Affinity Jaguar

This is a good move from Squier. A new Affinity Jaguar model that keeps things simple in the electronics department; a slanted 3-way switch. Nice.

If you dot wish for a dark fretboard material (laurel), then this maple version featuring a sparkling metallic brown finish, is absolutely cool.

Pics: Fender

New affinities

Squier has new Affinity models for us players who are on a strict gear budget. Maybe hardly any for that matter. Nothing too refreshing, a re-hash of familiar outlines but I'm fascinated by the following two models.

I kinda saw this coming - the Starcaster Deluxe. For those of us who are averse to the Tom Delonge Starcaster due to its solitary pickup, this dual humbucking version is it. Don't give me that it doesn't say FENDER on the headstock rubbish because the Tome Delonge model is manufactured at the Squier facility. 

The Stratocaster Jr isn't exactly a scaled down guitar for kids because it's featuring a 24" scale length. This is the Jaguar scale length & they didn't make those for kids. The compressed body might help younger players deal with form struggle. I do not wish to take the sting out of this novelty but Fender Japan did an entire range of Junior models (2022) & those did not get the deserving fanfare so why should these Squier counterparts be any different. 

The list prices for these instruments should be in the $500 +/- bracket judging by the USD references.

Pics: Fender

New Squiers

If you are eagerly anticipating the new Squier Affinity Series, be informed that they have landed here. My prediction of the new price (CLICK) fell a little short but we understand that costs went up along the way hence the final figure depicted above. There will be reminders that the new version features 'upgrades' &  'improved' design along with a range of lively finishes etc. all translating into the new price range. Really, nobody would want to see the older design Affinities with a new price tag; that would have been deplorable. These new features are really a facade to justify revised prices. This happened to Fender's Highway 1 series some time ago (no idea if you remember those) before they evolved to become the American Special, among other Fender models. Price contention aside, the revised Affinities, in my opinion, have gone up a notch in terms of deserving improvements, aesthetic appeal included. In terms of value-for-money, the new Affinities face a steep competition against Bacchus & others who are ahead of the game in terms of contemporary considerations (eg. roasted maple neck).

Pics: Premier Guitar

New Affinity

Squier spruced up their Affinity Series with the models you see above. Long story short - the Affinity models are now more attractive & desirable, so to speak. Is this an important move? Definitely. The Affinity models are the most affordable in the Squier series of instruments often seen as the go-to offerings for beginners or those on a constricted budget. 

I see this as a case of justifying price hikes. The current Affinity guitars / basses start at $299. Very affordable instruments, yes? This new range will set you back $335 with reference to the most affordable model in the group. Prices are going up across brand names & Squier isn't insulated against this change. Buyers are not keen on buying the same Affinity instrument for more especially when they have other brand names offering more value for money in the same price bracket; Bacchus with their roasted maple neck & above average playability would be a good example. The new cosmetic appeal, at the very least, is justifying this inflation - hey, we are offering you nicer Affinity stuff but we are charging you a little more for them.

Pic: Fender USA

Ugly ducklings

Quite a buzz in the Fender camp this Summer NAMM but here's something from its subsidiary Squier sector; the Starcaster. That's right folks, this model had been revived in the Squier range after leaving Fender's Modern Player series as once mentioned here: CLICK This is the most affordable take coming from the Affinity range.

Next in  line, in terms of price-to-feature considerations, the Classic Vibe version. 

Last but not least, the Contemporary Active version, still a semi but without the F-holes. With reference to the active pickups on board, this might be a swing at the high gainers among us but with that outline & a very psychedelic overall vibe, it's unclear which segment of the metal heads would embrace this.

I still can't get along with the Starcaster headstock outline, maybe it's just me. It took me a long time to come to terms with Fender's fat, 70s-style headstock & that was after telling myself it looks awesome when the instrument is in playing position. Tilt it upright & it screams spastic. We shouldn't dismiss these instruments for the looks, playability & tone count more than anything else when it comes to delivery. 

Squier 2017: Offsetting

We're still in offset fever as Squier revealed its 2017 listing. This is the most affordable Jazzmaster
 by the manufacturer, an Affinity model. 👍

A little above the tier, we have this Mustang in HH format. Apparently targetted at distortion fiends hence the humbucker format.

