Wherever you are in the world, I hope you are safe. Let this video bring you a temporary distraction from the current world events. They are on my mind constantly and I am very worried. take care! Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster: Amazon USA: amzn.to/3f3f6jr (Affiliate link) Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3b51Kkl (Affiliate link) Thomann: bit.ly/3gxwehY (Affiliate link) Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 2:32 - Walkthrough and Specs 4:56 - Guitar Weight 5:17 - Pickup Resistance 6:02 - Looking Inside the Guitar 10:26 - Specs in detail 15:34 - Sound Samples - Clean 18:37 - Sound Samples - Mild Gain 20:16 - Sound SamplesDirt with pedals 21:53 - Summary: Pros and Cons
The routing job looks nice over all but why did they not just make it a swimming pool type route? And not leave that ridge between the neck and middle position on the body. For the Money Squier's are a pretty good guitar for the money for sure. Stay safe, and try not to worry so much as stressful as this is stressing out and thinking about this new world situation too much will not make it any easier for yourself. In fact it can lower your immune system more. Again Landon take care an dope you and your family are safe
Lando27Music hey Landon great review of a guitar 🎸 from what I hear is a step up from the bullet series squire. For someone who’s on a very tight budget and looking for another budget axe . Would you recommend the strat or the Tele squire affinity series. Take care and stay safe
Lando27Music hey lando thanks for the reply. My artist brand strat that’s six years old has a bend in the neck and I’m thinking about replacing it with either the strat or the Tele. I’ve played the Tele gold series squire and honestly it really felt like a $600 axe instead of a $345 axe and that’s Aussie dollars 💵. Even before my axe developed a bend in the neck I would rate these squires miles ahead of my cheap beater axe and that’s not to say it’s a bad guitar 🎸 because it’s not it’s just that the squire affinity series is just so much better. Once again take care with all this craziness that’s happening coz it’s absolutely crazy 😝 over here in Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺 with all this panic buying especially loo paper 🧻 and everything else cheers 🍻
Never leave youtube comments but you moved me, you are the underdog of TH-cam guitar reviews man, you're the most reliable, helpful, and in my humble opinion the best reviewer I've seen on here, I super appreciate how you do these reviews, helps me out a ton. Wish nothing but good for you in the future brother! :)
Great guitars. Great action. Great tone. Plays just like a Fender. Just put a strip of duct tape over "Squier" and write "Findur". If the elitists can't handle the humor you know you've won. And you saved hundreds of dollars. It is not the guitar, it is the guitarist.
I like Affinitys. The parts are more than good enough for years of play. When I find tuners that are rough or too free, do two things: Tighten or loosen the screw adjuster in the tuner knob. This adjusts the backlash. Second: drop one drop of lube down the tuner shaft. Rotate the tuner with a winder or electric winder several times forward and backward. I only use Boeing T-9. Dries into a superb colorless dry lube in the gear housing. I like the thinner nut, and if you notice, the nut ends are shaped for smooth hand passover. Something I have to actually due to most any guitar, even expensive ones. BTW, I like thinner bodies. Thanks Sir!
I love my Affinity, I bought it second hand for £100. It is a 2004 Yako, Taiwan made guitar in black, (crafted in China), and I am fortunate that it is amazing. Unplugged, it rings like a bell, it is almost an acoustic, it is that loud, the whole body, neck, and headstock vibrates when you strum it. I bought it to mod. up really, I have scalloped the neck ala Malmsteen, fitted roller string trees, and replaced the pot metal saddles for bent steel ones like Fender. I bought aged parts, PU covers, trem tip, and knobs, oh and a 3 ply pickguard, and now it looks the part as well as sounding amazing. I also have a Mexican made Fender, a 1987 Korean strat (no mention of Squier on it, only Fender on the headstock. But I play mostly (95% of the time!) the Affinity.
@@ivanfoofoo Yes I did, with a combination of files, (rounded coarse, and fine) and sandpaper wrapped around a biro pen for in between the high frets, and something larger for the wider fret scallops (don't forget to put masking tape over the frets to protect them (fiddly job!). I carefully filed the fret sprouts (fortunately most were fine), and polished the frets with a fret polishing eraser, bought off eBay. I finally finished the job with lemon oil rubbed into the rosewood fingerboard (a little goes a long way!), and voila, a passable scalloping job! It took a bit of getting used to, but after a couple of days, it was playing like a dream. More expressive vibrato, and believe it or not, I seemed to be playing faster, even though the action looked horrendous, as there is no wood between the frets! The main thing to get used to though, is finger pressure, you have to learn not to press down too hard, otherwise the notes will be sharp.
This Affinity is a cool one actually, it’s the “Affinity Series Special Strat” in 2-tone Sunburst. It’s a cool blend/hybrid on a 50’s/60’s theme. 2-tone Sunburst with a single-ply pickguard is from the 50’s, the big headstock is from the late 60’s/70’s. Wicked cool guitar that you can get under $200 new here in the US.
The Squire Standard Stratocaster is awesome. Alnico 3 pups. 22 fretts. Full thickness body. Two point trem. Skunk stripe on the one made in Indonesia. No skunk stripe on Chinese on. I have two. One is candy apple red. The other is cherry sunburst. I have a player strat also. The Standard Squire is just as good. Except the pots. Easy fix. Going to drop in obsidian wire .
The Squier Standard is the most underrated of all the Squier line and sadly one that none of these reviewers seem to be aware of. For not much more money you get a far better guitar with the Standard than the affinity.
Advice to new viewers: never use the time stamps! Are you really in such a hurry? Also, you will miss quality content. (Tune to about 15:00 to see what I mean.) The electronics aren’t great on Affinities, but they look & play alright. The neck finish is pretty nice, very smooth. Not bad starter instruments.
Mark I wish everyone thought like you. Most people can’t watch very long. Too many distractions today so average view time on a lot of videos is usually maybe 4 or 5 minutes so we end up trying to hurry and slam as much content in as possible. I create content but also love to hang out and just watch and be entertained. I enjoy this channel. Thanks Lando27Music for creating great content. Lots of work goes into these and a lot of us appreciate it.
