My Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster review. For a lot of beginners, finding a good guitar to learn to play is crucial. As I have mentioned before in my previous post, that it is better to learn on an electric guitar is better than learning on an acoustic guitar.
What is A Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster?
Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster belongs to the low-end series guitar which is manufactured by Fender. It does not carry the Fender logo, but it is manufactured in the Fender factory in Indonesia or China. Squier Affinity Stratocaster is the mid level guitar among the Squier Stratocaster Series.
Pricing
The retail price for this guitar is about $200 new which I think is very reasonable for what it is because even though it does not carry the Fender logo, it is manufactured by Fender in its factories in Indonesia and China.
Features
The Affinity Series is patterned after the Fender Standard Series Stratocaster so it would come in 21 frets and a six screw Tremolo. The neck is made out of maple. The fretboard is made either a maple and rosewood. So far it is still almost identical to the more expensive Fender Standard Stratocaster. Now the body of this guitar is made of Agathis which is not a standard among Fender Guitars. Alder is the standard tonewood of Fender.
Now the body of this guitar is made of Agathis which is not a standard among Fender Guitars. Alder is the standard tonewood of Fender. The body is also thinner than the Fender Standard Stratocaster. The pickups and all hardware are also subpar compared to the Fender Standard Stratocaster which is reasonable because those guitars would cost more than twice compared to the Squier Affinity Stratocaster.
Pros
- This guitar for beginners because for its price.
- A lot of available parts because as we all know Fender Stratocaster is the most copied guitar in the world. Those aftermarket parts are cheap, and Fender Standard Stratocaster parts are compatible to this guitar. Pickguards, pickups, tuning pegs, and even bridges are available. You can even buy a cheap neck if your neck requires replacement.
Cons
- This guitar has a thinner body compared to a Fender Standard Stratocaster.
- The tonewood used is not Alder but Agathis, a cheaper alternative
Conclusion
I would recommend this cheap guitar for beginners as it has the features of a basic electric guitar without breaking the bank. The neck is also suitable for those young people just starting to play. The string tension is much lesser compared to an acoustic guitar, so it is much easier to play.
It has the looks of the iconic Fender Stratocaster, although without the famous logo. It is noted in the headstock that it is by Fender and it plays well compared to cheap guitars of the same price range.
I do not recommend this guitar to be modified to be used as a professional instrument as it has some drawbacks especially the tonewood. It is not logical to install an $80 pickup on this guitar.
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Great review. I have an older Strat that I’ve worked on and tweaked over the last 20 years. You’re right about the standard parts being available. This is certainly a guitar that I would purchase for my kids to start learning to play. I didn’t know that about the difference in wood. That was good information.
Thanks!
Hi,
The Squire Affinity Stratocaster is a very good beginner guitar. It has good value for money and it is manufactured by one of the iconic guitar manufacturers which is Fender.
Thanks for the comments,
Den