Telecaster also features a body back contour not found in traditional models, so there’s no need to be overly concerned about the difference in comfort when holding the guitar.
There are differences between the Strat and Tele, but the initial criteria for choosing between them can be based on appearance and feel. For a more detailed explanation of the differences between the Strat and Tele, please refer to this article here.
A new addition to the lineup is the Affinity Series Jazzmaster. This is the first Jazzmaster in the Affinity series to feature this type of pickup. Given the rising popularity of the Jazzmaster in recent years, alongside the Strat and Tele, this is indeed a much-anticipated genuine Jazzmaster.
However, the bridge is the same as the Strat’s, and while the pickups may look the part, their structure slightly differs from the traditional Jazzmaster. The sound character is somewhat reminiscent of a Jazzmaster, but it lacks the distinct shimmering harmonic spread. While it might not be the first choice for intermediate to advanced players seeking a Jazzmaster, it’s perfectly fine for beginners.
The notable advantage of this price range is the lack of significant disadvantages. While it might not stand out at first glance, this aspect can be surprisingly important. The Squier Affinity series is precisely such a guitar.
In summary:
Therefore, for beginners who:
And for those who desire the sound of single-coil pickups for genres like pop, rock, funk, and blues:
● Affinity Series Stratocaster
● Affinity Series Telecaster
● Affinity Series Jazzmaster
For those who crave the sound of humbuckers for more intense rock and metal:
● Affinity Series Stratocaster HH
And for those who want the sweet sound of humbuckers for rock, jazz, or soul:
● Affinity Series Telecaster Deluxe
These are the recommended choices.
