Squier Affinity Jazz Bass

h0bbes73 · #1 07-07-2011, 12:03 AM

Should i get a Squier Affinity Jazz Bass for a starter bass??

JumboJack · #2 07-07-2011, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by h0bbes73

Should i get a Squier Affinity Jazz Bass for a starter bass??

And you posted this in the humor section why?????

h0bbes73 · #3 07-07-2011, 12:15 AM

sry i registered yesterday

Peepaleep · #4 07-07-2011, 12:22 AM

Welcome to Talkbass and welcome to the world of music!

A Squier Affinity is a good bass to start on, but for a few more dollars you can get a Squier standard, which is a bit of a step up.

If you have a friend who is more experienced, bring that person with you and ask their opinion on several of the basses you're interested in. S/he will be able to tell you things about them that you might not notice, and they will probably be able to steer you toward the best of the bunch.

My personal preference is a Jazz bass, but you'll get as many opinions on jazz vs. precision as there are bass players. Search the forums here and you will find TONS of discussion about the merits and shortcomings of each.

Have fun with your exploration of music and bass playing! Ask a lot of questions and don't ever think any question is too dumb to ask.

Just don't ask what's the best bass for metal

spaz21387 · #5 07-07-2011, 12:24 AM

there should be a week wait before anyone can post something when they join unless its in the newbies forum.

h0bbes73 · #6 07-07-2011, 12:28 AM

alright.thanks

hrodbert696 · #7 07-07-2011, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spaz21387

there should be a week wait before anyone can post something when they join unless its in the newbies forum.

I'm sure a mod will move this to the correct forum, dude, don't worry.

As with most "which bass should I get" questions, the answer depends on what your budget is and how you like the bass. My usual feeling is that since a beginner doesn't really know much about the instrument to begin with, get the cheapest thing that you still feel good about and will be happy playing. Six months from now, after you get the feel for playing and have spent way too much time browsing around TalkBass, you will know a hundred times more than you do now and will have a much clearer idea of what you want. If you are one of those who find that you don't have the time or devotion to really learn the instrument, you won't have wasted a lot of money.

Speaking of which, take a look at your local craigslist -- there are always lots of starter instruments for sale cheap, usually somebody bought a kit for their teenager or for themselves and it only got touched three times. Affinities galore, at least around here. The Affinity will be perfectly serviceable, and it will get you used to playing the classic Fender configuration of bass. It's the bottom of the Squier barrel, so if you get serious you probably will upgrade sooner or later. But don't let that bother you for now.

The cheapest brand new that the bassists around here like is SX (Essex, since the search function doesn't work for two-letter words). I had one for a while and it was great. You can only get them online, here.... Rondo Music Home Page.

Welcome and good luck!

tekdiver500ft · #8 07-07-2011, 06:30 AM

I got a Squier Affinity Jazz bass for my first. Absolutely hated the instrument. I upgraded it to a Squier (Standard) Vintage Modified Jazz, and loved it, but there were enough issues with it that I returned it, and bought a Squier Classic Vibe Precision. This is the bass I was meant to have from the start.

The point? Take someone who plays bass with you, sure, to double check you on the quality of the instrument, but what really matters is how it feels in your hand.

Is your choice a good bass? Not particularly, but it isn't a bad one, either. Squiers are good, solid instruments, but the Affinity series are the bottom of the pile. If you aren't sure you will keep playing, then it's the right instrument. If you know you will keep going, then you may want to consider spending just a bit more money for a better series. Jazz v. Precision? The Jazz have a thinner neck, which some feel plays "faster," and have a wider variety of possible tones. They also are made to be held farther to the left than Precisions. They are single coil pickups, though, which means you will have a constant hum unless both PUPs are turned all the way up. The Precision typically have a fatter neck (there are exceptions - if you prefer the thin neck but the P body, ask the clerk for one like that), have a body designed to be held more to the right, and have a split coil PUP so there is no hum. It is also "the sound" of bass to most people, so it may be the tone you have in your head.

C.Linton · #9 07-07-2011, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peepaleep

Welcome to Talkbass and welcome to the world of music!

A Squier Affinity is a good bass to start on, but for a few more dollars you can get a Squier standard, which is a bit of a step up.

You can only get a used Squier Standard, Squier no longer makes them.

tekdiver500ft · #10 07-07-2011, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C.Linton

You can only get a used Squier Standard, Squier no longer makes them.

They may not make them, but you can still find them brand new in stores, at least for a while.

JetBlackJazz · #11 07-07-2011, 09:18 AM

Peepaleep · #12 07-07-2011, 09:19 AM

Squier Standard Jazz Bass: Shop Bass & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend

Just pulled that off Musician's friend. They are still available new.

C.Linton · #13 07-07-2011, 09:43 AM

For now. They have been discontinued. Standards are no longer listed on Squier's website.

autodidact · #14 07-07-2011, 11:47 AM

Well welcome to the site brother. I started on an Affinity PBass and as long as you take care of the instrument it'll treat you well. Affinity is a good series for your "try out" period, good to learn on, no frills, gets the KB done. Plus at under $200 brand new they dont put you out much money in case you decide that bass isn't for you.

hrodbert696 · #15 07-07-2011, 05:19 PM

By the way, I don't know what makes a good "starter" bass any different from just a good bass. If a beginner has four thousand dollars burning a hole in their pocket and wants to learn on a Sadowsky, I don't think it's going to hold them back. The real question is money.

zzzfarcry · #16 07-07-2011, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrodbert696

By the way, I don't know what makes a good "starter" bass any different from just a good bass. If a beginner has four thousand dollars burning a hole in their pocket and wants to learn on a Sadowsky, I don't think it's going to hold them back. The real question is money.

Actually it isnt bad thing for a starter bass's neck to be bent or the action to be high. It forces you to build stronger muscles so when then later when you step up to a more expensive instrument you can play alot faster, cleaner, etc.

SMILEYSIXX · #17 07-07-2011, 05:35 PM

I know a guy who wanted to play bass. Went out and bought a scratch off ticket. Won $10,000. Next time I see him, his "starter bass" is a ric. Dirty bastard... moral of the story: It depends on your budget. If you can spare it, shell out $350 for a classic vibe precision or jazz.

SeaBassSteve · #18 07-07-2011, 11:51 PM

You could also consider some of the low level ibanez' they are quite good for the money. Like the gsr180 etc.