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Affinity Telecaster!Squier Electric Guitar Review
If you want a Tele but can’t afford one, the easiest way to get something close to the real thing without plunking down the big bucks is to buy a Squier Affinity Telecaster. Since Squier is owned by Fender, no other company can offer a cheap version of the Tele that’s still a real Tele -- not a knockoff. Lots of companies offer electric guitars that try their best to look and sound like a Fender Telecaster. Some of them even come close to real thing. But they’re all knockoffs. They’re all cheap imitations. Made at companies with no connection to Fender by copycats who take apart Teles and figure out ways to make cheap duplicate parts, they’re fakes. Affinity Teles are real Fender products. But since the Squier line is made in Asia rather than in Mexico or the United States like higher priced Fender products, you save lots of money. You can find a new one from a reputable online dealer for less than $200. Affinity Teles are made from less expensive components, like inferior woods, cheaper electronics and lower quality finishes, but they’re real Fender products. In addition, Squier has developed a name of its own among beginner and budget-strapped players for offering products that present a good value -- that is, decent quality at a low price. Affinity Teles have slightly thinner bodies than Fender Teles and feature alder wood. Their comfortable, C-shaped maple necks have 21-frets, quick fingerboards and die-cast tuners. Single coil pickups are controlled by a three-way switch. Set the switch in position 1 to use the bridge pickup or in position 3 to use the neck pickup. The middle position uses both. While some online reviews complain about the buzz of the pickups, that’s a characteristic of single-coils. Switching them out for humbuckers solves the problem, but that costs money and changes the distinctive sound. Color choices are simple. Choose from red, black, blue or white. Fancier options and ornamentation aren’t available for this model. Generally, reviewers say there’s no better Telecaster copy available in the same price range. Squier also make better quality Standard and Classic Vibe Series Teles as well as Artist Series models and a Vintage Modified Series. Affinity Teles, however, are the least expensive choice -- and they’re probably the best choice for guitarists who are just getting started. A Squier Affinity Telecaster is an inexpensive instrument that gives you an authentic look and sound -- and the lowest priced Tele option that comes from Fender. Could it be right for you? Tell us what you know about this guitarUpload your images, or send us the url to your video. We'll embed it on this page, and give you plenty of feedback. Affinity Telecaster to Fender Telecaster |