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Any Advice On A Squier Affinity V Jazz

ejaggers

ejaggers

Aug 18, 2009
2,728
2,681
Fort Worth, TX
#1
My sandbox where I try out my mods first has evolved into a nice player.
The last experiment is BEAD tuning, which I really like.
So, it’s time for this old dog to get a fiver.

Other than my medium scale P sandbox, I’ve been playing short scales exclusively
(mostly Mustang), and I’d prefer a 5 with narrow string spacing.

I’m eyeing this AFN V, but it’s a drive, so I’d like your opinion before I make the trip.
Also, the PUP’s don’t look stock, any idea what they are?

My gold is to go cheap in case I’m really not a five kindda guy.
Also I enjoy modding since I don’t play anymore,
and I’ve found that Squier’s are perfect for this.

What say you all with so much skill and knowledge?...057912
Affinity V_bigger.jpg
 
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#2
WOW!!!!!!!!!

This is the 2nd post I've done that got no help.
What's up with that TBers??????????????

I was hoping to get this bass today,
but I'd like some input before I drive that far.

Tap...Tap...Tap... Is This Thing On???

057912
 
#3
Consensus is that the Affinity models are hit or miss, but with the Jazz V’s I have seen, they are mostly really good. The last time I played two different black ones at GC, they were frickin’ amazing. Great feel, great tone...sometimes QC was a bit off, but a damn good instrument for the price.
I actually have two Affinity bodies currently in use as “frankenSquiers”, one black, one sunburst. The black one I got as a complete bass, the sunburst was a loaded body.
The stock pickups have been mediocre to crappy, but you won’t notice until you change them for “good” pickups.
The black bass came with D’Addario Pro Steel strings, which are Stainless I believe. I used those strings for about a year of heavy-handed playing and I noticed the frets were very well worn - about the same as my 20 year old EBMM... I don’t know if the fret material is really soft cheap stuff, or if those strings just eat frets for breakfast.

The pickups in that bass shown are hard to see - was it taken with a flip phone from 2001? What makes you say they are not stock?
 
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#4
eastcoasteddie said:
Consensus is that the Affinity models are hit or miss, but with the Jazz V’s I have seen, they are mostly really good. The last time I played two different black ones at GC, they were frickin’ amazing. Great feel, great tone...sometimes QC was a bit off, but a damn good instrument for the price.
I actually have two Affinity bodies currently in use as “frankenSquiers”, one black, one sunburst. The black one I got as a complete bass, the sunburst was a loaded body.
The stock pickups have been mediocre to crappy, but you won’t notice until you change them for “good” pickups.
The black bass came with D’Addario Pro Steel strings, which are Stainless I believe. I used those strings for about a year of heavy-handed playing and I noticed the frets were very well worn - about the same as my 20 year old EBMM... I don’t know if the fret material is really soft cheap stuff, or if those strings just eat frets for breakfast.

The pickups in that bass shown are hard to see - was it taken with a flip phone from 2001? What makes you say they are not stock?
Click to expand...

Thanks eastcoast for your input, I'm surprised I didn't get more advice.

I have a 2003 AFN P from Indo that is good as gold, and I said in many posts that I must be the lucky one,
because I've never had a bad AFN, but then I've only bought one site unseen bass, and it was a SS VM Jag.

I've never played a Squier Jazz at all, since I already have a Jazz why bother.
I also don't buy models I already have, but this is a 5er and my 72 is a 4.

I tried blowing up the pic which made it a little blurry but the smaller on is not much better.
Maybe I'm wrong but the PUP poles look rectangular, where stock are round, I believe.

Here's the original:
Affinity V.jpg

057912
Affinity V_bigger.jpg
 
#6
eastcoasteddie said:
They’re most likely stock pickups. Only a handful of pickup makers are using horseshoe or tic-tac pole pieces. I highly doubt anyone would put them into an affinity - they cost about as much as the entire bass.
Click to expand...

Sorry I don't have a better pic but don't those PUPs look rectangular to you?

I'd be surprised if they were stock, and the pawnshop ad gave no info other than it's a 5 string Jazz.
I don't know the condition other than the pic, and I'd hate to lose my streak of never having a bad Affinity.

What in the Hell happen to the "Why play a 4, when a 5 is much better" crowd?

057912
 
#8
I think the quality of the photo coupled with the fact that the strings are perfectly aligned with the pole pieces forms an optical illusion that may be perceived as rectangular pole pieces. I believe they are stock pickups.
 
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#9
Bill Whitehurst said:
My 07 Affinity J V works just fine.
A bit heavy, though.
Nothing on it that is just not good enough to gig with.
Also nothing that can't be replaced if your not happy with it.
Click to expand...

Thanks Bill for sharing the knowledge,

The pic's are blurry but what's your opinion on those PUPs.
I don't know what they are but I don't think they're stock.

How is the neck compared to other 5's you've played?

057912

EDIT:
eastcoasteddie said:
I think the quality of the photo coupled with the fact that the strings are perfectly aligned with the pole pieces forms an optical illusion that may be perceived as rectangular pole pieces. I believe they are stock pickups.
Click to expand...

Thanks Eddie,
I posted this before I saw yours.
 
#11
Dr. Cheese said:
My experience with the Affinity V has been very positive. It takes a set up very well and if shimmed, it can take a very low action with no buzz. The sound is not spectacular, but it does sound like a Jazz. Set it up and change the pickups, and it will be a nice five string Jazz.
Click to expand...