@@GregSummersMusic oh hey thanks Greg! Ya I spend a ton of time making each video, that's why I can't make then very often. I try to always through in some interesting parts that I'm sure get missed by most :)
Lando27Music totally get all that. Sometimes I get on a roll and do a few on the weekends but it’s tough...of course now I have lots of home time but finding my mind getting in the way of creativity. Just want this all to go away soon. Take care and stay safe.
@@landonbailey You're a great producer and editor Landon. You crack me up too man. That, "man vs pickguard plastic" was riveting stuff! Seriously, your authenticity is refreshing and please don't listen to the haters bro! If you are being attacked, then you're doing something right. And I don't think I've seen a better, and more detailed walk thru video in my life. Squier will be owing you some of that classic vibe money soon ha! Cheers!
Nice work as always! I have had two of these, still have one left.. and I love both of them. Great great guitars for what you pay for, and I really don't see much wrong with them. The neck is great, finish looks good and I like how light it is. The pickups are not bad but not my favorites either. It's a great guitar :)
My favorite strat I ever owned was an affinity that I got used and I gave it to my brother in law once I got a real fender strat. I had to sell the fender to pay bills but I miss the squier more. I would buy a new one if they had the maple fingerboards on more colors like race green or slick silver.
I actually love the thinner Affinity body. Gives it an SG type of vibe. Mine's a slightly older Indonesian made one, so instead of Poplar it's actually Alder. I doubt it makes much difference, but it's worth noting.
This was literally my first strat years ago. I had a 2012 affinity that looked exactly like this. I ended up modding it with hot rail pickups, and a snakeskin pickguard, gold hardware, rosewood neck, and cts pots. Its an overall great strat even before I modded mine.
@@luke-228 yes! I started using a squire affinity and those were great guitars to start with. After a while when you get through years of playing you can mod it. I also highly recommend the classic vibe strats
I've had my Affinity strat for 15 years now, still plays very well. Think I might mod it now, never really occured to me before. Anyways great video, you've got a new subscriber, keep it up man!
Landon. You were very accurate in your description. I have Fender MIM Strat and a squire as well. Squires definitely are lighter and the quality is not as good as the Fender. Modding the squire takes some work due to the thinner size and parts Don't always line up like tuners. But for the price they are a good beginner instrument. Thanks for the review. Be safe and have a great weekend!!
IM IN LOVE WITH THIS 😍! I want to get this in like a race red or Fiesta Red like Mark Knopfler since I idolise him and plus I wanna play Sultans Of Swing on it!
Mark Knofler's the man! My favorite video is 'Walk of Life' from the 80's, because it's all about losing, but you keep on trying, then finally you start winning!
Dude, not that I'm interested in an Affinity though they are great guitars if you're just starting out but you are among the 3 top guys who review guitars on youtube that I've seen so far.
Hey Landon, Another brilliant video from yourself. I actually have quite a few Squiers ranging from ‘95 until the newer models and for the money, the Affinity model is brilliant. I usually make sure a good set of strings are put on with some ‘Big Bends Nut Sauce’ and they are pretty much set. These through a Fender Tube amp sound so great. Anyway, thanks again for the great video and I hope you’re keeping well! 👍
A decent starter guitar Landon but then so is the bullet and it’s cheaper. I’d love to see a comparison between them. The pickups sound at their best in clean mode. Another interesting and entertaining episode Landon. Thanks 😊👍
Wow 299 Can Dollars....Dude I was born in '67 and when I was a kid in the 70's in MTL I distinctly remember a time when the Can Dollar was worth more than the USD but then that changed.
Just won a Goodwill auction for a Candy Apple Red example from Indonesia (I’m trying to avoid ChiCom products.) Usually I buy old MIJ guitars but I really wanted a Fender Corp Strat - without the Fender price. That Sunburst is gorgeous too. Squier has really leveled up their quality.
I just found a lefty version for my son at the local pawn shop, same color, for $90. It matches the Player series lefty tele I got him a couple months ago. Personally, I like the sound of the ceramic pickups, but if he doesn't, I've got some GFS alnico 5 pups to put in it for him. Pretty good little guitar.
From Leo: If you want a little more finish on that neck, simply spray a rag with non silicon guitar wax and rub the neck down every couple of weeks. As you play it will start to smooth out almost a semi gloss look and feel. Stop when you get it how you like it. If you keep going it will end up looking like a shiny lacquer finish.
@@peterschattmann8298 I don't think have ever been to a guitar shop that did not have guitar wax. They might say "polish" which is a generic and chemically incorrect term if they don't have abrasive. The ones I have been happy with are from the Martin Guitar Company, as well as Gibson. I have used the Dunlop products also. I have a feeling that it is really an automotive or furniture product just repackaged for sale to guitarists.
Squier Affinity Strats are exceptionally good and your neck is a maple cap like post-1968 CBS Strat necks. I have a similar Strat Affinity (a '00 also CIC) except mine's left-handed with a rosewood fingerboard and an alder body w/the same cavity routing down to that ugly rout mark in the jackplate cavity; in fact, I called mine a '57 with a '67 neck that surprisingly has some mild flame on it and my 8-screw pickguard has aged over the years before I bought it used at a local pawnshop. The ceramic pickups have the 50s DC resistances of 5.5K (bridge), 5.58K (middle) and 5.66K (neck) with the same cheap 500K pots that made mine so bright its shrillness was irritating so i swapped em out for 250K Alpha pots and shielded the cavities and the pickguard so the pickups are very nice. I'm a righty so i flipped the nut before i put new strings on it but my only problem is that it goes out of tune when going beyond the extremities of using a tremolo bar but I've learned to deal with it the best way I can as i don't use the bar as much...oh and Affinity bodies are thinner than the average Strat and Teles as well.
I like the afiniatys .i got a squier standard fat Stratocaster. black Chrome pick grad for my birthday in February. My favert guitar now .vary proud my self .beem play ing for 35 years .and set up and intonated my first guitar to day. Know more paying music store to set up my guitars . now I can save and by more guitars
I bet the neck and bridge pickup are identical. I like the fact all three do not have too much output. Usually cheap ceramic pickups you find on guitars like these are just muddy and harsh sounding.