Jazzmaster Deluxe- nothing new as Squier has the Vintage Mod versions currently running which is quite well-received. 

Squier is doing the right thing by supplementing its Fender releases. Late 2016 we saw the Mexican offsets being released followed by the American Pro models which will be officially unveiled at Winter NAMM 2017. Now we have a range of offsets by Squier in case your pockets are not deep enough to join in the fray. Both Fender & Squier are enticing the buyers away from the usual Strat & Tele offerings not that they ran out of ideas but they are cleverly telling the new generation of guitar dweebs out there, hey, we have some other models going as well. For frustrated players like me, we had always wanted a reputable range of offsets in the market which didn't happen in the '90s, let alone the turn of the century. Offsets could be had from the Japanese market which wasn't well supplemented in terms of online presence as well as dealers here due to distributorship issues. Things are looking good in this camp 👌

Affinity's hues

Squier fans- here's a look at the new range of colours for the Affinity Series (many more in the range). The manufacturer did the right thing in moving away from the established finishes which mirror the Fender range. With all due respect, Squier is in a position to manifest some individuality in this aspect & they have flexed their muscle, so to speak. 

Ex-basses, a summary of sorts

My first bass was a Squier Affinity model. It was the simple features which attracted me to it & that split pickup has that unmistakable P-bass tone. I bought this one late '90s, it was the grunge era, anti-guitar sentiments were everywhere so my ownership of a bass was an escape. However, the Affinity's neck wasn't as sturdy as expected, it warped repeatedly. The neck width was a little wide, I definitely could use something more comfortable. After selling this bass, I wasn't in a hurry to find a replacement as the guitar distractions got the better of me.

My subsequent bass was a serious investment, it's the discontinued Music Man SUB model. At that point in time Davis GMC had these in store together with the SUB1 guitar (so I bought 1 each...). The $900 asking price was too good to resist. The bass was thoughtlessly swapped with my dad's Ibanez RD500... *sigh*

This is perhaps the most playable & versatile bass I ever owned, featuring an active circuitry but the pickups remain passive. It looks rather retarded but the Ibanez RD500 had one of the best tonal palette without being too costly. This bass was sold to a relative who has a performance need for it. Reliability & rumbling good tones- the RD has plenty.

I then discovered the joy of a shorter scaled bass; it's not as excessive as a full scale unit which promotes playability for someone who is predominantly guitar-inclined. The Ibanez GAXB was a cheap & cheerful player which sounded good despite the sparse appointments. A young chap came over to try this bass because we share the same preference, something shorter scaled to address playability for occasional playing. There was immediate interest as mine was better set-up than the store's. It was a quick deal & I thought I could easily get another GAXB as it's readily available here. I waited for a non-black version- still waiting. The GAXB was discontinued about 2 years ago but I am still waiting.

Because I missed my SUB bass too much, the OLP MM2 was purchased as a consolation but the tone from this one wasn't Music Man grade. No, it's not bad, it's just... different. Just goes to show  we can't get cod roe to satisfy a caviar craving. Someone in planet bass read my review of this one & offered me a good price for it because it's exactly the finish he wanted. FYI- the OLP brand name had been discontinued & superseded by the Sterling label which manifested a clear revision in QC & tones.

I was still canvassing for a worthy bass after the OLP episode & chanced upon the BB414 when I was at Beatspot to purchase an amp (my Blackheart Killer Ant head). Gave this white model a try & it was superb to say the least. I was specifically looking for a model sporting a P/J pickup combo, tried the Squier version but wasn't too pleased with the tone. The BB414 features the same pickup arrangement but it's not about similar offerings when it comes to desirable tones; it's the wood, electronics & craftsmanship chemistry not some fancy brand names. This bass is very appealing (Yamaha makes better basses than guitars!) but proved too bulky for a small-built person like me. It went for an attractive price & was purchased by a close acquaintance.

So that's the brief about all my ex-basses. As I am a guitar person first & foremost, I have a loose attachment to my basses but this might change. Wishing everyone a good Sunday morning.