Been following the 2019 CV thread for months now, thinking maybe I'd pick one up at some point. So I went up to Guitar Center after confirming by phone they had one in stock...just to find they actually didn't have them yet. Not intending to leave without at least some noodling, there was a 3TS Affinity series P/J that I assumed the sales clerk mistook for a CV. Haven't seen any threads on these new ones, so I felt compelled to share... Hot damn! Not the bass I was initially looking for but of similar DNA...impressed beyond expectations, good resonance unplugged, great tone from the P/J pickups through a Rumble, and the 1 5/8" nut is more comfortable than I remember from my last precision. Fit and finish is better than I expected, snug neck pocket, well matched wood on the body and the gloss is clean and consistent. The Indian laurel fretboard even looks pretty decent, despite what seems like minor finishing inconsistencies – would certainly mistake for rosewood if I didn't know better. And the updated Squier logo has a nice touch to it, I really dig that open bowl Q. The tuners are definitely cheap, down to the tiny screws drilled in at weird angles (will likely upgrade at some point). Lack of finishing (no skunk or paint) around the truss opening is kind of a bummer. Unfinished neck, not my favorite but no real gripe there, feels comfortable. One screw through the neckplate was sticking out about 1/4", though not sure if it was a QC oversight or if someone at the shop got to messing around on it prior. Weight is likely around 9lbs, so despite being a cheaper instrument it has a solid heft to it. Minor flaws aside, for $199, I'd recommend checking out for those just beginning, for little learners, or looking for a mod platform. Details on Guitar Center Pics to come! Been lurking other posts about the same model, hi all – hope you're enjoying your new basses. PS – no affiliation to Fender or Guitar Center, just sharing for the community.
Congrats!! As a new ‘19 CV I am curious of your Affinity. I am glad you like it! Yes show us some pics!!!
I was going to buy one of these to leave at my buddy's house for rehearsals. Tried out half a dozen Race Red PJ basses. Two were okay, two were a little better, one had a bad neck, and one was surprisingly good. If these things came with matching headstocks, I would've jumped on it.
Preaching to the choir mate, I've been super impressed by the latest line of Affinity's, especially especially the Jazz. Congrats.
Love mine. Better bass in every way than the GC/MF Fender Deluxe PJ Special Edition, the one with the Geddy neck on the P body. Retuned that one and kept the $199 Affinity.
Grats! The neck has a finish, but it feels a bit rough and unfinished. I wetsanded mine very slightly with 1200 grit, and it is now amazingly nice and smooth
Good idea, would like to wear it in naturally but I’ve never shied away from a bit of a jumpstart in terms of advancing a finish for the feel. Should also note that the fret end finishing feels better than my 2003 non-export Aerodyne at the moment. Another plus!
By the way, these are on sale right now at MF and GC will price match obviously. An absolute steal for $179 IMO https://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/squier-affinity-series-pj-bass-limited-edition
Something else to note about these MF/GC Special Edition Affinity PJs, they are better quality than the standard Affinity PJ basses that are sold online for the same price at other places IMO. Those are older stock models that come in the starter packs, they are made in China and say "P Bass" on the headstock. These MF/GC models are made in Indonesia and say "Precision Bass" on the headstock. Mine is a 2019 model and it doesn't say it, but these might have the new Fender Designed pickups in them because they sound a lot better than the older Chinese models. These also have basswood bodies whereas the others have alder and a polyester finish rather than polyurethane. That may be a downgrade to some, but these 2019s are built better and sound better too. The older Chinese ones always felt like toys to me and I didn't like the sound which is why I never even bothered to pick this one up and play it the first few times I saw it. Glad I eventually did.
@mbell75 - good point and something I was wondering about; for an entry-level bass this model seems a step up overall from the MIC basses, or at least a slight shift towards a better line overall for 2019. Mine says "Precision" and the pickups seem a bit nicer than Squiers I've seen in the past ("standard" with the slightly larger pole pieces). So far I've only seen the "P Bass" models in pictures online when seeking info on this model, though the MII and basswood info is consistent from GC's site (linked in post 1). Pics & sound samples tomorrow, thanks for sticking with this drawn-out NBD thread
Detailed photos. Overall a very nice product for the price from a build standpoint, apart from noting the blocky faults on the fretboard and the weird screw angles on the tuners. You really don't notice any of this unless you're looking and they don't affect play at all. {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} Will post audio as able throughout the day.
Nice bass and the price os great too. I've been very pleased with my new Squier VM 2019 Jazz haven't put it down lol. enjoy playing with the new addition like that color
Awesome! Looks just like mine. Ive hardly touched my new CV 60s Jazz. I don't know why, but I just love the feel and sound from the PJ and its the cheapest bass Ive owned. Go figure.
Sounds (updated). Recorded direct through mixer no EQ or effects. Finger style tone 10 P, P+J, J, then tone 0 P, P+J, J. Pick at midway point, same cycle, tone 10, then 0.
I feel that the Affinity’s are getting better each year. I played a new Jazz V in sunburst, and I have to say, it played better (and had just as good a B string) than a $2K+ [name withehld] bass hanging on the top rack.... Drop some proper pickups in it and it’s a killer deal!
I noticed the Squier logo in gold. Ya, just like the ‘19 CV series. Now wondering if they are all the same and just slap the “Affinity” on the head stock. The bass looks real good!!
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