I like the idea that these guitars are thinner and lighter i never could under stand why guitars had to be thick and to dam heavy. I have had the best tone from lighter body's. i own a 2021 affinity tele, and the ceramic pickups sound great, you can loosen the screw at the head of the tuner and it won't bind. great review. great guitars.
I bought one of these on a whim last year and modded it a whole bunch, then sold it. I recently put the old pickguard/pickups in a different old cheap guitar and I forgot how great they sounded! I was thinking about swapping them out but I don't see the point, I'm perfectly happy with the tone as it is.
Great video! I got the affinity telecaster and its a great guitar. In your opinion, is the 60's or 50's classic vibe worth the extra 200$ from this one?
Question: in your videos you sometimes refer to filing frets etc. Do you use professional guitar files? Ever file the nut? Can you recommend any tools? Thanks Landon.
hey there! I have some professional nut files. Japanese Steel. Have a look at my Blue Telecaster build video: th-cam.com/video/AxLCUyxSBUs/w-d-xo.html For the frets I just have some generic needle files from a set at Canadian Tire (Canadian retailer)
Hi Landon, What a beautiful guitar, thanks for your review. Could you tell me if this affinity guitar has a 4.5cm body thickness or is narrower and is 4cm. Thank you
u missed a ton bro ..does the tremolo still works well ,,like the guitar goes off tune or not ,,how is the intonation ..is it well alligned ,,,how it sounds ,,the sustain the tone ,,u were just picking on the material aspect ,,,next time also plays some impressive licks ,,i would be waiting for that ,,your new suscriber here
Looks like a cheap Obsidian Wire unit. You are correct about the rod, it's under the finger board and that's how it was inserted. Iv'e disected a couple.
had one of the old Chinese Affinity's from late 1990's early 2000. The new ones are better but even then the neck was good, really good, didn't want to waste money on upgrading the hardware for what was basically a spare thrashing guitar to take camping and parties, nobody who played really liked the pickups, most hated the pots, the wammy and/or tuners but everyone said the neck was great.
Hi london Bailey, great video, want to just confirm what i felt that the tones are different only for the neck and bridge pick up. The neck/middle , middle and the middle/neck tones all sound the same to me. do you really find any difference in the tonal quality ?
Don't want to nitpick, but the pickguard is a one ply, not three. Great review, you really show everything there is to see (and hear) on this guitar. For what it's worth, it's a good guitar, very playable, for someone who hasn't played expensive strats, he/she won't really care, it's a fantastic guitar. I also prefer slightly more varnish on the neck, but it looks amazing so what the hell. Sure, pickups sound a bit more harsh that the real strats, but again, if you haven't played those pricy ones, you won't care much and besides, we all have these great stomp boxes that work magic on the tone.
The width at the nut will keep me from ever buying another Affinity. I bought one right after I started playing guitar again. I thought it sounded a little thin. Then Immediately I would did two things. Replaced the Electronics with a custom loaded pickguard and replace the runers. However for that money now I'd just get the Deluxe Squire Strat instead and just be happy with it for what it is. Which I also did lol.
Wow. I have to say that those Fender Squier Affinity Series Stratocasters are more than good and they are awesome. In my honest opinion, I prefer the older models of those electric guitars instead of the new ones that we got today. I own 3 of those Fender Squier Affinity Series Stratocasters that were made in Indonesia and they are all from the 2000s decade. If you ask me, those Fender Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster models are a step up from the Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster models as well as a step down from the Fender Squier Standard Series Stratocaster models. Otherwise, great video as always. Take care.
Do you think the Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS is a good beginner guitar? I want to learn to play guitar but I don’t want to buy something that is too expensive. It also comes in a pack.
I have this one, the same. It's refined well. I like the "RAW" neck, as you called it. It's not so raw for me. Lightness has its pro. Of course tuners, pickups, tremolo are cheap. My tuners they just work well. Pickups do their work. Just don't use too much tremolo. It's a kind of a Strat. Good product for the price. Very good product.
Its a great sounding guitar. The only thing I had to change the nut. The string spacing was too narrow for my hands at the first fret. I kept fouling the strings on chords like C And B7.So I ordered a 43 mm bone nut. And changed it out. Now Its perfect.
Nope... This has nothing to do with my 2002 Fender Squier Affinity - 20th Anniversary series. Mine has even the real rosewood fingerboard (not that indian laurel wood). Sounds like Claptons "BLACKIE" ON ITS OWN... Probably some1 threatened the luthier with a lethal weapon while that Squier of mine was being made :) Probably that is why it is so good :D I got a 64Fender Strat, it is an expensive and high quallity guitar but, nahhhh... The squier wins, speaking in general. Would not give it for 10 Les Pauls. I had luck... A lot of luck... I saw other Squiers and simmillare... 0 compared to mine. Including Yours to Landon... Great vid man!
From a strictly cosmetic point of view I miss the skunk stripe. My $99 bullet sea foam green strat has the stripe, just seems more like a "real" stratocaster.
3:05 you say it is the second in the Squier series. Where do you place that mysterious squier that comes in the starter pack (that pack that comes with an amp, gig bag, and other goodies). You can tell they are different squiers by their body wood (bullet = basswood; affinity = alder; starter-pack-version = poplar). There's nothing in particular written in the head of the starter pack's version. But it is definitely not the same. For now, I believe it is just a bullet with poplar body.
I believe at least the affinity series had a thicker body pre 2013. Thats also when they went to the esquier logo with the yellow fill. Prior to 13 they were solid logo.
I'm realy realy impressed if u want the fender clean tone and kneck feel this guitar will suffice...a strat is a strat ...Leo fender never believed in tonewood wich I find intresting!!....that's a nice one . .I recently got a black 2024 one, which has the vintage stri g tuners with the slots ..and it's the floating trem woth the 2 hex screws ...it looks like the David gilmoure black strat with the maple kneck wich he used for echos !...I got it for £250 .the guys at the store said this is the best time to get a squire because of the 2024 upgrades ...try them because they have improved, and the pickups are fender voiced wich gives them that great clean tone with just a little overdrive !!...theas ones don't have affinity on them it's just the thick black stratocaster logo with a gold squier tm!