Thanks Doc,
I've heard that a PUP swap would be beneficial, and I'm curious about the ones in the pic.

Maybe the previous owner swapped it, then pawned it.
That would make it even more appealing aside the $200 price tag.

What PUPs/strings did you go with?

057912
 
#12
ejaggers said:
Thanks Doc,
I've heard that a PUP swap would be beneficial, and I'm curious about the ones in the pic.

Maybe the previous owner swapped it, then pawned it.
That would make it even more appealing aside the $200 price tag.

What PUPs/strings did you go with?

057912
Click to expand...

I never swapped the pickups and I probably used Ernie Ball or D’Addario strings.
 
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#13
I have one.

Upgraded to Lindy Fralin pickups. They sound great. Honestly the stock pickups weren't too bad, but the Fralin's are a worthy upgrade.

It's heavy, and most of em' that I've tried in stores have been similarly heavy. The neck is pretty chunky and round compared to my Fender American Deluxe V.

The only thing that is glaringly cheap is the bridge. Unfortunately there is no drop-in replacement that I've been able to find, and I haven't used it enough to justify spending the money it would cost to install a new bridge.

For the money they are great basses. I use mine when flying to gigs on airlines that might make me gate-check.
 
#14
pmcd said:
I have one.

Upgraded to Lindy Fralin pickups. They sound great. Honestly the stock pickups weren't too bad, but the Fralin's are a worthy upgrade.

It's heavy, and most of em' that I've tried in stores have been similarly heavy. The neck is pretty chunky and round compared to my Fender American Deluxe V.

The only thing that is glaringly cheap is the bridge. Unfortunately there is no drop-in replacement that I've been able to find, and I haven't used it enough to justify spending the money it would cost to install a new bridge.

For the money they are great basses. I use mine when flying to gigs on airlines that might make me gate-check.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info PM,

What is it about the bridge you don't like?
I've only swap bridges for aesthetics unless it's a two saddle.

The chunky neck may be a deal breaker for me.
I'm convinced I want a cheap 5er now, but one I will enjoy playing.

Maybe tomorrow I'll make the long drive to check it out,
especially if I get more info from fellow TBers today.

There was a black one on my CL a week ago for $170.
But I have enough black, and no brown sunburst,
and it was a drive as well, maybe half as far.

Who knows, maybe GC has one, I haven't been there since this mess started.
BTW, I agree with you about the Fralin's , I have one on my Affinity P.

0576912
 
#15
eastcoasteddie said:
I think the quality of the photo coupled with the fact that the strings are perfectly aligned with the pole pieces forms an optical illusion that may be perceived as rectangular pole pieces. I believe they are stock pickups.
Click to expand...

You're right Eddie, I wasn't aware that there were two poles per string on the AFN V.
I think I'm gonna pass because it's two hours round trip for this.
Thanks again for your discussions...057912
 
#16
I find the neck to be pretty much like a Fender neck, but a bit bigger over all.
Hey, it's a fiver so I expect a bit bigger.
The pups sound like a J.
No doubt there are better pups out there.
Maybe one day I'll get some.
If it really bothered me that day would be today.

I see you are local.
Why do you need to travel two hours to find one?
I suspect that living among roughly 6 million people there should be some J Vs closer to you.
I scored mine at the Arlington Guitar Center.
 
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#17
Bill Whitehurst said:
I find the neck to be pretty much like a Fender neck, but a bit bigger over all.
Hey, it's a fiver so I expect a bit bigger.
The pups sound like a J.
No doubt there are better pups out there.
Maybe one day I'll get some.
If it really bothered me that day would be today.

I see you are local.
Why do you need to travel two hours to find one?
I suspect that living among roughly 6 million people there should be some J Vs closer to you.
I scored mine at the Arlington Guitar Center.
Click to expand...

Those were my sentiments exactly. The neck felt like a Fender neck and the pickups sounded like Jazz pickups, so I felt no pressure to swap anything when I owned one.
 
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#19
Bill Whitehurst said:
I find the neck to be pretty much like a Fender neck, but a bit bigger over all.
Hey, it's a fiver so I expect a bit bigger.
The pups sound like a J.
No doubt there are better pups out there.
Maybe one day I'll get some.
If it really bothered me that day would be today.

I see you are local.
Why do you need to travel two hours to find one?
I suspect that living among roughly 6 million people there should be some J Vs closer to you.
I scored mine at the Arlington Guitar Center.
Click to expand...

I haven't been to GC since this mess started, plus I had gotten it down to $170.
I saw a black one a week or two ago for $170, but the brown burst is required for the project I want to do.

The web says GC wants $250 plus tax, which I guess would be negotiable, but you're right,
I don't have to travel two hours, I could just pay more.

That's why I opened this post, I'm trying to get enough info to decide if a AFN V,
is worth the trip, price, or effort for the project I want.

Ya'll probably know I'm a serial modder since I no longer play out anymore,
so I'm guessing I'd spend $250 to $300 more in mods on this project.

Thanks Doc and Bill for your discussions...057912

EDIT: BTW, I've been wanting a burst for a project for quite some time.
That's more important than it being a 5er, but I do need a five,
so this is the two birds one stone scenario.
 
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