I just sub'd. My favorite part was when you took off the plastic from the pick guard off slowly. Your a bad boy. You really know how to tease me hahaha jk. Thanks for the helpful tip. Everytime I buy a guitar from GC online my plastic gets stuck under the tone knobs and I tried using my fingernail but I never thought of using two picks what an OG idea my nigga.
It should say 20th anniversary squire by fender freedom of expression since 1952 0n the neck connecting plate on the back. The best one I hard so far is the sonic. A 'purist will only play a 21 fret guitar because that is how the architecture of it is 21 frets. The 22 was added because the market asked for it. Says a lot about the market.
рычаг тремоло лучше сразу открутить и добавить дополнительную пружину на машинку. это избавит саму машинку от розбалтывания (что неизбежно) и предотвратит что бы строй струн не сползал
Dude just a small bit of info so u know, that headstock is commonly known in the guitar world as the CBS Headstock because CBS bought Fender sometime in 1967 and when they began production they developed this larger headstock when they made strats ...so it's called a CBS headstock, cheers. Mike.
CBS bought Fender in 64, Leo left a year later to go to on to Start G&L sometime in 66. After a few years CBS decided the Fender logo was too small to see clearly, so they made the headstock bigger.
@@b.rodclark7349 I meant CLF which later became G&L. The deal was finalized after Leo fulfilled his obligations during the changeover from 64 to 65. This is basically where the phrase "pre-64 Fender" comes from because it's a clear delineation between Leo's Fender and CBS' Fender.
I pulled my squire affinity strat out of the closet. It has been in the gig bag since 1998. The strings were rusty but still in tune. Any info and comments on if I should mod it are appreciated. I did see a full mod kit at Stewmac.com. Is it worth upgrading the pups, saddles, pots, tuners etc?
I have a ‘98 as well and really like it. I swapped the electronics, including the pickups and tuning pegs. I also put in a steel tremolo block and Tusq nut, string retainers and saddles. Love it.
I had a couple of these. I agree with your review - except a few things. If the price is more than $150 it's too much. It feels like a hands-off assembly-line guitar that's just thrown on the shelves. Compare to a Harley Benton strat that goes for $130, which has been assembly-line built, but then set up by hand. I'm amazed how poorly the "cheap" Squiers compare to the Harley Bentons - the HBs blow them away.
Going to order this bad boy right now 😌 quarantine inspiration
Good luck man hope ur still playing
@@philipchau6019 ordered mine today in "surf green" ... get me through lockdown 2 because can't skate or go out and do photography 😂
How is it?
@@joshelphick6860 same lol
Hahahaha same
Wherever you are in the world, I hope you are safe. Let this video bring you a temporary distraction from the current world events.
They are on my mind constantly and I am very worried. take care!
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster:
Amazon USA: amzn.to/3f3f6jr (Affiliate link)
Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3b51Kkl (Affiliate link)
Thomann: bit.ly/3gxwehY (Affiliate link)
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
2:32 - Walkthrough and Specs
4:56 - Guitar Weight
5:17 - Pickup Resistance
6:02 - Looking Inside the Guitar
10:26 - Specs in detail
15:34 - Sound Samples - Clean
18:37 - Sound Samples - Mild Gain
20:16 - Sound SamplesDirt with pedals
21:53 - Summary: Pros and Cons
The routing job looks nice over all but why did they not just make it a swimming pool type route? And not leave that ridge between the neck and middle position on the body. For the Money Squier's are a pretty good guitar for the money for sure. Stay safe, and try not to worry so much as stressful as this is stressing out and thinking about this new world situation too much will not make it any easier for yourself. In fact it can lower your immune system more. Again Landon take care an dope you and your family are safe
Lando27Music hey Landon great review of a guitar 🎸 from what I hear is a step up from the bullet series squire. For someone who’s on a very tight budget and looking for another budget axe . Would you recommend the strat or the Tele squire affinity series. Take care and stay safe
hey ya! ya both the Tele and Strat were very playable. not a bad purchase. 👍😊
Lando27Music hey lando thanks for the reply. My artist brand strat that’s six years old has a bend in the neck and I’m thinking about replacing it with either the strat or the Tele. I’ve played the Tele gold series squire and honestly it really felt like a $600 axe instead of a $345 axe and that’s Aussie dollars 💵. Even before my axe developed a bend in the neck I would rate these squires miles ahead of my cheap beater axe and that’s not to say it’s a bad guitar 🎸 because it’s not it’s just that the squire affinity series is just so much better. Once again take care with all this craziness that’s happening coz it’s absolutely crazy 😝 over here in Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺 with all this panic buying especially loo paper 🧻 and everything else cheers 🍻
I would love to play this kind of guitar. Someday I can buy and play such hahaha
Never leave youtube comments but you moved me, you are the underdog of TH-cam guitar reviews man, you're the most reliable, helpful, and in my humble opinion the best reviewer I've seen on here, I super appreciate how you do these reviews, helps me out a ton. Wish nothing but good for you in the future brother! :)
oh hey I appreciate that!
Great guitars. Great action. Great tone. Plays just like a Fender. Just put a strip of duct tape over "Squier" and write "Findur". If the elitists can't handle the humor you know you've won. And you saved hundreds of dollars. It is not the guitar, it is the guitarist.
Spot on friend
Always the guitarist
I like Affinitys. The parts are more than good enough for years of play. When I find tuners that are rough or too free, do two things: Tighten or loosen the screw adjuster in the tuner knob. This adjusts the backlash. Second: drop one drop of lube down the tuner shaft. Rotate the tuner with a winder or electric winder several times forward and backward. I only use Boeing T-9. Dries into a superb colorless dry lube in the gear housing. I like the thinner nut, and if you notice, the nut ends are shaped for smooth hand passover. Something I have to actually due to most any guitar, even expensive ones. BTW, I like thinner bodies. Thanks Sir!
I love my Affinity, I bought it second hand for £100. It is a 2004 Yako, Taiwan made guitar in black, (crafted in China), and I am fortunate that it is amazing. Unplugged, it rings like a bell, it is almost an acoustic, it is that loud, the whole body, neck, and headstock vibrates when you strum it. I bought it to mod. up really, I have scalloped the neck ala Malmsteen, fitted roller string trees, and replaced the pot metal saddles for bent steel ones like Fender. I bought aged parts, PU covers, trem tip, and knobs, oh and a 3 ply pickguard, and now it looks the part as well as sounding amazing. I also have a Mexican made Fender, a 1987 Korean strat (no mention of Squier on it, only Fender on the headstock. But I play mostly (95% of the time!) the Affinity.
Did you do the scallopping by yourself?
@@ivanfoofoo Yes I did, with a combination of files, (rounded coarse, and fine) and sandpaper wrapped around a biro pen for in between the high frets, and something larger for the wider fret scallops (don't forget to put masking tape over the frets to protect them (fiddly job!). I carefully filed the fret sprouts (fortunately most were fine), and polished the frets with a fret polishing eraser, bought off eBay. I finally finished the job with lemon oil rubbed into the rosewood fingerboard (a little goes a long way!), and voila, a passable scalloping job! It took a bit of getting used to, but after a couple of days, it was playing like a dream. More expressive vibrato, and believe it or not, I seemed to be playing faster, even though the action looked horrendous, as there is no wood between the frets! The main thing to get used to though, is finger pressure, you have to learn not to press down too hard, otherwise the notes will be sharp.
This Affinity is a cool one actually, it’s the “Affinity Series Special Strat” in 2-tone Sunburst. It’s a cool blend/hybrid on a 50’s/60’s theme. 2-tone Sunburst with a single-ply pickguard is from the 50’s, the big headstock is from the late 60’s/70’s. Wicked cool guitar that you can get under $200 new here in the US.
The Squire Standard Stratocaster is awesome. Alnico 3 pups. 22 fretts. Full thickness body. Two point trem. Skunk stripe on the one made in Indonesia. No skunk stripe on Chinese on. I have two. One is candy apple red. The other is cherry sunburst. I have a player strat also. The Standard Squire is just as good. Except the pots. Easy fix. Going to drop in obsidian wire .
The Squier Standard is the most underrated of all the Squier line and sadly one that none of these reviewers seem to be aware of. For not much more money you get a far better guitar with the Standard than the affinity.
Advice to new viewers: never use the time stamps! Are you really in such a hurry? Also, you will miss quality content. (Tune to about 15:00 to see what I mean.)
The electronics aren’t great on Affinities, but they look & play alright. The neck finish is pretty nice, very smooth. Not bad starter instruments.
ha 😊👍
Mark I wish everyone thought like you. Most people can’t watch very long. Too many distractions today so average view time on a lot of videos is usually maybe 4 or 5 minutes so we end up trying to hurry and slam as much content in as possible. I create content but also love to hang out and just watch and be entertained. I enjoy this channel. Thanks Lando27Music for creating great content. Lots of work goes into these and a lot of us appreciate it.
@@GregSummersMusic oh hey thanks Greg! Ya I spend a ton of time making each video, that's why I can't make then very often. I try to always through in some interesting parts that I'm sure get missed by most :)
Lando27Music totally get all that. Sometimes I get on a roll and do a few on the weekends but it’s tough...of course now I have lots of home time but finding my mind getting in the way of creativity. Just want this all to go away soon. Take care and stay safe.
@@landonbailey You're a great producer and editor Landon. You crack me up too man. That, "man vs pickguard plastic" was riveting stuff!
Seriously, your authenticity is refreshing and please don't listen to the haters bro! If you are being attacked, then you're doing something right. And I don't think I've seen a better, and more detailed walk thru video in my life.
Squier will be owing you some of that classic vibe money soon ha!
Cheers!
Nice work as always!
I have had two of these, still have one left.. and I love both of them. Great great guitars for what you pay for, and I really don't see much wrong with them.
The neck is great, finish looks good and I like how light it is. The pickups are not bad but not my favorites either. It's a great guitar :)
Also, the body should be alder on the Affinity series?
@@Wabin22 i don't know about 4 years ago when you wrote this comment but its poplar nowadays
My favorite strat I ever owned was an affinity that I got used and I gave it to my brother in law once I got a real fender strat. I had to sell the fender to pay bills but I miss the squier more. I would buy a new one if they had the maple fingerboards on more colors like race green or slick silver.
I actually love the thinner Affinity body. Gives it an SG type of vibe. Mine's a slightly older Indonesian made one, so instead of Poplar it's actually Alder. I doubt it makes much difference, but it's worth noting.
Poplar is lighter as far as I know.
-alder is lighter than poplar... the "fender" guitars are made of alder
This was literally my first strat years ago. I had a 2012 affinity that looked exactly like this. I ended up modding it with hot rail pickups, and a snakeskin pickguard, gold hardware, rosewood neck, and cts pots. Its an overall great strat even before I modded mine.
I wanna start to learn to play guitar. Would you recommend this one as my first?
@@luke-228 yes! I started using a squire affinity and those were great guitars to start with. After a while when you get through years of playing you can mod it. I also highly recommend the classic vibe strats
@@steelysam7189 thanks for replying I think I’ll get it
@@steelysam7189 they want like $800 Canadian for a classic vibe nowadays. Not to say it isn’t worth it but they’ve gone up.
Question… do you need to modify these? I’m getting a silver affinity squier for Christmas and I’m nervous now lol
I've had my Affinity strat for 15 years now, still plays very well. Think I might mod it now, never really occured to me before. Anyways great video, you've got a new subscriber, keep it up man!
Rock on!
Best guitar review i've seen possibly ever. It's nice and detailed.
You should make a compilation of just you removing protective film. I'd watch that all day...so satisfying.
why would anybody want that? :P. th-cam.com/video/bI9qQeRTbaU/w-d-xo.html
I did that today. Still have to pull the knobs. That stuff drives me nuts.
Looks solidly built with decent-looking soldered joints
Landon. You were very accurate in your description. I have Fender MIM Strat and a squire as well. Squires definitely are lighter and the quality is not as good as the Fender. Modding the squire takes some work due to the thinner size and parts Don't always line up like tuners. But for the price they are a good beginner instrument. Thanks for the review. Be safe and have a great weekend!!
thanks and take care!
IM IN LOVE WITH THIS 😍! I want to get this in like a race red or Fiesta Red like Mark Knopfler since I idolise him and plus I wanna play Sultans Of Swing on it!
Mark Knofler's the man! My favorite video is 'Walk of Life' from the 80's, because it's all about losing, but you keep on trying, then finally you start winning!
I just picked up a used one for $125 US. I’m excited to start learning to play.
Dude, not that I'm interested in an Affinity though they are great guitars if you're just starting out but you are among the 3 top guys who review guitars on youtube that I've seen so far.
oh hey thanks!
Hey Landon, Another brilliant video from yourself. I actually have quite a few Squiers ranging from ‘95 until the newer models and for the money, the Affinity model is brilliant. I usually make sure a good set of strings are put on with some ‘Big Bends Nut Sauce’ and they are pretty much set. These through a Fender Tube amp sound so great. Anyway, thanks again for the great video and I hope you’re keeping well! 👍
hey thanks!
Hey Landon..practice.
A decent starter guitar Landon but then so is the bullet and it’s cheaper. I’d love to see a comparison between them. The pickups sound at their best in clean mode. Another interesting and entertaining episode Landon. Thanks 😊👍
thanks man! I have a Bullet HSS Strat around the house (it's my son's) I'll be working on something soon
I look forward to it.
Wow 299 Can Dollars....Dude I was born in '67 and when I was a kid in the 70's in MTL I distinctly remember a time when the Can Dollar was worth more than the USD but then that changed.
Lando, I look forward to your distractions thank you for all you do, hope you and your family are safe as well all the best from Suffolk UK
Just won a Goodwill auction for a Candy Apple Red example from Indonesia (I’m trying to avoid ChiCom products.) Usually I buy old MIJ guitars but I really wanted a Fender Corp Strat - without the Fender price. That Sunburst is gorgeous too. Squier has really leveled up their quality.
That was the best specs/sound review i have seen in a while, nice job
cheers!
Your reviews are the best. I especially love details provided on weight and neck. I'd love to see a review of Sterling Cutlass :)
I just found a lefty version for my son at the local pawn shop, same color, for $90. It matches the Player series lefty tele I got him a couple months ago. Personally, I like the sound of the ceramic pickups, but if he doesn't, I've got some GFS alnico 5 pups to put in it for him. Pretty good little guitar.
From Leo: If you want a little more finish on that neck, simply spray a rag with non silicon guitar wax and rub the neck down every couple of weeks. As you play it will start to smooth out almost a semi gloss look and feel. Stop when you get it how you like it. If you keep going it will end up looking like a shiny lacquer finish.
Thanks Leo!
Can you recommend a non-silicone 'guitar' wax. I never heard of guitar wax .
@@peterschattmann8298 I don't think have ever been to a guitar shop that did not have guitar wax. They might say "polish" which is a generic and chemically incorrect term if they don't have abrasive. The ones I have been happy with are from the Martin Guitar Company, as well as Gibson. I have used the Dunlop products also. I have a feeling that it is really an automotive or furniture product just repackaged for sale to guitarists.
@@barbmelle3136 so I could just rub some carnauba all over the backside of the neck and the headstock?
@@peterschattmann8298 Yes, go slow. It takes very little. The heat and friction of your hand seems to really smooth it out as you play.
Squier Affinity Strats are exceptionally good and your neck is a maple cap like post-1968 CBS Strat necks. I have a similar Strat Affinity (a '00 also CIC) except mine's left-handed with a rosewood fingerboard and an alder body w/the same cavity routing down to that ugly rout mark in the jackplate cavity; in fact, I called mine a '57 with a '67 neck that surprisingly has some mild flame on it and my 8-screw pickguard has aged over the years before I bought it used at a local pawnshop. The ceramic pickups have the 50s DC resistances of 5.5K (bridge), 5.58K (middle) and 5.66K (neck) with the same cheap 500K pots that made mine so bright its shrillness was irritating so i swapped em out for 250K Alpha pots and shielded the cavities and the pickguard so the pickups are very nice. I'm a righty so i flipped the nut before i put new strings on it but my only problem is that it goes out of tune when going beyond the extremities of using a tremolo bar but I've learned to deal with it the best way I can as i don't use the bar as much...oh and Affinity bodies are thinner than the average Strat and Teles as well.
Dude, we have the exact same guitar.
Am I the only one who prefers the smaller body and narrower nut width? Lighter and easier to play! 229 usd btw
Not at all brother , not at all. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦 !
Excellent review. Thanks for taking the time to do this, it’s a big help 👍
I like the afiniatys .i got a squier standard fat Stratocaster. black Chrome pick grad for my birthday in February. My favert guitar now .vary proud my self .beem play ing for 35 years .and set up and intonated my first guitar to day. Know more paying music store to set up my guitars . now I can save and by more guitars
I bet the neck and bridge pickup are identical. I like the fact all three do not have too much output. Usually cheap ceramic pickups you find on guitars like these are just muddy and harsh sounding.
I like the idea that these guitars are thinner and lighter i never could under stand why guitars had to be thick and to dam heavy. I have had the best tone from lighter body's. i own a 2021 affinity tele, and the ceramic pickups sound great, you can loosen the screw at the head of the tuner and it won't bind. great review. great guitars.
cheers!
Getting this for a build, actually can’t wait. I love teles but something about strats just calls me
@@johnjr7070 cheers
@@tomelcock7659 -enjoy the Strat !!!!
Thank you for a well organised demo. However I don't think the Vox AC15CH is really up to the job.
I bought one of these on a whim last year and modded it a whole bunch, then sold it. I recently put the old pickguard/pickups in a different old cheap guitar and I forgot how great they sounded! I was thinking about swapping them out but I don't see the point, I'm perfectly happy with the tone as it is.
Thanks for sharing!
These newer gold logo ones are far better than the old black logo ones for sure.
Just picked up a used one. Gonna mod.
Great video! I got the affinity telecaster and its a great guitar. In your opinion, is the 60's or 50's classic vibe worth the extra 200$ from this one?
yes
Question: in your videos you sometimes refer to filing frets etc. Do you use professional guitar files? Ever file the nut? Can you recommend any tools? Thanks Landon.
hey there! I have some professional nut files. Japanese Steel. Have a look at my Blue Telecaster build video: th-cam.com/video/AxLCUyxSBUs/w-d-xo.html
For the frets I just have some generic needle files from a set at Canadian Tire (Canadian retailer)
Hi Landon, What a beautiful guitar, thanks for your review.
Could you tell me if this affinity guitar has a 4.5cm body thickness or is narrower and is 4cm.
Thank you
I’m not sure sorry! I gave it away in a giveaway contest
@@landonbailey Ok anyway, thank you very much
u missed a ton bro ..does the tremolo still works well ,,like the guitar goes off tune or not ,,how is the intonation ..is it well alligned ,,,how it sounds ,,the sustain the tone ,,u were just picking on the material aspect ,,,next time also plays some impressive licks ,,i would be waiting for that ,,your new suscriber here
thanks for your review of a 3 year old video!
Looks like a cheap Obsidian Wire unit. You are correct about the rod, it's under the finger board and that's how it was inserted. Iv'e disected a couple.
Hey great honest review man! Would you put this against a Squire Classic Vibe 50s or 60 Strat? Also have you tried any Harley Benton guitars?
hey there! check out my 3 way comparison videos, I’ve had the affinity up with the CV50. haven’t tried any Harley Benton’s yet
had one of the old Chinese Affinity's from late 1990's early 2000.
The new ones are better but even then the neck was good, really good, didn't want to waste money on upgrading the hardware for what was basically a spare thrashing guitar to take camping and parties, nobody who played really liked the pickups, most hated the pots, the wammy and/or tuners but everyone said the neck was great.
The nut width is 40,9 mm (1.61 "), so that's something to bare in mind.
Hi london Bailey, great video, want to just confirm what i felt that the tones are different only for the neck and bridge pick up. The neck/middle , middle and the middle/neck tones all sound the same to me. do you really find any difference in the tonal quality ?
Don't want to nitpick, but the pickguard is a one ply, not three. Great review, you really show everything there is to see (and hear) on this guitar. For what it's worth, it's a good guitar, very playable, for someone who hasn't played expensive strats, he/she won't really care, it's a fantastic guitar. I also prefer slightly more varnish on the neck, but it looks amazing so what the hell. Sure, pickups sound a bit more harsh that the real strats, but again, if you haven't played those pricy ones, you won't care much and besides, we all have these great stomp boxes that work magic on the tone.
you're right! I was reading Fender's specs on their site
The width at the nut will keep me from ever buying another Affinity. I bought one right after I started playing guitar again. I thought it sounded a little thin. Then Immediately I would did two things. Replaced the Electronics with a custom loaded pickguard and replace the runers. However for that money now I'd just get the Deluxe Squire Strat instead and just be happy with it for what it is. Which I also did lol.
Wow. I have to say that those Fender Squier Affinity Series Stratocasters are more than good and they are awesome. In my honest opinion, I prefer the older models of those electric guitars instead of the new ones that we got today. I own 3 of those Fender Squier Affinity Series Stratocasters that were made in Indonesia and they are all from the 2000s decade. If you ask me, those Fender Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster models are a step up from the Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster models as well as a step down from the Fender Squier Standard Series Stratocaster models. Otherwise, great video as always. Take care.
Do you think the Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS is a good beginner guitar? I want to learn to play guitar but I don’t want to buy something that is too expensive. It also comes in a pack.
Should do alright!
I like the glossy neck also I have that on SX stratocaster I like the feel you can probably get glossy finish someplace try Lowes
That sounds really good!
Great review! Also I like your shirt.
I changed pots and pickups, very nice guitar now...
How are the tuners?
@@stephandelaney4097 I changed mine out for some made in Mexico Fender tuners I found on Craigslist. Really improved the guitar.
I have this one, the same. It's refined well. I like the "RAW" neck, as you called it. It's not so raw for me. Lightness has its pro. Of course tuners, pickups, tremolo are cheap. My tuners they just work well. Pickups do their work. Just don't use too much tremolo. It's a kind of a Strat. Good product for the price. Very good product.
👍🎸😊
Its a great sounding guitar. The only thing I had to change the nut. The string spacing was too narrow for my hands at the first fret. I kept fouling the strings on chords like C And B7.So I ordered a 43 mm bone nut. And changed it out. Now Its perfect.
Nope... This has nothing to do with my 2002 Fender Squier Affinity - 20th Anniversary series. Mine has even the real rosewood fingerboard (not that indian laurel wood). Sounds like Claptons "BLACKIE" ON ITS OWN... Probably some1 threatened the luthier with a lethal weapon while that Squier of mine was being made :) Probably that is why it is so good :D I got a 64Fender Strat, it is an expensive and high quallity guitar but, nahhhh... The squier wins, speaking in general. Would not give it for 10 Les Pauls. I had luck... A lot of luck... I saw other Squiers and simmillare... 0 compared to mine. Including Yours to Landon... Great vid man!
Landon that Katana Boss air you have , is Bluetooth the only way you can connect or can you still plug in if you choose to ?
I've never had a Katana Boss Air
@@landonbailey sorry , I thought I saw one on your shelf behind you but it must of been someone else.
From a strictly cosmetic point of view I miss the skunk stripe. My $99 bullet sea foam green strat has the stripe, just seems more like a "real" stratocaster.
I agree , I have the affinity tele and it has it. Maybe we should just paint one on these , what do ya think ?
Great video subbed
cheers!
Alright I have to ask, were you playing a little piece from mutilated lips by ween for a second?
nope! I've never heard of them :)
Excellent review! Thanks
Thanks for watching!
3:05 you say it is the second in the Squier series. Where do you place that mysterious squier that comes in the starter pack (that pack that comes with an amp, gig bag, and other goodies). You can tell they are different squiers by their body wood (bullet = basswood; affinity = alder; starter-pack-version = poplar). There's nothing in particular written in the head of the starter pack's version. But it is definitely not the same. For now, I believe it is just a bullet with poplar body.
16:15 I was about to sing, “Can’t get the stink offf...”, but then you stopped playing hahaha
Try the 2024 upgraded ones ... the best they have been. I've heard if u like the fender tone ...the pickups ate described as fender voiced !
I believe at least the affinity series had a thicker body pre 2013. Thats also when they went to the esquier logo with the yellow fill. Prior to 13 they were solid logo.
I have a squire affinity also there great for the money only my guitar is left handed like all my seven guitars
I'm realy realy impressed if u want the fender clean tone and kneck feel this guitar will suffice...a strat is a strat ...Leo fender never believed in tonewood wich I find intresting!!....that's a nice one .
.I recently got a black 2024 one, which has the vintage stri g tuners with the slots ..and it's the floating trem woth the 2 hex screws ...it looks like the David gilmoure black strat with the maple kneck wich he used for echos !...I got it for £250 .the guys at the store said this is the best time to get a squire because of the 2024 upgrades ...try them because they have improved, and the pickups are fender voiced wich gives them that great clean tone with just a little overdrive !!...theas ones don't have affinity on them it's just the thick black stratocaster logo with a gold squier tm!
I just sub'd. My favorite part was when you took off the plastic from the pick guard off slowly. Your a bad boy. You really know how to tease me hahaha jk. Thanks for the helpful tip. Everytime I buy a guitar from GC online my plastic gets stuck under the tone knobs and I tried using my fingernail but I never thought of using two picks what an OG idea my nigga.
BAHAHAHAHAAHHAA
Super nice cavity route
It should say 20th anniversary squire by fender freedom of expression since 1952 0n the neck connecting plate on the back. The best one I hard so far is the sonic. A 'purist will only play a 21 fret guitar because that is how the architecture of it is 21 frets. The 22 was added because the market asked for it. Says a lot about the market.
рычаг тремоло лучше сразу открутить и добавить дополнительную пружину на машинку. это избавит саму машинку от розбалтывания (что неизбежно) и предотвратит что бы строй струн не сползал
Good advice job you did great information
Thanks for watching!
Hi Landon, Sounds great, honestly if I had the money I would be willing to pay for it
The Squire Standard Stratocaster is a full width neck. 1.65 not 1.60 like the affinity. They are so good that fender stopped making the :(
Dude just a small bit of info so u know, that headstock is commonly known in the guitar world as the CBS Headstock because CBS bought Fender sometime in 1967 and when they began production they developed this larger headstock when they made strats ...so it's called a CBS headstock, cheers. Mike.
👍🎸😃
CBS bought Fender in 1965 and the large headstock came later that year.
CBS bought Fender in 64, Leo left a year later to go to on to Start G&L sometime in 66. After a few years CBS decided the Fender logo was too small to see clearly, so they made the headstock bigger.
@@yargnad Leo Fender founded G&L with George Fullerton in 1979; the CBS Fender acquisition was finalized January 5, 1965.
@@b.rodclark7349 I meant CLF which later became G&L. The deal was finalized after Leo fulfilled his obligations during the changeover from 64 to 65.
This is basically where the phrase "pre-64 Fender" comes from because it's a clear delineation between Leo's Fender and CBS' Fender.
Should i buy this as my second guitar?
Was that 'And So I Know' by Stone Temple Pilots you were playing for some of the sound samples?
Hey there, yes it was And So I know. I’m a big STP fan
@@landonbailey Haha! Same!
TONE GOD! You are everywhere. HHaha
I really love the neck on this one. seems to be less laquer than most
playing through a Vox VT20+ it's got an AC15 setting lol
mine's Indonesian though
Sorry if this has already been covered, but are the 2020 Affinty's full size bodies now?
I'm not sure, check through the comments
I wish I could win the guitar cause it's not able in my country
I like this guy
he's ok
Which is better affinity strat or affinity tele? I like them both but don't know if the other will be better quality
neither one is better. Teles and Strats are very different in feel and tone. It’s what you prefer in your hands and ears :)
Every guitar will benefit greatly from a proper setup and increase your enjoyment of the instrument.
true words
fender affinity tele Or this strat which is best.? Pls tell me..
Same question!
there's no best, it's what you like the most that matters :)
@@landonbailey thanks bro
@24:41 tuner tight bcz it needs to be loosen with a screwdriver. Try it! it works
Liked the clean/5switch positions. Thanks
I pulled my squire affinity strat out of the closet. It has been in the gig bag since 1998. The strings were rusty but still in tune. Any info and comments on if I should mod it are appreciated. I did see a full mod kit at Stewmac.com. Is it worth upgrading the pups, saddles, pots, tuners etc?
I have a ‘98 as well and really like it. I swapped the electronics, including the pickups and tuning pegs. I also put in a steel tremolo block and Tusq nut, string retainers and saddles. Love it.
greetings from Turkey. quite successful 👌🏻😀
Hello there!
I had a couple of these. I agree with your review - except a few things. If the price is more than $150 it's too much. It feels like a hands-off assembly-line guitar that's just thrown on the shelves. Compare to a Harley Benton strat that goes for $130, which has been assembly-line built, but then set up by hand. I'm amazed how poorly the "cheap" Squiers compare to the Harley Bentons - the HBs blow them away.
Is Max Webster and Pat Travers still playing or you into like Glorious Sons
It’s really great man!!!
Probably the best!!
Could you also review ibanez SA260FM??(A humble request)
I would really appreciate it
It's a decent one you didn't get hurt to bad on the price more worth about 150$-200$ dollars i would say
Hi Landon, you should compare this guitar with the similar made in Indonesia type next time. I would love to see it. Thanks in an advance :D
so what is the difference between "single coils" and "HSS" for this model ???
is maple fretboard or indian luarel fretboard better
nice job bro